In all fields of dentistry, achieving good aesthetic outcomes is crucial. While patients will come to appreciate the benefits of function and longevity following treatment, they will often initially be most concerned with the appearance of their smile. As such, finding new ways to predictably and reliably deliver in this area is important for all dentists in the modern profession.

The celebrated BACD considered this topic of dental aesthetics at its recent sold-out Annual Conference in November 2019. Members and non-members alike came together to develop their knowledge and skills and compare traditional with new techniques. They had the opportunity to hear from internationally leading speakers in the area, with a wealth of practical advice and inspirational ideas brought to the fore. Throughout the programme, the theme of “Delivering Excellence: Tradition vs. Innovation” truly came alive.

Among the sessions to draw a crowd was Dr Eric van Dooren’s presentation on “New opportunities in the aesthetic zone”. Focusing on the rehabilitation of patients with aesthetically and functionally compromised dentition, he explored how clinicians can utilise analogue and digital concepts and techniques to achieve outstanding results in implant dentistry.

Early on in his lecture, Dr van Dooren highlighted the importance of individuals working with the right technologies for them. While the full digital workflow wasn’t his preference, he did show how he utilised some digital solutions to take advantage of the benefits available. This is especially relevant for the treatment planning phase, where 3D imaging and software allows accurate virtual positioning of implants for both the dentist and dental technician to work from. He also emphasised the need for a CBCT scan where there is limited bone. As in all cases, planning and documentation are key for complex implant treatments.

Dr van Dooren went on to share an array of his own cases, humbly pointing out where treatment could have been improved. “I learn from failing cases,” he commented, encouraging everyone to learn from their own mistakes. Dr van Dooren discussed the longevity of implants and crowns, which are “not eternal” solutions, and how prosthetic materials contribute to their lifespan. He showed a case where excessive cutting back of the soft tissue and lack of maintenance resulted in gingival recession and a compromised aesthetic outcome in the long-term.

Next, the learning curve involved when transitioning from analogue to digital methods was demonstrated, though it was made clear that guided surgery makes implant placement simpler and more precise, when used correctly. With a word on immediate, early and delayed implant placement, Dr van Dooren urged clinicians to prepare for their chosen technique in the treatment plan and to ensure they have the necessary training and skill to deliver it. As he put it, “you need to know the limitations of your hands and your brain”.

Moving onto prosthetic design, it was evident that the speaker found digital technologies to improve this area of his dentistry. Dr van Dooren shared his preference for screw-retained implant restorations, which should be palatally positioned for optimal aesthetics. He discussed his processes in different cases, demonstrating how the prosthesis design dictates the soft tissue aesthetics as much as the restoration itself.  He was also passionate about the importance of getting this stage of treatment right, saying “surgery is one thing, but you can mess up the case with a poor prosthesis”.

Offering final food for thought, Dr van Dooren reaffirmed his continued inclination towards analogue methods. He suggested that the cost of current technologies may still be a barrier for many clinicians, although this may change as equipment evolves and prices reduce.

Aside from Dr van Dooren’s lecture, the BACD Sixteenth Annual Conference offered a myriad of learning opportunities for delegates to enjoy. Delegate feedback has been exceptional. Dr Gregor Škorjanc said:

“The lectures were really interesting – you see different approaches on how to solve difficult cases. The speakers showed the mistakes they make, not just their brilliance. It was also a lot about treatment planning, which is the most difficult aspect of our work. The BACD Annual Conference is about getting the bigger picture in your day-to-day workflow.”

Dr Jurgita Sybaite added: “Everything has been well planned and well executed. I enjoyed Eric’s and Mauro’s lectures – they were brilliant!”

The conference dedicated a day to hands-on sessions on the Thursday, which proved to be sell-out events. These covered a range of topics and ensured a rich and dynamic learning experience for all delegates in attendance.

“The hands-on workshops were inspiring, especially for someone who’s at the beginning of their career,” commented Dr Dominique Napier. “The BACD is incredibly inclusive and there is a wealth of experience shared by speakers and delegates at the Annual Conference. I would recommend the event to anyone at any stage of their dental journey.”

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com

There comes a time in every business’ life when it needs a refresh and refurbishment. For some dental practices, this might involve a simple facelift with a coat of paint to freshen the interior and optimise appeal for patients. In other situations, the practice might require a lot more work. For example, structural changes may be indicated in order to better utilise the space available. Equipment may need updating or replacing, or new digital imaging solutions could be introduced as a way of enhancing the quality of patient care delivered.

A fresh start

At Colosseum Dental, we were aware of the lack of investment in the previous business and so this was one of our top three priorities last year. Feedback from our dentists, clinical teams and patients supported the need to improve many of the premises within the group. Members of the Leadership team also personally visited practices to see for themselves the scale of changes needed if we were to meet best practice guidelines and give our clinical staff the environments they needed to provide first-class dental care.

We aimed to completely reinvent the business and start again from scratch in building Colosseum Dental. This was not just about updating the décor and patching up old units in our practices. We understood that if our clinical teams were to provide the highest quality patient care, they needed facilities to match. We were also very keen to invest in the future of the business – after all, we are in it for the long-haul.

Collaboration

It was important to us that this project was led by those who worked in the practices day-in, day-out. We aim to empower our teams to run the clinics as their own businesses, so their involvement was a ‘must have’. As such, we sought the opinions and ideas of our practice managers, dentists and dental nurses. We needed to know what our clinicians and managers wanted, as well as why they wanted these things and what the resulting impact on the practice and patients would be. Our goal was to improve life for both dentists and patients, so input from all our professionals was invaluable.

We worked with them to design their new practice spaces and then plan the work accordingly. In the case of six practices, we came to the joint conclusion that relocation would be more efficient. For example, feedback about our practice in Nottinghamshire included issues with the building itself and its location. The practice team offered their local knowledge to help source new premises and they found an excellent new building to move in to. They are not only moving into a better environment to provide excellent dentistry, but they will also have an extra surgery so they are ready for growth in the future. The relocation is set to benefit both staff and patients in the local community far better than the previous building ever could, even with extensive modification.

We are proud of the level of engagement we achieved with our practice teams. It was their collaboration and feedback that has ultimately led to such a successful group-wide project.

Investing in the future

In the end, over £10 million was invested in our 70 practices across the UK. The vast majority of this went into the surgeries, ensuring that our clinicians have the facilities they need. Many rooms required reconfiguring as well as new technologies, and we happily proceeded with any work that would improve the standard of care patients received, or that would enable the practice to better service its current or future patient base. So far, we have installed five CBCT machines and replaced dental chairs in 90% of practices. As more of our dentists utilise digital dentistry and as we grow, we aim to continue adding to the selection of equipment available.

We know how important it is to listen and really hear what our people are saying. Their requests are often coming from a desire to improve patient care or enhance their own job satisfaction – both of which are important to us at Colosseum Dental. Throughout our ‘refurbishment’ project – though it was much more than that in the end! – we have offered as many opportunities as possible for our practice teams to engage and get involved. While always a consideration, we haven’t focused on the financial cost. Instead, we’ve approached this whole project as an investment in our future and have concentrated on the benefits earned as a result of the changes. This is one of the advantages of being backed by Jacobs Holdings – they are in it for the long-term and that means we can look much further ahead than the next year or two when planning for the group.   

For more information about Colosseum Dental, please visit www.colosseumdental.co.uk