We all know that building trust between professionals and patients is the way to truly succeed in dentistry. After all, this bond between professional and patient is something that impacts many aspects of how we provide care, and can make a considerable difference to how our patients view us and the services we provide.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s likely that some patients will be experiencing trust issues concerning visiting the dentist and the safety of doing so. As such, it’s important for professionals to examine the role of trust in their practices and to try to build this all-important connection with patients both old and new.

Why is trust so important?

Think of it this way: you definitely wouldn’t visit a garage you don’t trust with your car, so why would patients visit a dentist they don’t trust with their health? The very foundation of trust is being able to make a patient feel safe, secure and like they are receiving the very best treatment in your practice, otherwise they are likely to not visit at all and look elsewhere.

Of course, there will be those patients who come regardless, but there are deeper levels of trust that need to be considered. One area where this relationship between patient and professional is most important is treatment acceptance.

To revisit the garage analogy, you could argue that you would be happy for someone you don’t have a strong bond of trust with to do a general MOT or minor repair on your car, but you certainly wouldn’t want to accept any suggested upgrades or new features, especially if these are expensive. Therefore, building trust is not only worthwhile because it encourages patients to say yes to treatments that can considerably improve their lives, but also because this is likely to be a more affluent route for your practice too. It has been suggested that up to 85% of treatment acceptance stems from a dentist’s ability to connect with their patients, so this is definitely something to consider.[i]

But how can you rebuild trust in uncertain times?

Patient safety is a top priority

We can all agree that one of the most substantial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic is how it alerted people to the importance of infection control. With measures constantly changing, there’s every chance that some patients will be anxious about venturing out to receive dental treatment, especially if they are unsure whether it is safe to do so.

In this situation, information is key. Your practice will already have all of the government measures and protocols in place, but it’s a good idea to make this very clear on all websites, social media and other resources to help put minds at ease. Furthermore, it’s a good opportunity to send out an email to patients explaining the new safety measures. You can use this to inform and encourage them to contact you if they have any further questions – this opens a good channel of communication that you can use to build trust with them in a more personal way.

Advertising these safety measures and how they’ve been implemented is also a good method to draw in some new patients if you are looking to expand your books. Patients will likely be on the alert to see how dentists have reacted to the pandemic, and making details of how your practice has responded clear and accessible will work in your favour.

Keep things clear

So, imagine a patient has come to the practice for the first time since the new safety measures have been introduced. It’s probable that they will be full of questions such as when should they remove their mask? What are the social distancing measures in place? Can they remove their coat and put it somewhere?

I know these sound like basic questions, but you’d be surprised at how not knowing the answers can put people on edge, making for a tense, unhappy visit where they don’t know what’s going on and don’t feel safe. As such it’s a good idea to look into ways to combat these as best as possible.

With the new restrictions in place, signage and leaflets are not really a viable choice. The best idea is to share this information among the team so that everyone is prepared to answer any questions that patients may have. This way, you can hopefully keep patients informed and safe by letting them know what to do, where to go and how to act once they are in practice. This will inevitably help them have a less stressful experience, helping you to build bonds with them more effectively and keep the trust strong.

Silver linings in strange times

At the end of the day, it’s a difficult time in dentistry, which is why we need to prioritise core values such as trust, communication and that all-important bond between patients and professionals. By doing so, you’re showing your patients how much you value them, encouraging them to come back, pandemic or not.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk

[i] Dentistry IQ. Extending Trust – The Key to Dental Case Acceptance. Link: https://www.dentistryiq.com/practice-management/patient-relationships/article/16350433/communicating-trust-the-key-to-dental-case-acceptance [Last accessed July 2020].

Many GDPs are currently re-evaluating their workflows to see in a post-COVID-19 world whether digital solutions would benefit them and their patients. For the vast majority, the short answer is ‘yes they will!’

Intra-oral scanners already afford several advantages, including:

• Consistently accurate impressions
• Shorter treatment times
• Greater patient comfort, treatment uptake and satisfaction
• Increased daily efficiency

Digital impressions provide another massive benefit – optimised infection control for staff and patients. Analogue impressions can present a significant biohazard risk. They are covered with saliva and possibly blood; pathogens have an opportunity to develop while the impression is transported to the lab; microorganisms can be transferred to plaster models; and there are multiple touchpoints for an enhanced contamination risk.

Digital files virtually eliminate all these cross-contamination risks for minimum human interference and maximum peace of mind. Plus, reduced time, money and hassle is required by staff to ensure quality infection control protocols.

Not all intra-oral scanners were made equal

The right choice of digital technology is imperative for optimal biosafety within the dental practice.

For example, some intra-oral scanners use air-based anti-fogging features. This not only presents a risk of hypersensitivity, but it also increases the risk of airborne transmission of any pathogens within the oral cavity.

Instead, consider using digital solutions that utilise heat-based technologies. These improve patient comfort and enhance anti-fogging capabilities, scan speed and user experience, while minimising potential airborne transmission of microorganisms. Industry-leading products like the Trios^® intra-oral scanner from 3Shape are designed with this in mind.

Seamless integration into your workflow

For GDPs looking to streamline their orthodontic workflow at the same time as minimising the cross-contamination risks, the Trios intra-oral scanner and ClearCorrect^® system from the Straumann Group is all you will need. The Trios scanner integrates seamlessly with the ClearCorrect doctor portal for simple case submission and enables a ClearCorrect treatment simulation to increase uptake from patients.

The technology can be directly connected to the Straumann^® coDiagnostiX^® implant planning software, also integrates with the Straumann^® Cares^® chairside milling and 3D printing units, meaning you can achieve superior results, faster.

A powerful partnership

With the coming together of these two leading brands, you can have total confidence in the quality, predictability, efficiency and flexibility of the services you provide your patients.

The Straumann Group has long been renowned for the quality of its products, but also the quality of its customer service. There is always a trained professional at the end of the phone or email to offer any information and advice that you need to maximise on all the potential benefits of each solution you introduce into your workflow.

In addition, 3Shape is recognised globally for the exceptional quality of Trios intra-oral scanners, providing unprecedented detail replication for superior diagnostics, treatment planning and clinical outcomes.

Flexible finance

Of course, we appreciate that businesses are still recovering from several months of closure. To help optimise your finances for the best chance of investing effectively in your future, there are a few options available.

You might consider the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) available from the Government, if you haven’t already. This offers a loan of up to £50,000, or 25% of your practice turnover. There is no interest to pay for the initial 12 months, after which the interest rate is set at 2.5% per annuum for the next 6 years. This could be just the boost you need to invest in the digital technology that will secure the future of your practice.

In addition, the Straumann Group offers various finance options to make purchasing your essential equipment that much easier. For instance, you can choose to delay repayments for up to 3 months so you can generate positive cash flow from day one.

Invest in your future

Digital technology offers an array of advantages for GDPs and their patients. Right now, we may be more focused on the positive impact on infection control, but this will remain a benefit far beyond our current situation.

Enhance your orthodontic offerings today – ClearCorrect clear aligners are made even better with Trios. Now you can benefit from a simplified workflow with seamless integration, as well as improved efficiency, precise engineering and ultimate flexibility. Make the most of ClearCorrect with Trios.

For more information on the seamless integration between ClearCorrect^® and Trios^®, visit: http://info.clearcorrect.com/3shape

Almost everyone has taken a hit financially this year in some form or another. How much you were affected will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal wealth and your previous approach to financial planning. Whatever position you find yourself in as we climb our way up and out of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will likely be ways in which you can optimise your finances and protect your future. This applies to both your personal and professional circumstances. With most practices now open again and many returning to more routine dentistry, it is an ideal time to review your situation and make improvements where you can.

Personal life first

It’s important to really understand your unique financial situation before attempting to make any changes. To do this, you’ll need to assess your income and all your expenses – starting with the regular monthly costs and then factor in less frequent expenses for accurate calculations. When you see all your outgoings in one place, it can help you to realise where you spend your money. There may be a few surprises, but these often present the easiest opportunities to cut back on your expenditure without any major sacrifices. In particular, look for unused or multiple gym memberships, subscriptions you no longer want, insurances that unnecessarily duplicate cover on valued belongings, or expired contracts for anything from your TV to your phone that have resulted in needlessly high charges.

In many cases, it can help to simplify your expenses by automating your bills and your monthly banking. Signing up to direct debits or standing orders can make it easier to budget every month and to boost your savings. These are generally very easy to set up, especially if you already use online banking services.

However, it is not just the small expenses that you should consider. One of the largest monthly payments most adults make will be their mortgage – with interest rates currently at an all-time low of 0.1%, this could present an opportunity to re-negotiate the terms of your arrangement. This interest rate could also be beneficial regarding any personal loans you currently have outstanding.

Like most things in life, a positive for some people may be less positive for others. The drop in interest rate is not such good news for savings. This, coupled with continued economic instability and uncertainty, has also caused a somewhat volatile stock market. Fluctuations in share prices will impact various businesses, including those that manage pensions. It’s important to assess your personal situation and to not panic about small and frequent changes to your pension value. Instead, focus on the bigger picture. In addition, be wary of scams – counterfeit providers will take advantage of the increased uncertainty and anxiety among the population to sell scams right now. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You may need to seek support of an expert in the field to ensure you make the right decisions for you.

In the workplace

In light of the aforementioned changes to the base interest rate, this is an excellent time to re-negotiate your practice finances. Contact your lenders and/or banks to see if there is anything you can do to improve the current arrangements you have in place. This might involve adjusting repayment amounts or making the most of support packages they are offering.

You should also look into whether you or your practice are eligible for Research & Development tax credits, if you haven’t already. These have previously been widely under-used, yet can offer significant financial benefits to many limited companies that are involved in some kind of R&D.

Other areas to review in terms of professional finances are your costs for travelling to and from work and the lab fees you pay – are you currently getting value for money and are there any other options available? In addition, there are various product promotions in the market right now with several dental suppliers doing what they can to support their customers’ return to practice. Utilising these could further streamline your professional expenses and optimise your earning capacity.

Finally, for principals, how you pay yourself (salary and/or dividends) may need reviewing as there may be a more efficient way of generating personal income given the current situation.

Get your ducks in a good row

With so many potential areas to streamline and optimise your finances, it’s important that you get your ducks in a row – and in the right row for you. This has always been done best with the support of experts, which is even more appropriate given the greater complexities of our circumstances today. To make sure you are maximising on any opportunities available to you, just give the experienced team of IFAs at money4dentists a call.

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

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

If you’re looking to work for a dental provider who supports you and recognises your dedication to excellent patient care, join the family at Colosseum Dental. We work hard to ensure all our associates have the training, facilities and opportunities they need to maintain high clinical standards and progress in their careers.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our associates said recently about working with us:

“Excellent support from head office. All provide exceptional leadership, guidance and advice.”

“I feel comfortable at work, enjoy it and I’m recognised for my effort.” 

“The leadership team is very approachable and have made the effort to get to know me personally. This is unique and highly commendable.”

“Funding goes into equipment and the dentist rather than back into the organisation therefore care can always be provided.”

Find out more about joining us today!

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

Jonathan Fitzpatrick is a dentist at Millersneuk Dental Practice, Glasgow. He uses COLTENE’s BRILLIANT EverGlow™ universal composite.

“COLTENE’s BRILLIANT EverGlow™ handles fantastically, is efficiently manipulated and holds its shape. Its aesthetics are excellent and the material has the ability to blend in and mirror the optical properties of a natural tooth extremely well, too.

“It also polishes to a high gloss finish very easily, meaning both me and my patients are delighted with the long-term aesthetics of their restorations.”

A versatile shade system with good wettability and smooth consistency, why not try COLTENE’s BRILLIANT EverGlow™ in your practice?

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

Dr Ashish B. Parmar shares his thoughts on the benefits of the T-Scan™, available from Clark Dental:  

“The key feature of this technology is that, unlike articulating paper, it can measure the timing and force of a bite. This is the best way of checking that a patient’s occlusion is balanced and comfortable, enabling you to ensure a long-lasting restoration.

“I would 100% recommend the T-Scan™ in conjunction with articulating paper. It is a very accurate and visual tool for checking patients’ occlusion. The technology is really easy for dentists to learn how to use and implement. In terms of communication, the T-Scan™ can also demonstrate to patients where the problems are with their bite, which is a major USP for dental practices.”

For more information contact Clark Dental on 01270 613750, email info@clarkdentalsales.co.uk or visit www.clarkdentalsales.co.uk

Do you use prismatic dental loupes? If so, you could benefit from the Nuview Loupe and Light Visor System, which has been developed by Nuview to provide a cost-effective solution to the current increased PPE requirements.

The Nuview Loupe and Light Visor System has been designed for use with frame-mounted loupe/light combinations. The extended nature of the visor area – whilst complying with EN166:2001 requirements – provides sufficient space to accommodate most types of loupes, including prismatic loupes with a front-mounted light.

With an adjustable foam-padded headband for maximum comfort, the Nuview Loupe and Light Visor System offers a superior quality visor to ensure optimal clarity.

Call Nuview to order your Starter Kit.

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

IAS Academy is delighted to announce that its training courses across the UK are back.

Care has been taken to ensure that all possible safety measures are in place to protect both delegates and instructors . These include the implementation of social distancing, as well as the wearing of any necessary face masks etc. as and when appropriate.

This means the hands-on education that IAS Academy is so well known for is once again available for GDPs to make the most of. Courses focus on correct case selection, assessment and diagnosis for the ethical and effective delivery of ortho-restorative dental treatment.

To find out more about the training available or the safety precautions in place, contact the friendly team today. Courses are already selling out fast so act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out!

For more information on IAS Academy membership and upcoming training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)