From heart-shaped caramels and boxes of exquisite truffles to going out for a nice romantic meal ending with a delicious, warm chocolate cake – February, thanks to Valentine’s Day, is one of those months where chocolate plays a leading role.

Indeed, you can hardly walk into a supermarket around February time without being lambasted by special offers on big boxes of chocolate and the idea that this is something we need to indulge in or buy for our romantic partners. However, as we all know, chocolate is hardly a health food, and excessive consumption of it can lead to a number of oral and systemic problems.

So, why not use February as a chance for a Dechox?

The British Heart Foundation set up the Dechox challenge as a way to raise funds as well as encourage healthier dietary habits. Much like other monthly challenges, Dechox involves simply giving up all chocolate and cocoa-related products for one whole month, including even the smallest bits of chocolate such as the sprinkles on your cappuccino.

In doing so, The British Heart Foundation hopes to encourage people to reconsider how much chocolate they eat going forward, changing habits and helping people achieve a healthier lifestyle while raising funds to help support further research into heart disease.

This is an excellent chance to team up with colleagues and raise some money and awareness for a good cause. Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the world,[i] and one of the driving causes for heart disease is increased rates of obesity.[ii] Therefore, by cutting out the chocolate bars, you can help keep yourself healthier and raise awareness.

A sponsored dry spell away from chocolate is a great thing to do and you can get all of your colleagues and patients involved. Why not hold a competition to see who can raise the most money through sponsorship? Furthermore, you can use this month as an opportunity to discuss the dangers of heart disease and the effects that chocolate can have on oral health with your patients as well. Obviously, you don’t want to be a downer (Valentine’s Day is meant to be something to look forward to!) but you can encourage patients to join in – February is just a short month and there are plenty of chocolate free ways to celebrate the holiday. Why not suggest people do a physical activity or go to a spa day together? It’s easy to live a healthier lifestyle for one month and raise awareness and funds for a very good cause.

You can find out more about Dechox and look at fundraising ideas HERE: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/dechox

Although chocolate is a popular treat, it’s good to cut down and see what benefits this can have. Whether you use this as an opportunity to improve your own health and raise some money, or want to help patients understand the importance of good heart health and diet, Dechox is an excellent way to make a difference.

For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk

call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

[i] The World Health Organization. The Top Ten Causes of Death. Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death [Last accessed October 19].

[ii] British Heart Foundation. Obesity. Link: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/your-weight-and-heart-disease [Last accessed October 19].

The average Briton gets a little over six and a half hours of sleep a night, with 70% of the population getting less than 7 hours.[1]Poor quality sleep is associated with negative physical and mental health effects, with the relationship between the two likely bidirectional. Notably, poor sleep is a risk factor for depression and metabolic disorders, including diabetes – conditions that can increase the risk of oral and general health complications.[2]^{, [3], [4], [5], [6]}

Sleep disturbances may increase during the winter months as the days shorten and the end of British Summer Time jolts the clock back. With minimal exposure to the sun’s rays, Britons get less vitamin D and their circadian rhythms may become disrupted by the reduction in natural light, combined with increased artificial/blue light exposure.[7]Vitamin D is required for our bodies to absorb calcium – when depleted, our teeth and bones can become calcium deficient, which weakens their natural growth and repair, increasing the likelihood of caries.[8]Research also indicates that vitamin D accelerates the osseointegration process around titanium dental implants.[9]

In Britain, most of the population’s vitamin D needs are met by skin synthesis, which is dependent on sunlight exposure. During summer, around 8.4% of white Britons (aged 19-64) have vitamin D deficiency, climbing to almost 40% in the winter when sunlight in the UK is generally too weak to trigger vitamin D synthesis. As the body continuously uses vitamin D, Britons are dependent on reserves created during the summer. Research indicates that between 9-13 minutes of sun exposure (provided around a third of skin is exposed) around lunchtime from March to September, is sufficient for a white-skinned person in the UK to gain their required vitamin D for the year. UV-B radiation is blocked by those with darker skin or skin that is not exposed due to clothing, which reduces vitamin D production and requires proportionately more time in the sun. Where sun exposure is impractical, vitamin supplementation may be appropriate.[10]

Coffee

Many Britons trudge through the winter months fuelled by caffeine, especially from coffee. The chemical complexity of coffee can imbue the drink with numerous bioactive properties, and potentially give rise to what seem to be contradictory properties.

Most dietary caffeine comes from coffee – with the average cup containing 90mg – but this can vary tremendously from around 50mg to 475mg (not including decaf products). Other dietary sources of caffeine include tea, energy drinks, soft drinks, and chocolate.[11]^,[12]The EFSA considers habitual caffeine consumption up to 400mg to be safe for the average adult (half that for pregnant and breastfeeding women).[13]However, while caffeine consumption is generally safe, it can impact sleep quality and lead to sleep deprivation for some, though certainly not all drinkers.[14]

Coffee has several properties that may be interesting to dental practitioners. For instance, coffee works against the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus Mutans. This is in part because coffee contains chemical components that inhibit bacterial adhesion to the teeth. Instant, ground and decaffeinated coffee all appear to share this property.[15]

For patients receiving dental implants, the effect of coffee consumption is currently unclear. Strong caffeinated drinks such as black coffee can potentially result in a loss of calcium during urination. However, long-term caffeine consumption appears to elevate intestinal absorption of calcium, enabling the body to retain a normal calcium balance.[16]Adding milk to coffee or tea naturally increases calcium intake too.

Caffeine may also inhibit the vitamin D receptor on osteoblast cells, but this effect appears to be temporary.[17]^,[18]Other research indicates that antioxidants in coffee reduce oxidative stress in osteoblasts, thereby increasing differentiation and stability.[19]At present, the extent to which caffeine and coffee consumption is a threat to alveolar bone repair is controversial and inconclusive.[20]

Among hot beverages, coffee is particularly corrosive.[21]This can weaken tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth loss and subsequent treatment with dental implants. Ideally, practitioners should choose a top-quality implant solution that offers the best functional and aesthetic advantages to ensure a highly satisfactory outcome. The innovative Z1^®implant system from TBR features a highly resilient titanium body and an intelligently designed zirconia collar that helps protect the crestal bone and gingiva from iatrogenic inflammation. Protecting the bone-implant interface from infection is critical to osseointegration and the long-term success of an implant.[22]

Britain’s cold winter months can exacerbate difficulties brought on by modern lifestyles and work patterns. Not getting enough sunlight can not only leave people vitamin D deficient, but also contribute to poor sleep. These deficiencies can result in general and oral health problems. Some patients may rely on caffeine to offset tiredness, which could also have detrimental oral effects. Patients should be made aware of how broadly beneficial getting enough sun and sleep can be for their overall health.

For more information on the Z1^®implant, visit tbr.dental, email support@denkauk.com or call 0800 707 6212

References

[1]The Sleep Council. The great British bedtime report. The Sleep Council. 2013. https://www.sleepcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-Great-British-Bedtime-Report.pdfOctober 11, 2019.

[2]Khandelwal D., Dutta D., Chittawar S., Kalra S. Sleep disorders in type 2 diabetes. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2017; 21(5): 758- 761. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628550/October 11, 2019.

[3]Gadie A., Shafto M., Leng Y., Kievit R. How are age-related differences in sleep quality associated with health outcomes? An epidemiological investigation in a UK cohort of 2406 adults. BMJ Open. 2017; 7(7): e014920. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/7/e014920October 11, 2019.

[4]Mauri-Obradors E., Estrugo-Devesa A., Jané-Salas E., Viñas M., López-López J. Oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus. A systematic review. Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal. 2017; 22(5): e586-594. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694181October 11, 2019.

[5]D’Aiuto F., Gable D., Syed Z., Allen Y., Wanyonyi K., White S., Gallagher J. Evidence summary: the relationship between oral diseases and diabetes. British Dental Journal. 2017; 222: 944-948. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2017.544October 11, 2019.

[6]Cademartori M., Gastal M., Nascimento G., Demarco F., Corrêa M. Is depression associated with oral health outcomes in adults and elders? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Investigations.2018; 22(8): 2685-2702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2611-yOctober 11, 2019.

[7]LeGates T., Fenandez D., Hattar S. Light as a central modulator of circadian rhythms, sleep and affect. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2014; 15(7): 443-454. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254760/October 11, 2019.

[8]Gyll J., Ridell K., Öhlund I., Åkeson P., Johansson I., Holgerson P. Vitamin d status and dental caries in health Swedish children.Nutrition Journal. 2018; 17: 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771062/October 3, 2019.

[9]Gaber M., Saleh M., Fahmy M., Elba G. Evaluation of the effect of cholecalciferol on titanium implant osseointegration (an experimental study). Alexandria Dental Journal.2015; 40: 33-39. http://adj.alexu.edu.eg/index.php/adj/article/view/14/9October 11, 2019.

[10]Webb A., Kazantzidis A., Kift R., Farrar M., Wilkinson J., Rhodes L. Meeting vitamin d requirements in white Caucasians at UK latitudes: providing a choice. Nutrients.10(4): 497. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946282/October 11, 2019.

[11]EFSA. EFSA explains risk assessment: caffeine. European Food Safety Authority.2015. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/corporate/pub/efsaexplainscaffeine150527.htmOctober 11, 2019.

[12]CSPI. Caffeine chart. Center for Science in the Public Interest. 2019. https://cspinet.org/eating-healthy/ingredients-of-concern/caffeine-chartOctober 11, 2019.

[13]European Food Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine. EFSA Journal.2015; 13(5): 4102. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102October 11, 2019.

[14]O’Callaghan F., Muurlink O., Reid N. Effects of caffeine on sleep quality and daytime functioning. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy. 2018; 11: 263-271. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292246/October 11, 2019.

[15]Namboodiripad A., Kori S. Can coffee prevent caries? Journal of Conservative Dentistry. 2009; 12(1): 17-21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848806/October 3, 2019

[16]Yi J., Zhang L., Yan B., Yang L., Li Y., Zhao Z. Drinking coffee may help accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. Dental Hypotheses.2012; 3(2): 72-75. http://www.dentalhypotheses.com/text.asp?2012/3/2/72/100391October 11, 2019.

[17]Yi J., Zhang L., Yan B., Yang L., Li Y., Zhao Z. Drinking coffee may help accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. Dental Hypotheses.2012; 3(2): 72-75. http://www.dentalhypotheses.com/text.asp?2012/3/2/72/100391October 11, 2019.

[18]Duarte P., Marques M., Bezerra J., Bastos M. The effects of caffeine administration on the early stage of bone healing and bone density. A histometric study in rats. Archives of Oral Biology. 2009; 54: 717-722. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2009.05.001October 11, 2019.

[19]Herniyati H. The increased number of osteoblasts and capillaries in orthodontic tooth movement post-administration of robusta coffee extract. Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi). 2017; 50(2): 91-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.20473/j.djmkg.v50.i2.p91-96October 11, 2019.

[20]Lacerda S., Matuoka R., Macedo R., Petenusci S., Campos A., Brentegani L. Bone quality associated with daily intake of coffee: a biochemical, radiographic and histometric study. Brazilian Dental Journal. 2010; 21(3): 199-204.

[21]Jameel R., Khan S., Rahim Z., Bakri M., Siddiqui S. Analysis of dental erosion induced by different beverages and validity of equipment for identifying early dental erosion, in vitro study. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2016; 66(7): 843-848. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304076631_Analysis_of_dental_erosion_induced_by_different_beverages_and_validity_of_equipment_for_identifying_early_dental_erosion_in_vitro_studyOctober 11, 2019.

[22]Wang Y., Zhang Y., Miron R. Health, maintenance, and recovery of soft tissues around implants. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. 2015; 18(3): 618-634. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cid.12343October 3, 2019.

Britons spend a huge amount of time and money maintaining, decorating and filling their homes with possessions. People are spending more time at home, and consequently spending more on household possessions and upkeep, resulting in the homes and gardens sector becoming the fastest growing area of consumer spending last year (rising 12%).[i] According to the government’s wealth and assets survey, the median household in the UK now contains over £36,000 worth of possessions (the average being £47,700).[ii]Despite this, around 16 million British adults don’t have contents insurance at all, and many more have underestimated their requirements.[iii]

It’s unpleasant to contemplate losing possessions to fire, flood, theft or other calamities. There are always going to be sentimental items that are for all intents and purposes irreplaceable. However, having solid insurance policies and helpful records can enable people get back on their feet much quicker (while protecting reserve savings).

Documenting possessions

Should you need to make a claim it is important that you can prove what you lost, in line with the policy provider’s expectations. Failure to do this could make the claim appear potentially fraudulent and the provider can refuse to pay out.

Documenting purchases is very helpful. By going through your house room by room with a camera, you can easily produce photographic and/or video evidence of what you possess. Ideally, you should create an inventory as well. This will be helpful not only in making a claim, but also aiding your memory of what you actually own.

The rise of online shopping has increased the paper trail associated with purchases, which can be very helpful for claims. Purchases from online stores are typically permanently logged in your account, there is almost always a separate email confirmation (often easily searchable), and the record of the amount in your debit or credit account. Try to make sure that you are able to log into your important accounts no matter what happens. If your credentials are stored on a computer and it is destroyed, you may not be able to access important information, or in the event of theft a criminal may take control of your accounts.

The easy availability of cloud storage makes maintaining documentation far more resilient than in the past, providing you use it. Proof of purchase receipts aren’t much help if they are destroyed along with the item, and over time they may fade or get lost long before they are actually needed. It is well-worth photographing or scanning receipts to ensure a legible record survives.

As the world becomes more digitised, remember that online accounts may have substantial value attached to them (digital music and movie storefronts for example). Some policies may cover digital goods, but this is a relatively new area and can have numerous caveats.

Know your limits

Besides being underinsured, the other key aspect that can diminish your payout should the worst happen, are policy limits.

Some insurers impose a maximum limit that they will pay out. Others may not set a strict numerical limit, using terms like “unlimited sum insured”. Terms like this can be a little misleading, you should check for other restrictions that effectively do limit the coverage. For example, insurers may set a limit on the size of the property, such as covering houses with no more than 5 bedrooms.

The single item limit dictates the upper payment an insurer will give you for any item, regardless of how valuable it was. So, for example, if you lost an engagement ring worth £4,000, but the single item limit on the policy was £2,500, you would only receive the latter sum. This even applies if the total claim is less than the maximum limit. Nearly half of contents insurance policies impose a single item limit between £1,500 and £1,999, with only a fifth offer limits of £7,500.[iv] If you have one or more particularly valuable items, it may be worth taking out a separate policy specifically for them (valuable item coverage) on top of your contents insurance. This does not have to be from the same provider, allowing you to shop around.

Different policies can vary considerably in what they will pay out for individual items. Some offer amounts equivalent to purchasing the product again new, while others will only provide what they consider to be the current value of your possessions – which can be drastically less than the initial purchase price.

When considering contents insurance or other financial matters, it’s helpful to consult those with expertise, money4dentists are Independent Financial Advisors exclusively catering to dentists. Dentists can have relatively complex and interrelated financial needs, money4dentists understands this and provides expert financial advice for dentists across all aspects of their lives, not just in their professional career.

The last thing you want should a traumatic event like fire or theft occur is to find that you either have no coverage, or that your coverage is inadequate or defective. By consulting with an Independent Financial Advisor, you can help ensure your insurance works for you when you need it most and get the best out of your investments for years to come.

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.

Email info@money4dentists.com or visit www.money4dentists.com

[i] ITV News. Britons increase spending on underwear as more work from home – mintel. ITV News. 2019. https://www.itv.com/news/2019-07-11/britons-increase-spending-on-underwear-as-more-work-from-home-mintel/ September 12, 2019.

[ii] ONS. Physical wealth: wealth in Great Britain. Office for National Statistics. 2019. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/incomeandwealth/datasets/physicalwealthwealthingreatbritainSeptember 12, 2019.

[iii] Financial Inclusion Commission. Financial inclusion: improving the financial health of the nation. Financial Inclusion Commission. 2017. https://www.financialinclusioncommission.org.uk/pdfs/improving_access_to_household_insurance.pdf  September 12, 2019.

[iv] GoCompare. Cover collectibles, jewellery and other valuables. GoCompare. https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/jewellery-and-valuables/ September 12, 2019.

Most people have winced after a short, sharp twinge from a sensitive tooth. It often comes unexpectedly and pain originating in the oral cavity is perceived as disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body.²Tooth sensitivity is a common, bothersome dental problem, which may restrict what an individual chooses to consume and impact on their quality of life.

Healthy teeth are protected by hard enamel on the crowns and cementum at the roots. However, if these layers are worn away or damaged, the more sensitive dentine is exposed. The dentine contains thousands of fluid-filled dentinal tubules that lead to the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. When stimuli such as liquids, foods or cold air make contact with the exposed tubules it alters the flow of fluid inside, which activates the nerves and triggers pain.[1]

Dentine exposure

Dentine can become exposed due to any combination of the tooth wear processes, including attrition, erosion and abrasion:[2]

Attrition – This is the loss of hard tooth substances due to tooth-on-tooth contact. Tooth grinding or bruxism are parafunctional habits that may be caused by stress, a misaligned bite or in some cases, diseases that affect the muscles. This activity thins the enamel and over time, wears it down until the dentine is exposed.

Erosion – Is the loss of hard tissue from the surfaces of the teeth due to chemicals such as acids. Dental erosion due to intrinsic factors is caused by gastric acid reaching the oral cavity during vomiting episodes or persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux. [3] Extrinsic factors include the frequent consumption of foods and beverages that are high in dietary acids. [4] Behaviours such as snacking or sipping acidic or sugary drinks expose the teeth to repeated acid challenges, which can cause the loss of surface tooth structure.^[5]

Abrasion – This is the physical wear of the tooth surfaces due to mechanical processes other than usual actions such as chewing or tooth to tooth contact.[6] This type of tooth wear is associated with over vigorous or incorrect tooth brushing techniques as well as abrasive oral health products. It is often observed in individuals that use the teeth as tools to remove bottle tops or to hold nails etc. or those that use jewellery within the mouth on a long-term basis.

It should be noted that tooth whitening products have been identified is a risk factor for tooth sensitivity, as chemicals such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are able to quickly defuse through enamel and dentine and activate the nerve fibres.[7] Sensitivity from bleaching is usually transient, however if bleaching is performed on a patient that already has sensitive dentine, the sensitivity can be severe and prolonged.² 

Recession of the gums and loss of cementum

As well as loss of tooth enamel, the other main factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity are gum recession and loss of cementum. Gingival recession is common, affecting 60-90 per cent of the western European population, although reviews suggest that it is not age related.² Nevertheless, recession of the gingival marginal tissues exposes the thin shield of cementum that protects the roots of the teeth. Cementum is less mineralised and softer than other mineralised tissues,[8] which means that once it is exposed to mechanical friction for instance, it can be lost rapidly to reveal the deeper dentine beneath.

Gum recession can be caused by a number of factors including periodontitis and the management of the condition, orthodontic therapy, prosthetic treatment that traumatises the gingival tissues, over-zealous tooth brushing and horizontal bone loss due to osteoporosis. Smoking is a risk factor strongly associated with periodontitis and also increases the likelihood of recession in periodontal tissues. Furthermore, gingival recession has also been observed in young adults with oral piercings as these may cause gingival tissue trauma.

Preventing sensitivity

Preventing the loss of enamel and/or cementum is the key to averting tooth sensitivity. Dental professionals can offer dietary advice and oral health instruction to help patients to protect their teeth. Fluoride treatments and sealants may also be helpful to remineralise the tooth surfaces. However, the CALCIVIS^® imaging system provides dental professionals and their patients with an effective early warning system. This technology visualises active demineralisation on the surfaces of the teeth in real time, at the chair side. Using bioluminescence, the CALCIVIS imaging system detects the loss of minerals from the hard tissues of the teeth at the earliest, most reversible stages. Furthermore, the engaging CALCIVIS images help patients to understand their oral health status and comply with measures to remineralise the teeth before the sensitive dentine is exposed.

Exposed dentine is at particular risk for demineralisation and vulnerable to acid sources. As acids are produced by the bacteria in dental plaque on the tooth surface they can readily diffuse through the dentine and into underlying tissue resulting in tooth decay or infection. However, with the use of innovative technology, dental professionals can help patients to keep their teeth both healthy and pain free.

For more information visit www.CALCIVIS.com

or call 0131 658 5152

[1] Preventing and treating tooth sensitivity. JADA Sept 2013:144 (9) 1084. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60601-2/fulltext[Accessed 5th August 2019]

^[2] West N.X. et al. Dental hypersensitivity: pain mechanisms and aestology of exposed cervical dentin. Clin Oral Investig. 2013 Mar; 17(Suppl 1): 9–19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3585766/ [Accessed 5th August 2019]

[3] Lussi A. et al. Erosion – diagnosis and risk factors. Clin Oral Investig. 2008 Mar; 12(Suppl 1): 5–13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2238777/ [Accessed 5th August 2019]

^[4] Zero D.T. Etiology of dental erosion – extrinsic factors. Eur J Oral Sci. 1996 Apr;104(2.Pt 2):162-77. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8804884 [Accessed 5th August 2019]

[5] Scheutzel P. Etiology of dental erosion – intrinsic factors. Eur J Oral Sci. 1996 Apr;104(2.Pt 2):178-90. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8804885 [Accessed 5th August 2019]

[6] Dental Health Foundation, Ireland. Tooth Wear. https://www.dentalhealth.ie/dentalhealth/causes/toothwear.html [Accessed 5th August 2019]

[7] Markowitz K. A new treatment alternative for sensitive teeth: A desensitizing oral rinse. Journal of Dentistry 41 Supp.1 S1-S11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571212002667#bib0045 [Accessed 5th August 2019]

[8]  Chen H et al. in Advanced Ceramics for Dentistry, 2014. 2.2.3 Cementum https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cementum [Accessed 5th August 2019]

The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) found that orthodontic treatment remained popular among UK adults in 2019.[i] Approximately 75% of orthodontists surveyed had seen an increase in private adult patients, while more than half attributed this to improved patient awareness of the options available.

With a clear demand for orthodontics among the population, it stands to reason that more GDPs are getting involved in the field. For patients, the benefits of anterior alignment solutions compared to comprehensive orthodontics often include shorter treatment times, lower costs and, in the case of removable appliances, greater discretion.

There are just as many advantages for GDPs. They are able to develop their skill set, diversify their daily routines and provide patients with what they want for greater job satisfaction. Orthodontics also commonly offers a less invasive alternative to restorative solutions like full-prep veneers, enabling dentists to preserve natural tooth structure while still achieving the aesthetic transformation their patients seek.

Understanding limitations

However, that is not the end of the story. As in all dental disciplines, it is crucial that GDPs understand their limitations and do not attempt to treat a case beyond their clinical remit. Providing ineffective or inappropriate treatment opens the door to several problems, not least of which are patient dissatisfaction and the potential for litigation. As such, it is vital that GDPs work with specialists in the field when a complex case presents, as only they have the expertise and experience to deliver acceptable outcomes in a safe way.

This necessitates high quality professional training that teaches GDPs the skills they need to not only perform quality treatment, but to also identify cases where a referral to an orthodontist is required.

Training

Finding the training courses best suited to you and your existing capabilities is a must. For those just starting out in orthodontics, comprehensive education that provides a broad foundation in the field will be the best starting point. It should include both theoretical and practical elements to ensure you develop the competency and confidence to treat simple cases in practice.

From here, on-going training is important to progress skills effectively. This continuous education enables GDPs to consolidate what they’ve learnt so far on courses and in practice, and build upon their knowledge. It’s important that clinicians gain experience in delivering treatment between courses so as to progress at an appropriate pace.

Consideration should also be given to what the training covers. For example, if it focuses solely on using a specific appliance, it may not provide a comprehensive grounding in orthodontics. Training that explores concepts behind occlusion and function, as well as aesthetics, would be preferable as this encourages stable results.

In addition, for GDPs dedicated to minimally invasive dentistry, the association between orthodontic and restorative techniques should be acknowledged. Where anterior alignment is delivered to improve the smile, restorative bonding can help to optimise the appearance of the teeth and deliver an exceptional result that the patient will love. Similarly, interceptive restorative dentistry combined with simple orthodontics can provide a better long-term solution for tooth wear. Training that includes these techniques will set you up well for the future.

On-going support

However good the training, it’s important that it doesn’t end there. GDPs need access to on-going support from mentors and experts in order to safely and effectively apply new knowledge in practice. This support is crucial for those who are new to the orthodontic field, providing a source of information and guidance while navigating initial cases. It is just as valuable for GDPs who are more advanced in orthodontics. As more complex cases are taken on and skills are developed, mentorship from experts will help ensure that complications are avoided. This also provides reassurance that GDPs are delivering the best possible care for every single patient.

A trusted provider

So, where do you go for comprehensive training that meets your needs and offers safe and effective development of your skills? IAS Academy delivers a complete learning pathway for GDPs looking to establish and advance their skills in orthodontics and restorative dentistry. Training is overseen by Specialist Orthodontist Ross Hobson and delivered by an array of highly skilled and experienced clinicians. Courses cover all relevant concepts, with different entry levels to suit all GDPs’ existing capabilities. They focus on case selection, diagnosis, assessment and treatment planning to ensure safe, ethical and effective treatment in a wide range of cases. Like thousands of GDPs around the world already have, you can trust in and benefit from the Academy’s ethos for preventive and progressive dentistry.

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

[i] British Orthodontic Society. News and Events. New British Orthodontic Society survey reveals the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK remains high. August 2019. https://www.bos.org.uk/News-and-Events/News [Accessed October 2019]

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