Month: May 2020

Reducing the dento legal burden during the pandemic

Sarah Ide, DDU dento-legal adviser explains that certain complaint handling and regulatory investigations have been paused or amended during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Practices across the country are rising to the challenge of providing essential dental care to patients during the Covid-19 emergency but this is uncharted territory with new guidance being regularly updated.

Recognising the need to lessen the dento-legal burden on dental professionals in the current situation, NHS complaints procedures in England and Northern Ireland, the UK Ombudsman procedures and the GDC have amended their processes. So how will this impact you during the pandemic? With routine dental treatment being on hold at the time of writing, patients may be disappointed to find their appointments postponed and complaints may arise. Good communication by your practice will help avoid misunderstandings.

If you haven’t already, update your website and practice answerphone messages to explain the measures you have taken to safeguard patient safety and explain how your patients can access dental services during the coronavirus pandemic. This should be in line with the guidance from the relevant CDO and local arrangements so if a patient does complain, you can explain that you are following official guidelines designed to safeguard their health.

The GDC has reassured practitioners: “Refusing to treat a patient when it is not safe to do so is a perfectly proper professional judgement, which we would not look to question.”

Complaints must still be acknowledged, including verbal complaints, which should be logged and dealt with if possible. However, it’s recognised there may be delays in responding to concerns about NHS treatment that don’t require urgent action. Of course, if a complaint is relatively straightforward to resolve, by acknowledging what happened and apologising, then you should still do so. For NHS complaints that reach the Ombudsmen, new complaints may not be progressed unless they relate to essential issues and existing complaints may also not progress.

If you are involved in a GDC fitness to practise investigation, it may be of some comfort to know that the GDC had pledged to keep requests for information to a minimum and to take “a pragmatic and reasonable approach” to investigations. Although the GDC will not halt all investigations during the Covid-19 outbreak, the GDC has said that it does not want fitness to practise cases to be a distraction for dental professionals.

Almost all fitness to practise hearings are being postponed, except in a small number of cases where there is an immediate perceived risk to patient safety. These hearings will be run remotely where possible.

DDU members can find advice on our website theddu.com about how to access our support and to deal with dento-legal issues during the pandemic.

The First Implant MSc in Scotland  

With the VSS Academy’s next MSc in Clinical Implantology commencing this September in Glasgow, we speak to Colin Burns about the training opportunities available to clinicians with an interest in the field.

 

For those looking to develop and refine their knowledge and skills in dental implantology, there are many different training and educational opportunities to consider. Choosing the right one for you will enable you to get the very most from your investment.

Dr Colin Burns, Chairman and Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) UK and Ireland, is passionate about implant and restorative dentistry. He is recognised throughout the profession for his extensive clinical experience, as well as his commitment to teaching and mentoring colleagues. He offers some advice about how clinicians can choose the right training course for them to advance their capabilities effectively and safely.

“If dentists are looking to incorporate implants into their clinical practice, they need to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge and skill,” he says. “It is important to undergo quality training and education. Short courses provide a good introduction to implantology, but I believe dentists need to go beyond this if they wish to effectively provide treatment for their patients. The exact training pathway can be decided and incorporated as part of the personal development plan. In my opinion, clinicians would benefit significantly from completing a full year course before delivering implant treatment on their own, notwithstanding the importance of concomitant mentoring. The diploma will provide a high knowledge base, while the Masters programme will encourage delegates to further consider research and the evidence it provides.”

Of course, an MSc in implantology will require a significant investment of time and money. It is therefore essential that clinicians can get the very most from it.

“An MSc teaches over and above a Diploma,” explains Colin. “Clinicians taking an MSc will be in a much better position to appraise the current literature and therefore able to make better decisions in their own clinical practice.

“Regarding when an MSc would be most advantageous for dentists, it largely depends on the individual’s background and surgical experience. I would always recommend that clinicians refer to the Training Standards in Implant Dentistry by the FGDP(UK) if considering the next step in their implant training pathway. The guidance is widely accepted in the UK and will help dentists understand what they should be doing before and during training. I believe that dentists need adequate surgical experience before starting an MSc, if they intend to use the programme to develop clinical skills. They should be relatively confident with surgical extractions, while also being comfortable raising a mucoperiosteal flap, removing bone and suturing.”

Renowned across the UK for high quality training and exceptional speakers, the VSS Academy is delighted to offer an MSc in Clinical Implantology in Glasgow, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The first of its kind in Scotland, the two-year course provides a comprehensive training programme that covers everything from treatment planning and case selection to implant design and biomechanics, the digital workflow, implant restoration and managing complications. Combining seminars with hands-on days and on-going mentorship and support from the world-class training faculty, the course includes supervised clinical practice to ensure clinicians can apply theory to practice safely.

Colin comments on what he thinks makes this Glasgow MSc course stand out:

“For this course, a variety of high calibre speakers have been brought in from all over the UK. The programme content is very thorough and ensures delegates are trained in the very latest concepts and technologies. I have been very impressed with what the lectures are covering. It is the first implant MSc in Scotland, so it offers an opportunity for Scottish clinicians to advance their knowledge and skills in the field without having to travel extensively. The course is also delivered at weekends to minimise the amount of lost clinical time. Held at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow, it is easy to access with good facilities, and there is a very relaxed environment that facilitates learning.

“Another benefit of this course is that it’s sponsored by Straumann. The implant provider has an established partnership with the ITI, which is one of the world’s largest research and educational organisations in implant dentistry. It offers a plethora of evidence-based research and training experience that provides a useful adjunct to any training programme. The Straumann implant system itself is highly-evidenced and the company is very proactive in education, delivering strong customer support.

“The ITI connection goes one step further with this course – Dr Fadi Barrak is the founder of the VSS Academy and also an ITI Fellow. We have very similar philosophies in implant dentistry, so I am very happy to teach on this course with Fadi.”

Colin leaves us with a final word of advice to ensure any clinicians considering the MSC in Clinical Implantology are able to get the very most from it:

“In preparation for this MSc programme – like any others – clinicians need to allocate sufficient time in their weekly schedules for reading and research, considering both professional and personal commitments. This is not something to do between patients or when you find a spare 10 minutes. Time must be dedicated in a manner that will give the greatest return for the MSc.”

The next cohort for the Glasgow MSC in Clinical Implantology with the VSS Academy commences in September 2020. For more information or to secure your place, visit vssacademy.co.uk.

 

For more details of all courses supported by the Straumann Group, please visit www.skill.straumann.com/en-GB/Home

The right fit

At Colosseum Dental UK, we recognise how important the emotional fit is to ensure future success. We want to work alongside vendors for many years to come and build on what has been achieved so far. That’s why it’s so important for us to find practices that share our values and behaviours.

We also take a light touch to integration – we’re not here to change everything and start again. We share our plans and listen carefully to any concerns or suggestions from the practice team. This collaboration is key to the Colosseum ethos: everything we do is in the best interests of both our patients and our people.

We are here for the long term, so we invest in both our people and our practices.

If you are thinking of selling and want to know more about how you could work with Colosseum, contact us today.

 

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

The New Contactless Dental Experience

Software of Excellence, a Henry Schein One brand and an expert in dental software, has announced it will host the Bounceback Virtual Dental Festival, a two-day online event, which will be held on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th May 2020-. #BounceBackDental

One of the most challenging aspects of the return to dentistry will surely be the ability of dentists to reassure patients that dentistry is safe by mitigating risk and reducing fear. The Bounceback Virtual Dental Festival provides an opportunity for delegates to listen to Guy Meyers, Customer Success and Marketing Director at Software of Excellence, who will discuss how to delicately balance the risk versus fear conundrum.

Risk is real. It was to reduce risk that the lockdown measures were first introduced, and it is relatively easy to manage within the dental practice, by introducing processes and ensuring the dental team is trained to carry out and enforce new procedures. Fear, however, is a personal emotion. It is often irrational, and patients worried about returning to the dentist need to have their fears allayed by concrete proposals for patient management, treatment protocols, and processes that will reduce the risk of infection.

Understanding the patient demographic of the practice is a good first step and will enable principals to empathise with the feelings of concerned patients. For instance, how many patients fall into the age group most at risk (i.e. over 70 years)? How many would be considered ‘vulnerable’ and what practical steps can be taken to alleviate the issues faced by these groups in particular?

There are numerous software tools that can be applied to help answer these questions and help implement practical measures that will reduce risk and alleviate fear. Most importantly, these steps must then be clearly communicated to patients, so they appreciate that their concerns are being taken seriously.

The New Contactless Dental Experience

Guy’s presentation will cover how to stagger appointments to ensure social distancing, how to set-up specific clinic times for elderly or vulnerable patients and how to send links to medical history forms and consents direct to patients’ mobiles so they can complete before reaching the practice, thereby avoiding touching paper, pens or tablets that have been used by others. Contactless departure and payment methods are also important considerations in helping ensure social distancing is adhered to and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Maintaining contact with patients and communicating the specific steps being taken to ensure their safety is a vital part of the re-opening of dental practices. Guy will take a brief view of the dental software technology that is now available to help practices create effective communication that can be sent direct to patients.

Guy Meyers is just one of the speakers at the Bounceback Virtual Dental Festival, which features:

  • interactive webinars
  • proactive training
  • scenario planning

This unique event provides an opportunity to share ideas in the crucial areas of:

  • patient communication
  • business and financial management
  • team development and human resources
  • the new contactless patient journey
  • marketing
  • mental health, and much more

There is also the chance to join a virtual networking social and Q&A with panellists at the end of the session on Tuesday.

Register now at https://bouncebackdentalfestival.com/ and gain access to 8 hours of CPD content that will help you, your business, your team and your patients plan for the ‘new normal’. #BounceBackDental

Software of Excellence is a Henry Schein One brand.

Part of something bigger

For dental hygienists, dental therapists and students of the profession, joining the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) gives many opportunities!

Not only does the Society represent the biggest body of the profession in the UK, but it constantly strives to have the voices of its members heard in the wider industry. This way, the BSDHT has continued to push the profession forwards and look out for the needs of its members.

By joining you can truly become part of the bigger picture and voice your concerns to those who listen. You will also receive a number of membership perks including discounted rates to events such as the Oral Health Conference, 24/7 support and access to the BSDHT Indemnity – a policy created with dental hygienists and dental therapists in mind.

Find out more today.

 

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

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

Explore the limits of all-ceramic prostheses

The BACD Seventeenth Annual Conference is already shaping up to be a fantastic event, with Professor Daniel Edelhoff introducing a unique dynamic to the speaker line-up.

Professor Edelhoff is looking forward to launching the first day of the event with a hands-on workshop focusing on “Exploring the Limits – Concepts and Long-term Experiences with Complex All-ceramic Rehabilitations”. He comments:

“The BACD Annual Conference differs from other dental conferences in that the Academy provides an important update on new developments within the field that are relevant to the professional life of members and non-members alike.”

Book your ticket to the celebrated Annual Conference online today.

 

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

The top considerations for every retiring principal

It doesn’t matter how much you enjoy your job, eventually there will come a point where you will either want or need to call it a day. When that time comes you will need to be fully prepared, because it’s not as simple as selling up and walking away. In fact, it is recommended that you begin planning your exit strategy five years before you actually intend to sell to give yourself time to set your affairs in order.

Planning your exit

As part of your exit planning you will need to decide how you will reduce your clinical involvement in the day-to-day running of the business so that you can transfer the goodwill of the practice to the brand. It is a delicate operation, as stepping back too soon or suddenly could cause a drop in profits (and, in turn, a depreciation in the practice’s value) so it is essential that the transition is handled with care. If you want to maximise your profits, you can use the time leading up to your retirement to examine ways in which you could boost the value of the practice, perhaps enlisting the help of a dental sales adviser along the way.

The other aspect to consider during exit planning is due diligence. You might remember that when you purchased your practice there was a process in which your solicitors investigated the viability of the business. Well, as a vendor it’s your responsibility to collate together all the relevant documentation for the buyer’s representatives to examine, taking care to ensure all the necessary signatures, information and dates are in place.

Business structure

To be fully prepared and confident that you are getting the most from your sale, be sure to review the structure of your business and how that might affect your final profits post tax. You might find that changing the structure will be more beneficial in the long-run, in which case you will need time to make the necessary arrangements. If you’re not sure about the options available to you, it can help to speak to an independent adviser, who will be able to explain the pros and cons of selling as a sole trader, limited company or disposing shares.

Financing your future

If done well, you should come away from your sale with some money in your pocket after taxation, personal loans, and asset and practice finance have been taken care of. That’s the hope anyway! However, as you can’t rely on funding your future on the practice’s profits alone, you will need to ensure that you have other sources of income in place. But first, you need to figure out how much you will need to save in order to live comfortably during retirement – as well as what you can afford – as that will determine how much you put into your pension pot. Again, it can help to use an expert adviser as they will be able to come up with a realistic retirement plan, but generally the best piece of advice for any principal is to start saving as soon as possible. This is because if initiated early enough you should only need to put away 12-15 per cent of your salary, but if left too late that number will potentially be a lot higher, putting a strain on your cashflow.

Remember, though, your pension isn’t the only place you can invest money into for your future – there are also Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), Government Backed National Savings and Investments (such as premium bonds), and Stocks and Shares. Property can also be a great way of squirrelling away money for the future, which is worth bearing in mind if you are looking to create a portfolio of investments.

Tax

The other aspect of retirement you need to give thought to is tax (unfortunately, the tax man doesn’t stop knocking at your door just because you’ve stopped working). For your pension, tax won’t apply if you stay within the Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance, which are £40,000 and £1,073 million for 2020/21, but you may owe tax on your other savings vehicles if they exceed the Personal Allowance. There are also things like Inheritance Tax to think about if you plan on leaving your estate to loved ones and it’s worth above the nil rate band of £325,000. There are ways to mitigate this cost (for instance, setting up a trust fund for assets to be paid into so that they don’t form part of the estate) but it’s always best to consult an adviser to make sure what you’re doing is the best possible solution.

Where to get help

Ultimately, selling a practice and planning for retirement is a complex task that should not be undertaken lightly, especially if you want to reap the best rewards. Should you need help along the way, you can turn to the award-winning Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) at money4dentists. Working closely with its sister companies, money4dentists is well placed to help you with financial planning as well as legal, sales and accounting matters, and will ensure that no stone is left unturned.

 

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

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

A brilliant finish

With the BRILLIANT EverGlow® next generation universal composite it is possible to achieve a brilliant finish in anterior and posterior restorations every time, making it a popular choice with general dentists and restorative specialists alike.

The material’s secret? Its sophisticated and innovative filler composition, which has been developed with a special focus on high, long-lasting gloss, shade aesthetics and handling convenience.

Together with the BRILLIANT EverGlow’s® high abrasion resistance, smooth consistency and high compressive strength achieving quality results has never been so easy.

For help perfecting your brilliant finish, ask COLTENE about the BRILLIANT EverGlow® universal composite.

 

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

BDA blasts GDC as ARF remains unchanged during Covid-19 crisis

Following today’s announcement from the General Dental Council (GDC) that it will not make changes to the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) levels or introduce an emergency payment scheme to allow registrants to pay by instalments, the British Dental Association (BDA) has published an open letter to the Chair of the Council, Bill Moyes.

With the profession now facing grave financial uncertainty the BDA has lamented failure by the regulator to show flexibility to colleagues, some of whom have seen their incomes fall to zero. It has also called for much-needed transparency in the process for setting the ARF. The GDC retains a budget operating surplus and significant reserves.

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said: “Despite recognising the dire financial circumstances in which many practices and individual registrants find themselves, the GDC has not seen fit to provide even token support, citing no fundamental change to the work it does and the little financial impact the move would have on registrants. Greater transparency into the reasoning behind this decision would have been the very least response registrants should have received. But the message we are left with is ‘we need all the money and whatever we could do won’t really help you much’.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the GDC said: “The real solution to these issues is to achieve a safe return to treating patients – a goal we all share, and all have a part to play in. But while that remains uncertain, we still have to carry out our legal duties and we need to ensure that we have the financial resilience to do so. Our free reserves provide only limited cover and it would not be prudent to run them down. We know that the decisions not to reduce the ARF further, or to introduce an emergency instalment scheme, will not be welcome ones and they were not reached easily or lightly. But we continue to believe they were the right ones to take.”

Increased productivity

Are you looking for a more cost-efficient way of reprocessing your dental handpieces? W&H offers a solution with the innovative Assistina TWIN.

This intelligently designed unit features two chambers that can be used alternately for non-stop loading. Moreover, each processing chamber can be equipped with corresponding adaptors to suit your requirements – whether for the maintenance of handpieces, air scalers or air motors – without the risk of aerosol.

With cutting-edge nebulisation technology, the Assistina TWIN is capable of oiling all gearing components and cleaning spray channels in just 10 seconds per handpiece. At this rate, clinicians can process up to 360 instruments per hour to ensure a more streamlined and productive workflow.

 

To find out more visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email office.uk@wh.com