Month: October 2021

As easy as breathing

With attentions acutely focused on air quality in different environments, giving your staff and patients total peace of mind is a must. The industry-leading JADE Air Purification System from Nuview makes it easy to do just this.

The medical grade technology is one of the most advanced of its kind on the market. Using a revolutionary six-stage filtration and sterilisation system, it removes a wide range of indoor pollutants and pathogens from the air, including odours, gases, mould, allergens and viruses.

The sophisticated, sound dampening design provides noise-cancelling benefits for patients and professionals alike, while built-in smart control features make airflow management a breeze.

Reduce anxiety and absenteeism, while boosting comfort and morale for all who enter your practice with the JADE Air Purification System from Nuview.

 

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

 

New GDC Chair and Council member start in post

Planned changes to the membership of the GDC Council take effect from today, Friday 1 October. Angie Heilmann MBE joins Council as a registrant member, and Lord Toby Harris joins as Chair.

 

The role of the Council, as a collective, is to set strategic direction and scrutinise the work of the organisation. Both new members joined the September Council meeting as observers and look forward to participating fully in the Council meeting on 20 and 21 October.

Angie Heilmann

 

GDC Chief Executive and Registrar, Ian Brack, said:  “We welcome our new Chair and Council member, who both bring valuable skills and experience to the GDC as we continue to focus on delivering our statutory objectives whilst navigating the complexities of regulatory reform.”

 

Lord Toby Harris said: “I’m looking forward to working with the professions to ensure that our approach to regulation is proportionate and focused on our core purpose of patient safety and public confidence.”

 

Lord Toby Harris has shared his initial thoughts on taking office as Chair of the GDC.

Sondos Albadri named new BSPD President

The new President of BSPD is Professor Sondos Albadri, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry in Liverpool and one of the most respected names in paediatric dentistry. Her inauguration will take place on 5 October, at BSPD’s annual conference organised by our Merseyside branch.

It’s tradition that the President tours all BSPD’s branches during their year in office and delivers a lecture reflecting on their career and academic interests. Professor Albadri ‘s topic is  ‘2021 vision: A new perspective on hindsight’ and she will reflect on her career, on the management of childhood trauma and on the lessons learned from the pandemic.

She said: “We now live with the threat of a pandemic and prevention has never been so important. The hindsight we have acquired post pandemic should underpin our work going forward and as President I want to build on what that means for us and for our patients.”

One of the impacts of the pandemic has been to highlight the degree to which children from deprived areas are disadvantaged by poor oral health. Another priority for Professor Albadri will be to support initiatives which help reduce growing inequalities in children’s oral health.

Prof Albadri is, among many other roles, Clinical Lead for the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences (ILCaMS). She has become involved in research exploring the link between oral health and chronic  inflammatory conditions in children . She said: “This is about collaborating to understand the science behind inflammatory diseases and understanding that the mouth is gateway to the body.”

Since her young days in Baghdad, Prof Albadri knew she wanted to be an academic, but she did not believe she could ever become a Professor. How wrong she was! She rose rapidly to the top of the academic ladder in paediatric dentistry in the UK, becoming a Professor at the age of 43.

In the year ahead, she looks forward to inspiring younger paediatric dentists, making sure that they know that they can succeed, as she has done.

Read a full profile of Sondos Albadri under the spotlight section of the upcoming October 2021 edition of The Probe.

CBCT, Do You Always Need It ?

Dr Andrew Shelley is a Specialist in Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and of England and an Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Manchester. Andrew has a special interest in imaging prior to dental implant placement and is the author of several published papers on this topic.  He is also a co-author of the FGDP(UK)’s selection criteria for dental radiography and so is ideally positioned to discuss the role of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in implant dentistry. Andrew has presented a session for the ADI, which has been made available to ADI members in the form of a webinar.

His session, entitled “CBCT, Do You Always Need It?”, explores the evidence for the efficacy of CBCT imaging prior to dental implant placement. He comments:

“We should start from a position that there are reasons to prescribe CBCT imaging but also reasons not to prescribe it because there is a cancer risk from exposure to ionising radiation. Therefore, we need evidence to assess the impact of having CBCT information available, especially at higher levels of efficacy such as patient outcome.  We are then armed with the information we need to make a judgement on the balance of risks and benefits. I explain these levels of efficacy in my webinar.

“Current guidance is conflicting, with different recommendations in Europe compared to the USA. The AAOMR is the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists and they recommend that CBCT is used routinely prior to placement of dental implants in all sites. By contrast, the European guidance on these matters, as published by the European Association of Osseointegration, states that clinical examination and conventional radiography may be enough for some cases.”

Given the contrasting guidance and the lack of clarity regarding need for CBCT imaging in dental implantology, Andrew and his co-workers were interested to know how colleagues are currently approaching imaging prior to dental implant placement. During his webinar, in addition to discussing the risks and benefits of CBCT, Andrew shared the results of a study conducted with clinicians across the North West of England.

“We wanted to know what dentists are doing right now with regards to CBCT imaging,” he says. “I will share how we created the questionnaire and what needed to happen to acquire the most reliable information. I also discussed the results, which, not unexpectedly, demonstrated a chaotic pattern of prescription of imaging. There was no consistency in how the dentists prescribe images.

“As part of the webinar, I also presented findings of a systematic review of the available literature on the impact of prescription of three-dimensional imaging prior to dental implant placement in the anterior mandible. Studies were very limited and their results were often conflicting.

“We therefore set-up a study using phantom heads and asked colleagues to place dental implants in the mandible of models with and without the benefit of CBCT imaging. We were particularly concerned with the efficacy of imaging in preventing perforation of the anterior lingual cortex of the mandible when placing dental implants in the region. Trauma to the lingual vessels is potentially life threatening and so it’s a very serious consideration. I discussed the results and conclusions of this study in my webinar.”

Andrew also discussed a recent systematic review which addressed the placement of single dental implants anywhere in the mouth. He further discussed his own conclusions about when CBCT can be most helpful in avoiding surgical complications, based on current research and his assessment of risks and benefits. Finally, Andrew offered some practical hints and tips on how to get the best from assessment prior to dental implant placement, including ridge mapping, conventional radiographic techniques and how to maximise the information gained from CBCT images.

As technology advances and radiation dose is brought ever lower, there may come a time when the benefits of a CBCT image most often outweigh the potential risks and CBCT imaging becomes more routine. Until that time, it is critical that clinicians consider their approach in order to provide the safest and most effective dental implant treatment to their patients.

Dr Andrew Shelley

PhD MSc BDS MFGDP(UK) DPDS MGDS RCSEd FDS RCSEd FFGDP(UK) Dip Rest Dent RCS Eng

Specialist in Prosthodontics

Andrew is in specialist practice in Manchester, UK.  Qualified in 1979, he is a fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and of England.  He has a special interest in imaging prior to dental implant placement and is the author of several published papers on the impact of Cone Beam CT technology on treatment planning and patient outcomes.

Andrew is a co-author of the FGDP(UK)’s selection criteria in Dental Radiography.

 

ADI members can access ADI Webinars for free. For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit the website www.adi.org.uk

BDA weighs in NHS activity target rise

The British Dental Association has criticised the NHS England approach to the latest hike in NHS activity targets, imposed with minutes to spare, and ahead of any meaningful relaxation of Covid restrictions.  

From Friday 1 October practices will be obliged to meet 65% of their pre-Covid activity levels, or face financial penalties. Around a third of practices were incapable of achieving these levels in recent months. The ‘cliff edge’ – the level below which practices face returning a substantial proportion of their NHS funding – will also rise to 52%, leaving hundreds of already struggling practices at risk. 1 in 6 practices were delivering below this level in August.  The target will remain in place until 1 January 2022.

Practices are still facing major limits on capacity owing to standard operating procedures designed during the first wave of the pandemic.  In response to BDA calls to commission a roadmap to ease Covid restrictions, all four UK Chief Dental Officers issued a rare joint statement in June, committing to a review.  Approaches to ease restrictions are set to be consulted on, but there is no clarity when any changes will take effect, or indeed what levels of additional capacity this may unlock. Increases in thresholds at this point therefore remain premature.

The BDA has pressed for restraint on targets, underlining that any significant increase will further undermine the long term sustainability of services in England. It has said clear ambition is also required from government to honour pledges to reform the widely discredited NHS contract. In recent BDA surveys nearly half (47%) of dentists indicated they were likely to change career or seek early retirement in the next 12 months should current Covid restrictions remain in place. The same proportion stated they were likely to reduce their NHS commitment.

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: “The timing of this new target is simply unacceptable. Dentists are at their wits end, and many are already reconsidering their futures. We need a roadmap to meaningfully ease Covid restrictions, not further hikes when plans are still on the drawing board. This service was in crisis long before COVID struck. We have pressed for restraint on targets, but we need to see real ambition on reform if this service is going to have a future.”  

Initial LiSi Block: the latest one appointment CAD/CAM chairside option

With its High Density Micronisation (HDM) CAD/CAM technology, Initial LiSi Block is a fully crystallised lithium disilicate block ready to be polished right after milling and without firing.

Initial LiSi Block’s unique ultrafine crystal makes it easy to grind and can be quickly milled in its fully crystallised state. Thanks to Initial LiSi Block’s exceptional properties, high gloss and natural opalescence can be achieved in just a few minutes by polishing only, with the restoration then ready for luting.

Initial LiSi Block is available in four aesthetic shades and two translucencies. When further characterisation is required, the Initial ceramic product portfolio offers Lustre Pastes ONE and Spectrum Stains. These fully synergistic aesthetic solutions means the chroma, value and brightness can be easily adjusted and more depth and detail can be added just by painting.

Initial LiSi Block is the first lithium disilicate CAD/CAM block that does not require crystallisation firing, ensuring smooth, accurate margins, durable aesthetics and predictable outcomes – the ideal one appointment CAD/CAM chairside option for today’s clinicians.

For more information about GC Initial LiSi Block and GC’s restorative portfolio contact GC UK on 01908 218999, email info.uk@gc.dental or visit https://europe.gc.dental/en-GB/products/initiallisiblock

Success Simplified: Streamline your way towards success

In modern dentistry, providing an exceptional level of care comes with a number of other considerations. After all, today it is not just about meeting patient requirements in terms of function, but also ensuring excellent aesthetics while delivering comfortable, swift treatment.

But how can you make this process easier? By taking a closer look at the factors influencing your product selection, you can streamline your way towards success.

Proven quality

At the very core of treatment remains the need for quality products. Good quality adhesives, cements, impression materials and other solutions in your armamentarium are essential, as they facilitate excellent outcomes and help to simplify treatment in several different ways.

Use of good-quality, peer-reviewed products help to ensure that treatment is not only effective but also long-lasting, providing a durable solution for patients that will solidify their confidence in your skills. It also reduces the chance of patients needing retreatment, which could damage your reputation as a professional, causing excess time and inconvenience for both you and your patients.

Therefore, when choosing solutions for your practice, it’s wise to consider whether they are supported by scientific research. Many manufacturers will proudly display any claims or associated research on product pages on their website or in brochures, so this is a trustworthy indicator of quality.

Enhancing aesthetics

With patient demand for life-like aesthetics now the norm, it makes sense to explore options that can provide exceptional results without compromising other areas. For example, today a number of impression materials, dental cements and temporaries are developed specifically with aesthetic outcomes in mind.

These solutions will have features to help support natural-looking aesthetics throughout each stage of treatment. For example, temporisation materials, in particular, are becoming more realistic looking, meaning that patients don’t have to lose confidence in their smiles during the treatment journey.  It’s also worthwhile to consider if these solutions have any features that can promote long-term aesthetics. After all, the aesthetic value of a restoration is not a short-term commitment, so it’s important to choose a dental cement that offers a long-lasting, natural looking finish.

Ease of use shouldn’t be understated

In today’s world, ease of use is just as important as function and aesthetics. After all, if a product can provide fantastic outcomes but is unwieldy, wasteful and time-consuming to use, this means that it is likely not the best choice.

Look for design features that help to enhance ease of use, including specially designed vials and bottles, syringe tips and more. These will not only help aid ease of placement but also likely curb material waste too, meaning that you can streamline treatment and benefit from products that will last longer.

Impacting the environment – a greener approach

One huge advantage of refining your product selection and the way that you provide treatment is that this is likely to have a number of beneficial impacts on the environment. For example, by choosing products that take fewer steps, you reduce plastic waste and avoid items exceeding their expiration date. Furthermore, if you choose products that have specially designed features to help reduce excess material waste, you won’t have to buy them so regularly, further reducing waste.

Of course, it’s a good idea to look at whether products have any other eco-credentials behind them, for instance recyclable or sustainable packaging. While these features won’t necessarily streamline the way you provide care, it’s a huge benefit that you can also promote on your practice website, appealing to patients that prefer businesses that have a green approach.

An easy way to streamline from 3M

Of course, even with taking these aspects into account, it can be difficult to know where to begin. It is for this reason that 3M Oral Care created Success Simplified – a consensus for best-practice recommendations to streamline the indirect restorative workflow. Created in collaboration with five leading clinicians in the industry, Success Simplified guides professionals on product selection and efficient use of these solutions, supported with clinical tips to streamline care and facilitate exceptional outcomes.

Simpler treatment, stunning results

In the end, the products you use in practice are instrumental to the standard of care you provide. By considering certain aspects of your product selection and learning how to use a smaller selection of solutions whilst still providing high-quality outcomes, you can streamline your way towards success.

To learn more about the concept of Success Simplified, you can download a free copy of the Success Simplified handbook by visiting www.3M.co.uk/Success-Simplified. You can also request a physical copy of the handbook to have in your practice.

Author: Tom Mackie | Marketing Executive – North Europe Region 

 

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