Month: August 2020

TANDEX, brushes for every age

Children’s home cleaning routines are more important than ever before. A great routine is regular and uses the right tools and products.

Premium oral hygiene brand Tandex produces high-quality brushes that are comfortable to hold and use.

Tandex has the perfect toothbrush for every patient, from babies to adults. For supervised brushing that won’t be a trial, you can help parents select a brush that keeps their child’s mouth clean, to start good habits early.

Keeping your youngest patients in good oral health will support their general health and wellbeing. As part of your preventive consultations, talk about Tandex.

 

For more information on Tandex’s range of products,
visit www.tandex.dk or visit the Facebook page

We care

At Colosseum Dental, we stand by four key values:

Care

Entrepreneurship

Passion

Collaboration

First and foremost, we provide quality patient care. We aim to deliver the highest standards of clinical dentistry and we offer the training, education and support our practice teams need to achieve this.

We also care about our people as individuals. We aim to facilitate their career development and help them fulfil their professional aspirations. We appreciate the importance of their wellbeing and will strive to improve their quality of life through initiatives like flexible hours and our reward and recognition scheme.

Finally, we care about the communities we operate in and about being a good neighbour.

If you share our passion for caring and this sounds like the kind of environment you would thrive in, give us a call today!

 

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

The importance of support

For most people, the year so far has been one of challenge after challenge, with life once again proving that a curveball can come your way when you least expect it. The events of the last few months have emphasised just how important it is that there are people you can turn to for support. Whether you are in need of immediate assistance in the face of a crisis, or simply seeking comfort from those who care about you, having supportive relationships plays a critical role in your day-to-day life. Moreover, maintaining such connections is vital for them to be of genuine benefit. 

Effects on physical and mental health

Social support can build people up during times of hardship, giving them the strength and resolve to carry on and thrive. Its many benefits with regard to physical and mental health demonstrate the need for us to have a strong social support network, especially as a lack of one can lead to isolation and loneliness. This is associated with a greater risk of problems such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, diminished immunity, poor cardiovascular function, and cognitive decline.[i], [ii]

Besides alleviating the effects of emotional stress, social support can enhance self-esteem and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours.[iii] Research has shown that those with close personal relationships can cope better with various stressors, including bereavement, job loss, and illness.[iv] Furthermore, people who are supported by friends, family and their peers are less vulnerable to ill health and premature death.[v], [vi] One study of middle-aged men over a seven-year period found that those with strong social support networks were less likely to die than those without.[vii]

Types of support

There’s no doubt that the most supportive social networks can create a sense of belonging, security and community. Moreover, these groups of people can provide different types of support. For instance, you might seek emotional support from a loved one if you are feeling stressed or anxious. In other cases, close friends and family may provide instrumental support, which is important when you have immediate needs that must be addressed. You can also take advantage of informational support in the form of advice and suggestions in order to make big decisions or changes. In addition, appraisal support from a trusted mentor can be useful for self-evaluation.

When obstacles inevitably arise, it is comforting to know that there are people you can lean on to help keep your goals in perspective. Supportive friends, family, and other members of your community will celebrate your successes and help you move forward from your failures, providing the encouragement that you need to overcome any setbacks with determination and a positive attitude. However, support is a two-way street. Once you identify the people in your life who have your back, it is important that you focus on strengthening those relationships by connecting with them regularly and paying back their support.

Strengthen professional connections

A reliable support system is also essential within the professional community. Of course, you can confide in your close friends or family members if you are feeling overwhelmed about work or uncertain about the next step in your career. However, the level of support they offer may only go so far, especially if they are not working within the same profession. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers can ultimately go a long way to helping you stay engaged in your work and motivated to excel. Your colleagues, in particular, can be a valuable day-to-day resource, acting as a sounding board for ideas and inspiration.

 

Beyond your own workplace, you might find support in the form of a professional group or organisation that offers the chance for you to join networking events, where you can engage with likeminded individuals who understand the unique challenges of your field. It can also be useful to have a mentor you can turn to for guidance, insight and strategies for success. Furthermore, having the support of a trusted referral partner like Ten Dental+Facial can be invaluable, particularly if you are dealing with a complex or challenging case. By cultivating professional connections with others in your field, you could even forge long-lasting friendships that may be beneficial in your personal life too.

We all need somebody to lean on. Now, more than ever, support is vital in order to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle. In fact, a strong support network is more than just a source of comfort – it can also help you go farther than you ever thought possible on your own. As we dental professionals look ahead to the future, continued support for each other will be key in order to ensure we deliver the best possible care to patients, no matter what curveballs are thrown our way.   

 

For more information visit www.tendental.com or call on 020 33932623

 

Author:

DR NIKHIL SISODIA, BDS (U Brist) (GDC: 70616), Implant Surgeon

 

[i] Masi, C. M., Chen, H. Y., Hawkley, L. C. and Cacioppo, J. T. (2011) A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 15(3): 219-266. DOI: 10.1177/1088868310377394. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865701/. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[ii] Hawkley, L. C. and Capitanio, J. P. (2015) Perceived social isolation, evolutionary fitness and health outcomes: a lifespan approach. Phil Trans R Soc B. 370: 20140114. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0114. Link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2014.0114. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[iii] Mayo Clinic. (2018) Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[iv] Towey, S. (2016) Social Support. University of Minnesota. Link: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/social-support. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[v] Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan, C. A., Charney, D. and Southwick, S. (2007) Social Support and Resilience to Stress: From Neurobiology to Clinical Practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 4(5): 35–40. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[vi] Reblin, M. and Uchino, B. N. (2008) Social and Emotional support and its Implication for Health. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 21(2): 201–205. DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0b013e3282f3ad89. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2729718/. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].

[vii] Grav, S., Hellzèn, O., Romild, U. and Stordal, E. (2011) Association between social support and depression in the general population: the HUNT study, a cross-sectional survey. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 21(1-2): 111–120. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03868.x.

FGDP(UK)’s Ian Mills and Onkar Dhanoya on equality racial prejudice (S01 E02)

Ian Mills and Onkar Dhanoya from the  Faculty of General Dental Practice – better known as FGDP(UK) – join The Probe Dental Podcast to discuss the issues of equality and racial discrimination within the dental profession, which have come to forefront of general conversation thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Ian Mills is the current Dean of FGDP(UK), while Onkar serves as one of the Vice Deans. They discuss their own experiences and where there’s severe inequality within the dental industry, as well as how they both continue to learn. For more information, you can watch a webinar that Ian and Onkar both took part in in conjunction with CGDent, titled Why Colour is the Elephant in the Room, which you can view here: https://www.prodentalcpd.com/module1316/-black-lives-matter—experiences-from-the-dental-profession-

Listen here or search wherever you get your podcasts. 

 

For details on FGDP(UK), visit https://www.fgdp.org.uk/

 

The Probe Dental Podcast is presented by The Dental Awards.

The Dental Awards is the original and most respected awards programme in British dentistry. 2021 marks the 22nd anniversary of the Dental Awards, and over the decades, this prestigious event has recognised the outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment and drive continue to raise standards throughout the profession.

The Dental Awards is attended by over 600 clinicians each year. Winning, or being a finalist, is a tremendous accolade and provides a massive publicity boost to the profile of your practice and your team. After all, who wouldn’t want to be treated by the Dentist or Dental Team of the Year?

The Dental Awards are sponsored by B.A. International, Carestream Dental, Colgate, Coltene, Dental Elite, Geistlich Biomaterials, Simplyhealth Professionals, Sparkle Dental Labs, and Water Pik. The Probe and The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show are official partners.

For more information, please visit the-probe.co.uk/awards

 

For more from The Probe, visit the-probe.co.uk. Theme tune courtesy of Bensound.

Two high-profile advocates for CWF appointed to BFS

The British Fluoridation Society is delighted to announce that two highly experienced advocates for community water fluoridation are now working with the Society. Alan Johnson, former Labour MP and a Secretary of State for Health, is a Vice President and Barry Cockcroft, the former Chief Dental Officer for England, has joined the BFS council.

The Chair of BFS, Steve Bedser, commented: “Alan joins a long line of high profile social justice campaigners who have added their name to a BFS Vice President role. Both Alan and Barry have a great record as water fluoridation advocates. I am confident that both will be great assets to the society.”

British politician Alan Johnson was for 20 years the Labour MP for Hull West and Hessle where he actively supported the proposal to introduce water fluoridation. The oral health of children in this area is among the worst in England, making water fluoridation a ‘no brainer’ (1) he says. No longer an MP, he remains a champion of targeted water fluoridation both in Hull and nationally. Alan served in both the Blair and Brown Governments and was Secretary of State for Health from 2007-2009. He is now a celebrated author.

Barry worked tirelessly to introduce water fluoridation in Southampton while CDO (2005 – 2015). Supported by the BFS, the BDA and many other organisations, his impeccable campaign was ultimately successful at judicial review. Regrettably, the scheme was not implemented because new legislation – the Health and Social Care Act 2012(1) – was introduced at a critical juncture and abolished Strategic Health Authorities, consigning this important victory to history.

Barry says his commitment to water fluoridation stretches back to the 1970s.  Having been a dental student in Birmingham, where the water was fluoridated in 1964, and then moving to work in Coventry, he was also aware of the oral health benefits bequeathed by fluoride. “The difference was plain to see. It felt wrong that some children were given a much better start in life, simply due to a fluoridation postcode lottery.”

He recalls, as a young dentist, writing to a local paper in Bolton in support of a water fluoridation scheme there. Once established at a dental practice in Rugby, he provided regular general anaesthetic sessions for extractions of severely decayed children’s teeth and witnessed the devastating impact this disease can have. He is aware of how distressing it is for parents to witness their child experiencing extractions. Prevention was always a priority for him and the landmark Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit was commissioned while he was CDO England.

Of his new role on the Council of BFS he commented: “I have always been a fan of water fluoridation and being on the BFS council is a great opportunity to help move forward on this invaluable preventative measure.”

For more information, on BFS: https://bfsweb.org

References:

  1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0943-x
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_and_Social_Care_Act_2012#Medical_establishment_reaction

BSPD responds to the Local Government Association over the impact of Covid-19 on children’s oral health

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has stated that it agrees with The Local Government Association that there should be a resumption in toothbrushing schemes in early years settings as soon as practical and such schemes are essential to counteract the possible increase in dental decay as a result of lockdown.

Dr Claire Stevens, BSPD’s spokesperson, says the LGA is right to highlight the risk of worsening dental decay in children as a result of Covid-19 as well as the guidance that is now available on establishing such toothbrushing schemes. (1)  

BSPD is collecting the data to assess the impact of the pandemic on children’s oral health.  Prior to the pandemic, the figures for children having general anaesthetics for multiple extractions were starting to come down. This was thanks to the concerted efforts of many people, driving up preventive interventions and activities.

The cancellation of general anaesthetics for multiple dental extractions during COVID-19 will inevitably mean that hospitals are working through a backlog of cases once elective (non-emergency) procedures restart. There is also the possibility of increased dental caries in children, the result of being out of education and stuck at home with greater opportunities to snack.

BSPD would like to see children suffering from dental decay to be treated in primary care where possible, to reduce the need for onward referral into hospital. We have been producing resources to support GDPs provide silver diamine fluoride, a technique which arrests the progress of dental decay and may avoid the need for a general anaesthetic entirely. (2)

Dr Stevens commented: “As ever BSPD is keen to work with all stakeholders involved in the care and welfare of children to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on their oral health.”

Meanwhile, Dr Saul Konviser from the Dental Wellness Trust, also spoke on the matter: “Everyday we, as dentists, see a large number of children that require not just a simple filling but often multiple fillings or extractions which is often a result of consuming too many sugary foods and drinks. What is worse is that it is almost completely unavoidable. From the work that we do, we know strategies such as oral health prevention and toothbrushing programmes in schools and nurseries is one way of supporting this long overdue ‘prevention better than cure’ ethos. We now urgently call on the Government for more funding – especially as lockdown prevented many children from accessing a clean toothbrush and toothpaste.”

(1) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-supervised-toothbrushing-programmes

(2) https://www.bspd.co.uk/Professionals/Resources

BAPD announces new appointments

The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD) has announced a new member of its Executive Committee, as well as the appointment of a volunteer Equality Officer.

The Interim Steering Committee has elected Victoria Holden to the BAPD Executive Committee. Vicky brings a wealth of experience to the profession, and the association looks forward to her contribution and support for its mission and goals.

Sarah Buxton

Meanwhile, the BAPD is delighted to announce that it has appointed Sarah Buxton to the volunteer role of BAPD Equality Officer. Sarah has been a familiar face on computer screens during Covid-19, appearing in various webinars. She also brings extensive HR legal experience with her.

In other news, the BAPD has secured representation in a series of upcoming meetings with the GDC. Jason Smithson and Simon Thackeray will provide the voice of the BAPD, raising issues directly affecting our members. This will ensure BAPD members’ concerns are raised directly at the highest level.

Maximise on the digital opportunities

Straumann Cares Digital Solutions for dentists provides cost-effective, efficient and easy-to-use hardware for intraoral scanning, in-house milling and 3D printing. The comprehensive workflow helps dentists save time and improves patient communication and standard of care.

Providing flexibility, clinicians can choose from a range of 3Shape Trios intraoral scanners, providing highly accurate and easy data capture. The Straumann  coDiagnostiX™ software than facilitates the precise and predictable planning of implant placement, while the Straumann Cares Visual Chairside software ensures simple and reliable prosthetic design.

Finally, clinicians can chose to add the Cares C series robust and compact 4-axis wet milling and grinding unit and the Cares P series 3D printer to their digital workflow for ultimate versatility.

Contact the Straumann Group to discover how you could maximise on the opportunities that digital dentistry affords today.

 

For more information, please visit at www.straumann-uk.co/cares-chairside

See to preserve

When it comes to dental caries treatment, dentists strive to preserve as much healthy tooth material as possible. The EXTARO® 300 dental microscope facilitates this workflow by offering a range of breakthrough visualisation modes, including the cutting-edge Fluorescence Mode. 

This combines high-performance magnification with caries detection technology, which can distinguish between different tooth substances. As such, Fluorescence Mode enables clinicians to accurately visualise and target caries-infected areas quickly, thereby saving valuable chairtime during excavation. 

The EXTARO® 300 can further support treatment with its integrated HD camera, which can record still images and video footage for the purposes of aiding patient education.

Contact Nuview for further details. 

 

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

A complete digital workflow

Reap the rewards of a complete digital workflow with the new Primescan intraoral scanner and Primemill unit supplied by Clark Dental.

With the Primescan’s innovative Smart Pixel Sensor and dynamic depth scan technology, high-resolution images can be captured in seconds. The precision engineering of the Primemill also ensures restorations can be milled in as little as five minutes for streamlined manufacturing and reduced treatment times.   

Combined with the latest CEREC software, the Primescan and Primemill can be used to design and produce natural-looking chairside restorations, thereby facilitating single-visit dentistry.

Call the friendly Clark Dental team to arrange a demonstration.  

 

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk