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Mouth Care Matters

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  Posted by: Dental Design      21st January 2020

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will present an array of educational opportunities for all members of the dental team. Tailored specifically to dental nurses, the Dental Nurses Forum will offer a two-day lecture programme covering a variety of relevant and inspirational topics. Presented in collaboration with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the Forum will offer something for all professionals in the role.

Among the impressive speaker line-up will be Debra Worthington, who brings with her more than 30 years of experience in dentistry. She has worked as a dental nurse in various different roles, gaining postgraduate qualifications in oral health, radiography and conscious sedation. She is President of the Orthodontic National Group and a member of the Dental Care Professionals Advisory Board at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. In addition, Debra is currently the Maxillofacial Unit Manager at Salford Royal Hospital, leading a team of community dental nurses, maxillofacial and orthodontic nurses, orthodontic therapists and dental therapists.

She will be sharing her wealth of expertise on the nation-wide Mouth Care Matters programme within the Dental Nurses Forum. Speaking about the scheme, Debra says:

“Oral health is an important part of general health and wellbeing. It allows people to eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment. Research shows that oral care is often lacking in hospital and community care settings, especially among patients who may be unable to carry out their own personal care and rely on others for support. Mouth Care Matters seeks to address this.

“The Mouth Care Matters programme aims to create a healthcare team that is more responsive and personalised for patients. It aims to deliver better clinical outcomes, increasing awareness of the importance of good mouth care and how it impacts general health and quality of life. The initiative is relevant for anyone who provides personal care to patients, be that in an acute, care home or community setting. Furthermore, the Mouth Care Matters programme aims to reduce Healthcare Acquired Pneumonia, thus decreasing prescriptions and clostridium difficile infections.”

The benefits of such an initiative for the population are clear, but it’s important that professionals support the programme for it to help more people. Debra goes on to explain why dental nurses are well-positioned to get involved.

“Dental nurses – especially those with an oral hygiene postgraduate qualification – are best placed to provide appropriate training to care providers,” she says. “Dental nurses have the background training in identifying oral conditions, as well as up-to-date knowledge on the products available.”

During her session in the Dental Nurses Forum, Debra will be discussing how Salford Royal Hospital has implemented the project and what training it provides to oral care champions. She adds:

“I will also cover the development and implementation of oral care assessment and care plans, as well as the importance of submitting a bid for a Mouth Care Matters Lead. In addition, I will be able to share the data collected so far regarding the number of professionals trained and any cost savings identified.

“I hope to empower colleagues to implement the project in their own Trusts and organisations.”

Debra’s session will be just one of many interesting presentations for dental nurses at the 2020 conference. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain hours of enhanced CPD in a range of core and additional topics, while also networking with friends and colleagues who share a passion for clinical excellence. Furthermore, the extensive trade show will host more than 450 dental manufacturers and suppliers, with new product launches and live demonstrations available for all to make the most of. Whether you’re looking for new materials, technologies or training opportunities, there is sure to be something suitable for you.

When asked about the event, Debra added:

“I think the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show is the main conference for dental professionals in general dentistry. The lecture programme is expanding year on year – colleagues can obtain valuable CPD from this conference and I would encourage all dental nurses to attend.”

Make sure you don’t miss out and save the dates for the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 today!

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will be held on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May at the Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.

For all the latest information, please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com


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