Dr Richard Morrison is the owner of Ardara Dental, an award-winning practice in Co. Donegal. He specialises in cosmetic dentistry, using experience from working in world renowned aesthetic dental offices in the USA. He recently trialled COLTENE’s BRILLIANT EverGlow™.

“Aesthetic composite technology is reaching the point where we can create natural and seamless restorations in anterior teeth. Shade matching is generally excellent,
with the difference in competitors’ products lying mainly in polishability, handling
and the chameleon effect of light scattering inherent to the material. BRILLIANT EverGlow™ from COLTENE exhibits superb shade matching, light scattering and class-leading polishability, enabling the clinician to place the very highest level of composite restorations. The available range of shades, opacities and translucencies mean layering and replication of the natural variances of enamel and dentine character can be achieved with comparative ease. In short, COLTENE BRILLIANT EverGlow™ is a superb addition to the restorative line of any cosmetic dentist.

To find out more visit www.coltene.com, email info.uk@coltene.com
or call 01444 235486

When choosing restorative materials to use in the laboratory, a number of factors can influence your decision. After all, you want to choose a material that is versatile to your needs as well as able to streamline your workflows.

So why not opt for Lava Esthetic fluorescent full-contour zirconia from 3M Oral Care?

Lava Esthetic has an inherent fluorescence available in all shades[i] and arrives graded and preshaded,[ii]allowing technicians to create restorations with reliably high-quality aesthetics.

Furthermore, as Lava Esthetic fluorescent full-contour zirconia is preshaded it means that technicians can save considerable time as it eliminates the manual shading and drying steps required for unshaded zirconia.[iii]

Find out more today.

For more information, call 0800 626 578 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental

END

3M and LAVA are trademarks of the 3M Company

[i] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Inherent fluorescence in all shades. Claim 6632 (2016).

[ii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Graded preshaded. Claim 6682 (2016).

[iii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Elimintaes shading and drying. Claim 6684 (2016).

Recent advances enable more and more of us to take advantage of workflows greatly assisted by computer technology. This has broad applications in dentistry, from impression taking, to fabrication of 3D printed prostheses and surgical treatment guides.

Impression taking

Digital impressions have a number of advantages over traditional models. They are quicker, easier, cleaner, and generally favoured by patients. Studies demonstrate that the accuracy of modern intraoral scanners are similar to conventional methods of impression taking, if not more so in some cases.[i]^,[ii],[iii]With no loss in accuracy, the greater convenience and efficiency of digital makes it a compelling choice. Physical casts require storage, decontamination, transport (if a laboratory is required), decontamination, are a greater hassle to patients, and so on. Most patients are likely to prefer having impressions taken digitally rather than physically, but for younger patients and for some with sensory conditions or other specialised needs, it can be particularly advantageous. 3D virtual models improve treatment planning and help to monitor changes in the dentition over time.

A fully digital process ensures information integrity (no cast to damage, no physical defects due to trapped air, etc.), and allows for the data to be quickly and easily transmitted between professionals. Taking a digital record is much faster than the process required for a conventional impression, freeing up chair-time and allowing for a quicker turnaround. There are also novel applications, such as potentially being able to immediately show a patient their scan and carry out “virtual smile design” mock ups. Being able to illustrate a point on imagery can aid in explaining procedures to a patient. With the increased emphasis on achieving a patient-centric care model, being able to easily visualise a point can be a great asset when educating patient and seeking their approval to proceed, especially in the field of dental aesthetics.

That said, you should not feel pressured to jump into upgrading everything to digital until you are ready and have received full training in the advantages, limitations and use of this technology. The beauty of digital equipment is that it allows integration with an analogue workflow at different stages of dental treatment. Transitioning piecemeal is generally more-cost effective and presents a gentler learning curve than moving overnight from analogue to digital. Consider which aspects of your workflow would benefit the most from the transition, and which you would most fully be able to take advantage of.

Surgical guides

While initially prohibitively expensive, 3D printing has become more affordable and accessible over time, and this trend can be expected to continue. One application of this technology within dentistry is the production of cost-effective surgical drill guides to help with implant placement in restoratively appropriate locations. Despite some scepticism over guided implant placement – with some believing it adds unduly to the workload – as a part of an integrated digital workflow, it can provide tangible benefits without significantly impacting treatment time or raising the overall cost of treatment. 3D restoratively guided treatment planning and implant surgery could help to streamline the treatment thus allowing the clinician to satisfy patients’ high expectations.

Where cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is utilised for treatment planning, the use of 3D printed surgical drill guides produced using this data could help to reduce collateral damage, improve the accuracy of surgery and may even produce less post-operative pain and inflammation. Additionally, guided treatment could significantly increase the predictability and accuracy in translating the virtual implant position to the patient’s mouth compared to conventional techniques.[iv]

Given the relative recency of the complete digital workflow, long-term studies into its effectiveness are scarce. A five-year randomised clinical trial comparing computer-guided template-assisted surgery to freehand methodology, found that both techniques were essentially equal in terms of success and survival. However, the guided group did report less postoperative pain and swelling.^ivThese results suggest that guided implant surgery can facilitate ideal implant placement, helping to further refine and improve treatment outcomes. Coupling accurate 3D scans with modern treatment planning software can help clinicians avoid iatrogenic accidents, aiding in the identification of anatomical features such sinuses and nerves. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the technology has inherent production and clinical application and positioning problems that makes thorough and structured training crucial to avoid failures.

Ucer Education’s Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7) is a one-year dental implant course that will empower clinicians to safely and confidently use reliable and well-documented implant systems. This course will prepare you to start hands-on clinical training with patients (at ICE postgraduate Institute), and enable you to develop implant skills. You will also gain a thorough understanding of, and develop skills in use of full 3D digital workflow including immediate implant restorations. Proven over a quarter century, Ucer Education has a reputation for excellence and provides learners with the theoretical and practical skills to perform dental implant procedures to the very highest standard. Whether your interest is surgical, restorative or both – this course will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills you need.

Technology is a powerful asset, but it is no replacement for knowledge and skill. These simply enable you to get the most out of the technology available, so combining the two is essential.

For more information on the PG Cert in Implant Dentistry, please visit

www.ucer.education or call 0161 237 1842

[i]Papaspyridakos P., Gallucci G., Chen C., Hanssen S., Naert I., Vandenberghe B. Digital versus conventional implant impressions for edentulous patients: accuracy outcomes. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2015; 27(4): 465-472. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/clr.12567July 4, 2019.

[ii]Gjelvold B., Chrcanovic B., Korduner E., Collin-Bagewitz I., Kisch J. Intraoral digital impression technique compared to conventional impression technique. A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Prosthodontics. 2015; 25(4): 282-287. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.12410July 4, 2019.

[iii]Vandeweghe S., Vervack V., Dierens M., De Bruyn H. Accuracy of digital impressions of multiple dental implants: an in vitro study.  Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2016; 28(6). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/clr.12853July 4, 2019.

[iv]Tallarico M., Esposito M., Xhanari E., Caneva M., Meloni S. Computer-guided vs freehand placement of immediately loaded dental implants: 5-year post-loading results of a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Oral Implantology. 2018; 11(2): 203-213. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29806667July 4, 2019.

Dr Susan Tan explains how she collaborated with a trusted referral clinic to ensure the success of dental implant treatment in her patient’s upper arch.

In 2013, I began treating a 61-year-old male patient who suffered from severe bruxism and had been wearing a nightguard since 2009. The patient’s UR8, LL8 and LR8 were missing, as were all his first premolars, but this did not result in any gaps. There was only one gap in the URQ where the patient’s first molar had been.

In addition, there was advanced horizontal bone loss around the UL8. This tooth was extracted in order to improve the periodontal prognosis of the UL7, which had deep distal pocketing. The UL6 was also root treated and had a failing amalgam restoration, but was deemed unrestorable due to insufficient remaining sound tooth structure. Therefore, the UL6 was left in-situ as the retained tooth roots were asymptomatic.

Despite my best efforts to manage his periodontal health over the years, the patient presented to the practice in early 2018 with a furcation defect on the UR7, which had a hopeless prognosis and was also indicated for extraction. Without any molars and only one premolar in the URQ, it became necessary to consider replacing the UR7, as well as the missing UR6 and the UL6, as it had a hopeless prognosis. By the time the patient later lost the last molar in the URQ, he had already made it quite clear that his preferred option for restoring his teeth was dental implants.  

Referral consultation and implant placement

The patient was referred to Dr Nikhil Sisodia at Ten Dental+Facial for a dental implant consultation. During further discussions of his treatment options, the patient expressed that he was keen to achieve greater masticatory function with a fixed solution. He consented to having three dental implants placed to restore the UR7, UR6 and UL6. Implant treatment was planned according to the CBCT scans, which indicated that a bilateral sinus lift procedure would be required.

As the patient was uncomfortable with sitting in the dental chair for extended periods of time, the surgical aspect of the procedure was delivered under IV sedation. The DASK tool kit was used to perform treatment in the URQ, while an internal lift was carried out in the area of the UL6 using Versah instruments. Three Ankylos implants and inorganic bovine bone grafting material were placed during the surgical procedure. The implants were then exposed 6 months later, before a healing abutment was fitted.

Implant restoration

Once Dr Sisodia had confirmed that the implants were healthy with no complications, he notified me of the patient’s progress and referred him back to me to complete the restorative aspect of treatment. The patient’s tooth shade was assessed, before a closed-tray impression – which is ideal for a single prosthetic platform – was taken. This was sent to the laboratory to fabricate the final restorations. Three titanium, custom-milled Atlantis^®abutments were placed, before screw-retained crowns were fitted and torqued to 15Ncm. The screw access was sealed with PTFE/composite.

As I restored all three implants within one appointment, the patient was surprised by how straightforward the restorative process was. He had expressed that he was a little cautious of using his newly restored teeth for the first few days following placement of the restorations, but he quickly forgot that he had dental implants and was very happy with the final results.

Implant restoration training and the referral process

I attended Ten Dental+Facial’s Implant Restoration Course (IRC) in 2013. It is a modular programme, with each module being taught over the course of one day during the year. I have completed three of the four IRC modules, which were really enjoyable and straightforward to follow. The course itself is very informative and practical, and you are able to get hands-on with different models and tools.

Although it was a slow start introducing dental implant restorations to my patients, once I started restoring implants, there seemed to be regular uptake on this excellent option for replacing missing teeth. I now routinely offer dental implant restorations to my patients when the need arises, referring the surgical aspect of the procedure to Ten Dental+Facial. I work really well with Dr Sisodia and his team. I think he is really supportive and delivers a seamless referral service. He always keeps me up-to-date on each case and provides detailed instructions on what I need to do throughout the referral process. If I have any problems, Ten Dental+Facial is always there to offer trusted advice and guidance.  

I think it is important to understand how dental implant treatment works, but the actual skill set required to restore implants is not as complex or extensive as those that are required to, for example, prepare a tooth. Referring dental implant surgery to Ten Dental+Facial and restoring the implant yourself is easy. Plus, patients are always happy with the final treatment results and I am able to benefit from increased job satisfaction. For this reason, I would definitely recommend Ten Dental+Facial and its dedicated IRC.

Images

Figure 1 Panoramic radiograph pre-implant surgery

Figure 2 Radiograph of the UL6 prior to extraction

Figure 3 Radiograph of the UR6 and UR7

Figure 4 UL6 post-implant placement

Figure 5 UR6 and UR7 post-implant placement

Figure 6 Full mouth view prior to restoration

Figure 7 Radiograph of UL6 implant

Figure 8 Radiograph of UR6 and UR7 implants

Figure 9 Full mouth view of restored teeth

Figure 10 The restored UL6

Figure 11 The restored UR6 and UR7

Figure 12 Radiograph of the final restored UL6

Figure 13 Radiograph of the final restored UR6 and UR7

Figure 14 Final result post-restoration

For more information about Ten Dental+Facial and the Implant Restoration Course (IRC), email: office@tendental.comor call 020 7622 7610

Author bio:

Susan graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1993. For five years, she worked for the Department of Health in Western Australia in Community Service, before she relocated to the UK in 1998, where she has worked in various mixed NHS/Private practices. She currently enjoys caring for her long-term patients at a practice in Battersea where she has been working for the last 16 years.

Hormones are chemical instructions that affect everything in the body, and the oral cavity is no exception. The same hormone can govern or affect a multitude of different organs and cells, resulting in sometimes-unexpected side effects.

Of all hormones, those associated with sex are likely the best known: oestrogen and testosterone. Levels of these hormones are subject to fluctuation on an individual basis, and medicines frequently change the balance of them for various treatments. With such variability being commonplace, it is important to understand the oral ramifications of various endocrinological states.

 Oestrogen – contraception, menopause and HRT

Women experience changes in their oestrogen and progesterone levels across their lifespan and these hormones can have significant effects in the oral cavity. Several studies have demonstrated that oestrogen aids tooth retention through a variety of mechanisms, such as by playing a role in the synthesis and maintenance of various cells and influencing the body’s immune system and microcirculatory functioning.[i]Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and the menopause can all lead to changes in periodontal conditions and an increased risk of gingivitisand subsequently periodontitis.

Beyond the natural changes that individuals go through as they age, oral contraceptives containing progesterone and oestrogen are in widespread usage, including for the common endocrine disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These affect the immune system and, among other things, collagen production in the gingiva. It has been reported that women utilising oral contraceptives exhibit a greater prevalence of Streptococci mutans, P. gingivaliscompared to non-users and are consequently more susceptible to dental caries.[iii] Women using oral contraceptive are also believed to be at increased risk of developing gingivitis and severe periodontitis. The changes in the oral biome from taking the pill typically begin to occur within a few months of starting, and the effect continues to gradually increase over the duration. Earlier, higher dosage formulations had more pronounced effects, but the use of current oral contraceptive is still a risk factor for gingivitis and periodontitis.³

Menopause has been linked to xerostomia, hyposalivation, and burning mouth syndrome.[iv]Evidence suggests that long-term oestrogen deficiency may be likely to result in ligature-induced alveolar bone loss.[v]We might conclude from this that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be beneficial for menopausal women in respect to their oral health, however, there are indications this may not be the case. One study found that HRT adversely affected the success of dental implants due to a higher instance of peri-implant bone loss than that seen in those not receiving HRT.[vi]

Testosterone

Lowered testosterone in males, whether from medication, the aging process or for other reasons, can directly and indirectly have a negative impact on oral health. There is some evidence to suggest that low testosterone levels are a risk factor for chronic periodontitis, however this is currently debated. More conclusively, low testosterone has been associated with some systemic health issues, including: cardiovascular conditions, increased insulin resistance, reduced bone density and fracture risk.[vii]These in turn can potentially play a role in oral health, such as influencing recovery following dental implants. There are testosterone-specific receptors within periodontal tissue, and testosterone stimulates osteoblasts and fibroblasts from the periodontal ligament.

Finasteride is a relatively mild testosterone blocker that is commonly prescribed to men for androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness (at a strength of 1mg/day). It is also sometimes used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (at a higher strength of 5mg/day) as a preventative measure against prostate cancer. Finasteride has also sometimes been prescribed during transgender therapy. A study reported taking finasteride may result in a risk of the following oral health complications: erythema, purpura, periodontal inflammation and gingival hypertrophy.[viii]

Insulin

Insulin regulates blood sugar, preventing it from getting too high (hyperglycaemia) or too low (hypoglycaemia). Diabetes mellitus results from this function being impaired and has been linked to an elevated risk of various oral health consequences. Over 3.8 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes within the UK, and it is believed that hundreds of thousands have the disease without knowing it.[ix]Patients with type 2 diabetes are 2.8 times as likely to be affected by periodontitis and 4.2 times more likely to experience alveolar bone loss.[x]Diabetes is believed to be interrelated with oral health – patients with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease, and periodontitis can in turn worsen glycaemic control contributing to further complications (possibly by means of increased inflammatory response), in other words there is a bidirectional relationship. Non-surgical periodontal therapy appears to have clinically significant positive effects for patients with diabetes.[xi],[xii]^,[xiii]For patients with diabetes it is important that the condition is controlled and that they are particularly thorough with their oral hygiene regime (especially oral implant patients).[xiv]Women with PCOS, which in itself is caused by elevated testosterone levels, are also frequently insulin resistant regardless of BMI.[xv]

While hormones can play a role in periodontal conditions, such as gingivitis and peri-mucositis, those can be treated or avoided altogether by restoring plaque/biofilm control.[xvi]

The Waterpik^®Ultra Professional Water Flosser is the perfect adjunct to tooth brushing. The jet tip comfortably removes up to 99,9% of biofilm from tooth surfaces with minimal effort.[xvii]The Waterpik^®Water Flosser makes cleaning hard to reach areas easy, helping your patients to manage their oral hygiene and avoid developing periodontal diseases.

Hormones have a powerful and multifaceted role in the body, including in oral health. We have only begun to scratch the surface of their true impact. However, while various hormonal states can predispose an individual to various oral health problems, with adequate care and oral hygiene conditions such as periodontitis can still be avoided.

For more information on Waterpik® products please visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Asda, Costco UK, Boots and Superdrug online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.

References

[i]Hariri R., Alzoubi E. Oral manifestations of menopause.  Journal of Dental Health Oral Disorders & Therapy. 2017; 7(4): 247-251. https://medcraveonline.com/JDHODT/JDHODT-07-00247March 1, 2019.

[ii]Jafri Z., Bhardwaj A., Sawai M., Sultan N. Influence of female sex hormones on periodontium: a case series. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine. 2015; 6(Suppl 1): S146-149. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630749/March 28, 2019.

[iii]Ali I., Patthi B., Singla A., Gupta R., Dhama K., Niraj L., Kumar J., Prasad M. Oral health and oral contraceptive – is it a shadow behind broad day light? A systematic review. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research. 2016; 10(11): ZE01-ZE06. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198473/March 1, 2019.

[iv]Siregar M. Menopause and the oral cavity: an oral hygiene update in Indonesia. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. 2015; 2(3): 210-216. https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/953March 1, 2019.

[v]Amadei S., de Souza D., Brandão A., da Rocha R. Influence of different durations of estrogen deficiency on alveolar bone loss in rats. Brazilian Oral Research. 2011; 25(6): 538-543. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147235March 28, 2019.

[vi]Koszuta P., Grafka A. Koszuta A., Łopucki M., Szymańska J. Effects of selected factors on the osseointegration of dental implants. Menopause Review. 2015; 14(3): 184-187. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4612555/March 28, 2019.

[vii]Kellesarian S., Malmstrom H., Abduljabbar T., Vohra F., Kellesarian T., Javed F., Romanos G. “Low testosterone levels in body fluids are associated with chronic periodontitis” a reality or a myth? American Journal of Men’s Health. 2017; 11(2): 443-453. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675296/March 28, 2019.

[viii]Paunica S., Giurgiu M., Vasilache M., Paunica I., Motofei I., Vasilache A., Dumitriu H., Dumitriu A. Finasteride adverse effects and post-finasteride syndrome; implications for dentists. Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences.  2016; 3(1): 9. https://scholar.valpo.edu/jmms/vol3/iss1/9/March 1, 2019.

[ix]Diabetes UK. Diabetes prevalence 2018. Diabetes UK. 2019. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics/diabetes-prevalence-2018March 28, 2019.

[x]Teshome A., Yitayeh A. The effect of periodontal therapy on glycemic control and fasting plasma glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health. 2017; 17(31). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967318/March 28, 2019.

[xi]Siddiqi A. Diabetes and periodontal disease – an important link not to overlook. Periodontics and Prosthodontics. 2016; 2(2): 12. http://periodontics-prosthodontics.imedpub.com/diabetes-and-periodontal-disease–animportant-link-not-to-overlook.pdfMarch 28, 2019.

[xii]Madianos P., Koromantzos P. An update of the evidence on the potential impact of periodontal therapy on diabetes outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2017; 45(2). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jcpe.12836March 28, 2019.

[xiii]Lalla E., Papapanou P. Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: a tale of two common interrelated diseases. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2011; 7: 738-748. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2011.106March 28, 2019.

[xiv]Kasat V., Ladda R., Ali I., Farooqui A., Kale N. Dental implants in type 2 diabetic patients: a review. Journal of Oral Research and Review. 2018; 10(2): 96-100. http://www.jorr.org/text.asp?2018/10/2/96/240927March 28, 2019.

[xv]Layegh P., Mousavi Z., Tehrani D., Parizadeh S. Khajedaluee M. Insulin resistance and endocrine-metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovarian syndrome: comparison between obese and non-obese PCOS patients. International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine.2016; 14(4): 263-270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918775/March 28, 2019.

[xvi]Renvert S., Polyzois I. Risk factors for peri-implant mucositis: a systematic literature review. 2014; 42(Suppl. 16): S172-186. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpe.12346March 7, 2019.

[xvii]Gorur A., Lyle D., Schaudinn C., Costerton J. Biofilm removal with a dental water jet. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry.2009; 30(1). https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/special-issues/2009/03/biofilm-removal-with-a-dental-water-jetMarch 28, 2019.

Dental cement needs to be able to perform well on a wide array of restorative materials.

That’s why RelyX Unicem self-adhesive resin cement from 3M Oral Care is the most clinically proven cement of its kind.[i]

In studies, RelyX Unicem has exhibited a significantly higher level of adhesion to zirconia and dentine than other market leading cements.[ii] Furthermore, RelyX Unicem cement provides excellent ease of use – making it a top choice for dentists around the world.[iii]

RelyX Unicem self-adhesive resin cement also received a 96% clinical performance rating on a recent 15-year recall study by The Dental Advisor. Categories included lack of post-operative sensitivity, lack of marginal discoloration and retention.

Find out more by contacting 3M Oral Care today.

For more information, call 0800 626 578 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental

END

3M and RelyX are trademarks of the 3M Company.

[i] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. World’s most clinically proven cement. Claim 4585 (2010).

[ii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Significantly higher adhesion level to dentine compared to SmartCem2. Claim 4040 (2009).

[iii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Dentists choose RelyX due to ease of use. Claim 2010 (2005).

W&H is delighted to offer the new Lara sterilizer. Even in the standard version as it comes, Lara boasts one of the fastest type B sterilization cycles of its performance segment.

Intelligently designed with a unique Activation Code system, Lara provides a cost-efficient way for you to benefit from a wide range of features, including enhanced performance cycles such as Fast Cycle and Eco Dry+. Clinicians can also expand on Lara’s documentation capabilities, enabling the unit to trace each cycle back to the user who initiated it.

With the flexibility to customise the sterilizer according to your individual needs and preferences, Lara ensures clinicians are prepared for the future. Contact W&H today for further details. #incredible

To find out more about the full range of products from W&H – including the NEW Lisa sterilizer – visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email office.uk@wh.com

Dr Rushil Lachhani shares his insights into the field of GDP orthodontics and the benefits of quality training and support.

I decided to seek out orthodontic training so that I would be able to provide more comprehensive care for my patients. Orthodontic treatment underpins restorative dentistry and having a good understanding of both is very important to be able to deliver the best treatment for your patients.

I was looking for more than just a quick one- or two-day course that offered little effective teaching to take back into practice. I tried a free orthodontic course from a well-known training provider and this left me with a lack of confidence to put what I’d learnt into practice, so I went searching for something else.

Having seen the attention to detail in training provided by IAS Academy, it was an easy decision for me to enroll on their courses. The mentoring for cases provided by the Academy was something that really stood out. I also liked the specific learning pathway designed to make sure that all the cases you treat are within your skill set. 

I have now completed the following courses: Inman Aligner, ClearSmile Aligner, ClearSmile Brace and Ortho-Restorative course. The content and delivery for all have been exceptional. Both Tif [Qureshi] and Anoop [Maini] teach in a way that is informative but also entertaining. This combination really helps the take home message stick and the techniques and concepts taught can be applied to your practice the very next day.

I feel like the IAS Academy ethos really helps to promote the best treatment possible for patients. It focuses on the long-term outcome rather than the short-term appearance, which is something that can only benefit our patients in relation to their health and finances. The Academy also helps you progress as a dentist and tackle more difficult cases once you are at the appropriate level to do so. 

The support is excellent and the mentors are always very quick to respond with help. The great thing about the mentoring is that it helps you understand why you should do what is recommended – you are not just told what to do. This means you can learn and apply this knowledge in the future. The mentors are very approachable and eager to teach what they know. 

My dentistry has improved massively since taking IAS Academy courses and I now not only provide more orthodontic treatment, but I also feel much more confident tackling cases that I would have previously turned away or referred. My overall breadth of knowledge has widened and I can now apply it daily for the benefit of all my patients. I always aim to encourage/advise patients about the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment prior to any cosmetic work to ensure the best chances of long-lasting results. This reduces patient chair time and, more importantly, the amount of money they have to spend to have constant repair work done. 

I would like to continue improving my skills and IAS Academy has helped me find the right pathway to do this. I would absolutely recommend the courses to all dentists, as this is an absolute game changer!

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.comor call 01932 336470 (Press 1)