Month: June 2020

Dental Protection reassures members of support if unable to wear a fit-tested mask

Dental Protection has reassured its members that their membership and ability to request assistance is unaffected if they are unable to wear a fit-tested mask and that they can seek assistance from Dental Protection in the usual way. This reassurance follows several queries from dental professionals contacting Dental Protection in recent weeks concerned about their inability to wear a fit-tested mask for a number of reasons.

There may be legitimate reasons why it is not possible to wear a fit-tested mask, including for health reasons or because it is not possible to achieve an adequate seal when wearing a mask. Dental Protection recognises that for a variety of cultural and religious reasons, removal of facial hair and beards is not an option and in turn means passing a fit-test is not possible.  

The primary purpose of PPE, and in particular RPE masks, is for the dental professional’s own safety. For those who are employers, they would also need to consider the safety of their employees if they cannot pass a fit-test. Dental Protection recommends that members identify the overall risk to themselves, their team, and patients in situations where the fit-test has failed and ensure steps are taken to mitigate the risk.

Raj Rattan, Dental Director at Dental Protection, said: “We know our members are facing a number of challenges related to the reopening of practices and resuming of face-to-face care. We would like to reassure members that their membership and ability to request assistance will not be affected by the inability to wear a fit-tested FFP2 or FFP3 mask.

“The primary purpose of PPE and in particular RPE masks is for dentists’ own safety,” he continued. “We recommend that employers identify the overall risk in all situations where the fit test has failed and ensure steps are taken to mitigate the risk. These are challenging times, and as a profession, we may not know what the future looks like, but I can assure you that Dental Protection will be there our members.”

FGDP(UK) issues statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-racism

George Floyd’s horrific death and the events of the last month have highlighted the issues of inequality and racism that are present globally, including in the UK.

The FGDP(UK) is proud of its long standing commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. The diversity of our Board is central to its effective representation of the general dental profession, however we know that more needs to be done. We want to be proactive in addressing these issues in our organisation and in our profession. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and are an anti-racist organisation.

The FGDP(UK) represents general dental practices throughout the UK. The dental team is a diverse community of dental care professionals which includes many members of the BAME community. The term BAME is homogenous and describes a wide group in which the members have very different experiences. We are aware Black colleagues are a more disadvantaged group and do not have equality of representation and opportunity in dentistry. We are committed to addressing the impact of discrimination and believe this will benefit our patients and our profession.

Actions we will be taking immediately; we will:

  1. Educate ourselves about the issues that affect the various groups within the BAME community, and ensure our organisation actively promotes inclusion at every level. As part of this, we will review our ongoing equality and diversity training for FGDP(UK) Board members and educational programme leads to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and can implement positive and lasting change.
  2. Invite dental health care representatives from Black, Asian, Chinese and other minority groups to join a task force, to be chaired by FGDP(UK) Vice Dean Onkar Dhanoya, to identify the areas in dentistry which directly or indirectly disadvantage these groups.
  3. Collaborate with organisations and individuals across the profession to actively promote equality, diversity and inclusivity in general dental practice.

Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), Ian Mills (pictured), said: “This is an extremely important issue and I am extremely grateful to Onkar, and many other colleagues, who have had a significant role in influencing changes within dentistry. I am proud of the progress which our Faculty has made over the years to embrace equality and diversity, but it is clear that we still have significant work to do. The first step is to acknowledge that inequality exists within many areas of dentistry, and large sections of our profession are at a disadvantage in terms of opportunities and progression. This is particularly evident in relation to leadership roles within dentistry, where there is a distinct lack of diversity within many organisations. The FGDP(UK) and the new College of General Dentistry are amongst a number of dental organisations who are committed to influencing change to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all.”

FDI validation for the role of orthodontics in improving health and well-being

A policy statement published by the FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale) is welcomed by Dr Asif Chatoo, founder of the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic and the UK’s leading lingual orthodontic provider. Dr Chatoo praises the FDI for the  analytical approach it takes to the health benefits of orthodontic treatments in: ‘Malocclusion in Orthodontics and Oral Health’.

Malocclusion is the technical term for a poor bite and one aspect of oral health, also defined by the FDI. According to the FDI, there can be negative impacts on your health when your teeth are not aligned or when your jaws do not meet well.  The FDI statement on malocclusion identifies the problems that can occur. These are:

  • Gingivitis – gum problems
  • A build-up of plaque, leading to dental decay
  • Damage to other teeth in the jaw from a poor bite – weakening tooth enamel and potentially causing decay
  • A poor bite can also cause damage to the tissues of the mouth, leading to discomfort

Importantly, the FDI policy statement says: “By considering malocclusion not only as an aesthetic problem, orthodontic treatment can prevent and intercept other oral diseases and improve the quality of life.”

Dr Chatoo comments: “In essence, straighter teeth protect against serious conditions because the bite and the smile are critical to well-being, not just aesthetically, but functionally and holistically too.”

He went on to comment on the use of the word cosmetic to promote orthodontics. “In my opinion, the word cosmetic is over-used in relation to orthodontics. It’s true that treatment leads to aesthetic improvements, but far more important are the health and well-being benefits identified by the FDI, not least the widely reported improvement in self-confidence. ”

“It is significant that the British Orthodontic Society website does not make any use of the word cosmetic on its extensive educational website, except in reference to limited treatment orthodontics (LTO), which are marketed for cosmetic benefits. “

Oral health has been defined by the FDI in the following all-encompassing  way: “…multi-faceted and includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort and disease of the craniofacial  complex.”

“Bringing together these statements with what I see in my clinic, there is no doubt that improving patients’ smiles and bites has a substantial impact on well-being. It’s my belief that orthodontics should not be categorised as a cosmetic procedure but as integral to health. “

Stephen Price promoted to Managing Director of Takara Belmont (UK) Ltd

Stephen Price has been appointed Managing Director of Takara Belmont (UK) Ltd and will take up the role from 1st July 2020 as current MD Takashi Hoshina returns to Japan to take on an International role within the corporation.  Stephen has held the position of Director at Takara Belmont since 2006.

“During my tenure here at TBUK, we have achieved many things. We have enhanced the Dental product range with tbCompass and Voyager 111, which are now two main products in the UK market,” Takashi commented. “We have had to adjust our strategy for Brexit and today we are facing huge challenges with the Coronavirus, but we will come through this together and my new job in Takara Belmont is to integrate our international business in USA and Europe, which I am optimistic towards because of what I have learned from the UK in the past 8 years.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Stephen’s calibre and experience to lead Takara Belmont UK. Stephen has a solid understanding of our products and markets, a proven track record and is a strong communicator with deep leadership capabilities. ”

Stephen added: “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead.”

Upon his return to Japan, Takashi will be responsible for the business expansion in both Europe and the USA.

Safeguarding children

Professor Richard Welbury CBE will be presenting in the Core CPD Theatre at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show on “Safeguarding and why it’s a priority for the dental team”. About his session supported by the BSPD, he says:

“There is a huge amount of decay in our current young population. The diagnosis of dental neglect is relevant when you have identified decay in a young patient, who is then not brought back into the practice to complete treatment.

“I will focus on dental neglect, but will also discuss the signs to be aware of that could suggest physical abuse on the head and neck. Dental professionals need to know these because they examine more children in their working life than a doctor. They need to know what to look for and who to go to for help. We might be relatively new to safeguarding children, but we have a very important part to play.”

 

The next British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show will be held on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May 2021, Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.

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

Speed, efficiency and patient satisfaction

Speed and efficiency have been important aspects in dentistry for many years. The ability to deliver dental treatment in a short timeframe, without compromising on quality of the results achieved, benefits patients and practitioners alike. The advantages of maximising on both have become even greater in recent times, with many professionals looking for ways to really optimise appointment times as patients return to the practice. Finding the right materials, equipment and techniques is therefore crucial for all clinicians and their teams.

Patient satisfaction

Even prior to the events of 2020, many people sought efficient solutions in various areas of life. Modern society has long been about instant access – to information, other people, products and services, among many other examples. As such, most patients take a similar approach to their dental care and expect the same speed and efficiency in the treatments they receive from their dental team. Meeting or even exceeding their expectations for fast dental care that gets them out of pain or gives them the smile they’ve always wanted will lead to happy patients. They get the treatment they need, as well as the boost in self-confidence that comes from a healthy, beautiful smile. They are also likely to appreciate their oral health, in turn promoting continuity of their dental care.

Happy patients, happy dentist

Satisfied patients mean several benefits for the dentist. Firstly, patients who are happy with the service and treatment outcomes they receive and are more likely to return. Their trust in their dentist’s and/or dental hygienist’s ability to deliver the care they need and desire will encourage their loyalty and help build a reliable patient-base for the clinician. Happy patients are also much less likely to complain about the treatment they receive – in the litigious society we live in today, this provides one less thing for clinicians to worry about.

Practice endorsement

Of course, another consequence of happy patients is the positive impact they have on the practice itself. Many people recognise when their dental team deliver exceptional care and they will show their appreciation by relaying their experience to friends and family. Some will also leave a review on the practice website or social media pages. Their praise is seen by others and provides an endorsement that encourages new people to attend the practice for their own treatment. It might be the new age ‘word-of-mouth’ marketing, but it is every bit as effective for a successful business.

Skill development

In order to deliver fast and efficient clinical procedures, it’s important that dental professionals have the right skills. Regularly refreshing and updating capabilities in key disciplines will ensure that practitioners remain on top of the latest techniques and concepts in the field. On-going training is also a great way of discovering and successfully introducing new procedures and treatments that could further optimise daily efficiency. Digital technology is a particularly popular avenue in dentistry right now, with solutions designed specifically to enhance accuracy, predictability and speed in a wide range of treatments. There are many different training courses in this and various other fields for all members of the dental team to take advantage of. Blended learning opportunities have come into their own in recent months, so developing skills and unearthing new techniques has never been easier.

Material selection

With skills upgraded, it’s vital to use products and materials that reflect the standard of dentistry being aimed for. Take the restorative workflow as an example. Your technique could be flawless, but if you’re using a composite that requires several steps or an adhesive that’s difficult to apply, your patients aren’t going to be impressed. Unfortunately, humans have what is described as a ‘negativity bias’ – a tendency to notice and remember unpleasant experiences over pleasant ones, due to greater reactions to negative stimuli in the brain.[i] This means that patients will hone in on any aspects of treatment they are not happy with, likely forgetting the fact that everything else went smoothly.

Minimise the risk of negative experiences by utilising materials designed specifically for accuracy, speed and efficiency. For example, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative composite, Ketac Universal Glass Ionomer Restorative and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive from 3M Oral Care enable a highly effectual and simplified workflow. They are easy to handle and apply, optimising patient comfort, plus they deliver excellent aesthetic results in a wide range of indications without compromising the quality of treatment outcomes.[ii] [iii] [iv]

Efficiency is the future

It might have been a strange few months for dentistry – like many other industries – but efficiency and quality have never been so important. Thankfully, there is plenty you can do to deliver quick and accurate dental care to your patients by simply reviewing your skills, equipment and materials.

 

For more information, or to request a video call with your local representative, call 0800 626 578 or visit www.3m.co.uk/Dental

3M, Filtek, Ketac and Scotchbond are trademarks of the 3M Company.

 

Author – John Rafelt. After finishing his PhD in Chemistry in 1999 at York University, John worked as a food analyst at the Government research laboratories and an advisor on research funding working closely with the European Commission. John joined 3M Espe in 2002 and is currently Scientific Affairs Manager for the 3M Oral Care UK and Ireland region. John lectures widely on advancements in dental materials and regularly writes articles on the same topic for the dental press.

 

[i] Marano HE. Our brains negative bias. Psychology Today. June 2013. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/articles/200306/our-brains-negative-bias [Accessed May 2020]

[ii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data: Filtek One, Simpliciity – 2016, claim number 6809

[iii] 3M Oral Care Internal Data: Ketac requires fewer clinical steps; 2015. Claim no. 6326

[iv] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Easy to use, one application. Claim 4825 (2011).

College of General Dentistry appoints its first Ambassadors

he College of General Dentistry is delighted to announce the launch of its “College Ambassadors” scheme and the appointment of its first Ambassadors – the Rt Hon Sir Mike Penning MP, Professor Dame Parveen Kumar and Dr Shelagh Farrell FGDP(UK).

College Ambassadors are to be drawn from different backgrounds and walks of life. They will support engagement of the College in society, and promote its influence in the interests of patients, building trust and confidence in the dental profession.

Other Ambassadors will be appointed in the coming weeks, as the College works towards its historic, formal launch later in the year, Covid restrictions permitting. 

Our Ambassadors will help us to ensure dentistry is properly recognised for its importance as an integral element of general healthcare. They will support the College’s mission to develop public confidence in, and appreciation of the benefits of contemporary dentistry and the importance of oral health.

Chair of the College Board of Trustees, Professor Nairn Wilson, said: “The Board of Trustees of the College is delighted and most grateful to Sir Mike, Dame Parveen and Shelagh Farrell for accepting the invitation to become the first of what is hoped to become a number of high profile, influential Ambassadors from many different backgrounds. The Trustees greatly look forward to working with our Ambassadors in realising the goal of a College which gives general dentistry new leadership, fresh standards, much-needed career pathways and enhanced professional standing in the interests of patients and the public.”

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Mike said: “It is a great honour to be asked to be an Ambassador for the College of General Dentistry. We are witnessing technological advances in every area of healthcare and dentistry is no exception, so now is a perfect time to set up a new college to promote excellence and cooperation within the profession for the benefit of dentists and patients alike.”

Dame Parveen commented: “’I am absolutely delighted that the College of General Dentistry is being formed and am honoured to be invited to be an Ambassador. Dentistry should take its rightful place with the other healthcare colleges and have a collegiate voice in the health of the nation. I look forward to working with the College.”

“I am delighted to be an ambassador for the new College of General Dentistry,” added Dr Farrell. “When the FGDP was established in 1992 it was always the ultimate aim to progress the Faculty into an independent College. After 28 years this ambition is being realised – a great achievement for the dental profession.”

Rt Hon Sir Mike Penning MP
Following a career in the army in the Grenadier Guards, as a firefighter in Essex, running a family business and political journalism, Sir Mike entered Parliament as the MP for Hemel Hempstead in 2005.

He served on the Health Select Committee before being appointed as a Shadow Health Minister. Following the Conservative win in the 2010 general election he was appointed as a junior Minister at the Department for Transport. Subsequent reshuffles saw him serve as a Minister in the Northern Ireland Office, Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office before finally serving as Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence. He was appointed as a Privy Counsellor in 2014 and knighted for services to politics in 2018.

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar DBE
Parveen is Professor of Medicine and Education at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. She is a physician and gastroenterologist. She has been President of the British Medical Association, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, President of the Medical Women’s Federation, and Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians, where she also held the roles of Censor, director of Continuing Professional Development and associate International Director for Education. She chaired the Medicines Commission UK, was a founding non-executive Director of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and chaired the BUPA Foundation for Research. She co-founded and co-edits Kumar and Clark’s Clinical Medicine, now in its 9th edition, a medical textbook used all over the world.

She is currently the President of the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, chairs the board of Science at the BMA, is on two committees at genomics England. She is ambassador for the UK Health Alliance for Climate Change. She is on various advisory boards and charities as a trustee (including British Youth Opera, Barts Charity, BMA Foundation). She has championed the role of women in medicine. She has won several prizes and awards and was awarded CBE in 2000 and DBE in 2017.

Dr Shelagh Farrell FGDP(UK)
Shelagh Farrell was a Board Member of the FGDP(UK) from 1992 until 2017, serving as Vice-Dean on two occasions. Prior to that, she was a member of its precursor, the Advisory Board in General Dental Practice to the FDS (England) from 1982 to 1992, and a member of the FDS Board from 1987 to 1992. In recognition of 35 years’ service to the RCS of England she was presented with the first Faculty Medal of the FGDP(UK) in 2019.

In 1987 Shelagh was the first woman to be elected on to the Council of the BDA and has served as President of both the Western Counties and Southern Counties Branch of the BDA. She was also an elected member of the GDC from 1986-1991 and 1994-2001.

Qualifying in 1971 Shelagh was appointed as a House Officer and Senior House Officer at Bristol Dental Hospital before starting her own practice from scratch on the outskirts of Bristol. The practice expanded and so she took on an associate and a hygienist, and later on an orthodontist. Having studied for her MSc in conservative dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 1990-91 she became a partner in a multi-disciplinary practice in Reigate, Surrey and in 2000 was entered on to the specialist list of Prosthodontics. Today she is still treating referred patients in removable prosthodontics.

BDA responds to resignation of Tony Kilcoyne

The British Dental Association has thanked Tony Kilcoyne for his significant contribution, following his resignation from its board of directors (Principal Executive Committee).

Discussions were ongoing between Tony and the other BDA board members over how to manage his new business interest involving a dental screening company, an area of activity relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. The responsibilities of company directors are specific and sometimes restrictive. All company directors have fiduciary obligations to their organisations and one of those is to seek to manage potential conflicts of interest.

Tony was first elected as the UK-wide member of the BDA’s board in 2016, and was re-elected for a three year term in December 2019. A by-election for the UK-wide seat will be held shortly.

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said: “We are sorry Tony Kilcoyne has decided to resign from the Principal Executive Committee. Tony has made an enormous contribution to the board’s work and his enthusiasm and devotion to the profession have always shone through. As the BDA’s statutory board of directors and principal decision making body, all members of the PEC have a duty to account for and manage perceived conflicts of interest. In that spirit Tony’s colleagues on the board had asked him to agree to a number of conditions for his continued financial interest in and advocacy of a screening company, to seek to ensure that separation of roles was clear.

“Dialogue was ongoing to seek an agreed resolution, so it is disappointing that we now won’t have the opportunity to conclude discussions to find a mutually agreeable way forward. We wish Tony all the best and hope that he continues to act as a powerful advocate for the dental profession.”

CODE completes acquisition of Isopharm

CODE has completed the acquisition of Isopharm, which brings together the market-leading compliance platform with the largest provider of online CPD for dental practitioners into a single entity.

Established for over 20 years, Isopharm is the leading provider of online CPD with over 60% of all dental practitioners using their innovative solutions to meet the mandatory requirements for continuous development. The business also provides software and services for validation and testing to a broad range of healthcare providers.

Neil Laycock, COO of the CODE Group, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, saying: “The addition of Isopharm represents the next step in creating the dental industry’s leading solution for practice operations. The breadth and reach of the combined company is unmatched in the industry and creates an exciting platform for innovative services.”

Karen Penfold, Managing Director of CODE, who will head up the new combined business, said: “CODE’s iComply is already the most widely used solution for compliance management for dental practices in the UK. The acquisition of Isopharm will be a major addition to our recently launched solutions for people management in dental practices. The integrated solution will bring major benefits to our clients; from attracting new staff, improving staff engagement and retention, and ensuring skills and process compliance in a single solution”.

Founder of Isopharm Andrew Kemp joins the CODE management team, commenting: “CODE is the perfect platform for the next stage of innovative solutions we had planned at Isopharm, we are delighted to be joining forces”.

August Equity invested in CODE in 2019 and have been instrumental in the acquisition of Isopharm. “August Equity’s market knowledge, broad network in the dental and healthcare sector and prior experience in creating industry leaders has been very important in getting to this stage of CODE’s development, we continue to be excited about building on this start and extending the reach of the Group into more healthcare segments,” said Dr Sati Sian, Chairman of CODE Group.

Impressive knowledge and valuation methods

Dr Rushin Patel recently sold a dental practice with the support of Dental Elite and commented:

“We sold to a cash buyer who provided a fair offer for the practice.

“We chose to work with Dental Elite after hearing a talk by Luke Moore a couple of years ago and being impressed by his knowledge and valuation methods.

“We mostly worked with Phil Kolodynski and then Sue Humphrey. They were in regular contact and very helpful when needed.

“In hindsight, I wish I had considered opening up the sale to the whole market to see what kind of deal might have been available. I would therefore advise others to think of this in their own sales.”

 

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