Month: November 2020

Prepare for cold temperatures

The drier air, whipping winds and freezing temperatures of the winter months are just ahead of us. Everyone is digging out their hats, gloves and scarves to fend off the cold and it is not unusual to see people hurrying along with red noses, searching for warmth and comfort. As we know, viral infections such as colds and flu are more common during the winter. Heated indoor environments with limited ventilation make it easier for germs to spread. Furthermore, the immune system becomes supressed in cold weather as blood flow is focused on the core of the body. On the plus side, we tend to burn more calories and dip into our fat reserves as our bodies seek ways to keep warm[i], but it is still important to advise patients about reducing the risks of becoming unwell by wrapping up warmly and eating well.

Naturally, the temperature and humidity of our immediate surroundings affect the body’s core temperature, yet age, infection, the intake of medication and even telling lies can also play a part. Since the outbreak of coronavirus, both dental professionals and patients have become familiar with temperature screening protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. But how do cold temperatures influence the nation’s oral health?

The temperature of the mouth varies considerably over a 24-hour period. Simply breathing and routine activities such as speaking, sleeping, eating, drinking and exercising cause the temperature within the oral cavity to fluctuate. [ii] For example, the temperature of the mouth drops significantly when the mouth is open for extended periods – it rises when exposed to hot substances and consequently, the range of temperatures on the surfaces of the teeth and the duration of these temperature changes are wide and varied.[iii]

Just like other materials, the teeth expand and contract as they change in temperature. As the teeth adjust, small cracks can emerge that do not normally affect the tooth structure but can cause discomfort, particularly if the patient has metal fillings, which expand and contract more rapidly than natural teeth. Additionally, if the tooth enamel is worn away and the dentine and nerves are exposed to the elements, the teeth can become sensitive. Patients can use a layer of clothing to form a barrier over the mouth when going outside in very cold temperatures in order to reduce discomfort. However, adopting good daily oral hygiene, not brushing too aggressively and avoiding foods and drinks that have erosive qualities are recommended.

As dental professionals are aware, cold, dry air can speed up the dehydration process and inhibit the mouth’s ability to fight bacterial infection. When saliva flow is low, harmful bacteria can proliferate, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis as well as oral malodour. Reminding patients to avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol but to drink plenty of water or chew sugar free gum, will help to prevent the mouth from drying out. The cold weather can also cause dry, chapped lips as well as the ideal environment for cold sores to develop. Patients should be advised to moisturise the lips and skin around the mouth regularly, to keep stress levels down and get plenty of sleep to prevent breakouts. Most importantly, however, frequent hand washing to prevent and protect from viruses and bacteria should never be underestimated.

The winter season brings celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year with indulgent, often sugary temptations. Nevertheless, frequent snacking on festive foods or constantly sipping sweetened drinks increases the amount of time the teeth are subjected to harmful acids, heightening the risk of tooth decay. Obviously, food that remains in the mouth such as sticky sweets release sugar gradually and provide the mouth with an increased opportunity to digest the sugar and produce more acid. However, many patients may not realise that starchy, processed food such as crisps and flavoured crackers can also linger in the mouth and cause cavities.[iv]

To protect the teeth and prevent oral health issues, patients should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains and dairy products, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. They should take measures to maintain a healthy flow of saliva and practise good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily with the Waterpik® Water Flosser ensures that food debris is rinsed away and plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line is effectively removed. The Waterpik® Water Flosser provides a quick, easy, safe and gentle way for patients to floss that is clinically proven to be more effective than string floss and interdental brushes for improving gingival health.[v] ,[vi]  It is also supported by over 75 research studies and is accredited by the Oral Health Foundation so dental professionals can recommend it with confidence. Furthermore, Waterpik® has developed a selection of new CPD E-courses at: https://www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/continuing-education/ to help and support dental professionals in the coaching, guiding and instruction of good oral hygiene.

It has been a strange year for everyone but by educating and preparing your patients for the cold temperatures, you can play a vital role in keeping them in good health this winter and beyond.

 

For more information on Waterpik® products please visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Asda, Costco UK, Argos, Boots, Superdrug online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.

 

Author – Maxwell O’Neill, professional educator for Waterpik

 

[i] Ouellet V. et al. Brown adipose tissue oxidative metabolism contributes to energy expenditure during acute cold exposure in humans. J Clin Invest. 2012;122(2):545–552. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/60433?key=5e3684aee3d55b74adc8 [Accessed 1st September 2020]

[ii] Moore J. et al. Intra-oral temperature variation over 24 hours. European Journal of Orthodontics. 1999:21.249-261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10407534/ [Accessed 1st September 2020]

[iii] Longman C.M. et al. Variations in tooth surface temperature in oral cavity during fluid intake. Biomaterials. 1987:8(5):411-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3676430/ [Accessed 1st September 2020]

[iv] Campain A.C. et al. Sugar-starch combinations in food and the relationship to dental caries in low-risk adolescents. Eur J Oral Sci 2003. 111(4):316-25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12887397/ [Accessed 1st September 2020]

[v] Lyle D.M. Relevance of the Water Flosser: 50 years of data. Compend of Contin Educ 2012 April: 33 (4) https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/2012/04/relevance-of-the-water-flosser-50-years-of-data [Accessed 1st September 2020]

[vi] Goyal C.R. et al. Evaluation of the plaque removal efficacy of a water flosser compared to string floss in adults after a single use. J Clin Dent. 2013 24(2):37-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282867 [Accessed 1st September 2020]

Push boundaries with ImmediaXy®

Push the boundaries of immediate dental implant treatment with the Straumann® ImmediaXy® suite of solutions, which facilitates a complete workflow. Clinicians can take advantage of:

  • The 3Shape TRIOS® 3 intraoral scanner to ensure faster, easier and more accurate digital impressions
  • The Straumann® Cares® Visual Chairside software and the Straumann® Cares® C series of milling and grinding technology for the design and manufacture of natural-looking prostheses
  • The Straumann® coDiagnostiX® system to ensure predictable results through precise surgical planning and guide design
  • The Straumann® BLX implant system, which enables immediate protocols in all bone types with Dynamic Bone Management
  • Pro Arch, offering a reliable full-arch rehabilitation option
  • Smile in a Box, enabling you to outsource as much or as little of the immediate implant workflow as you need

Discover how ImmediaXy® can effectively support you, your patients and your business today by visiting the Straumann® website.

 

Download the e-book “13-must watch webinars and commented cases on Immediacy” at www.straumann-uk.co/immediaxy-ebook

Bonding made better

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To find out more, please contact 3M Oral Care today.

 

For more information, call 0845 873 4066 or visit www.3m.co.uk/apcff

3M representatives remain contactable by phone or via video conferencing

 

END

 

3M and APC are trademarks of the 3M Company.

Align Technology to host first Digital Innovations Forum to help futureproof the dental profession

Align Technology, Inc announced that it will host its first Digital Innovations Forum on 2nd and 3rd December 2020 from 5pm to 8pm (CET). The two-day virtual meeting will be delivered digitally to bring together an international panel of speakers to showcase the latest thinking about practice-related digital innovations who will demonstrate how practitioners can adopt improved digital workflows and more efficient treatment experiences – for their practices and ultimately, also for their patients.

To date, Align has invested over $1 billion (US) in research and development of its cutting-edge technology, including Invisalign aligners and iTero intraoral scanners to advance solutions for dental professionals and their patients. The company remains focused on elevating practices beyond their current digitization level and help them in their optimization efforts, as well as assist in futureproofing the dental profession.

Throughout the Digital Innovations Forum, the roster of speakers will explore why the shift to digital is happening right now, and why embracing digital technology is an essential part of a dynamic business.

The audience will be privy to a talk by, Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg, D.D.S.,F.A.G.D. who is a Graduate of NYU College of Dentistry, a pioneer in the integration of technology in the dental office and development of techniques for delivering painless dentistry for over 30 years who confirmed his presence at the Forum. Dr. Zuckerberg’s early adoption of advanced technologies in his practice caught the attention of Industry leaders who enlisted him to lecture, write articles and beta test new technologies. In his lecture, he will talk about technology integration in the dental practice, social media marketing and online reputation management for dentists and dental practices, to better understand and meet the needs and challenges brought by the digital revolution.

To hear from Dr. Zuckerberg, click here and scroll down to view a short video.

Align Technology has lined up an array of experienced clinicians from around the world who will share their knowledge, experience, and provide easily actionable advice, so practitioners can immediately start applying what they learn. Presenters will include: Drs Affan Saghir, George Cheetham and Mohsen Tehranian (UK), Dr Ahmad Hagar (Germany), Dr. Alessandro Greco (Italy), Dr. Emmanuel Dumu (Belgium), Dr. Marcos Hiroce (Brazil), Dr. Martin Pedernera (Spain), Drs. Michaela Sehnert and Peter Schicker (Germany), and Dr. Silvia Caruso (Italy), as well as Align’s presenters: Dr David Lopes and John Morton.

For more information about the 2020 Digital Innovations Forum and to register, please visit https://aligndigitalinnovationsforum.com/

Dental Protection and College of General Dentistry announce partnership to offer indemnity protection for less

Dental Protection and the College of General Dentistry have announced the establishment of a partnership which includes a discount on Dental Protection subscription fees for members of the College.  

Under Dental Protection’s new ‘CGDent Scheme’, Members and Associate Fellows of the College will receive a discount of 5% on their Dental Protection subscription, and Fellows will benefit from an 8% discount. Existing Dental Protection members who are also members of the College can contact Dental Protection to get their relevant discount applied.

To take advantage of the reduced fees, College of General Dentistry members should contact Dental Protection. Existing Dental Protection members should call 0800 561 9000 to get their relevant discount applied, and those who are not yet Dental Protection members should visit www.dentalprotection.org/uk to join.

Dental Protection members wishing to join the College should visit https://cgdent.uk/join/ Membership of the College opened earlier this week. Membership is open to all registered dental professionals, and prospective members should at present join the FGDP(UK) to be eligible for admission to CGDent membership. Registered dentists with a postgraduate dental qualification will qualify as full members of CGDent and be eligible for an indemnity fee reduction.

The ethos of Dental Protection is closely allied with that of the College of General Dentistry, with a clear focus on education, quality and standards. This new partnership will allow both organisations to work closer on new initiatives, alongside improving standards of dental care both nationally and internationally.

In light of the challenges currently facing dentists, the two organisations have established a ‘win-win partnership’ that will draw upon their respective areas of expertise in order to meet their members’ needs.

Raj Rattan, Dental Director at Dental Protection said: “I am delighted that we will be partnering with the College of General Dentistry. We both provide high quality support for general dental practitioners and it was an obvious decision for us to work even more closely together.

“This partnership lays on the shared understanding of the needs and challenges that the profession faces. The College seeks to improve the standard of care delivered to patients through standard setting, publications, postgraduate training and assessment, education and research. Something that Dental Protection has also been doing for years.

“I believe this will be the beginning of a long-lasting partnership aimed at improving the standards for the profession and supporting dentists in the UK.”

Nairn Wilson FFGDP(UK), Chair of Board of Trustees, College of General Dentistry, said: “Partnering with Dental Protection is an important step for the College of General Dentistry. I am delighted that Dental Protection are keen to be part of our journey to improve oral health care for all.

“This partnership demonstrates that ambitious and dedicated dental professionals who strive to deliver the best quality of care, through a robust career pathway and professional qualifications such as are being developed by the College, can be rewarded. We look forward to further developing this partnership for the benefit of our members and the profession in the future.”

Know the dangers and reduce your risk: charity reveals leading causes of mouth cancer

The Oral Health Foundation is urging Brits to recognise and act on things that increase their chances of developing mouth cancer, as new research reveals awareness of the most common risk factors is worryingly low.

The call to action comes as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month and coincides with a nationwide poll into how much UK adults know about a disease which has increased by more than 58% in the last decade.

The charity is particularly concerned by the report’s finding into smokers and those who drink over the government’s 14 units of alcohol per week – two of the most high-risk mouth cancer groups.

Less than half of excessive drinkers (46%) know alcohol is a risk factor for mouth cancer while just over half (54%) of smokers know smoking is a risk factor for mouth cancer.

One of the other leading causes of mouth cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through oral sex, was known to only 16% of the population.

Here are the main causes of mouth cancer and what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Smoking

Around two-in-three mouth cancers are directly caused by smoking.  The risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer for a smoker is almost double (91%) that of somebody who has never smoked.  Cigars, pipes and environment tobacco smoke are also commonly linked to the disease.

Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “Smoking has long been associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer and has historically been one of the disease’s leading risk factors.

“The good news is that far less people are smoking today, which will certain have a positive effect on the number of cases in the future.  People who quit smoking reduce their risk with each year that passes, until their chances of being diagnosed with the disease is no greater than that of somebody who has never smoked.  Lowering your mouth cancer risk is just one of the many health benefits linked with quitting smoking.”

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol to excess is responsible for around a third of all mouth cancers. Those who drink between 1.5 and 6 units of alcohol a day could be increasing the risk of mouth cancer by 81%.  Mouth cancer is 2.5 times higher in regular drinkers than non-and occasional drinkers, and for those who heavily drink alcohol and also smoke, the risk increases by 30 times.

Dr Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, adds: “Certain lifestyle habits unfortunately do increase the risk of mouth cancer and this year sadly these habits for some people are likely to have increased during lockdown. Most lesions, in the region of 75% are linked to the use of tobacco or alcohol.

“As a general rule, the recommended government advice is you should try to reduce your alcohol intake to a maximum of 14 units per week applicable for men and women (equivalent to 2-3 units per day).  Avoid using tobacco in any form and try to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day as the antioxidants in these also help protect against many other cancers.”

The human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) type-16 and 18 are linked to around three-in-four (73%) throat cancers and more than one-in-ten (12%) mouth cancers.  The risk of HPV mouth cancer is higher in those with more sexual partners, people who started having sex at a younger age, and men who have ever had sexual contact with men.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE adds: “Over recent years, many experts have pointed to HPV as the cause of the sustained rise in mouth cancer cases.  Because it is sexually transmitted, most people have the HPV virus, but for many it is entirely symptomless.  Other than having a vaccination, it is difficult to protect yourself from HPV cancers and diseases, so the best advice is just to understand your level of risk and be aware of any sudden chances to the mouth, head or neck.”

Chewing and smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, such as betel quid (gutkha) or paan is known to increase mouth cancer risk by up to four-and-a-half times.  In the UK, it is often popular in South Asian communities and worryingly, more than one-in-five (23%) smokeless and chewing tobacco users are unaware their habits put them at risk.

Dr Rutland says: “It’s a common misconception that smokeless or chewing tobacco poses less of a mouth cancer risk.  That’s not true and the risk may be higher in females and for users of chewing types of smokeless tobacco.”

Diet

A diet low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of mouth cancer.  This could be due to a lack of vitamins and minerals, which is provided under a balanced diet. More than three-in-four (76%) people are unaware that diet might be a contributing factor to mouth cancer.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “A balanced diet containing fruit and vegetables is a well-known indicator for good nutrition and to maintain your physical health and overall wellbeing. We understand that diet also plays a role in the development of mouth cancer, so making sure you stick to your five-a-day is incredibly important.” 

Figures collected by the Oral Health Foundation show that 8,722 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease last year, increasing by 97% since 2000.

Mouth cancer cases in the UK have soared for the 11th year in a row and have more than doubled within the last generation, while the disease claimed the lives of 2,702 Brits last year.

For more information about mouth cancer, including how to do a self-check for the disease, visit www.mouthcancer.org.

Don’t compromise between time and quality

Time is often referred to as the single most valuable commodity in the modern world. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been so important to make the most of the time that we have in order to re-establish routine patient care and encourage business recovery. As such, many dental professionals are looking for ways to streamline daily tasks and maximise efficiency in every area of their clinic. 

In dentistry, clinicians will be no strangers to the idea of improving efficiency and productivity in order to provide better care to more patients, while also optimising profits and creating more time to spend with family and friends. However, it is crucial that working faster does not compromise the quality of treatment delivered or the patient experience. Thankfully, cutting-edge solutions on the market today are designed specifically to facilitate simplified workflows that both boost efficiency and clinical outcomes.

However it is not just the dental team which seeks products and protocols to support time-saving procedures. Patients are also looking for quicker treatments in fewer appointments in order to maximise on their time as well. This is evident in the development of dental implant techniques and concepts in recent years, which have been driven by both clinical excellence and patient demand.

The development of immediacy

Conventional implant surgery would have routinely involved healing periods for several months between tooth extraction and implant insertion, as well as between implant placement and the restorative phase of treatment. Today, while delayed placement and delayed loading principles still have their place in certain cases, more and more clinicians are utilising immediate protocols. In the right clinical scenarios, these concepts enable implant surgery to be completed in one appointment, rather than the traditional two, which many patients appreciate. In addition, immediate loading protocols mean patients can leave the dental practice with their new prosthetic already in place, encouraging their satisfaction.

These techniques have been developed through extensive research to ensure that they continue to deliver good clinical results. There is a body of research to demonstrate the success of immediate implant protocols and the many benefits afforded to patients. For example, immediate placement and immediate provisionalisation have been associated with a high survival rate, minimal bone loss and good aesthetics.[1] In addition, osseointegrated implants in both fully and partially edentulous patients have shown good survival rates following use of immediate loading protocols.[2] The importance of effective case selection and treatment planning have been highlighted for successful procedures.[3]

Building further on the opportunities provided by immediacy with dental implants, the full-arch rehabilitation has revolutionised today’s treatment options. The concept of ‘same-day teeth’ has grown in popularity among patients. For those who are suitable for treatment, it offers a chance to restore the function and aesthetics of their smile in a single day. The instant boost in self-confidence is commonly what attracts so many patients. It is also often what leads patients to appreciate the value of treatment and means they are more than willing to invest in their smile.

Once again, there is much evidence to support the effectiveness of full arch rehabilitation for fully edentulous patients.[4] Cumulative survival rates of immediately placed and immediately loaded implants in completely edentulous jaws are comparable to that of delayed placement and delayed loading.[5] It has been noted, however, that physical properties of the dental implants used do affect success of the treatment.

Product selection

Consequently, it is essential that clinicians employ clinically evidenced solutions for full arch rehabilitations, if they are to achieve the best results for their patients. This involves using brands that can be trusted for their quality and predictability, whose products have sufficient research behind them. It is also hugely beneficial to work with a supplier that can provide a comprehensive customer service so there will always be support available to facilitate exceptional clinical treatment in practice.

Straumann® Pro Arch is a full arch solution supported by extensive clinical research and development. It utilises the new Bone Level Fully Tapered implant, Straumann® BLX, for highly predictable results. The implant design allows for dynamic bone management, enhancing insertion torque control for high primary stability in all bone types. Made from Roxolid® material, it offers high biocompatibility with greater fatigue strength than titanium, while the SLActive® is a chemically modified hydrophilic surface designed to speed up osseous healing.

The Straumann® Pro Arch solution works with a broad range of implant lengths and diameters, though the single connection for all diameters reduces the number of abutments needed for simple workflows and clinical flexibility. The rounded and slim angulated abutments (17° and 30°) maximise space for the soft tissue, delivering aesthetics with ease and making the Straumann® Pro Arch with BLX the best option for a predictable full arch solution.

Efficiency and clinical excellence

With the clinically proven solutions available on the market today, it is possible to deliver fast and efficient implant treatment without any compromises in quality or long-term stability. Combining good case and product selection with evidence-based protocols and careful treatment planning is the key to success.

 

For more information on the Straumann® Pro Arch solution, please visit https://www.straumann.com

 

[1] Van Nimwegen WG, Goené RJ, Van Daelen ACL, Stellingsma K, Raghoebar GM. Immediate implant placement and provisionalisation in the aesthetic zone,. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. October 2016;43(10);745-752 doi.org/10.1111/joor.12420

[2] Del Fabbro M, Testori T, Kekovic V, Goker F, Tumedei M, Wang H-L. A Systematic Review of Survival Rates of Osseointegrated Implants in Fully and Partially Edentulous Patients Following Immediate Loading. J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8, 2142.

[3] Koh R, Rudek I, Wang HL. Immediate implant placement: positives and negatives. Implant Dentistry. April 2010;19(2);98-108 doi: 10.1097/ID.0b013e3181d47eaf

[4] Piano S, Romeo E, Sbricoli L, Pisoni G, Cea N, Lops D. Simplified procedure for the immediate loading of a complete fixed prosthesis supported by four implants in the maxillary jaw: a 2-year prospective study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 00, 2015, 1-7.

[5] Kim, H., Cho, H., Kim, Y.y. et al. Implant survival and patient satisfaction in completely edentulous patients with immediate placement of implants: a retrospective study. BMC Oral Health 18, 219 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-018-0669-1

Care Quality Commission and GDC issue joint statement regarding life support training for dental professionals

The Care Quality Commission and General Dental Council (GDC) have released their annual life support statement in light of Covid-19, which can be read here. It is recommended that dental professionals undertake life support training every year. However, it has been recognised that access to accredited training may have been affected by the pandemic.

Resuscitation Council (UK) recommends cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for dental teams. Their document Quality Standards: Primary Dental Care states: “Dental practitioners and other dental healthcare staff should update their knowledge and skills in resuscitation at least annually.”

Together, the Care Quality Commission and GDC recognise that Covid-19 social distancing can make accessing accredited training difficult. This includes Basic Life Support (BLS) and Immediate Life Support (ILS).

Providers and individual dental professionals should continue to make every effort to complete accredited BLS/ILS training annually. However, if this training is unavailable due to current Covid-19 restrictions, appropriate alternative provisions, in accordance with relevant government guidance, should be made.

For example:

  • E-learning.
  • Self-directed study.
  • Team-based scenario training in the clinical environment.

Records and evidence of efforts made to access training and to update CPR knowledge and skills should be maintained.

College of General Dentistry announces membership scheme

The College of General Dentistry (CGDent) has published details of its new membership scheme, enabling all members of the dental team to become part of the UK’s first independent college for primary dental care.

Full Membership of CGDent requires a relevant postgraduate qualification and entitles the holder to use the post-nominal designation ‘MCGDent’. It has now been opened to Full Members of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP(UK)), who automatically qualify for CGDent membership, but will still need to apply.  Non-members of FGDP who hold the MJDF, MFGDP or MGDS, or a postgraduate diploma-level qualification from one of the four surgical Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland, can also apply by first joining the Faculty as a Full Member. Those with a dentistry-related PgDip, MSc or PhD from a UK Higher Education institution also qualify if they first apply for ad eundum membership of FGDP.

Fellowship of the new College, described as ‘the hallmark of leadership and commitment to excellence in dentistry’, entitles the holder to use the post-nominal designation ‘FCGDent’. It has now been opened to Fellows of FGDP, who automatically qualify but will still need to apply. Fellows of the other dental faculties of the Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland, and other recognised institutions worldwide, also qualify by first applying for ad eundum fellowship of the Faculty.

Associate Membership of CGDent is now available to all dental professionals who are registered with the General Dental Council or an overseas equivalent, including dental care professionals and newly qualified dentists. Applicants do not need to be members of FGDP(UK), though Associate and Affiliate Members of the Faculty are encouraged to join CGDent in this category. To join, visit https://cgdent.uk/join/.

From 1 July 2021, applications for Full Membership or Fellowship of CGDent will also be open to all members of the dental team with appropriate qualifications, without the requirement of FGDP membership. Associate Fellowship, with the post-nominal ‘AssocFCGDent’, will also then be introduced to mark out those who have developed their practice to a high level, and as a stepping stone to Fellowship. CGDent has also committed to enable membership for retired practitioners.

Prior to 1 July 2021, CGDent is only charging members at all grades an initial administration fee of £20, and details of annual fees thereafter will be announced in due course.

A fond farewell to Julie Deverick

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) would like to wish a fond farewell to Julie Deverick and thank her for her services to the Society and beyond over the last few years.

As president for the past 2 years, Julie has been fearless in promoting the voices of dental hygienists and dental therapists across the nation, not only by campaigning for change in the industry but also by offering a supportive shoulder for all those in need.

From working on the Exemptions project to ushering in new BSDHT Ambassadors for the last two years, Julie’s commitment and passion have been commendable and she has made the Society stronger than ever. Furthermore, she has made the dream for a Mentorship course a reality, working with The University of Kent to create a course that will benefit all members moving forwards.

So thank you again to Julie!

 

For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk, call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk