Month: September 2020

Henry Schein Dental publishes ‘Magnification’ e-book – everything you need to know about loupes, lights and microscopes

Henry Schein Dental has recently published a Magnification e-book – everything you need to know about loupes, lights and microscopes – all online in one place.

Being able to see the oral cavity in full focus is vital for diagnostics and treatment, which is why loupes, lights and microscopes are some of the most important tools in the dental professional’s armoury. But which treatments are best-suited for magnification and how do you choose the magnification tools that are right for you?

Henry Schein Dental’s Magnification e-book has the answers. This new interactive guide takes an in-depth look into loupes, lights and microscopes and the different options available. Discover the advantages and applications and what you should consider in order to make an informed choice.

Download the e-book at http://hsd-magnification.co.uk/ or to speak to one of the company’s magnification specialists or to request a demonstration, call 0800 028 4870 or e-mail info@henryschein.co.uk.

Foundation Nakao for Worldwide Oral Health launches new round of research grant applications

Dental academics and clinicians are invited to apply for research grants from Foundation Nakao. This is the second round of funding made available by this prestigious foundation since its launch in 2018, supporting clinical trials and research into important subjects such as minimum intervention dentistry and oral health of the elderly.

Successful applications will receive fully funded projects of CHF 50,000 per project in addition to wide exposure among dental professionals, the dental industry as well as the general public of each study’s outcomes and achievements.

Advancing oral health research

The Foundation’s first round of grant applications took place in September 2019 and six studies were awarded the honour of being accepted out of a huge number of submissions. Applicants represented the categories: government organisation, non-government organisation, university, research institution or other.

Foundation Nakao supports academic research and clinical studies contributing to its founding goal, which is the improvement of oral health and subsequent raised quality of life of all people around the world. Key oral health research areas address minimum intervention dentistry, oral health in ageing populations and the 8020 movement, tooth function, the prevention of oral frailty and dental IQ.

“The inspiration for the Foundation came from a topic that is very close to our hearts: the impact of oral health on quality of life. My husband and I believe that dentistry has a fundamental role to play in the health and longevity of people around the world. We look forward to seeing this becoming a reality through the activities of the Foundation,” said Makiko Nakao, President of Foundation Nakao for Worldwide Oral Health, at its official launch in 2018.

About Foundation Nakao

Foundation Nakao for Worldwide Oral Health was launched on September 21st 2018 in Luzern, Switzerland. It was made possible by Mr Makoto Nakao, former Chairman of the GC Corporation, who after 42 years at the helm of the company donated his privately-owned company shares to support this noble initiative.

The Foundation’s management board boasts a team of distinguished dental professional from four continents; Europe, America, Australia and Asia. They are Professor Reinhart Hickel, Professor Clark Stanford, Professor Macro Ferrari, Professor Eric Reynolds, Professor Keiichi Sasaki and Dr Kiyotaka Nakao.

Grant applications are open until 11th December 2020 via the application form on the Nakao Foundation website www.foundation-nakao.com/applications.

First episode of ‘The Probe Dental Podcast Presents’ launches with Dentsply Sirona

The Probe Dental Podcast is proud to present its first bonus episode, contributed by Dentsply Sirona.

In this inaugural edition of ‘The Probe Dental Podcast Presents’, Dentsply Sirona’s GVP Commercial EMEA, Gerry Campbell, discusses how technology has come to the fore during the pandemic and how now is a great opportunity for dentists to explore the innovations currently available. 

Listen here or search wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

 

To learn more about how digital technology can transform your practice or laboratory, tune in to Dentsply Sirona’s first webinar on 12 October at 7pm with Dr Nikhil Sisodia and dental technician Steve Campbell.

Subsequent webinars will take place on the following dates:

– 19 October, 7pm, with Dr Martin Wanendeya and Steve Campbell
– 9 November, 7pm, with Dr Eimear O’Connell and Steve Campbell
– 23 November, 7pm, with Dr Simon Fieldhouse and Jack Gleave
– 7 December, 7pm, with Dr Clive Shmullian and Martin Leca

For more information, visit Dentsply Sirona’s Let’s Talk Digital Transformation Webinar page.

The Probe Dental Podcast Presents: Let’s Talk Digital with Dentsply Sirona’s Gerry Campbell

In this bonus episode, contributed by Dentsply Sirona, the manufacturer’s GVP Commercial EMEA, Gerry Campbell discusses how technology has come to the fore during the pandemic and how now is a great opportunity for dentists to explore the innovations currently available. 

Listen here or search wherever you get your podcasts. 

 

To learn more about how digital technology can transform your practice or laboratory, tune in to Dentsply Sirona’s first webinar on 12 October at 7pm with Dr Nikhil Sisodia and dental technician Steve Campbell.

Subsequent webinars will take place on the following dates:

– 19 October, 7pm, with Dr Martin Wanendeya and Steve Campbell
– 9 November, 7pm, with Dr Eimear O’Connell and Steve Campbell
– 23 November, 7pm, with Dr Simon Fieldhouse and Jack Gleave
– 7 December, 7pm, with Dr Clive Shmullian and Martin Leca

For more information, visit Dentsply Sirona’s Let’s Talk Digital Transformation Webinar page.

EMS and the Swiss Dental Academy schedule Guided Biofilm Therapy events with new protocols

EMS and the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) are delighted to announce that their ever-popular Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) events are back on track, with new protocols to ensure everyone’s safety.

The courses are ideal for dental hygienists and therapists looking to offer their patients the very best in prophylaxis and to renew their vigour for dentistry in these challenging times, while achieving a financial benefit.

Currently, the SDA is offering the GBT Masterclass, a half-day of theoretical knowledge to develop strategies for periodontal and implant maintenance by looking at the components of the GBT model including AirFlow, PerioFlow and the advancements in ‘No Pain’ Piezon technology.

Speaking about her return to the seminar room, SDA trainer Fay Donald commented: ‘It was really nice to be back to face-to-face teaching again, and the delegates were so receptive to the style of learning and the opportunities that GBT presents for both patients and practice finances right now.’

The GBT protocol is based on individual patient diagnosis and risk assessment in order to achieve optimal results. The treatment is given in the least invasive way, with the highest level of comfort, safety and efficiency. This means that even previously anxious patients are happy to return time and again, boosting practice income on a regular basis.

Course numbers are limited to 10, in a space suitable to hold at least 20 delegates, so that social distancing can be easily achieved. The organiser will also be printing QR codes for track and trace, keeping windows and doors open, plus providing hand sanitiser on arrival and masks to whomever wants them. 

Faye is not the only trainer e happy to get back in the SDA saddle. Sally Simpson, Amanda Gallie and Christina Chatfield, alongside new recruits Anna Middleton, Lottie Manahan and Benjamin Tighe are excited to share their knowledge and love of the GBT protocol with others. 

Upcoming events* include:

  • 16 October, Birmingham
  • 23 October, London
  • 24 October, Brighton
  • 10 November, Exeter
  • 11 November, Newcastle
  • 20 November, London
  • 28 November Oxford
  • 11 December, Edinburgh.

For further information and to book, visit https://bit.ly/30lKZPh

* In the event of any local  lockdowns, a full refund will be given.

Janet Goodwin, RDN BA(Hons) FFGDP(UK) FBADN, passes away

It is with great sadness that the BADN has announced the death of Janet Goodwin at her home in Blackpool on Monday 28th September, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Janet began working in dentistry in 1971, and worked in general practice, community, dental hospitals and further education, including roles as Nurse Manager at Leeds Dental Institute and Qualifications Manager at NEBDN, for whom she also volunteered as an examiner and as Chairman – only the second dental nurse to be Chair of NEBDN.  She was also a Past President of the Oral Health Foundation, was the first dental nurse to be a member of the  General Dental Council  and a past Chair of its Standards Review Group, as well as a former Governing Body member of Nugent Care Charity in Liverpool, and a development manager for the Strategic Health Authority.  She consulted on management and educational projects with City & Guilds as Chief Examiner, and with Dental Team Qualification in the development and delivery of DCP programmes. 

Janet was a long time supporter of the BADN, having received her 25+ years membership brooch at the 2018 National Dental Nursing Conference from President Hazel Coey, who described Janet as “A true plain speaking lass, who raised the bar for all of us dental nurses, and fought for our true value to be recognised. She was always cheerful and had a cheeky sense of humour….always made us laugh! A true support and voice for dental nurses”.

Janet was also a recipient of the BADN Outstanding Contribution to Dental Nursing Award, a BADN Fellow and an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). Janet was an Affiliate of FGDP(UK) and had long served as a representative of the wider dental team, as a dedicated observer on the Board and a contributor to many standing committees, as well as Chair of the DCP Committee.

“Janet will be greatly missed” said BADN President Jacqui Elsden “both in dental nursing and in dentistry at large.  She was a great advocate for the dental nursing profession, particularly for dental nurse education, and for oral healthcare in this country.  On behalf of all BADN members, I send our sincere condolences to her husband David and family.”

Maintain the safety of your dental practice with Citrox® Protect

Many businesses across the UK are considering how to further ensure the safety of their staff and customers after reopening – dental practices are no exception. Keeping practice surfaces clean and disinfected is paramount to protecting the health of both patients and the dental team. Dental practices can take advantage of Citrox® Protect to help prevent cross-infection and facilitate the delivery of exceptional dental care in a safe environment.

What is Citrox® Protect?

Developed by leading British scientists from Citrox Biosciences, Citrox® Protect is the world’s first natural, eco-safe solution that provides a 3D microbiota barrier designed to protect non-porous surfaces from cross-infection. Simply spray and wipe the product onto your chosen surface to effectively combat contaminants.

Citrox® Protect combines silicon dioxide (SiO2) – otherwise known as “liquid glass” – with Citrox®, which is a natural anti-microbial agent extracted from citrus fruits. The SiO2 creates a barrier to prevent micro-organisms from being absorbed by treated surfaces, whilst Citrox® inhibits the growth of potentially harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

To ensure a highly effective result, Citrox® Protect offers multiple modes of action. For instance, it is designed to fill and seal the microscopic valleys and craters of treated surfaces, creating a smooth, hydrophobic coating that repels fluids for optimal moisture control. This also creates an anti-adhesive environment that can help minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Due to a formula rich in natural compounds, Citrox® Protect is hypoallergenic without being toxic, corrosive, oxidising, mutagenic or carcinogenic.

Moreover, Citrox® Protect is 99.9998% effective against a wide range of microbials, making it 100 times more powerful than other natural cleaners. Rest assured that Citrox® Protect has been independently tested against multiple bacteria, viruses and fungi to prove its efficacy and ensure it meets industry standards, including EN14476, EN13697 and EN13704. Citrox® Protect can be used to protect surfaces from pathogens such as MRSA, salmonella, E. coli, legionella, HIV, influenza A, and hepatitis A, B, and C.

Where can Citrox® Protect be used?

Ideal for smooth, hard and non-porous surfaces, Citrox® Protect can be applied to all high-risk touchpoints within the dental practice. This includes chairs, desks, treatment centres, worktops, taps and sinks, cabinetry, door handles, light switches, card readers, and various touchscreens (e.g. computer screens, televisions, tablets and mobile phones).

Due to high levels of wear and tear caused by footfall, Citrox® Protect is not suitable for use on floors as the integrity of the protective coating cannot be guaranteed. Any surface that is treated with Citrox® Protect should continue to be regularly cleaned after application. However, this must be carried out using products with a pH value of between 3 and 12 in order to maintain the quality of the Citrox® Protect coating.

Surfaces that are coated with Citrox® Protect are touch dry in just 20 minutes and fully sealed within 24 hours. Subject to appropriate cleaning regimes and acceptable wear and tear, Citrox® Protect ensures non-porous surfaces are protected for up to six months – the longest ongoing protection on the market. The chemical-free, non-toxic nature of Citrox® Protect means that the product can even be applied to food preparation surfaces, and is also safe for use on technology, as approved by Microsoft.

Leading cleaning and environmental service provider, Mitie, is already using Citrox® Protect successfully as a surface cleaner and protectant for brands such as Vodafone.

Commenting on this revolutionary product, James Gilding, Managing Director of Cleaning Services at Mitie, says: “As we tackle the challenge of ‘getting Britain back to work’, we need a multi-layered approach to safety and hygiene throughout a building. Citrox® Protect offers us a key weapon in our cleaning regime and enables us to keep hard surface touchpoints clean and sanitised on a semi-permanent basis, without the need to change a normal cleaning process. Additionally, the confidence that the product and the Citrox® brand give to our customers is a valuable part of ensuring people feel safe and secure in their working environment.”

Dental teams can keep themselves and their patients safe by using Citrox® Protect to treat multiple surfaces in various areas of the practice – from reception, to the dental surgery and decontamination room. With a powerful formula containing natural agents, Citrox® Protect helps to reduce microbial build-up on surfaces for up to six months, ensuring a significantly reduced risk of cross-contamination to support stringent infection control protocols.

Already protecting sites for: mitie, ASTON MARTIN, Red Bull Racing, EUROSTAR, BICESTER VILLAGE and Sainsbury to name a few

 

For more information please call 01480 862084, email info@curaprox.co.uk or visit www.curaprox.co.uk

 

Author: Richard Thomas CEO Curaprox  UK LTD

{my}dentist begins rollout of air filtration units across network

{my}dentist, the UK’s largest dental chain, is to invest in more than 2,500 air filtration units to reduce fallow time between dental appointments across its network.

The new units, which represent an investment of more than £1.25 million, will ensure that surgeries have at least 10 air changes per hour and the fallow time after aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) to be reduced to just 20 minutes.

This will mark a huge step in the restart of routine dentistry at {my}dentist, significantly increasing available surgery hours and meaning much greater access for patients and improved productivity for clinicians.

The rollout of the air filtration units across the network will be complete by mid-October.

In addition, there are a small number of practices in Wales and Scotland where {my}dentist is installing fixed ventilation to ensure that it meets the required government standard.

Nyree Whitely, Clinical Director for {my}dentist, said: “There is one overriding obstacle that is preventing more patients getting access to the care they need and our clinicians being able to return to their normal levels of productivity: that is the 60-minute fallow period that is currently required between aerosol-generating procedures.

“None of us know how much longer the pandemic will last, but it is clear that patients need our services now more than ever. The installation of these units will help us take a step closer to being able to support more patients and ensure our practices are among the safest in the country.”

Further investments {my}dentist has made in protective measures during the pandemic have included a nationwide review of suction in all of its surgeries, improving efficiency where necessary to ensure that all units achieve a minimum of 300 litres per minute as well moving to an increased level of wide bore aspiration of the aspirator tips. This is in addition to strict social distancing and hygiene measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

ADG: Children face ‘triple whammy’ of coronavirus dental dangers

Thousands of children could soon require hospital operations to remove unsavable teeth due to a ‘triple whammy’ of dental dangers, states the Association of Dental Groups (ADG).

Hospitals in England carried out an average 177 operations a day on children and teenagers last year to remove teeth, costing the NHS more than £40m.

Now the Association of Dental Groups is warning that lockdown will make the problem significantly worse as:

  1. Many children have stopped going to the dentist or been unable to get appointments
  2. Children are more likely to snack on more sugary foods and drinks while stuck at home
  3. Community oral health programmes for children have been interrupted

Neil Carmichael, Chair of the ADG, said: “Before lockdown, there were multiple operations being conducted every day to remove children’s teeth across the UK. Since then children have faced a triple whammy of dental dangers so it’s inevitable that things will get worse. When routine appointments restart, dentists could have their work cut out dealing tooth decay among children. In hospitals all the signs are that we’re looking at more operations than ever to remove children’s teeth.”

There is mounting evidence than millions of people have been staying away from dental surgeries or being unable to get appointments during lockdown. A major new poll by the ADG suggests that children in 50% of households across the UK have missed or decided against a visit to the dentist since lockdown began.

The UK already the lowest number of dentists per capita of any G7 country, leading to growing concerns that a backlog of care may well occur after the pandemic unless measures are taken to aid recruitment into the profession.

Dentists have also expressed concern over ‘lockdown diets’ including more sugary treats and fizzy drinks having an adverse effect on children’s oral health. One survey for a member of ADG found that 77% of dentists expect the ‘lockdown diet’ to have an adverse impact on the nation’s oral health. Other anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in sugary baking particularly at the beginning of lockdown and an increase in sugary snacking. 

Finally, dental professionals have expressed concern over community dental services which normally deliver child oral health improvement programmes through Local Authorities, which have now been disrupted. These are early intervention, preventative programmes in areas of likely poor child oral health.

Sue Jordan, Assistant Director, Oral Health Improvement for CDS-CIC, which deliver community dental services and oral health improvement across much of east and central England said: “Over lockdown 90% of our outreach to the most vulnerable communities in our regions has been shut down. In normal times we support more than 2000 young children to do supervised teeth cleaning and today not one child will be receiving that help. We have helped children as old as three who didn’t know which way to hold a toothbrush. They won’t be receiving that help any more or the structure that they need to prevent dental problems. They won’t be able to get that help until post-covid routines can be normalised either.

“All the evidence we have suggests that early preventative care for dentistry has a huge return on investment. We know that our work can save up to nearly £7 for every pound spent. After Covid, that bill will eventually come due with massively negative consequences for the children and the NHS. Dentistry really is a critical preventative service, the problems that get worse for these children suffer during lockdown can only get exponentially worse over time. we are going to have a real uphill struggle getting back on track when this is all over.”

The CDS-CIC work with Local Authorities, the NHS and other Community organisations to identify the most at risk children for dental problems. Their work helps identify and educate younger people in particular to improve their oral hygiene.  https://communitydentalservices.co.uk/

Data around number of dentists taken from https://www.nao.org.uk/report/dentistry-in-england/

Bringing confidence back into the dental practice

With dental practices open once again, one of the recent challenges has been giving patients and staff the confidence they need to re-enter the building. Much of the solution has been about optimising infection control procedures in order to minimise the potential risks of cross contamination. For the most part, relevant protocols in UK dental practices were already meticulous and highly effective. However, many have decided to take the safety of their patients and staff to the next level with air disinfection solutions.

Dr Duncan Smith – Principal of Duncan Smith Dental in Musselburgh, on the outskirts of Edinburgh ­– comments on his motivations for introducing air disinfection to his practice protocols:

“We sought an air disinfection solution in order to reduce the risk factors for our staff and patients. We also thought it could help to mitigate the fallow time required after AGPs – which is something we are currently working on.”

As with all technological investments, it’s important to do your homework before deciding which solution to purchase. This is particularly important with regards to air disinfection solutions in dentistry, given that the technology is so new to the industry and that several machines have been made available on the market within quick succession due to high demand. As such, a lack of knowledge on the topic among the profession, as well as the quality of the information being communicated about some of the solutions, makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of some machines.

Dr Smith was keen to ensure that he integrated only the best solutions into his practice. He therefore researched various air disinfection units available on the market and sought advice from trusted experts in the field.

“Some solutions on the market were flashy and quite gimmicky.” He says. “It was essential for me to be completely confident that any claims made about a product’s abilities were well-founded and backed by science. The quality of the technical support and service I would receive from the supplier was also important, as it would add to the value provided for my investment.

“Of the other features I liked most when doing my research, I appreciated the machines that were most discreet while in use so they did not disrupt my patient appointments. I also liked those that could be installed quickly and easily. In particular, I was impressed by those with a plug and play feature, as this would facilitate a simple integration process.”

Sharing why he chose the Novaerus Air Disinfection unit from Eschmann, Dr Smith continues:

“I had been very happy working with Eschmann for the past few months – the quality of their products has always been very good and I was very confident in working with the team. When I looked at the Novaerus Air Disinfection unit, how it worked and how reliable it could be, I thought it was a superior machine to the others we had seen. It was less involved in terms of maintenance compared to alternative solutions – all I need to do is clean a small screen in each machine every week and that’s it.

“The installation process couldn’t be simpler – just plug it in and switch it on. It’s easy to find a suitable location as the unit can be wall-mounted or placed on a worktop. It largely sits quietly in the background and is very unintrusive within the surgeries.

“In addition, the service from Eschmann has continued to be exemplary. All my contact with Eschmann over the past few months has been very favourable – everyone has been friendly, polite and informative from the salesperson to the delivery team, who couldn’t have been more helpful. I’ve been very pleased so far and would recommend both Eschmann and the Novaerus Air Disinfection unit to colleagues.”

At the end of the day, high-quality air disinfection systems offer more than just safer air with a lower bio burden. They also boost confidence of patients and staff, giving them peace of mind that they are working in or visiting a safe environment that has been designed to minimise any risk of infection. Dr Smith adds:

“For us, having an air disinfection unit in each surgery provides both our patients and staff with greater peace of mind. Our patients are made aware of our investment in their safety and both they and our team members appreciate that we have gone the extra mile. We are all very conscious about the environments we enter into right now, so being able to disinfect the air absolutely gives everyone more confidence about attending the practice.”

 

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of decontamination equipment and products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 875787