Month: July 2021

Who is “good” and who “requires improvement”

Workforce continues to be a major issue across the NHS

One of the things I always found interesting as CDO was that the problems we were dealing with at a national level also used to manifest themselves at the local level and regularly leaving the ivory tower behind and getting out to real practices was always very informative. Sometimes the issues we were facing in dentistry were also seen in other areas of the system and sometimes they were not. It seems nothing has changed.

I was watching a local news bulletin in the middle of May and there was a news piece about one of the hospitals in the West Midlands being rated as “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In an interview, a representative from the CQC said that the care provided by the Trust was kind, compassionate and of a high clinical standard. However, they went on to say that the existing staff was under huge pressure because the hospital had failed to recruit to fill scores of vacancies and that the pressure on the existing workforce, across all clinical areas, was intolerable and this risked a breakdown of services. It seemed to me to be a little unfair as the hospital trust had really tried to recruit. I wonder where I have heard this before…

It seems a pity that it takes a pandemic to again make the public, and hopefully the politicians, realise how important good dental care is to the health and wellbeing of the population. In “normal” times, within the NHS alone, nearly a million people a week visit the dentist in England and around a further 200,000 do so in the private sector. We have all come across people who are suffering mentally during periods of lockdown and isolation, by and large dentistry is not associated with mortality but a lack of care when you are in pain, worried about a lack of regular care or confidence in your oral health can have a significant impact on morbidity and, therefore, mental health.

Access to dental services has now, inevitably, made it back into the headlines and at the heart of the problem is not the contract, as access is also an issue in Scotland, but workforce. Dental workforce issues have always been based on three different factors: are we training and utilising the correct skill mix that is appropriate to the changing needs of the population; are we training enough members of the dental team and; are we adequately supporting those members of the dental team qualified abroad who have always wished to come and work in the UK? I fear the answer to all three questions is no, and both Health Education England (and their equivalents in the Devolved Administrations) and the GDC “require improvement”.

It is clear that rapid investment is needed to allow those providing dental care, just as it is important in healthcare generally, to be able to provide the services that the population has a right to expect. It is an often-forgotten fact that the NHS has a statutory duty, set out in primary legislation, to provide or commission NHS dentistry to the extent it considers necessary to meet the need. The NHS delegates this duty to providers of services through contracts but ensuring there is sufficient workforce available is part of that duty and they are clearly failing in that duty at the moment.

Health has been a devolved issue for a considerable time now and, as CDO for England, I was always very conscious of that but, as the new Chair of the British Fluoridation Society, devolution is not an issue, it just means there are more stakeholders and policy makers to influence.

In England, the government has recently published a White Paper in which it committed to centrally driving forward the implementation of new community water fluoridation schemes as a way of tackling inequalities in oral health. This is a hugely positive step forward. As a CDO, you do become aware of the prevalence of dental caries in other countries, and I was delighted to see an article in one of Scotland’s most prominent newspapers from the British Dental Association in Scotland urging their government to consider again whether targeted water fluoridation might be another string to their bow as they try and tackle inequalities. Big cities often demonstrate the greatest range of inequalities and surely Glasgow would be the perfect place for the newly elected administration to show their commitment to tackling inequalities and at least carry out a feasibility study.

About the author

Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE is the former Chief Dental Office for England and current chair of the British Fluoridation Society.

West End Dental Practice sold after 25 years of ownership

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of West End Dental Practice in Dundee.

West End Dental Practice is a mixed, three-surgery practice with a loyal base of over 5,500 registered patients. The practice occupies the ground and first floors of a traditional Victorian villa with many of the original period features remaining. Located at 243 Perth Road, the practice benefits from a prominent trading location in Dundee’s salubrious west end which has many shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels as well as residential properties.

West End Dental Practice has been owned and run by Dr Fraser Mulford since 1995 who has developed the business into one of the best practices in the area. After appointing Christie & Co to market the business, it has now sold to a first-time buyer and former Associate at the practice.

Joel Mannix, Business Agent at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “I was approached by Fraser pre-pandemic to assist with the sale of West End Dental as he was looking to exit from practice ownership. He wanted to sell to one of his current Associates but was unaware of how the process would work and we were very happy to assist. Negotiating on his behalf, we achieved an acceptable offer, and I am very happy with the result. I’d like to wish Fraser all the very best with his retirement.”

West End Dental Practice was sold at an undisclosed price.

New study brings hope of further decline in dental decay in UK children of the future

The role of water fluoridation in strengthening children’s primary teeth has been given further affirmation by an important new Canadian study1. A 14-year comparison of schoolchildren aged around seven found that children in fluoridated Edmonton had fewer cavities and thus healthier teeth than in non-fluoridated Calgary.

Due to its scale and its precision, the research is important on many levels, not least because it showcases what happens when water fluoridation is stopped. In 2011 the municipal government in Calgary decided to discontinue fluoridating the water supply.  At the start of the study in 2004, schoolchildren aged 7-8 in Calgary had fewer cavities than in Edmonton. Now, 65% of Calgary children – nearly two out of every three – have cavities and the number is rising. Meanwhile, compared with 14 years ago, the dental cavity rate for Edmonton children is virtually the same.

In the UK, where the Government has announced it is planning to resume control of water fluoridation schemes2, the findings are a valuable predictor of potential oral health improvements in future generations of  0-7s. Public consultations are a mandatory precursor of any water fluoridation scheme and BFS believes that the findings from Canada, published in the latest Community Dental Oral Epidemiology, will explain powerfully and graphically the benefits of water fluoridation to the health of children.

The research team additionally looked for evidence of fluorosis, a condition linked to fluoride consumption, which causes a change in the appearance of tooth enamel. While they found that children in fluoridated areas had signs of fluorosis, as would be expected, in 99% of cases it was mild. Additionally, in questionnaires which formed part of the study, parents’ reports of the general health of their child’s mouth were very similar in Calgary and Edmonton, with around half of parents in both cities rating their child’s mouth health as excellent or very good.  The benefits of water fluoridation at the optimum level far outweigh any possible disadvantage, of which fluorosis is the most common and likely.

BFS Chair Dr Barry Cockcroft commented: “We welcome the findings of this carefully calibrated study by McLaren et al which helps build on the existing body of research.  By compiling the many authoritative studies from around the world, such as this latest work from Canada,  we see a reassuring picture of the positive impact of water fluoridation on improving children’s oral health and reducing inequalities.”

“Let us not forget that water fluoridation positively benefits all ages and with the number of people living into older age, the ability to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities with the simple addition of fluoride to water is a powerful and cost effective tool, along with other preventive measures, of course.”

In the UK, around one tenth of people have benefited from water fluoridation since the introduction of schemes from the 1960s. These are in the West Midlands, Bedfordshire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Tyneside, Northumbria, Durham, Humberside, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.  A map is available on our website3. There are also a few areas which benefit from naturally fluoridated water supplies.

By and large, all the UK’s schemes have remained operational, with the exception of Cumbria where it was halted temporarily.  A study4 is currently underway to examine how children’s teeth were impacted when water fluoridation was stopped and restarted due to maintenance work by the water authority. The Catfish study is due for publication later this year.

References:

  1. McLaren L, Patterson SK, Faris P, et al. Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2021;00:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/ cdoe.12685
  2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-and-care-bill-factsheets/health-and-care-bill-water-fluoridation
  3. https://bfsweb.org/extent/
  4. https://www.catfish-study.org

Build new confidence with hands-on rotary endo training from EndoPerfection

New course dates have just been announced for GDPs looking to increase their confidence in endodontics.

‘Hands-On Rotary Endo Training’, hosted by EndoPerfection founder and endodontic expert, Dr Charlie Nicholas, offers a full day of hands-on endo sessions using a combination of lecture slides and live instruction.

Your day will include an introduction to modern concepts of endo, including safe irrigation, easy rubber dam placement, rotary hands-on training, and the latest in obturation techniques.

Speaking about his own experiences on the course, GDP Dr Gordon R Boyle, who is also a practice adviser and expert witness, commented:

‘If you are looking for a comprehensive, one-day endo overview from a guy who knows his stuff on an academic and practical basis, and to come away feeling enthused and confident that your newly gained knowledge will make a difference to you and your patients, then this is the course to do. Quality, value and convenience – all expectations exceeded, with great products to match!’

Venues are lined up across the UK from September until the end of the year, so there is sure to be one that is right for you:

Date Venue
9th September Heathrow
15th September Worcestershire
 22nd September Edinburgh
30th September Dublin
7th October Bournemouth
14th October Bristol
4th November Aberdeen
11th November Manchester
18th November Belfast
25th November London
2nd December Exeter
9th December Brighton
16th December Leeds

To book visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/endoperfection

Amanda Pritchard appointed Chief Executive Officer for NHS England

Amanda Pritchard will be the first woman in the history of the National Health Service to hold the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for NHS England, which she will take up on Sunday 1st August after serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for two years.

Pritchard’s appointment follows an open and competitive recruitment process by the Board of NHS England and NHS Improvement. According to the NHS website, she will be responsible for an annual budget of more than £130 billion while ensuring that everyone in the country receives high quality care.

“I am honoured to lead the NHS, particularly as the first woman chief executive of an organisation whose staff are more than three quarters female,” said Pritchard. “I have always been incredibly proud to work in the health service but never more so than over the last 18 months as nurses, doctors, therapists, paramedics, pharmacists, porters, cleaners and other staff have responded so magnificently to the Covid pandemic.

“There are big challenges ahead as NHS staff continue to deal with significant pressures while maintaining the roll-out of the hugely successful NHS vaccination programme and tackle backlogs that have inevitably built up in the face of rising Covid infections. However the skill, determination and ‘can do’ spirit that NHS staff have shown in the face of the greatest challenge in the health service’s history means we face the future with confidence.”

What might this mean for dentistry?

Although Amanda Pritchard has not had the chance to discuss dentistry since the announcement of her new appointment, GDPUK reports that, in 2020, she stood to bat for the profession by providing oral evidence to the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee on the ‘Delivery of Core NHS and Care Services during the pandemic and beyond’.

At that time, Pritchard is on the record as saying: “Dentistry is a hugely important service. We are very much aware that the whole of the dental sector has, as has the rest of the NHS, stepped up through the Covid crisis despite considerable pressures on their services. Our particular responsibility is to NHS dental practitioners. What we have done is maintain a roll-over contract model from last year, so that there is stability and a reliable source of income that is separated from the amount of activity that is being done at the moment. Exactly as you say, in common with the rest of the NHS, there are real constraints around the productivity that dental services are able to operate. At the moment, balancing safety and patient needs, we absolutely support dentists making some local judgments about what the right balance is to make sure they are able to operate safely.

“From an NHS perspective, we are working closely with the BDA around things like PPE costs. We are conscious, as has been mentioned, that both the demand for PPE and the price of PPE has risen, so we are very keen to continue working with the BDA to make sure that we support NHS dentists through that.”

Time will tell as to whether the CEO of NHS England can help to bring some reform to NHS dentistry in the country.

3M Oral Care to showcase orthodontic solutions at BOS

Modern orthodontic treatment is so much more than correcting smiles. It is about harnessing the most innovative solutions on the market, giving patients aesthetic options and ensuring that everyone can receive treatment that is tailored to their needs.

That’s why 3M Oral Care will be showcasing its unique orthodontic solutions at this year’s British Orthodontic Conference, taking place in Manchester on September 15 2021.

Delegates will be able to have a closer look at products such as the 3M Incognito Appliance System – a truly bespoke option that offers predictable outcomes and excellent aesthetics during treatment due to its lingual placement.

So, when you’re at the conference, be sure to come and see what 3M has to offer!

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

3M representatives remain contactable by phone or via video conferencing.

Could SLS toothpastes be irritating some patient’s mouths?

As the consumer demand increases for mild formulations and gentle ingredients, it is important for dental professionals to be aware of the ingredients typically found in toothpastes and mouthwashes and furthermore products that offer whole mouth protection without the need for harsh formulations.

This is especially topical as the desire for sulfate-free substitutes has been rapidly increasing among consumers. Research from Google reveals a 180% increase in searches for ‘toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate’ in the UK within the past 12 months (June 2020 – June 2021).

While Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a safe ingredient and not harmful, in the last 2 years there has been a 20% increase in products claiming to be SLS free. This trend has gained a lot of popularity in all kinds of products especially shampoos as SLS is believed to dry out hair and strip away the colour. There has also been a rise in body washes, soaps and face cleansers, which are now “sulfate-free” as some find that SLS, can dry out and irritate their skin.

SLS is used in most toothpastes to create the foam associated with being ‘squeaky clean’, but does this ingredient have the potential to irritate the tissues in patients with delicate oral mucosa?

What is SLS?

SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a chemical agent that is used for cleaning. It is the most commonly used detergent in the beauty industry, and essentially helps liquid substances “foam”.

It was originally developed in 1930 for the laundry industry to clean your clothes, and the sulfate craze quickly became popular in a lot of products, specifically within the Beauty & Personal Care category. It is now found in many everyday cleaning products from floor cleaners to shampoos and toothpastes.

What is the difference between SLS & SLES?

Some people confuse Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) with its sister compound, Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), which is also frequently used as a foaming agent in toothpastes, shampoos, body washes and face washes. SLES is a milder version of SLS, so is not as irritating but the important thing to remember is that products claiming to be SLS-free usually mean they are free of both compounds.

What relevance does this have for our mouths?

Nearly every toothpaste contains surfactants, which help to create the foam that loosens debris and makes cleaning easier when you brush – this is the effect of SLS. Another effect of SLS is the distortion in taste we experience after brushing. While this can upset the taste of your morning coffee or orange juice, the majority of us don’t experience any side effects from having SLS in our toothpaste. However, oral tissues are delicate, and some research from the British Dental Journal and NCBI have shown this ingredient could be an irritant to some patients mouths and can even cause “oral mucosa peeling.” Stripping away the delicate layers of the oral mucosa[1]. However, it should be noted there is no evidence whatsoever that the small amounts of SLS present in toothpaste can cause any long-term health effects. It is a safe ingredient when used minimally, however there is a specific group of patients who may be more sensitised than others.

Patients with a delicate oral mucosa are more likely to find SLS containing toothpastes less suitable, especially those with aphthous ulcers as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate toothpaste can increase the frequency of repeated mouth ulcers.[2] Those who suffer with a dry mouth may also benefit from SLS free toothpaste and it can also be too harsh for pregnant women and even young children whose mouths are more sensitive. I personally had a patient who suffered with dry mouth consistently and complained of a “stinging sensation” after she would brush her teeth. After long conversations and careful investigation, I recommended her to try and switch to an SLS free toothpaste, Zendium, and she was over the moon about how much better her mouth felt after only 2 weeks.

What are the benefits of an SLS free toothpaste?

Choosing SLS free toothpaste can be beneficial to those with more vulnerable mouths. A clinical study published in the Journal of Dentistry measuring soft tissue lesions on the oral epithelia demonstrated that there were 4x fewer lesions after 30 minutes when using Zendium toothpaste which is SLS free compared with a toothpaste containing SLS.[3] A balanced microbiome is also crucial for oral health to protect us against oral disease and Zendium has been shown to shift the oral microbiome towards a healthier state.

Zendium is a daily fluoride toothpaste which has been specially designed without Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). Instead, it contains a mild, low-foaming agent called stereath-30, which protects the delicate soft tissues of the mouth. It also helps to maintain the activity of the enzymes and proteins in Zendium toothpaste which are clinically proven to boost good bacteria in the mouth to improve the balance of the microbiome[4] and protect against dental problems. It can be used for those patients who have a delicate oral mucosa and for the everyday patient too. I personally use it twice daily!

Is SLS free toothpaste as effective?

For years, brushers thought that their toothpaste needed to foam to be effective. But toothpastes don’t need to contain SLS in order to effectively clean all surfaces in the mouth. A foamy feel can give the perception of a cleaner mouth and can make it easier to spread toothpaste around, but it is possible to clean the mouth just as effectively using an SLS-free toothpaste.

The SLS free trend is rapidly growing, including in oral hygiene products. Although SLS is safe, some can find regular toothpastes with SLS uncomfortable to use and benefit from switching to a toothpaste which is SLS free.  There is certainly no harm in seeking out sulfate free substitutes.

Dentists should be aware of this ingredient and understand the advantages and disadvantages in everyday toothpastes to be able to discuss with patients and be able to recommend suitable products especially for those patients who are more likely to find SLS an irritant.

For more information about Zendium please visit: https://www.zendium.co.uk/

Zendium is offering a free box of patient samples to dental practices for a limited time only. Please visit: https://www.zendium.co.uk/professional/patientsamples.html

About the Author:

Dr Surina Sehgal, aka The Foodie Dentist, is an Associate at Rodericks Dental in Denham

References:

*WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH SULFATE-FREE SHAMPOOS

In-text: (What are the problems with sulfate-free shampoos, 2021)

Your Bibliography: Dominican Hair Alliance. 2021. What are the problems with sulfate-free shampoos. [online] Available at: <https://www.dominicanhairalliance.com/hair-blog/what-are-the-problems-with-sulfate-free-shampoo> [Accessed 27 May 2021].

*Stephenson Personal Care. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.stephensonpersonalcare.com/blog/2017-08-27-ingredient-spotlight-free-from-ingredient-claims-in-the-personal-care-sector> [Accessed 27 May 2021].

[1] J Microsc Ultrastruct. 2020 Apr-Jun; 8(2): 80. Oral Mucosal Peeling Caused by Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in a 20-Year-Old Female (nih.gov) & Hassona, Y., Scully, C. Oral mucosal peeling. Br Dent J 214, 374 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2013.386.

[2] Herlofson BB. Barkvoll P. Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers. A preliminary study. Acta Odontol Scand 1994: 52: 257-259

[3] Green A et al. JDent 80 (2019) S33-S39, UK 2016, n=30. Zendium (containing Stereth-30) compared to a standard fluoride toothpaste containing SLS. †IPSOS study 2020, Denmark.

[4] Refers to the oral plaque microbiome and the relative abundance of bacterial species with a known association with gum health or disease after 14 weeks of brushing twice a day with Zendium when compared to baseline.

Save the date for Let’s Talk Live Decoding Digital Dentistry – 8th- 9th October 2021

A new online virtual event is set to break the mould this autumn as Dentsply Sirona announces the launch of Let’s Talk Live Decoding Digital Dentistry, which will take place on 8th and 9th October.

The event will be a fully immersive, two-day extravaganza, unlike any of its contemporaries, and will include the chance for one delegate to win a truly incredible prize – a Primescan® intraoral scanner!

Throughout the two days delegates will be treated to a total of 12 interactive sessions, featuring high-calibre national and international speakers who will present an inspiring range of dental topics.

‘Interactive’ is a key theme of Decoding Digital Dentistry and each session will be followed by a Round Table Live Q&A, creating a forum discussion, during which delegates will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject and start a conversation with the speaker and other delegates.

There will also be the chance to chat with colleagues in online networking rooms, recreating opportunities that are normally found at a live conference. Related content will also be available online for a period after the event, available exclusively to those who register.

In addition to the presentations and live discussions, there will also be commercial sessions. These will be available on demand and can be supplemented with one-to-one consultations with Denstply Sirona experts, which can be booked in advance.

Dentsply Sirona’s Primescan intra oral scanner is the linchpin of digital dentistry and for one lucky delegate it will become an important addition to their surgery – for free! Primescan features advanced technology that produces photorealistic, highly accurate data up to a depth of 20mm. Fast, hygienic and comfortable for patients, the winner will be the proud owner of one of the most advanced pieces of digital impression technology, making faster diagnosis and more accurate, predictable results a reality.

Tickets to Let’s Talk Live Decoding Digital dentistry are £80 +VAT per delegate for the two days or a group ticket of up to five delegates is available for £350 +VAT.
Register now at https://cvent.me/8wA1wR

Save the date – 8th/ 9th October 2021. Look out for more details, coming soon.

To find out more about Primescan, please visit www.dentsplysirona.com/primescan.

You can visit the online Dentsply Sirona Academy for a wide range of education resources, video tutorials, courses and CPD webinars at dentsplysirona.com/ukeducation.

Earn Dentsply Sirona Rewards on all your digital equipment solutions at dentsplysirona.com – all the solutions you need under one roof.

Facebook: @dentsplysirona.uk
Twitter: @DENTSPLY_UK
Instagram: @dentsplysirona.uk

Diabetes in dental patients

Diabetes is a common health condition, estimated by Public Health England to affect 8.5% of the population. The vast majority of cases are Type 2 (around 90%) and occur after the age of 40, though there has been an observed increase in cases among younger people in recent decades.[1],[2] Diabetes is primarily characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), it is a systemic condition that promotes inflammation within a patient and is associated with a wide array of complications.

Obesity is the most publicised risk factor for the disease, though not all people with diabetes are overweight or obese. We do not have a complete understanding of how diabetes develops, but insulin resistance is a known mechanism in blood sugar dysregulation and microvascular complications. Obesity is linked to developing insulin resistance, and is also associated with dyslipidaemia and hypertension, which are comorbid with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and provoke further complications.[3] Genetics also appear to play a substantial role with a family history of diabetes being a major risk factor, while people of black/African/Caribbean and South-Asian ancestry are at significantly greater risk of developing T2DM than other ethnic groups.2,[4]

Though diabetes is associated with aging, increasing numbers of younger people are developing the disease. As a dental care provider, you may be the first to spot some characteristic signs of the condition, and are therefore in a position to aid early detection. Uncontrolled diabetes is a progressive condition, with symptoms and complications developing and intensifying over time. The earlier detection occurs, the sooner the patient can receive treatment and make lifestyle modifications that can greatly arrest or even reverse the progression of the disease.

That said, T2DM can be difficult to detect initially, with few, if any, symptoms manifesting in the early years of the condition. Symptoms patients should be alert to are: increased thirst, a slowing in how quickly they heal, polyuria (abnormally high volume of urine), fatigue, recurrent thrush and blurred vision. The onset of diabetes can also result in significant short-term weight loss.[5] None of these symptoms are exclusive to diabetes, but do warrant a patient consulting their GP for testing.

T2DM causes immune system dysfunction, which can cause chronic inflammation, impair wound healing and increase the likelihood of developing further autoimmune diseases. In terms of oral health, patients with the condition are more susceptible to caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia (dry mouth), and oral cancer. People with diabetes are also more prone to fungal infections – such as oral thrush – which can result in oral mucosal lesions. The risk of complications is greatly increased where T2DM is poorly controlled.3 Depression is roughly twice as common in patients with T2DM, while psychological stress and sleep disruption are known to affect blood sugar stability; all three factors contribute to diabetes development and make it more difficult to keep under control.[6],[7],[8] Where depression is comorbid this could contribute to oral health concerns due to increased difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, depression-influenced dietary choices, and immune system suppression.[9]

Numerous studies have reported that dairy consumption is inversely associated with T2DM. In other words, consuming more dairy lowers the risk of diabetes. There is still debate over whether high-fat milk is beneficial or not, but the evidence for milk generally and yogurt is promising.[10] Milk is also a rich source of calcium and appears to be anti-cariogenic, and therefore may be a favourable addition or substitution in a patient’s diet.[11] That said, many patients cannot consume dairy products for numerous dietary, ethical and religious reasons, which must be respected. Care and restraint over sugar consumption, as well as exercise, is good advice for any patient, whether they have diabetes or not.

Diabetes is a manageable condition and patients respond well to clear, practical advice. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of periodontal disease and caries, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene particularly important. The Waterpik® Water Flosser is a great recommendation that supplements toothbrushing and is easy to use, which can be particularly helpful for patients with low energy. It is clinically proven to be more effective at reducing plaque and improving gingival health than both string floss and interdental brushes,[12], [13] and it has the prestigious accreditation of the Oral Health Foundation.

While diabetes can have serious ramifications for a patient’s morbidity and mortality, it is especially important to remember that it is a controllable disease. Blood sugar can be brought under control, and complications can generally be treated. Healthcare providers must be careful not to foster feelings of helplessness or blame among diabetic patients, as this can easily lead to damaged patient-practitioner relationships and non-adherence to advice and treatments. Raising awareness and education around this common condition is important, and the focus should be on raising early detection and practical steps patients can take to better manage their condition.

 

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.

 

 

[1] PHE. Diabetes overview. Public Health England. 2021. https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/diabetes-ft/data April 8, 2021.

[2] Candler T., Mahmoud O., Lynn R., Majbar A., Barrett T., Shield P. Continuing rise of type 2 diabetes incidence in children and young people in the UK. Diabetic Medicine. 2018; 35(6): 737-744. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5969249/ April 8, 2021.

[3] Verhulst M., Loos B., Gerdes V., Teeuw W. Evaluating all potential oral complications of diabetes mellitus. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2019; . https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00056 April 9, 2021.

[4] Lascar N., Brown J., Pattison H., Barnett A., Bailey C., Bellary S. Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults. The Lancet – Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2018; 6(1): 69-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30186-9 April 8, 2021.

[5] NHS. Diabetes. NHS. 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ April 9, 2021.

[6] Darwish L., Beroncal E., Sison M., Swardfager W. Depression in people with type 2 diabetes: current perspectives. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. 2018; 11: 333-343. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044353/ April 9, 2021.

[7] Zamani-Alavijeh F., Araban M., Koohestani H., Karimy M. The effectiveness of stress management training on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. 2018; 10: 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-018-0342-5 April 9, 2021.

[8] Khandelwal D., Dutta D., Chittawar S., Kalra S. Sleep disorders in type 2 diabetes. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2017; 21(5): 758-761. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628550/ April 9, 2021.

[9] Warren K., Postolache T., Groer M., Pinjari O., Kelly D., Reynolds M. Role of chronic stress and depression in periodontal diseases. Periodontology 2000. 2014; 64(1): 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12036 April 9, 2021.

[10] Alvarez-Bueno C., Cavero-Redondo I., Martinez-Vizcaino V., Sotos-Prieto M., Ruiz J., Gil A. Effects of milk and dairy consumption on type 2 diabetes: overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Advances in Nutrition. 2019; 10(suppl. 2): 154-163. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy107 April 8, 2021.

[11] Woodward M., Rugg-Gunn A. Chapter 8: milk, yoghurts and dental caries. In Zohoori F., Duckworth R. (eds): Monographs in Oral Science: the impact of nutrition and diet on oral health. Basel, Karger. 2020; 28: 77-90. https://doi.org/10.1159/000455374 April 8, 2021.

[12] Barnes, C. M., Russell, C. M., Reinhardt, R. A., Payne, J. B. and Lyle, D. M. Comparison of irritation to floss as an adjunct to toothbrushing: effective on bleeding, gingivitis and supragingival plaque. J Clin Dent. 2005; 16(3): 71-77. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16305005/ April 8, 2021.

[13] Goyal, C. R., Lyle, D. M., Qaqish, J. G. and Schuller, R. Comparison of water flosser and interdental brush on reduction of gingival bleeding and plaque: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Clin Dent. 2016; 27: 23-26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28390208/ April 8, 2021.

 

In practice life, the benefits come when you keep it simple

The simplest things often make us the happiest. If we think about what we missed most during the lockdowns, high on most people’s lists would be family dinners, coffee with a friend, a trip the cinema; simple pleasures that we took for granted and for which we’ll be hugely thankful and forever grateful for, when we can fully enjoy them again.

On the other hand, after so many months of restrictions, many of us will now be intending to “seize the day”. If there is a place that you’ve long been desperate to visit, or an activity that you’ve always wanted to try, what better time than now?

But, although the pursuit of pleasure and living life to the full are important, simplicity remains a key ingredient for achieving happiness, not least as a way to identify and eliminate what you don’t need, which often adds unnecessary layers of stress and friction.

The recipe for a successful workplace

In the practice setting, simplicity is something to aspire to. Dentistry is an industry full of the new and exciting – products, tools, materials and techniques – but a truly great practice will still be great when stripped back to the basics.

Think about the simple things that everyone needs to be happy, motivated and productive at work. For example, a clear job description, so you know exactly what is required of you each day and what your goals are. Most of us will now appreciate just how fundamental routine and structure are, for our emotional wellbeing. People also need good leadership that is strong and focused, also understanding and empathetic. Regular team catch-ups are an easy, but necessary way to check-in with each other, to let everyone know that they are valued and that it is OK to speak up if they are feeling overwhelmed. Dentistry has long been recognised as a stressful profession for a number of reasons and the impact of workplace-related stress is a topic that has received extensive coverage in the past. But now there are more factors at play that could affect happiness, motivation and performance, such as job insecurity, health anxieties, worries about family members… and these are just the tip of the iceberg in the post-Covid world.

Take care of the team 

Explore ways to simplify processes, to make everyone’s work life better. Technology comes into its own here, as it can save time and stress, enabling better communication and collaboration. Technology can eliminate unnecessary multitasking. What jobs can be taken online? Have you made use of remote consultations to make patient engagement more efficient? Could you use practice management software to improve the booking system and scheduling? Although you will still be seeing fewer patients per day to allow for enhanced decontamination and infection control, schedules should continue to incorporate regular breaks for all the dental team, where possible, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

As well as giving everyone the means to focus on their own role, technology can also support continued learning, via online education. The opportunity to learn, grow and advance your career is another simple ingredient for feeling fulfilled and happy as part of a thriving practice. It can empower, boost confidence and, potentially, enhance future earnings. When a practice offers continued learning and training, it can be a way to retain talented people and keep a successful team intact, so patients don’t go elsewhere.

What is also simple – but can be overlooked – is that people need equipment, tools and materials that add value, and that actually work. It is understandable to get excited about the latest product launch, but if it won’t make workflows more efficient, or upgrade the dentistry that you do, it might not be worth investing in. So, don’t prioritise a cutting-edge scanner if the ancient office computers are a source of daily frustration, or seek a new composite that isn’t adaptable for the different indications that you routinely see. Strip materials down to simple, high-quality and hard-working choices – look for universal composites that can be used in both the anterior and posterior regions and are just as useful for everyday dentistry as for more complex cases. BRILLIANT EverGlow™, a stackable submicron hybrid universal composite from COLTENE, ticks these boxes, with no compromise to your final restorations, which will be highly aesthetic and enduring.

The simple life doesn’t mean one without creativity, without any exploration of the new and exciting. It means getting the basics right, but not taking the essentials for granted. Keeping things simple is the most direct route to predictable results and better clinical outcomes, delivered by a team that has everything it needs to offer the highest quality care, every time. Simplicity gives you the foundation on which to add your own personal flourishes, which will add uniqueness to your brand. When you get the simple things right, you’ll be rewarded with a happy practice and happy, loyal patients.

 

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