Smile makeovers change lives.

BACD dentists pride themselves on offering safe and ethical smile makeovers that are beautiful, functional and long-lasting.

The BACD is an all-inclusive Academy, with members sharing a commitment to excellence. Join and you will gain access to quality training that elevates your practice and enables you to explore topics like smile design, for predictable results every time.

You can also network, find a mentor and connect with some of the leading lights in the industry.

Quality cosmetic dentistry is a showcase for a dentist’s skills and the outcomes are satisfying.

To be the best in this exciting field, contact the BACD.

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry,
visit www.bacd.com

This past year, you will have learned what it takes to be an exceptional dentist. Clinical skills and knowledge, of course, also the ability to problem solve, to be creative, to be able to focus on the day-to-day and look ahead at the same time, anticipating what your patients might need in the future. An exceptional dentist will lead and inspire a great team, with a shared goal to always to do more and do everything better. 

What this past year has emphasised is that dentistry is about people, the people who you work with and who you care for. A happy, productive practice will be motivated to offer quality treatment that keeps patients coming back; modern patients have high expectations and ever-evolving needs which must be met. For example, more are choosing to invest in elective restorative treatments to improve their smile. These empowered patients aren’t waiting until they have a problem to make an appointment, but there will also be people who were impacted when practices were closed during the first national lockdown and now need a stable, enduring solution to fix an issue.

It is likely, then, that you will be increasing your service provision, so that you can help more patients, without having to refer them out. One treatment we can expect to see an increased demand for, post pandemic, is implant therapy – although implants have been a highly desirable, long-term alternative to removable dentures for some time, offering strength and function as well natural, beautiful aesthetics.

If you are seeking further training to offer implant therapy, look for quality programmes that will give you more than just instruction. Seek out providers that will connect you to a mentor. If dentistry is about people, a mentor is someone who every exceptional dentist needs. Having a mentor can help you focus on the present and the future, enabling you to identify and achieve your future goals. Even after you’ve learned how to place implants safely, a great mentor will be there to remind you that this is just the beginning of your journey. The learning won’t end when the course ends, as every case is just another opportunity to develop skills and knowledge, to grow in confidence and learn how to solve more complex problems.

A mentor will share their own expertise, so you will not only build on your strengths but also get guidance on how to overcome your weaknesses. A great dentist will always be open to feedback because they appreciate the value of maintaining a broader perspective and considering other points of view. The very best mentors know that this means an exchange of knowledge and ideas, listening to you, as well as talking.

When you gain a mentor, you are giving a clear signal to the rest of the practice team that you want to create a culture of professional and personal development. When your colleagues see that you are willing to grow, learn and keep striving to be better, this will motivate them too, improving morale was well as performance and productivity. With opportunities to enrich their careers, you will both engage and retain good people. Once your practice starts offering implants, in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes and efficiently support workflows, the whole team will need to add to their own knowledge and skills set. They will be taking their lead from you, meaning you become a mentor, as well as a mentee. 

Training that gives you access to a mentor will provide ongoing benefits – a mentor will be a constant source of inspiration. For quality training in implant therapy, and mentorship that will continue long after the programme has been completed, One to One Education will teach you how to place implants correctly, safely and confidently, with programmes delivered by highly experienced practitioners, instructors and mentors. This approach is about more than acquiring skills; it’s about developing the mindset that there are never limits on learning. The One to One Dental Education Implant Programme covers everything from treatment planning to surgical execution, in state-of-the-art premises adapted to be COVID-safe. It also offers the chance to make new connections that will give added value to your experience. To be an exceptional dentist, leading a thriving, patient-focussed practice, a mentor within your professional network can make a real difference.

Mentors will enrich your career and your practice. If you’re not sure how to find one, combine your search for a brilliant mentor with training to expand your treatment provision. A mentor will reignite your passion for the new, and help you be a better dentist. When training is delivered by a provider that understands the value of ongoing mentoring, this will allow you to deliver world-class treatment and elevated patient care, supported by a practice that has been empowered to find ways to always do better.

To reserve your place or to find out more, please visit https://www.implantcourse.co.uk/our-courses/project-one-7kpfx or call 020 7486 0000

In 2021, you want to be focusing on your patients, and enjoying your dentistry.

There is no better time to join Rodericks Dental, a clinically-led dental provider, dedicated to supporting practices and ensuring the delivery excellent quality care.

When you become part of Rodericks, you will become stronger. The responsibilities of running your practice will be managed and the whole team will enjoy wonderful benefits, like access to quality training and on-going support.

Joining the family offers stability; find out how you could improve your working environment and elevate patient services when you join Rodericks Dental.

For more information, please visit www.sellyourdentalpractice.net

Please contact Holly Mahoney at acquisitions@rodericksdental.co.uk or on 01604 602491 (option 4)

#wearerodericks

Efficiency has always been important for patients, as well as practices. This doesn’t mean cutting corners either, it means taking less time to deliver safe and exceptional treatment.

Offering a continuous release of fluoride for 24 months, Ketac Universal Glass Ionomer Restorative Aplicap from 3M Oral Care is available in six shades and requires no etching, bonding, cavity conditioning* or protective varnish.*

An efficient workflow is supported, meaning reduced chair time with no compromise to the clinical outcome. The low stickiness of Ketac Universal Glass Ionomer restorative makes it easy to place,* and the single use Aplicap makes it easy to dispense in a one-step placement.

Get more done in less time, while enhancing your reputation for excellence. Contact 3M Oral Care to find out more.

*3M internal data

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental

3M representatives continue to be available via video calling technologies for your convenience.

END

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

Many of us are taught not to judge a book by its cover, but what use is the cover if not to communicate positive messages about the book that entice you to read it? If we consider this in the context of dental practices, then appearances can certainly make a significant difference in one’s ability to attract and retain patients. The reality is that patients will make judgements about you, your business and the services you offer based on what they see. The design of your practice – from the exterior signage and architecture, to the reception, surgeries and even the decontamination area – can say a great deal about the standard of treatment patients can expect to receive.

This underlines the value of good dental practice design. A practice that is aesthetically and functionally optimised can reward you with an efficient working environment. This can have knock-on effects in promoting increased productivity among staff, an improved quality of care and greater patient satisfaction to support practice growth. Of course, designing and building the ideal practice requires considerable time, careful thought and substantial investment. That’s why one of your first priorities if taking on such a project should be to seek out an expert in the field who can be relied upon to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

It is always worthwhile working with a team who has extensive experience in dental practice design. They are more likely to understand and implement your vision, guiding you expertly through the many complex decisions involved with creating a practice that best meets your needs and preferences. Furthermore, the right team of designers will welcome open communication, collaborating closely with you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident at each stage of the design-build process. Some practice designers also supply dental equipment – in which case, it is important to seek out a company that is highly knowledgeable about the products they offer and can provide sound advice on the most suitable solutions for you. A reliable supplier will also be able to manage the technical aspects of your surgery installation, including the provision of user training to ensure that you and your practice team are able to fully capitalise on the benefits of the equipment purchased.

Once you have decided on the companies you want to work with for your project, there are some key considerations to make within the design-build process. Firstly, your designers will want to discuss your unique practice requirements in detail with you so as to develop the most suitable design concept within your budget. They will then measure and assess the building itself – often in collaboration with your chosen contractor – to plan the practice layout in such a way that it maximises available space and supports the day-to-day running of the business. Given that your practice team is the backbone of your business, it is crucial that their workplace promotes an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration, whilst minimising the risk of stress.

Creating an optimal practice layout will involve reconfiguring rooms where necessary and appropriate, addressing issues such as cross-contamination, and adhering to all relevant building regulations. Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, there has been a greater emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of staff and patients, necessitating changes in various dental decontamination protocols. Your chosen designer should be abreast of these changes and, therefore, encouraging of incorporating additional features into the practice design that can further support infection control processes, including water filtration systems and clean air technology.

The best practice designers will be particularly conscious of promoting trust among patients through the aesthetic of your practice, which is why they will strive to produce designs that pay attention to the details. Every element from lighting and colour, to furniture and décor will be key to creating a warm, welcoming and relaxed practice environment that appeals to patients. Highly skilled designers such as Clark Dental will be able to marry the unique aesthetic of your practice brand with that of your new equipment to ensure your business stands out from competitors. No matter whether you are starting with a blank canvas or updating your existing practice, Clark Dental can help you transform the space into one you, your staff and your patients can enjoy every day. 

Good practice design is an invaluable investment into the growth and on-going success of your business. Not only can it influence patients’ impression of the practice and the services you offer, but it can also affect how you and your team feel about and approach your work on a daily basis, which is why it is essential to get it right with the help of a reliable team. Along with an experienced contractor, the dental practice designer and equipment supplier you choose to work with should provide the support you need to see your project through to a high-quality result that delivers on your demands in the most cost-effective way.

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

Author: Stuart Clark, Managing Director, Clark Dental

Having grown up within dentistry, Stuart has developed an unparalleled understanding of the industry. He is a technical specialist in digital imaging, pulling on his extensive experience as a Technical Director for Schick Technologies. Stuart is also an expert auto-CAD surgery designer and dental equipment engineer

Treatment planning for older patients is a challenge. There is a growing elderly population in the UK, often with complex needs, and solving the problem of improving their access to quality dentistry and levels of oral health is a herculean task.

In 2019, the CQC found that, after reviewing 100 residential settings in England, the standard of oral health provision was in a “parlous” state.[i] The report was welcomed by the dental industry, who backed calls to ensure the implementation of NICE’s 2017’s guidelines for a new quality standard for oral health in care homes.[ii]^,[iii]

But many older people still live in their own home, with informal care provided by family or friends.[iv] If oral health provision for the elderly was nearing a crisis point before 2020, it will likely be worse now considering the past year has been overwhelmingly hard for this vulnerable group. As we move forward, treating the elderly with the upmost dignity, respect and empathy has never been more important.

A clear message of care

For dental teams, supporting the oral health of these patients starts with communication. They need to know that, if they are in any pain, can feel or see something different in their mouth, or in and around the head or neck area, that it is safe to seek dental care and they should be encouraged to contact the practice. Improving their oral health-related quality of life, and getting them out of pain, will not only restore their general health and wellbeing, but a body of evidence links oral disease to other serious conditions, which is why any concern, no matter how minor they think it might be, must be investigated.

Your message has to be clear and consistent: get in touch. Make this clear on your website, send letters, or call to say hello, ask them how they are feeling and to let them know that you are open and ready to take good care of them. With many practices now providing initial consultations virtually, over the phone or via video calling, their physical attendance might not even be necessary. Without leaving the comfort and security of their home, they can talk with a clinician who won’t be encumbered by layers of PPE.

For patients with cognitive conditions, or who have problems hearing or speaking, virtual triaging might not be suitable. In such cases, teams will be reliant on carers to notice a problem, which could be physical (such as swelling) or behavioural (such as changes to eating patterns), then to contact the practice.

The natural impact of ageing

For your old older patients who understand the value of good oral hygiene and behaviours, the message needs to be how ethical, interceptive dental treatment can avoid the need for invasive and/or emergency procedures – and more visits to the dentist – further down the line.

Even if they have always taken care of their teeth and gums, elderly people tend to present with more failed restorations and issues which are the “legacy of different patterns of care”.[v] Reduced manual dexterity can go hand-in-hand with the ageing process, so as well as finding it harder to clean their teeth as efficiently as they used to, an older person who is cooking just for themselves might be eating meals which involve less effort to prepare and clear away, and are often less nutritious. Years of function will lead to wear and tear and certain medications can cause dry mouth and dehydration. These are just some of the factors that can put an elderly patient at an increased risk of caries.

Many older people would rather keep their own teeth than be fitted with a denture, though. If they don’t think that modern restorative dentistry is for them, perhaps they don’t know that it is affordable, can be delivered quickly – often in just one session – and is a world away from “drill and fill”.

Modern, minimally invasive restorative dentistry encompasses everything about the process, from the techniques used to the materials selected. In fact, the right materials are key to conservative caries’ management and treatment that is comfortable and quick for all patients, especially your elderly patients. For restoring carious defects in a single appointment, you could use COLTENE’s BRILLIANT COMPONEER™, a veneering system comprised of prefabricated veneer shells. The restoration can be adjusted in the chair if required and will look highly aesthetic too. Minimally invasive restorative treatments are the perfect choice for older patients as all surrounding dentition and supporting tissue will be preserved.

Your oldest patients deserve nothing less than exceptional, ethical treatment that can be delivered efficiently, cost-effectively and that will endure. When you use minimally invasive techniques and the finest materials, you will improve both function and form, keep them in good oral health and allow them to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile for years to come.

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

[i] Smiling Matters: oral health care in care homes. CQC, 25 June 2019. Link: https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/major-report/smiling-matters-oral-health-care-care-homes (accessed November 2020).

[ii] Oral healthcare for older people. BDA. Link: https://bda.org/olderpeople (accessed November 2020).

[iii] Oral health in care homes. NICE quality standard, 7 June 2017. Link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs151 (accessed November 2020)

[iv] Living longer: caring in later working life. Office for National Statistics, 15 March 2019. Link: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/livinglongerhowourpopulationischangingandwhyitmatters/2019-03-15 (accessed November 2020).

[v] The Health and Social Care Information Centre. Executive Summary: Adult Dental Health Survey 2009, 24 March 2011. Found at: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB01086/adul-dent-heal-surv-summ-them-exec-2009-rep2.pdf (accessed November 2020).

We are all just about ready to start getting back to some normality and to have a laugh again with friends and colleagues. The next Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) – to be held in May 2022 – will provide the perfect platform from which to do all this and more.

The two-day, lab-dedicated programme will offer lectures, workshops and interactive sessions designed to engage all members of the lab community. There will be world-leading experts in a range of fields sharing their expertise and guidance, as well as the chance to gain verifiable and core CPD.

The trade floor will also host a variety of dental product manufacturers, developers and training providers, with live demonstrations, bespoke advice and networking available throughout.

For your chance to learn, grow professionally and have a laugh with friends in the industry once again, don’t miss DTS 2022.

The next DTS will be held on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th Mar 2022, Birmingham NEC, co-located with the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show.

For the latest information, please visit www.the-dts.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dts@closerstillmedia.com

Are you looking for a highly versatile imaging system that can be used across a number of indications?

The CS 9600 CBCT system from Carestream Dental is a game-changing piece of technology that ensures all of your current and future imaging needs are met.

Combining 2D cephalometric and panoramic imaging with 3D facial scanning, 3D model scanning and CBCT scanning, the system is perfect for use in every case no matter how complex. From gaining further insight when dental implant planning to assessing facial aesthetics during orthodontic treatment, the system helps to facilitate optimal outcomes and has fourteen different fields of view.

To find out more, contact Carestream Dental.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

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

At Colosseum Dental UK, we care more about our people. We care about supporting individuals across the business, helping them thrive and celebrating their successes. That’s why we hold annual awards – to recognise the outstanding hard work and dedication of our teams and reward people for their achievements.

This year – like many areas of dentistry and life in general – was a little different, but we were still keen still show our appreciation. We therefore held a virtual awards ceremony that our people could join from home. Mike Care – Chief Executive Officer – set the stage, with Kenny Valentine – Commercial Director, Mergers & Acquisitions – announcing the winners of our Christmas competitions. These were designed to provide a little light-hearted fun after what had been a difficult time for many.

The art competition winners who had showcased their artistic talents through drawings, painting and photography were:

• 3rd Prize – Linda Lui, Snodland
• 2nd Prize – Vicky Potkins, Cambridge Court
• 1st Prize – Freya Mortimer, Walworth Rd

In the dental-themed Poetry competition, the winners were:

• 3rd Prize – Ahsan Sand, Beckton
• 2nd Prize – Chris Thrower, Head Office (The Hive)
• 1st Prize – Carl Woodcock, Head Office (The Hive)

Just for fun, the winner of the Christmas Jumper/Outfit was Gillian Field from Head Office (The Hive).

Getting down to business, we are very grateful to everyone who has helped Colosseum Dental to continue delivering high-quality dental care to our patients across the UK. Especially over the past year with all the extra challenges, our people are what make us and we have only been able to remain strong with their support.

We are also proud to be able to help professionals in their journeys, and were delighted to celebrate the nine dental nurses who qualified through our training provider in 2020 – well done to all of you once again!

The first set of awards presented were for our Value categories. Colosseum Dental stands by these key values in everything that we do and so it was important to recognise individuals who have gone the extra mile to help us realise our ethos on the ground.

Good Neighbour Award

For team members who demonstrate how they care more for their communities, the winner was Shelley Bell, Great Knightleys.

Entrepreneurship Award

We want our people to be empowered to think and act like business owners to challenge the status quo, and awarded Ashwin Mittal, Heathfield, in this instance.

Collaboration

Focused on working well as a team to achieve the best results for our patients, Danielle Hindley, Bexhill & Portland Road, was the award winner.

Care

For those who are totally dedicated to caring for patients, colleagues and the community – we had so many nominations that we chose four winners each from different roles:

• Sapphire Revell and Chloe Blackman (receptionists), Southdown & Leyton Road
• Khaoula Moustaoui (dental nurse), Stoke Newington
• Amritpaul Dhillon (dentist), Broxtowe Lane
• Momena Khatun (practice manager), Norwood

Passion

Identifying those most passionate about dentistry, engaging, energising and inspiring others, we once again had so many nominations that we selected multiple winners:

• Beckton Team (team)
• Suprena Jones (lead nurse), Mawsley
• Maham Khan (dentist), Tilgate

Further recognising the commitment of team members in different roles within our clinics, we presented awards to thank individuals and teams:

• Head Office (The Hive) Function of the Year – The Associate Recruitment Team
• Dental Nurse of the Year – Tatiana Dobircianu, Wood Green
• Dentist of the Year – Chris Yong, Stoke Newington
• Receptionist of the Year – Carrie Hills, Gayton Rd
• Dental Hygienist of the Year – Praveen Joseph, Crawley Cluster
• Practice Manager of the Year – Ayeisha Britton, Little London
• Practice of the Year – Walworth Road

Our Care Champion Awards were designed to distinguish individuals who really went above and beyond during the 2020 lockdowns to support colleagues, clinics, patients and communities. We were delighted to receive many very deserving nominations for such an accolade and ended up selecting two winners:

• Sophie Hann, Yeovil
• Alice Ketch, Stone Cross & Crowborough

In a similar vein, Kenny presented an honours list of people who also went the extra mile despite challenges and increasing workloads, always working with a smile:

• Taylor Ball, Hilsea
• Carl Woodcock, Head Office (The Hive)
• Fiona Godfrey, Head Office (The Hive)
• Sarah Duggan, Norwood

Eddie Coyle, Clinical Director of Colosseum Dental UK, joined in the presentations at this point to award Billie Grogan, Preston Park and Wellsbourne, with the Clinical Care Award for clinical excellence. Eddie went on to present a Lifetime Achievement and Contribution Award to Fiona Sutherland, who is retiring after dedicating many years and much passion to the business and the delivery of exceptional patient care.

The final set of Awards identified individuals who did more to care for the business, their colleagues and their patients in 2020. Congratulations to:

• Cares more about the business – Amabel Alner, Receptionist, Churchill
• Cares more about each other – Juliette Moss, Lead Nurse, Mansfield Rd
• Cares more about our patients – Mohammed Islam, Creekside
• Encompassing all three ‘We care more’ awards – Rachel Bentley, Mansfield Rd

People have always been and will continue to be at the heart of Colosseum Dental UK. We are very proud to work with such amazing individuals to ensure exceptional patient care and a great place to work. We’d like to extend a final congratulations to the nominees and winners!

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