Month: August 2021

Don’t let metals mar your vision

Artifacts caused by metal restorations can make diagnostic images unreadable, resulting in the need for retakes.

With the CS 9600 CBCT system from Carestream Dental, worrying about metal artifacts is a thing of the past. Its exclusive CS MAR (Metal Artifact Reduction) module drastically reduces the appearance of metal artifacts during image acquisition.  Professionals can also interact with images more dynamically, changing the contrast to increase quality for greater confidence during diagnoses.

A cutting-edge solution that encapsulates all of the state-of-the-art software from Carestream Dental, the CS 9600 CBCT system is the perfect choice for professionals who want exceptional imaging for any indication.

Find out more today.

 

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 Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk

College of General Dentistry opens to all and outlines membership package

The College of General Dentistry (CGDent), the UK’s only professional body dedicated to primary dental care, has opened its doors to all dental professionals.

Uniquely among the UK’s colleges, membership of the new organisation is now available to the whole dental team at all grades, dependent on an individual’s level of education and professional achievement.

To mark the realisation of this central ambition of its founders, the College is offering a two-thirds discount to dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians for their first year’s membership. Dental nurses and orthodontic therapists will also benefit from the discount on an ongoing basis, and dentists can receive discounted indemnity cover.

The College has also outlined its membership package, with members receiving:

  • post-nominal recognition
  • quarterly print copies of the Primary Dental Journal, CGDent’s themed, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to general dental practice, and online access to an archive of over 80 past issues
  • 50 hours a year of live online CPD events covering guidance, standards and a range of topics of interest to the general dental team
  • access to an online CPD library of over 900 hours of content
  • heavily discounted access to study days
  • an online Personal Development Planning tool

CGDent is also developing career pathways for the whole dental team, aligned to its membership structure, which will be launched in October.

All dental professionals who are registered with the General Dental Council or an overseas equivalent, or hold the BDS, LDS or an equivalent, qualify for Associate Membership of the College. Those with a relevant Postgraduate Certificate, or who hold the DGDP, MJDF, MFGDP(UK) or MFDS, qualify for Full Membership (MCGDent), and those with a relevant Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level qualification, or who hold the MGDS or a Specialty Membership of a UK dental faculty, qualify for Associate Fellowship (AssocFCGDent). Fellowship (FCGDent) is currently open to existing Fellows of a UK Royal College or overseas equivalent, with an assessed route planned shortly.

Standard annual membership fees start at £100 for Associate Members, rising to £430 for Fellows. A concessionary rate of one third the standard fee applies to dental nurses and orthodontic therapists, to those who are retired, unemployed, in hardship or practising entirely outside the UK, and to those on maternity leave, on a career break, in full time education or unable to work due to long-term illness. Hygienists, therapists and technicians joining the College this year will also enjoy the concessionary rate in their first year.

Launching the new membership eligibility and benefits package, Dr Abhi Pal, President of the College of General Dentistry, said: “At CGDent, we’re determined to offer professional development benefits which are affordable, relevant and accessible for all clinicians working in general dental practice. We’re also building long-needed career pathways for the whole dental team.

“Practitioners of all types will find that our package of membership benefits already more than pays for itself, and further benefits are on the way. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, therapist, technician or nurse, we’re here to support your career.”

Further information is available at cgdent.uk/membership.

Responding to a data breach

Would you know what to do if your patient’s data was compromised by cybercriminals?

The Coronavirus pandemic has driven more crime online, according to the latest crime survey from the Office for National Statistics.

Despite a fall in other types of crime in England and Wales during the year to March 2021, there were an estimated 1.7 million computer misuse offences, up by 85% compared to the year ending March 2019. The increase was largely driven by a 162% rise in unauthorised access to personal information (including hacking) offences, including large-scale data breaches. 

Dental practices and other healthcare providers could represent a tempting target for criminals. Not only do they hold large amounts of sensitive personal information, but they might also be regarded as less secure. Healthcare organisations consistently report the highest number of data protection breaches (although this could also reflect a greater degree of transparency). The latest statistics from the ICO for 1 April – 30 June 2021 show there were 607 data security incidents in the healthcare sector (including 108 cyber security incidents) which was nearly double the number reported in the education sector.

The GDC expects dental professionals to “make sure that patients’ information is not revealed accidentally and that no-one has unauthorised access to it by storing it securely at all times” but if you believe your data protection defences have been breached, it is important to respond promptly and appropriately to limit the damage.

The DDU has put together a guide to dealing with a data breach which is summarised below:

Recognise what constitutes a data breach

The ICO defines a personal data breach as “a security incident that has affected the confidentiality, integrity or availability of personal data”. A personal data breach may belong to one or more of three categories.

Confidentiality – an unauthorised or accidental disclosure of or access to personal data. This type of breach is most common with patients’ records.

Availability – an accidental or loss of access to or destruction of personal data. For example, the sort of problem that might arise after a cyberattack that prevented access to and/or destroyed records.

Integrity – an unauthorised or accidental alteration of personal data.

Ensure all staff can recognise a data breach and understand that it is not just loss of personal data.

Ensure there are robust procedures to detect, investigate and report breaches.

All health service organisations in England with access to NHS data must use the Data Security and Protection Toolkit an online annual self-assessment tool that allows organisations to check they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly. The Toolkit has been designed to identify data breaches that meet the threshold for notification and will report relevant incidents to NHS Digital, the Department of Health, the ICO and other regulators.

Report data breaches promptly

You must report data breaches which are likely to result in a “risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals” within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach. The Guide to the Notification of Data Security and Protection Incidents explains how to do this and what to expect afterwards. Dental practices should use the ICO’s breach reporting service.

When you notify a breach, you will be required to provide information, including:

  • the categories and approximate number of individuals concerned
  • categories and approximate number of personal data records concerned
  • name and contact details of Data Protection Officer or other contact point
  • description of likely consequences of personal data breach
  • description of measures taken or proposed to be taken to deal with personal data breach, including measures to mitigate possible adverse effects.

The ICO advises organisations to consider reporting major cyber incidents to the National Cyber Security Centre (the NCSC) while incidents that might heighten the risk of fraud against individuals should be reported to Action Fraud or Police Scotland.

Inform affected patients if necessary

The GDPR states that you should inform the data subject if a breach is likely to result in a “high risk to their rights and freedoms” which is above the threshold which triggers a notification to the ICO. For example, you would usually need to inform patients if their records were accidentally disclosed because the sensitivity of the data and the potential for confidential medical details to become known to others.

Failure to respond properly to a data breach can result in significant harm and lead to a heavy fine. Practices are advised to contact their dental defence organisation if they have specific concerns about their data protection obligations.

About the author

Leo Briggs is the deputy head of the DDU

New IAS Academy course is a hit

Dr Presh Mulay has begun a new training programme now available from IAS Academy – the Complete GDP course. He shares why he sought training and what he thinks of it so far:

“After being a general dentist for 20 years and still being unable to tackle complex cases, I knew I would benefit from further training. I have been referring a lot of treatments to restorative specialists, but I wanted to gain the confidence to treat some of the cases myself.

“The programme went beyond what I wanted to achieve. Dawson Academy courses were recommended to me about 6 years back, but I was unable to undertake them at the time. In the last lockdown, I contacted Dr Ian Buckle who suggested I start reading ‘From TMJ to Smile Design’ by Peter Dawson. It was hard reading because it felt complicated, but still intuitively felt right. It spurred me to attend online webinars run by the Dawson Academy. Attending the IAS Complete GDP course was a natural follow-up, especially with Ian as one of the instructors.

“Ian, Chris, Neil, Bhu, Daz and Andy were all very helpful throughout the course. More hands-on sessions meant we could put theory into practice immediately. I found the pre-course webinars useful and being able to meet other clinicians face-to-face after being apart for almost 12 months was good for the soul. 

“I have already started implementing what has been taught so far in my practice. As Dr Buckle says, ‘who does not deserve a complete exam?’ I now can’t look inside a patient’s mouth without looking at everything. This systematic approach reduces the risk of errors or omissions.”  

Reflecting on the IAS Academy ethos in general, Presh adds:

“I first did Dr Tif Qureshi’s Inman Aligner course in 2009 and IAS Academy has evolved quite a lot since then. The online courses are very good and the online forum is even better. There are lots of experienced general dentists offering insights and advice on your cases, which makes you feel supported when a case is not going as expected.

“I have already recommended the new Complete GDP course to others. Clinicians would benefit from it early in their careers and should not wait 20 years like I did. It will inspire those stuck in the rut doing basic dentistry and put them in a good place for progression.” 

To find out more about the IAS Complete GDP course and upcoming dates, visit the website today.

 

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

BDA: Support needed as 9 million children miss out on care

The British Dental Association has stressed government must meaningfully support practices to boost capacity, as new official figures underline the collapse in NHS access during the Covid pandemic.

NHS dental statistics for England 2020/21 show the proportion of children seen by an NHS dentist in the last 12 months fell from 58.7% as of 31 March 2020 to 23 % on 31 March 2021, meaning over 9 million missed out on care in the year following the first lockdown.  

The BDA has emphasised the data is yet to capture the full impact of the pandemic on access to services among adults, where attendance is measured every two years.  49.6% of adults were seen by an NHS Dentist in the 24-months up to April 2020, falling to 42.8% in the period up to April 20211.

Figures also show 12 million courses of treatment were delivered in 2020-21, a decrease of 69% compared to the previous year.

Over 30 million courses of NHS treatment have now been lost since the first lockdown. Delays in diagnosis can mean poorer outcomes for patients, and can require more complex treatments.

Capacity across the service remains low. The BDA understands around half the NHS practices in England are not currently meeting controversial targets imposed by government that require them to hit 60% of pre-Covid activity levels, and as a result will face financial penalties. Dentist leaders stress this reflects the limits of what’s possible under strict infection control guidance, which remains largely unchanged since the resumption of routine care in June 2020.  A 45% target was imposed on 1 January 2021, days before the country entered a third national lockdown, rising to its current level on 1 April.

While every other UK nation has provided capital funding to help practices increase capacity through new high-volume ventilation systems, there has been no commitment from authorities in England. Investment here would quickly pay for itself through recovery of patient charge revenues.

The BDA is also seeking a clear roadmap to safely ease restrictions, including the instructions to maintain ‘gaps’ between appointments that have radically reduced patient volumes.  While in response to calls all four UK Chief Dental Officers issued an unprecedented joint statement in June indicating a review would take place, there has been no meaningful relaxation of standard operating procedures2.

Access problems were already widespread prior to the pandemic, with funds allocated to provide NHS care for barely half the population, and unmet need estimated at over 4 million people, or nearly 1 in 10 adults3. With oral health inequality now expected to widen the BDA has urged the government to be ambitious, and ensure recent pledges to reform NHS dentistry turn the page on both the current crisis and historic problems that have dogged the service.  

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee said: “Millions are still missing out on dental care, and patients will be paying the price for years to come. Dentists in England have had capacity slashed by pandemic restrictions, and need help to get patients back through their doors.  Sadly while every other UK nation has committed funds, Westminster chose to impose targets that thousands of practices are now struggling to hit.

“To deliver for patients we need real support, and a clear roadmap to ease restrictions. But even before Covid there simply wasn’t enough NHS dentistry to go round. We cannot return to a ‘business as usual’ where access problems are the norm.”

An ADI Member Exclusive

The ADI Members’ National Forum is one of several fantastic benefits available to members of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI). This year’s event will be extra special as one of the first ADI live events to return to the profession.

To be held on 6 November 2021 at the Royal College of Physicians, London, the ADI Members’ National Forum 2021 provides an opportunity for members to share their industry-leading expertise, personal insights and latest research. A combination of GDPs, experienced practitioners, dental nurses, dental hygienists and therapists and dental technicians are invited to speak during the call for papers, ensuring a broad learning experience for all the team.

What’s more, this will be an ideal opportunity for members to finally enjoy some time with friends and colleagues after so long apart!

The ADI Members’ National Forum is for ADI members only – join today to gain access to this and many other exclusive benefits.

 

For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit the website www.adi.org.uk

Henry Schein Ireland raises money to support in-home care for children

Pat Bolger, Managing Director of Henry Schein Ireland, recently took on a challenge known as “Everesting”. Accompanied by four Naas Cycling Club members, he cycled the height of Mount Everest by summitting Ireland’s Sorrel Hill 35 times in one day to raise awareness and money for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.  

The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children up to the age of 6, with a range of neurodevelopmental issues including brain injury, genetic diagnosis, and severe cerebral palsy. The organisation offers a child and family centred care service and believes that families should be supported to care for their children in their own homes. The Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse (SCLN) will make contact with affected families once a referral has been received. Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation’s service offers the expert support of the SCLN who will advise, help and advocate for the family as well as overseeing the in-home nursing service.*

“This is such an important and worthwhile support for children with additional needs and their families,” said Pat Bolger. “Sometimes, taking the time to listen can reduce some of the worries that come when caring for a child with neurodevelopmental issues. Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is doing this and so much more and I am very grateful to be able to support their great work by raising awareness and some money for their activities.”

Every €18 raised covers one hour of much needed nursing support. The team raised €18,500 for Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation so far. The JustGiving fundraising page remains open until mid of September.

Pat Bolger’s participation in this cycling challenge is part of Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global corporate responsibility programme. Henry Schein Cares stands on five pillars: empowering Team Schein to reach their potential; advancing health equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities; accelerating environmental sustainability; strengthening and diversifying our supply chain; and maintaining strong ethical governance. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on four main areas:

  1. Wellness, treatment, prevention, and education
  2. Capacity building
  3. Emergency preparedness and disaster response
  4. Health system strengthening.

* Source: Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation

The easy to apply restorative composite

When providing composite restorations, correct placement is paramount for successful outcomes.

But have you ever noticed that a number of composites on the market are difficult to place accurately or often result in excess material being used?

Cut the waste and place with ease with 3M Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative.

The innovative syringe design has been specifically developed to prevent bubble formation and material run-on during and after dispensing.* Plus, the dispenser features a bendable cannula that helps guide accurate placement, even in deep restorations.

3M Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative is versatile, reliable and easy-to-use – just some of the reasons that it was recently named as “Innovative Product of the Year” at the 2021 Dental Advisor awards!

Find out more today visit:3M.co.uk/filtek-flow

*3M internal data

 

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

Time to SEE and be seen

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) is looking forward to welcoming our members, students and peers across the profession to this year’s Oral Health conference (OHC).

The theme of this year’s show is SEE and be seen – encouraging dental hygienists, dental therapists and students of the profession to develop their skills, evolve in their careers and engage with the profession and the wider community.

With exceptional educational sessions, the chance to mingle and network with colleagues and friends and plenty of hands-on content, this year’s OHC is a conference not to be missed!

Reduced ticket rates are available for members of the BSDHT, students and newly qualified dental hygienists and dental therapists.

The OHC will take place at the SEC in Glasgow on November 26-27.

 To find out more, please contact the BSDHT today.

 

 For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk

call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

Advancing treatment, advancing yourself

Dental implants are the premier treatment for edentulism, but many practitioners often feel unsure of where to begin. Ucer Education’s Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7), led by Specialist Oral Surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer, has helped thousands of dentists become proficient in all aspects of implantology.

The multi-system programme will help you to build knowledge in everything from core clinical skill competencies, to getting the most out of a fully digital workflow and much more. This course marries the theoretical to the practical, ensuring that by the end of training you will have a broad knowledge of all aspects of modern implant dentistry. It doesn’t stop there, though, with on-going support and mentorship available beyond the initial teaching.

If you decide to take your studies further, the course is an excellent step towards an MSc in Implant Dentistry. Find out more today!

 

For more information on the PG Cert in Implant Dentistry from Ucer Education – supported by Geistlich, Megagen, Neoss, and General Medical – please visit www.ucer.education or call Prof Ucer on 07767 645331

Email ucer@oral-implants.com

www.ucer-clinic.dental