Month: July 2020

Enhancing care through practice management

The heart of dentistry is providing exceptional patient care. However, to make this a reality, it’s important to focus on every aspect of the practice as a business. By evolving your practice management approach and taking a more holistic approach, you can help to streamline your business model, make daily dentistry easier for staff and, ultimately, help patients receive a standard of care that exceeds expectations.

But where to begin? The Care Management Platform practice management software from Carestream Dental helps make this new approach simple, seamless and stress-free.

Access when you want it

Do you routinely work on difficult cases and wish there was a way to easily access patient information, even when you are outside your practice? So many practice management systems can bind professionals to their practices as they do not allow patient data to be accessed off-site, but Care Management Platform is different.

As the software is web-based, it can be accessed by any device with an internet connection. This is ideal for professionals who are routinely on the go and who want to access essential data such as patient records and treatment plans at their leisure. As all of this data is protected in a secure off-site location by Carestream Dental, users and patients alike can have peace of mind that no data breaches can occur and that this information is completely safe.

This feature is especially useful as it means that you can prioritise patient treatment plans when necessary and not feel like you have to be in practice to work through a complex case. This will inevitably result in more streamlined treatment for the patient in question, and allows professionals to take a more dynamic approach to care.

Business tools to energise your practice

Running a successful dental practice is about more than providing exceptional treatment. It’s also about identifying trends, understanding business analytics and prioritising spending and promotions in certain areas to ensure that your practice remains ahead of the curve.

State-of-the-art business intelligence tools measure accounts receivable, patient volume, insurance claims, unscheduled treatment and much more. This way, it’s easy to see with just a glance any areas that need improvement or extra attention. This helps the well-oiled machine of your business stay running, as you can easily chase up any unpaid fees, pinpoint any treatments that are trending among your patients and devise relevant promotions and see the occupancy of all dentists at any time to ensure maximum income and efficiency. You can even use these features to compare multiple practices at once, meaning that regardless of the size of your business model, the software will still be able to give you a detailed, comprehensive view of how your practices are performing.

Making it easy for everyone

The Care Management Platform has been especially developed to help make practice management easier than ever before. Built from feedback taken from Carestream Dental customers, the software is designed to conquer everyday challenges by providing intelligent, intuitive solutions.

For example, it’s not uncommon for patients to cancel appointments at the last minute, leaving it tricky to fill this time and reschedule appointments appropriately. The Care Management Platform has a number of inbuilt workflows to deal with these scenarios which are designed to guide users through the optimal next steps to ensure that these setbacks don’t cause any disruption. This allows professionals to transform the customer service aspect of treating patients too, as it inevitably results in a stress-free, streamlined approach. The system also receives regular updates so it remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to learn and grow as users continue to give feedback to Carestream Dental.

In fact, the whole software has been designed to be as intuitive and as user-friendly as possible. Options are simple to navigate, and professionals can harness inbuilt workflows to provide faster and better services and treatment. Plus, as the system is so easy to use, it will inevitably save time that would otherwise be spent frustratedly looking for a solution or calling software support.

The software of the future

The only cloud-based software to combine imaging, workflow and anytime, anywhere access, the Care Management Platform is a unique and forward-thinking solution that helps practices of any size to flourish. Combining much-wanted features with an unlimited potential to continue expanding and innovating, the software is the perfect solution for those who prioritise patient care, but understand that a holistic approach to practice management is the solution.

 

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or

visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

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

The four ‘C’s of implant dentistry

For all dental professionals involved with the delivery of implant dentistry, there are many facets to consider in order to maintain the highest clinical standards and quality of patient care. The following are just some of the foundations needed to enjoy a long and prosperous career in dental implantology, no matter what role you play in practice, how long you have been working in the sector or what your career ambitions are.

Collaboration

Firstly, all dental treatment is about collaboration between professionals and patients, as well as between colleagues. It is crucial that the patient is engaged with their dental health in order to fully understand the need for and benefits of dental implant treatment, ensuring informed consent. This is also a vital aspect in the long-term maintenance of results, as only patient compliance with oral hygiene will ensure their treatment is a success.

When it comes to collaboration between professionals, it is necessary to utilise different skills and experiences within the team to provide the best care for each individual patient. Whether a patient is referred for implant placement and/or restoration, or an interdisciplinary approach is required to meet all their needs, seamless professional partnerships are key to a satisfactory outcome.

Communication

How is this collaboration achieved? With good communication. That means openly sharing accurate information to ensure all professionals involved with a patient’s treatment are kept up-to-date. This can often be supported by technology, which today offers a method of sending documents to peers in any location quickly and efficiently. Instant messaging and group chat portals also enable real-time discussions among colleagues for closer and more effective working relationships.

It is just as important to communicate effectively with patients. They will only appreciate their responsibilities in looking after their dental implant(s) if these are explained to them in the right way. Building a good rapport with patients is important, as this will enable clinicians and their teams to improve their communication and overcome many potential barriers to treatment acceptance and long-term maintenance.

Community

Through the tough times and the good, it is crucial for dental professionals to have a network of like-minded individuals to turn to for support. Being part of a community provides access to people from different backgrounds and with different experiences, who can offer invaluable advice and guidance on a wide range of topics. You might need help overcoming a clinical challenge you haven’t faced before, or maybe you’re looking for innovative ideas to help your patient enhance their at-home oral hygiene routine. Alternatively, you may be seeking trusted recommendations for new products, materials or training courses in order to advance your skills and treatment provision. Whatever you need, connections to the wider dental implant community will provide an opportunity to grow.

Congress

The ADI Team Congress 2021 combines all of the above to provide a not-to-be-missed event for professionals involved with dental implantology. All members of the dental team are invited, with sessions dedicated to each role to deliver relevant and first-class education for all. The unique selection of workshops, lectures and moderated debates will enrich the learning experience for delegates, providing an opportunity for discussion and encouraging everyone to join the conversation.

Entitled “The Great Debate: Current Dilemmas in Dental Implantology”, the ADI Team Congress will explore the latest evidence-base behind emerging treatment concepts. The diverse educational programme will include the main Plenary Programme, with industry-leading clinicians presenting their insights and opinions on a variety of cutting-edge dental implant techniques and materials.

In the Team Programme, dental nurses and dental hygienists can look forward to both combined and separate sessions, with speakers offering a wealth of advice for all to benefit from. The final combined session will focus on skill mix as speakers debate its safety and effectiveness in the modern dental profession. Add to this a dedicated programme for dental technicians, as well as the legendary Congress Dinner on Saturday night, and it’s clear to see why the ADI Team Congress is such a sought-after event.

All pieces of the puzzle

Success in dental implantology is a puzzle that requires several different pieces to get the complete picture. Aside from life-long learning and education, professionals need to think about how they collaborate with both patients and colleagues, how they communicate with everyone and how they utilise the benefits of being part of a community. All of these together will ensure clinicians and their teams deliver the very best dental implant treatment every time.

 

ADI Team Congress 2021

“The Great Debate”

6-8 May 2021, Manchester Central

 

ADI members will be able to attend the ADI Team Congress for discounted rates. Join today.

Montreal father removes daughter’s tooth using fishing line

In international news this week, several mainstream media outlets shared the story of a man from Montreal removing his daughter’s loose tooth using a fishing line. We’ll categorise this one under the heading ‘Don’t Try This At Home!’

The footage, as shared above, shows David Freiheit wrapping a fishing line around his daughter’s tooth before attaching it to a hook and throwing it into the water. His son then removes his sister’s tooth by reeling in the fish.

Speaking to Storyful, David Freiheit said, “Our family has a long history of creative ways of pulling teeth. We have done it by drone, squirrel, and today with the fishing line. I’m surprised it worked so well.”

Credit: David Freiheit via Storyful.

Clean and disinfect with OPTIM™ 1 wipes

OPTIM™ wipes will upgrade your infection control.

  • They clean AND disinfect in a single step.
  • They are fast, effective and versatile, with a one-minute contact time – surfaces must remain wet for the entire contact time to achieve disinfection.
  • They can be used on a range of surfaces including hard, non-porous materials and have been tested and passed for all common dental chairs.

With correct use, they will protect your team and patients against pathogens including COVID-19. Learn more here: https://www.scican.com/blog/2020/02/is-optim-effective-against-novel-coronavirus/

To try this market-leading product in your practice, contact COLTENE ­­– the developer and manufacturer of world-class tools and materials – today!

 

For more on COLTENE, visit www.coltene.com,
email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115.

Enhanced performance with anti-retraction technology

Overcome the challenges of contaminated aerosol with the innovative range of Synea dental turbines from W&H. 

Featuring a patented hygiene head with an anti-retraction system, Synea handpieces are designed to minimise the amount of aerosol being sucked back into the turbine as the rotor slows to a stop.

These turbines are further enhanced with an anti-retraction valve within the turbine itself, preventing the backflow of potentially contaminated water via the turbine’s waterlines to the central water supply system. 

Backed by exceptional customer support, W&H dental handpieces are the first choice for effective and reliable solutions. Visit the W&H website now to browse the full range.

 

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

Rise to the challenge, fast

As rising patient expectations and new industry requirements present new challenges for dental professionals, overcome at least one with the Pink Opaquer shade of Filtek Universal Restorative from 3M Oral Care.

The composite is designed specifically to mask aesthetic defects like amalgam, tetracycline and tooth damage.[i] Furthermore, it is simple to apply thanks to the long tipped capsule, plus it makes restorations quick and easy to polish to a high gloss for aesthetics[ii] you and your patient will be proud of.

If you’re faced with masking an aesthetic defect during restorative dentistry, rise to the challenge with speed and confidence using the Pink Opaquer shade of Filtek Universal Restorative from 3M Oral Care.

 

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

 

END

 

3M and Filtek are trademarks of the 3M Company

[i] 3M Oral Care Internal Data. Masking with Pink Opaquer. Claim 7393

[ii] 3M Oral Care Internal data, Polish. Claim 7349

Top of its class

Carl Zeiss is synonymous with magnification products at the top of their class, which include the EyeMag Pro dental loupes supplied by Nuview.

These loupes have been developed in close co-operation with dentists to ensure a modern solution that is efficient, reliable and comfortable for everyday use. Available as a stylish titanium frame or as an adjustable headband, the EyeMag Pro can be combined with the EyeMag Light II to achieve exceptional visualisation of the most minute microstructures.

Moreover, the EyeMag Pro offers a wide range of working distances and magnification levels to suit your individual needs and preferences. 

Get in touch with Nuview to arrange a demonstration and fitting.

 

For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266, email info@nuview-ltd.com, visit www.nuview.co or ‘like’ Nuview on Facebook.

Maximise efficiency and peace of mind in the short- and long-term

There are multiple benefits to effectively maintaining essential equipment throughout the dental practice. It ensures that technologies are running efficiently and correctly, supporting high standards of patient care while streamlining and simplifying the professional workflow. Regular servicing of key items also reduces the risk of malfunctions, in turn minimising the chance of disruptions to patient services and avoiding the financial and other costs associated with breakdowns.

That’s all true under normal circumstances. Right now, however, we are living through unprecedented times that have made it even more important to optimise efficiency and quality care. When the time comes to safely re-open your dental practice and start providing dentistry again, make sure your equipment is as protected from problems as your patients are from infection.

Immediate benefits

In the short-term, you will likely be focused on getting the practice back up and running to as high a capacity as is safely possible. This might involve reorganising previously communal areas to allow and promote social distancing, introducing new systems to enable a contactless journey through the practice for patients, or introducing new protocols that re-enforce your already comprehensive infection control and prevention processes. You may need to create new marketing materials in order to reflect the latest changes within your practice and in dentistry in general, or you may be rearranging staff responsibilities in order to cater for shift patterns or working from home for some members of staff. You will be doing all of this while trying to deliver the highest clinical care for your patients, who may have higher needs than usual due to delayed appointments and other disruptions over the past several months.

The last thing you want to worry about when doing all this and more, is whether essential equipment throughout the practice will continue working effectively. By putting a reliable maintenance plan in place before you open the doors, you can have peace of mind that at least this area of your business will be taken care of. It means that even the smallest of issues will be solved by a qualified technician, quickly and efficiently, minimising any potential disruption that could be caused to your already stretched daily schedule. Patients will continue to receive the care they need and your team can operate seamlessly, optimising both practice performance and profitability.

Some of these plans include servicing for the equipment they are designed to maintain. Considering your equipment will have been shut down for several months, a servicing it as you turn it back on will certainly not do any harm. Indeed, it would provide that little extra peace of mind so you can re-open with confidence.

Long-term benefits

Of course, the advantages of an all-inclusive maintenance programme for your essential equipment will last way beyond the immediate future. For at least the next year or so, minimising inefficiencies and optimising finances will be key to restoring business profits and securing the future of the practice. A cost-effective way of protecting against large, unexpected bills for equipment repair or replacement is a paid-monthly maintenance programme. A comprehensive package will help you manage your outgoings more efficiently as you recover from 2020 and prepare for any future ramifications.

Another long-term benefit of protecting essential equipment now, is that regular servicing and maintenance will prolong the lifespan of said technology. This not only allows you to avoid buying new capital equipment for your practice in the near future, but it also enables you to maximise the return on investment you have already made into the business. Plus, there are positives in terms of carbon footprint and waste generation when you are able to utilise the same equipment for longer. In addition, connecting with a team of product experts and making use of the technical support available with most protection packages means you always have the support that you need.

Getting back to business

When it comes to the equipment that keeps your practice running every day, make sure you can be confident in its efficiency and effectiveness. The AirCare Adoption Programme from DentalAir provides the protection you need to keep your existing air compressor safe, compliant and running as efficiently as possible – no matter what brand it is. You will gain access to 24-hour support, a swift national service and total peace of mind that your air compressor will not give you further cause for concern at an already difficult time.

As dentistry starts to get back to business, make sure your practice is ready for maximum efficiency in both the short- and long-term. Reduce the potential cost of equipment breakdowns and malfunctions by covering essential technologies with a reliable protection plan today.

 

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

 

Author Hayden George Contract & Sales Coordinator Dental Air

Campaign launched by leading dental bodies to drive ETW screenings as part of routine oral exams

Leaders of the Erosive Tooth Wear Foundation, Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, Dental Protection Society, and King’s College London have announced the launch of a joint campaign in partnership with GSK, the makers of Pronamel, to drive awareness of erosive tooth wear (ETW). 

Despite being the third most commonly observed oral condition, affecting up to 30% of European adults, and not requiring a drill to fix, UK research shows that ETW is currently not routinely screened or monitored as part of the standard dental examination. 

These leading experts are calling on the dental profession to use the basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) alongside the basic periodontal examination (BPE) as part of every oral assessment to prompt early identification and prevention. As it follows the same sextant approach as the BPE, BEWE can be conducted at the same time, therefore requiring little additional clinical time. 

Although the condition may have a slow rate of progression, the impact on aesthetics and function, as well as the financial implication of restoration, can be significant. According to a study by O’Toole et al., costs could be up to £31,000 for private treatment and the average treatment took 21 months. 

Reports show that the rise in snacking culture and the popularity of fresh fruit and fruit juices has significantly increased the risk of developing ETW, especially when they are consumed outside of meals. Odds ratios for example increase nearly 12-fold when acidic drinks are consumed on two occasions outside of meals, highlighting how modern diets and lifestyles have a substantial role to play. 

Dr Soha Dattani, Director of Scientific Affairs at GSK, commented: “Our modern snacking culture, coupled with an ageing population who retain their teeth for longer, means that ETW is a rapidly increasing risk. As ETW may have considerable aesthetic, functional and financial implications, there is a need to protect the patient and the professional through early identification and patient counselling for prevention. 

“To tackle the issue head on, we’ve gathered the UK’s leading dental bodies to jointly highlight the effects of ETW and the need to change the way we as a profession approach it. As a healthcare company committed to helping patients to do more and live better, GSK is proud to support and be involved with this important initiative and to lead the way on tackling ETW for current and future patients.” 

Reiterating just how common ETW is, Professor David Bartlett, Head of Prosthodontics and Graduate Training at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, added that its prevalence is increasing. “The BEWE was designed specifically for use in general practice, it is a simple tool, which can be used alongside the BPE, to help screen for signs of the condition and prompt preventative discussions with patient,” he explained. 

“The BEWE is a quick, simple and effective way to assess tooth wear and could undoubtedly benefit both patients and practitioners,” noted Ian Mills, Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). “Our profession is committed to delivering excellence in patient care. Modern lifestyles and eating habits present a range of challenges including the potential rise in ETW. Just as we do with caries and gum disease, we need to ensure that ETW is routinely monitored and patients are informed.” 

Nairn Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Dentistry, King’s College London and Chair, Board of the College of General Dentistry, explained how it is important that all practitioners are up to date on the condition and are assessing patients for signs and risk factors. “For more established practitioners this may mean a need to change well-established examination routines and update knowledge to prevent any future risk of claims of supervised neglect.” 

Dr Saoirse O’Toole, Clinical Lecturer in Prosthodontics at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, meanwhile highlighted how Patients are often referred to the hospital for treatment “It is because early signs may not have been identified and changes to behaviour have not been discussed with patients. Simple advice, such as limiting the number of acidic drinks you have and switching when you have them to mealtimes may make a real difference in reducing patient risk.” 

Diane Rochford, President Elect of the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, agreed: “As a profession, dental hygienists and dental therapists are traditionally identifying patients with adequate plaque control as an indicator of optimal oral health. We need to raise awareness that this is an exception, ETW generally occurs in patients who maintain optimal plaque control on a daily basis. Routine use of the BEWE alongside the BPE can efficiently and effectively identify patients at risk.” 

“It is important to record signs of tooth wear as part of the hard tissues examination and to monitor the rate of progression,” argued Dr Raj Rattan, Dental Director at Dental Protection. “From a dento-legal point of view, the records should also indicate the preventative advice offered and the patient’s compliance with that advice. The value of comprehensive clinical records in defending dental claims cannot be overstated.’ 

ETW becomes even more critical as many of us retain our natural teeth later in life, according to Nigel Pitts, Professor of Dental Health and Academic Lead for Impact at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. ““With more people retaining their natural teeth later in life it is critical that prevention and control of potentially destructive conditions such as ETW is prioritised.” 

Comprehensive educational resources for both the clinician and patient to support this campaign are available via the Erosive Tooth Wear Foundation website https://www.erosivetoothwear.com and www.gskhealthpartner.com. 

Focusing on the here and now

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show has been postponed so that you can focus on your practice and your patients. The next event will be held on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May 2021 in Birmingham, allowing time for the dust to settle before helping you to move forward.

When the time comes, you can expect everything the conference is well-known for, including a diverse educational programme, eCPD for the entire team, world-class speakers, an extensive trade show and copious networking opportunities.

Right now, we are offering all members of the team free access to the popular and growing ‘Back to Practice’ webinar library to help you re-open the doors successfully. Our monthly e-bulletin also offers with advice and guidance from key individuals and organisations within the profession – sign up at www.thedentistryshow.co.uk/newsletter-signup.

 

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