Recent events have reminded us of the value of community. We are all members of different communities for different reasons and all of these groups enrich our lives in different ways.

The dental community is vast, encompassing a multitude of roles and specialities. Some of you will have chosen your path early; others will have found that your journey to a particular area or discipline was a gradual development, having evolved over time.

Whatever place you claim in the dental community, we are all united by one goal. That is, to deliver care of an excellent standard and dental treatment that keeps every patient in good oral health for as long as possible. Every role in the dental team is valuable, because they are all essential to achieving that ultimate end goal. From the receptionist who treats an anxious patient with compassion, to the dentist who places the dental implant. Then there’s the dental hygienist who instructs patients on how to keep their dental implants clean and the dental technician who uses their skill to fabricate a permanent prosthesis in even the most challenging of clinical situations. Throughout the process, we can all learn something from one another.

Skill mix for better patient outcomes

One of the most inspiring things about being part of the dental community is that the learning never stops. Every patient is unique and our patient base is changing too. As such, we need to rise to the challenge of treating older, vulnerable people and, at the other end of the scale, those who sit your chair, armed with sky-high expectations. There is pressure not just to get it right, but also to go above and beyond. All dentists are aware of medicolegal implications of something going wrong, or a patient who is simply just not happy with their experience.

Proactive, forward-thinking dentists will always be looking at ways to elevate their service delivery and improve what they do. More are upskilling to help a greater number of patients by being able to offer more treatments. Skill mix is being frequently discussed at professional meetings. Discussions consider how it could be the key to better clinical outcomes for all patients. Advocates of the model claim that skill-mix ensures “’the right number of people with the right skills are in the right place at the right time to provide the right services to the right people’… to create a service that truly fit-for-purpose and based on quality.”[i]

Successful implant delivery as a whole-team effort

The delivery of dental implant therapy is an excellent example of how skill mix can be used to enable successful patient outcomes; the whole dental team has a key part to play for a good long-term result. The long-term stability and health of an implant depends on a combination of factors. Patients need to understand that treatment does not end after their dental implant is placed; that is merely the start. Keeping it clean is essential and a dental hygienist/dental therapist is an appropriate practitioner to demonstrate a method for thorough daily cleaning. They can also discuss with the patient the importance of other behaviours – eating a good diet, for example – in between their visits to the dental practice. Everyone involved can learn from each other because they are looking at the same “problem” from a different perspective. It was a team effort to intercept the issue, make a diagnosis that required dental implant therapy and get the patient to accept it; it will be a team effort to keep the dental implant and restoration stable. Let’s not forget the dental technician who ­– using the very best materials, equipment, methods and techniques – crafted a prosthesis that, with good care, will last the patient for years to come.

An all-inclusive approach

The need for an all-inclusive approach is being recognised by dental associations who are tailoring their learning and events programme to the whole team. This includes the ADI, with its diverse, proactive and forward-thinking membership connected by a shared passion for dental excellence. The ADI Team Congress 2021, to be held in May 2021 at Manchester Central, will provide unparalleled opportunities for face-to-face learning and networking. Programmes will feature speakers offering insights on a range of topics relevant to dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists and dental technicians. Dental nurses and dental hygienists will learn together and separately for a highly tailored learning experience, coming together to examine the safety and benefit of skill mix from different angles.

It’s all about learning, learning and more learning; learning from the best, and learning from each other. The right learning gives every practitioner the practical and theoretical foundation of knowledge to help them meet patient expectations, safeguard them against litigation and deliver outcomes which will lead to lasting improvements in every patient’s oral health.

ADI Team Congress 2021

“The Great Debate”

6-8 May 2021, Manchester Central

For more information, please visit www.adi.org.uk.

ADI members can attend the ADI Team Congress for discounted rates. Join today.

[i] Brocklehurst P, Macey R. Skill-mix in preventive dental practice – will it help address need in the future? BMC Oral Health 2015 Dec (Vol. 15, No. 1, p. S10). BioMed Central.

The ClearCorrect clear aligner system combines cutting-edge technology with simple workflows to help practitioners deliver outstanding treatment to a wide range of patients.

To maximise accuracy and efficiency of treatment, clinicians can utilise a comprehensive digital orthodontic workflow. After capturing digital data with your choice of intraoral scanner, you will receive a 3D treatment set-up for maximum predictability. This is complemented by DenToGo™ – the treatment monitoring app that uses artificial intelligence to enable you to oversee your patient’s progress remotely.

Backed by the Straumann Group’s extensive scientific research from the past several decades, the aligners are designed to maximise retention by withstanding stress and strains.

ClearCorrect combines the simplicity of clear aligners with the innovation of cutting-edge technology for enhanced treatment effectiveness, efficacy and patient experience. All without any compromise on quality. Try ClearCorrect from the Straumann Group today.

For more information on ClearCorrect^®, visit: https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home.html

Plaque control and soft tissue healing are important for optimal implant treatment outcomes. Improve both with Curasept ADS Implant from J&S Davis!

Using Curasept Implant reduces the risk of peri-implantitis and bacterial infection.

The innovative mouthwash contains PVP-VA, which creates a film over the teeth and gums to prevent the accumulation and development of bacteria. Hyaluronic acid further helps to protect the mucous membrane to support wound healing and soft tissue repair.

Plus, the renowned Anti Discolouration System (ADS) minimises the potential staining and taste disturbance associated with other chlorhexidine products.

This is just one of many industry-leading oral health solutions available from J&S Davis, your family-run, UK-based distributor. Discover the comprehensive portfolio today.

For more information on the industry-leading products available from J&S Davis, visit www.js-davis.co.uk, call 01438 747 344 or email jsdsales@js-davis.co.uk

The power of technology to bring us together has never been more evident. It doesn’t just connect us; it also supports us. Technology is part of the fabric of both our home and our work lives.

In dentistry, technology has enabled better diagnostics, more efficient treatment delivery, the development of tools to keep patients’ mouths hygienic between appointments – it’s even streamlined practice management. There is not one area that has not been improved by it, so why is digital dentistry still described as the “future”? Digital technology is commonplace nearly everywhere else in our lives, so why aren’t more dentists offering a digital service?

Over the last few years, you will have noticed the relentless promotion of “going digital” by incorporating digital technology into your practice, or replacing methods and processes with the latest innovations. The problem is when you keep seeing words like “revolutionary” and “groundbreaking” there’s a sense of not being able to see the wood for the trees. You’ll ask is XYZ product worth the money, or will it be out of date soon? Crucially, what would be the advantages to your patients? If a piece of digital tech, albeit impressive, does not upgrade patient services and allow you to do more, offer more and offer it better, is it worth it? The idea of introducing new procedures to your workflow is surely a headache no one needs at the moment.

Just a medium

But digital technology is just a medium and like any medium, its effectiveness depends on how it is used. The right digital technology, used at the right time, will allow you to give your patients a more efficient, simpler and more comfortable experience, even for the most complex procedures. Better treatment also means better value too. Expectations have never been higher and although your patients will be willing to pay for the best, being able to offer a quality, yet good-value treatment package will increase their loyalty, their trust in you and enhance your reputation. Happy patients are your best marketing tool – positive word of mouth can increase footfall, the number of clicks to your website and 5-star reviews and will keep people coming back for more.  

Complex treatment and digital

If we consider a complex treatment like root canal therapy, balancing the advantages of digital technology with the skills of a specialist and the empathetic approach that all patients require from a dentist, can guarantee successful delivery. If you take endodontic referrals, you will have a shorter time to establish their acceptance. If you deliver root canal work to “regulars” alongside general dentistry, they may not jump to say “yes” either, even if they’ve known you for years. It has an (unfair, incorrect) reputation for being painful and invasive, with people wondering if the benefits are enough of a carrot to put themselves through it. They know that in the short-term they can manage the pain with over-the-counter relief; one day they may wake up and think it has gone for good. But ultimately, they can’t avoid treatment forever and, if they delay, it may end up being less straightforward than if the problem was intercepted early.

Digital’s part in the case for compliance

If you have made a recommendation for root canal therapy, it is imperative for a patient’s long-term oral health that they agree to go ahead. Using an empathic approach, the advantages of the treatment can be clearly laid out. Empathy will allow you to reassure a concerned patient that you are proposing care that is appropriate and in their best interests. You can allay any fears that they may have of a lengthy, painful procedure and tell them that you will deliver their treatment efficiently and comfortably. You’ll do this by using your specialist skills and experience, with the best tools and equipment, which can include digital innovations specifically developed to enable excellent endodontics. These innovations will improve your precision and their comfort, meaning a shorter time in the chair and a reduced risk of retreatment.

Digital equipment is now available to allow autonomous navigation in the endodontic canal. The CanalPro™ Jeni, newly launched by COLTENE, provides digital assistance for safe and efficient canal preparation, which respects and adapts to the unique anatomy of the individual patient. An automatic endomotor with integrated apex locator, this is a system that is simple and intuitive and will support a stable long-term result.

Digital technology can’t be described as the “future” of dentistry anymore – it’s here now, to upgrade your dentistry. Digital technology supports dentists and specialists in the delivery of care that returns patients to, and keeps them in, optimum oral health for life. Choose the right digital solutions for you, to work alongside great technique and an empathic, patient-focussed approach, and you will enhance every element of your service.

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

Are you looking to get the very most out of your CS R4+ practice management software?

Would you value the opportunity to share tips and ideas with other users so you can elevate your capabilities and truly thrive?

Offering the chance to do just this, Carestream Dental is delighted to present The Exchange – an innovative new online portal for CS R4+ users to join. From the comfort of your own practice, you can connect with peers all over the country to swap stories, suggest top tips and learn from the experiences of others.

Joining the conversation couldn’t be easier – you just need to go to community.carestreamdental.com to activate free access for your entire team.

For more information please contact Carestream Dental on

0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook

Do you find maintaining your air compressor a strain, but don’t want to replace your existing system?

Let DentalAir take away the stress with its AirCare Adoption Programme.

Starting from £9.50 a week, DentalAir will make sure that your air compressor remains compliant and in top working order, completely removing the need for you to dedicate time in practice to ensuring that your air compressor meets all legal requirements. This way, you can spend that time instead doing what dentists do best – providing exceptional patient care.

Let DentalAir adopt your air compressor today by contacting the team.

For more information, please contact DentalAir at info@dentalair.com or call 0800 975 7530

Due diligence: if you’re a practice owner you will remember only too well what the process involves when buying a practice, but for first time buyers it can be as perplexing as quantum physics. To help demystify due diligence and ensure you get the optimum outcome – that goes for both buyers and vendors – this article will break down the process whilst providing top tips along the way.

What’s it all about and why is it important?

In practice sales, due diligence is a process where the buyer undertakes to collect all the relevant information about the practice to determine whether it is a viable, profitable purchase. It is also an opportunity to highlight any potential risks and get under the skin of the business to see if there are any skeletons lurking in the closet.

Unfortunately, it’s not always plain sailing (especially if the due diligence process throws up unexpected adverse findings), but there are a number of possible routes to take should that be the case. Where inaccuracies or new information comes to the fore that might impact the goodwill of the practice, the buyer may request a reduced asking price or arrange for the vendor to provide reimbursement for specific liabilities to protect against issues that occur post-completion. In more serious cases, buyers can choose to withdraw completely from the transaction.

How long does it take?

From the point both parties have agreed a deal (but not signed the contract), the due diligence process usually takes between 60 and 90 days to complete, though this can vary significantly. During that time, a questionnaire is sent from the buyer’s solicitors to the vendor’s representative requesting written replies along with the appropriate evidence and supporting documentation. All that information is then inspected with a fine-tooth comb. While it sounds simple enough, many vendors often underestimate the time it takes to collect everything together, which can result in delays to both the due diligence process and overall sale. Luckily, this can be avoided – which brings us to our first top tip!

Top tips for vendors

To avoid a lengthy sale or any unnecessary delays during due diligence (which might cause tension with the buyer), make sure you’re as prepared as possible and have your paperwork in order in advance. Any gaps or missing information will only result in solicitors requesting the documents again, so it pays to ensure that all the relevant paperwork is both in date and correctly filled in. Likewise, it helps to use a filing system that is easy to understand – for instance, colour coding for each key area or different folders. The easier and more transparent you can make it, the less time a buyer will need to search through the paperwork to find the information they’re looking for.

The second piece of advice is to use a specialist solicitor who has experience in dealing with the minutiae of a dental practice transaction. They will be able to prepare you for what to expect and best represent your interests so that you get the most from your sale. It can also be useful to enlist the services of a specialist sales and acquisitions agency with a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes. That way you can rest assured that no stone is left unturned from beginning to end.

Top tips for buyers

If you’re a buyer, it is again beneficial to work with a solicitor that has been trained to deal with dental practice due diligence. Not only will they be able to handle the process on your behalf, alleviating a large proportion of the stress, they will also be able to deal with any issues that present – including potential discrepancies that might impact the viability of the practice. Apart from that, expect that there might be delays and you won’t be disappointed.

Key areas covered in due diligence

The last thing you need to know is what’s examined in the due diligence process. The main areas are:

Equipment – what equipment there is within the practice and details of ownership and maintenance requirements. This information can also be used by the buyer to calculate on-going expenses and future cash-flow analysis.

Financial reports – including practice tax returns and at least three years of profit and loss statements.

Property – evidence of building regulations, asbestos reports, risk assessments, energy performance certificates and D1 certification, as well as details of how the practice is set up.

Practice – proof of CQC registration and inspection reports, data protection registration and policies.

Employees – information about vaccinations, PAYE and NI, employment status, salaries and copies of contracts.

Insurance – copies of all insurances and details of any historical or current claims.

Litigation – details of any claims made against the practice and/or employees.

The next step

Essentially, that’s everything you need to know about due diligence; all that’s left to do is begin your journey. If you would like help with your sale or purchase, or wish to know more about what the process entails, get in touch with Dental Elite. The team has over 100 years’ experience between them and is renowned for providing a first-class service that achieves outstanding results. With their help you are sure to achieve the outcome you desire.

For more information on Dental Elite visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900

As we all look forward to a time when we can start returning to normal, it’s vital that you have access to the right information and support to help you get back to business.

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will deliver a diverse lecture programme to help all members of the dental team take the next steps. Sessions will offer business advice and insight into the latest clinical techniques, with moderated debates and discussions providing a platform for colleagues to share ideas and concerns.

The extensive trade floor will also provide a place for delegates to source new products and technologies to streamline their processes and enhance cost-efficiencies ready for getting back to business.

Register online for free today.

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 – 11^th and 12^th September–Hall 5, Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.

For more information, visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

For any clinicians with an interest or focus in orthodontics, 3M Oral Care brings you Viva Learning – an innovative educational platform dedicated to all things ortho.

The easily accessible portal offers more than 60 on-demand educational classes, as well as over 20 product tutorials. Whether you’re looking to brush up on the latest clinical techniques and concepts, or you want to find out more about the solutions and materials available to you from 3M, Viva Learning is the ideal place to do all of the above.

The wide range of topics cover everything from “Treating the mandibular arch in the deep bite patient with ceramic brackets” to “Self-ligation” and “In-practice Marketing”.

Registration is free, so why not join the 3M orthodontic community today?

Register and start learning at http://3mortholearning.com/training.asp