Dr Rahendra Naidoo has been a dental surgeon for over 25 years and has a special interest in restorative dentistry, as well as cosmetic solutions and implantology. He qualified in 1991 from the University of the Western Cape and gained a Diploma in Restorative Dental Practice in 2002 from Eastman’s Dental Institute.

Rahendra has successfully built two well-established dental practices providing quality dental care and launched De-ientes London in 2018 with his son, Dr Saroshen Naidoo. Saroshen graduated from Sheffield University in 2016 and joined the family business in 2017. He has been working with his father to develop the practices ever since.

Starting from scratch

We were looking for a premises in London when we came across an opportunity to establish a squat practice in Golders Green. The building is shared between us and a GP practice, and offered a completely blank canvas to work with.

Ahead of this new adventure, the support of our family was crucial for our mental preparation. Setting up a squat practice is a hugely emotional rollercoaster and it can be very stressful at times. Having the support of friends and loved ones is therefore essential. In terms of financial preparation, we organised a business proposal and took it to the bank for funding. This involved liaising with our builders and potential suppliers for approximate costings to achieve our vision. The builders – Apollo – were particularly helpful at this stage in providing guidance on design and construction quotes.

We also tried to determine the branding for the new practice early on. We wanted to maintain the brand from the other two practices, but as they are NHS/mixed and this new squat was to be fully private, we were initially unsure how to proceed. In the end, we decided to keep a similar feel to the existing premises, and simply upgraded it to reflect the excellent private dental services we hoped to provide.

Getting stuck in

 As the premises was an empty shell, we had the flexibility to really create something special. We also had the freedom to design a purpose-built dental practice, rather than having to adapt an existing set-up, which was amazing. However, this also meant that we had a lot to do. The project required everything from re-wiring the building to installing a suspended floor and wall partitions, before we could even think about the finer details like equipment and décor. The result of good planning was a beautiful open space with three large surgeries and tall windows that let in lots of natural light.

But that’s not to say that there weren’t challenges along the way. You have to take each stage as it comes. The biggest concerns when creating a squat practice are always about whether you can make it work and whether it will all be worth the investment of money and time. Beyond these, we found it challenging to decide on smaller things like the type of flooring. We had plenty of debates to make sure we selected the right options for us! We also faced problems when connecting the telephone line in order to establish an internet connection. This delayed the IT equipment installation and took some time to sort out. It’s important to remember that setting up a dental practice is a marathon, not a sprint. By keeping a calm head and with the support of family, we were able to overcome each hurdle we came across.

Sourcing equipment

We researched a few different manufacturers when it came to sourcing imaging equipment and dental units in order to find the best deal. In the end, our existing relationship with Planmeca and our confidence in the quality of their products led us to stick with them for this project.

We purchased three different dental units – the Planmeca Sovereign Classic, Planmeca Compact™ i Classic and Planmeca Compact™ i5 – otherwise affectionately known to us as the ‘Ferrari’ dental chair. The latter provided an all-singing, all-dancing dental unit that aligned with our passion to deliver the very highest standard of dentistry. We also liked the Planmeca Sovereign Classic model as it offers the flexibility of a left/right swivel function. All the dental chairs promote patient comfort with a memory foam-like cushion.

With regards to our new imaging technology, we chose the Planmeca ProMax^Ò 3D, because it delivers high quality images with a low radiation dose. We also invested in a Planmeca ProX™ intraoral X-ray and a Planmeca ProScanner^Ò, further ensuring that we could provide exceptional dentistry and a first-class patient experience. The team from Planmeca were excellent. When we purchased all the equipment, the building work wasn’t completed and they very helpfully stored the technologies until we were ready. They worked with the builders to ensure everything was in place for a smooth installation.

We also purchased suction motors and compressors from Cattani.

One year later

We were delighted with the practice we created. In order for the business to fulfil its potential, building up a patient base was crucial. We therefore invested heavily in our marketing. This was a challenge as our skills were in delivering excellent clinical dentistry and patient care. A steep learning curve was involved to utilise marketing platforms like social media, alongside traditional channels. 

We are very happy with what we have achieved so far, but there is still a way to go. We have seen a steady growth in our patient base and are aware of the need for continued investment in order to maintain and build on this success. We are proud of the type and quality of private dentistry we can provide from this practice, offering patients an alternative route to NHS treatment.

Reflection

Looking back over the entire process, there are a couple of things we might do differently next time. Firstly, we would consider the marketing aspects earlier and in more detail. This would enable us to focus on other tasks without worrying about promotion of the practice when we were ready to open. We would also look to recruit staff who are committed to building a squat practice earlier on in the process.  

In addition, there were a few smaller details that perhaps we could have chosen differently. In hindsight, while we chose the glass worktops, corian may have been a more practical and cost-effective solution. Also, we could have made the signage and graphics for the windows a bit bigger and more obvious. However, these are only very small details and we are otherwise thrilled with what we achieved. We have even started receiving referrals from local practices for our specialist services and advanced dental treatments.

For any dentists setting up a squat practice, we would advise speaking to others who have gone through the process. It is also very useful to have built up a network of useful contacts before you start. This way, you have people to ask for information and advice, plus you will know who you can work with best. Planning ahead in terms of everything from finances to marketing, staff and branding is a must!

For more information, please visit www.planmeca.com or call 0800 5200 330

The Waterpik^® Water Flosser is safe and effective for almost all patients. It is clinically proven to be up to 50% more effective at reducing gingivitis, up to 93% more effective for reducing bleeding^[1] and can remove up to 29% more plaque than string floss.[2]

Also, the Waterpik^® Water Flosser delivers better results than string floss for patients with orthodontic appliances[3] and dental implants.[4] Plus, there is a model to suit everyone too – take a closer look at the extensive Waterpik product range now.

For more information on Waterpik^® products please visit www.waterpik.co.uk
or book a Waterpik^® Professional Lunch and Learn at
 www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/lunch-learn/

Waterpik^® products are available from Amazon and
in store or online at Asda, Boots and Superdrug.

[1] Barnes CM et al (2005) Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and supragingival plaque. J Clin Dent 16(3):71-7

[2] Goyal CR, et al. Evaluation of the plaque removal efficacy of a water flosser compared to string floss in adults after a single use. J Clin Dent 2013; 24:37-42.

[3] Sharma NC, Lyle DM, Qaqish JG, Galustians J, Schuller R. Am J Ortho Dentofacial Orthop 2008; 133(4):565-571.

[4] Magnuson B, et al. Comparison of the effect of two interdental cleaning devices around implants on the reduction of bleeding: A 30-day randomized clinical trial. Compend of Contin Ed in Dent 2013; 34 (Special Issue 8):2-7.

COLTENE strives to provide dental professionals with the very best endodontic products possible – and a vital member of their Endo family is the ROEKO Guttapercha points.

Ideal for the obturation of the canal after endodontic treatment, the Guttapercha Points are easy to introduce to the canal, being stiff but flexible enough to follow the curves of the canal without breaking.

What’s more, they are radiopaque and have excellent tissue compatibility for better outcomes. And as if this wasn’t enough, Guttapercha Points are absolutely hygienic for added peace of mind.

COLTENE also uses the very latest manufacturing processes to ensure that all products are of the highest standard. ROEKO Guttapercha Points have been created using a fully automated production system that ensures each individual item is finished to exacting standards.

To find out more about ROEKO Guttapercha Points and the rest of COLTENE’s Endo family, contact the team today.

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

When looking for a dental laboratory, you need to find one that can always offer you consistent, exceptional quality products.

Here at CosTech Dental Laboratory, we take pride in always being able to deliver products of the highest quality. As our laboratory is DAMAS accredited, we are regularly checked for quality, so you can rest assured that our standards never slip.

Furthermore, we offer an array of delivery options so that we can always work within your time-frame. Freepost is available on all standard orders, and we also offer a convenient Pickup and Delivery service in some areas (check our website if your postcode is listed).

To find out more, please contact the lab today!

For more information about CosTech Dental Laboratory, please visit http://www.costech.co.uk/services or call 01474 320076

When the time comes to sell your dental practice, you need to know that your patients, staff and business will be left in good hands. Part of this is ensuring stability for the foreseeable future.

At Colosseum Dental, we are in it for the long-haul. We aim to work with practices that share our values for clinical excellence and professional engagement so that we can continue to build on the legacy that already exists.

We also have the benefit of backing by Jacobs Holding – which is known for its long-term investments. This provides confidence that we can ensure continuity of care for your patients, as well as many years of support and success for your colleagues and your business.

Find out more today.

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

We are living in an ageing population. The UK has over 12 million people living in it aged 65 and above, and this is impacting the way that our society works.[i] For the first time in history, the elderly are forming a significant part of our population and yet we are struggling on the whole to meet the demands for care that this portion of society needs.

There are now more people living in care homes than ever before. According to estimates, 410,000 people now live in these residences, representing a significant portion of the populace. In fact, the UK care home market as a whole is currently worth around £15.9 billion per year.[ii]

You may have recently heard that a 2019 report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that oral health education and focus in care homes is considerably lacking.[iii] Key findings from the report suggested that the majority of care homes visited (52%) had no policies in place to protect and promote oral health and that almost half of these residences (47%) were not training staff to look after residents’ oral health. Furthermore, the report also revealed that 73% of resident care plans did not cover or only partially covered oral health.[iv]

So, what are professionals doing to help this vulnerable segment of society? The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) has recently appointed a number of BSDHT Ambassadors who are helping to pave the way to better treatment for sections of society who need a helping hand. Victoria Marsden, Inspector Manager Dentistry-North for the Care Quality Commission, has been selected for one of these roles for 2020. Below, she details the steps the CQC are taking to improve oral health in care homes going forward.

Spreading awareness

“To begin with, the most important part of tackling the problems with oral health in the care home sector has been raising awareness of the problem” Victoria says. “The CQC wanted to draw attention to the problems by publishing the report, and this way we have managed to bring to light something that otherwise may not have received the attention it requires to really make a difference. It was a team effort from the start – the CQC National Dental Team, Inspectors, Inspection Managers and Head of Inspection all worked with the Adult Social Care (ASC) Inspectors to bring the project to fruition.

“By publishing the report and making it widely visible to the whole dental community, we not only wanted to make the facts known, but also inspire people to join us in tackling this problem head on and improving the quality of life for people living in care homes across the UK!”

Making improvements

“We supported 100 care homes and as part of their outcomes decided to implement a number of changes to see what improvements could be made. Since the beginning of October 2019, ASC inspectors need to ask two mandatory questions when visiting residential care homes. The first question is ‘How are people’s day-to-day health and wellbeing needs being met?’. This is a more general approach that encourages care home workers to assess the overall attitudes and methods employed to improve healthcare being practised in the residence. This question should be followed by a more direct enquiry into oral health: ‘Do all staff have training in oral health care?’. A number of subsidiary inquiries such as whether they received this training during induction, whether they feel confident supplying this care for residents and whether they consider healthcare when assessing things such as tissue damage, weight loss etc. should come next.

“The second question is designed to assess how professionals working in care homes are providing oral health care. Inspectors should ask ‘How do you ensure oral health care is assessed, considered and delivered as part of a person’s care plan?’ and depending on response, ancillary questions should follow. These can cover whether there is a complete oral health plan in place and if residents have easy access to necessary oral health products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and denture cleaning fluid.

“These questions have also been mandatory for inspectors visiting care homes that specialise in looking after individuals with disabilities since the beginning of November. All ASC staff underwent training to ensure that they can better understand the oral health needs of these people and feel confident in helping and supplying this care.”

Moving forward

“As we are living in an ageing population, there needs to be further drastic changes to ensure that vulnerable elderly patients are getting the oral health education and care that they deserve. We all know that elderly people are more susceptible to certain oral conditions, and therefore it’s best for everyone in the profession to raise awareness where possible.

“Moving forwards, the CQC recommends the following steps: sharing best practice, repeating and reinforcing guidance, mandatory staff training, oral health check-ups for all those moving into care homes and a multi-agency group to help raise awareness further. Being a BSDHT Ambassador puts me in the perfect position to spread the word further and keep making a difference. The Society is one of the most influential bodies in the industry, and already does a huge amount to support people in more vulnerable segments of the population. I hope that by working together, we can make big changes in the future, especially as the number of elderly people who will require better standards of care are projected to continue rising even further in the future.”

To find out more about the BSDHT and its ambassadors, please contact the team today.

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

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

[i] Age UK. Later Life in the United Kingdom. Link: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/later_life_uk_factsheet.pdf [Last accessed December 19].

[ii] GOV.UK. Care Homes Market Study: Summary of Final Report. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-homes-market-study-summary-of-final-report/care-homes-market-study-summary-of-final-report [Last accessed December 19].

[iii] Care Quality Commission. CQC Calls for Improvements to Oral Health in Care Homes. Link: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/releases/cqc-calls-improvements-oral-health-care-homes [Last accessed December 19].

[iv] Care Quality Commission. CQC Calls for Improvements to Oral Health in Care Homes. Link: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/releases/cqc-calls-improvements-oral-health-care-homes [Last accessed December 19].