Month: March 2022

Join the fight against sugar

The impact of sugar on the population’s health is widely known within dentistry. As well as patients, dental professionals can also be guilty of consuming too much sugar.

So, why is cutting down on sugar so difficult, even for the experts?

Timothy Ives will explore this topic in greater detail in his lecture, “Pure, White and Deadly” at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) 2022. Showcasing his own research, Timothy will highlight the impact of sugar and why so many patients struggle to cut down. Timothy comments:

“I’ll be discussing the politics of sugar and why we’re consuming so much compared to what we use to.

“I also want to talk to delegates about the ways they can change how they’re putting out information on this topic to patients.”

Book your place now and be sure to attend Timothy’s lecture in the Hygienists & Therapists Symposium. We hope to see you there!

 

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

 

For more information, visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

 

Register today

A step forward for safer endo

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COLTENE helps dentists make the right investments for their practice. Get in touch to find out how to incorporate their tools and materials, for upgraded dentistry.

 

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

Alcoholism – be prepared and know the signs

Sarah Thomson will be speaking in the Hygienist & Therapist Symposium at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) 2022. About her session entitled “ Alcoholism and its relevance to us!”, she comments:

“This topic is particularly relevant to professionals at this moment due to the way in which we routinely use alcohol to ‘relieve stress’ and ‘relax’. I hope that by sharing my personal experience regarding alcoholism, delegates will have a better understanding of how to spot behaviour patterns linked with this illness and become familiar with when and how to broach the subject.

“It is also my aim that delegates will be better equipped to help and signpost sufferers appropriately, and to remove some of the stigma and shame still associated with alcoholism. It is a family illness which has a ripple effect, most of us will have been or will be touched by it at some stage in our lives, so it’s essential to know how to handle the situation.  

“My experience of attending the BDCDS in previous years is that, as well as providing relevant information, it is an opportunity to connect with other like-minded professionals who will have been encountering similar experiences.”

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

REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY

For more information, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk, or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

Cosmetic treatment: self-love or stigma?

Cosmetic work generally divides public opinion – many people can agree that cosmetic intervention, whether that’s receiving botulinum injections, dental implants or rhinoplasty, can greatly enhance an individual’s life. However, many are also of the opinion that individuals seeking to enhance their physical appearance do so for the wrong reasons.

What prompts this harsh divide in opinion? There are many interlinking factors that

influence public opinion on cosmetic treatments – this can also prompt much misinformation that is potentially dangerous for those seeking cosmetic work. For the medical professionals who perform cosmetic procedures, it’s crucial to recognise the ways that public opinion, misinformation and the patient’s own self-perception could affect their desires and expectations of procedures.

You’re so vain

Modern day cosmetic surgery is, as one study[i] dubbed it, a paradox. Despite its unwavering and increasing popularity, those who choose to receive treatment are often viewed unfavourably. Where does this opinion come from, and why is cosmetic work held in such poor regard by so many? A recent survey,[ii] carried out by Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, found that 84% of respondents either disagreed, or strongly disagreed, with the statement “I like the way lip fillers look on other people.” A further 33% admitted to “negatively judging those who have obviously undergone a procedure”.

Social media and celebrity culture certainly play a phenomenal role in the perception and education regarding cosmetic treatments. Famous faces are often seen sporting certain exaggerated body parts, bright white veneers and lip filler. More often than not, many of them are ridiculed by the media for the work they’ve had done. Similarly, older female actresses who undergo some form of cosmetic work are often criticised for not “embracing” natural aging. Thus, individuals may develop the view that those with cosmetic work, particularly women, have some form of “aging anxiety”.[iii]

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is “a disorder of self-perception. It is the obsession with perfection”. [iv] This disorder can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication,[v] but many individuals with BDD undergo cosmetic intervention to remedy any “defects” they perceive in their physical appearance. One study[vi] noted that cosmetic work rarely improves BDD symptoms.

Disorders such as BDD may fuel the view that those who seek cosmetic work are ill or have dangerously low self-esteem. However, cosmetic intervention can make a positive impact on those who seek it for more appropriate reasons. 

A remedy for self-esteem?

Because cosmetic treatments are designed to enhance and “tweak” an individual’s appearance, there may be a common misconception that people are self-obsessed and are not “aging naturally” should they choose to go down the cosmetic route. But self-image is very much tied in with self-esteem and, ultimately, mental health. Various literature exists on the topic, and it is generally widely accepted that poor self-image can determine the condition of an individual’s mental health.[vii] [viii] Improving self-image, therefore, can have very positive effects on mental health. One study[ix] concluded that minimally invasive cosmetic treatments positively impacted mental health. Whether that’s to manage mild self-esteem concerns or to look more refreshed and revitalised,[x] many patients with appropriate expectations can benefit from cosmetic intervention.

However, the decision to undergo cosmetic treatment should be a hefty consideration, as it will not always be suitable for everyone. Many individuals may not recognise whether cosmetic work is a healthy option for them. This could partly be down to unrealistic expectations encouraged by disorders such as BDD, or misinformation shared by social media personalities or even friends and family. For medical professionals who perform these procedures, whether they’re cosmetic surgeons, tattoo artists or dentists, knowing how to adequately assess why a patient is seeking a certain procedure is paramount to providing safe and ethical care.

Your role

As a dentist who offers cosmetic dental options in your practice, it’s crucial to have the skills to be able to guide your patients. Providing relevant information and resources can help your patients to better understand why they would like treatment, help them set more realistic expectations and ultimately help promote more positive outlooks regarding cosmetic intervention. It will also benefit you when identifying why patients seek these procedures, so you can alter your approach to care accordingly.

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is proud to be a world-leading authority on cosmetic dentistry. By becoming a member of the BACD, you’ll have access to exceptional training pathways and educational resources. This will help you develop your skills and confidence, and enable you to continue the BACD’s mission for safe and ethical cosmetic dentistry. Plus, with unmatched networking opportunities, you can share ideas, receive feedback and guidance from experienced peers. 

Changing public opinion on cosmetic dentistry certainly won’t be a straightforward task. However, by furthering your own knowledge and skills in the field, you can help patients make a decision that best suits them.

 

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

 

Author: Dr Chirs McConnell, President BACD

Dr Chris McConnell is a private dentist based in Cornwall with a special interest in advanced dental treatments including implants, sedation, cosmetic and digital dentistry. He has two practices, a General Practice, and a bespoke designed clinic that focuses on the digital workflow in cosmetic and implant dentistry. Chris is President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Key Opinion Leader with a number of International companies, as well as founder of the REAL Dentist course which teaches Dentists how to maximise efficiencies in practice. He has undertaken the Royal College FGDP Implant Diploma and lectures on dental efficiencies, and advanced implant and cosmetic solutions using digital dentistry to improve your results. 

 

[i] Bonell, S., Barlow, F.K. and Griffiths, S. (2021). The cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudes. Body Image, [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1740144521000632#:~:text=The%20cosmetic%20surgery%20paradox%20suggests,negative%20attitudes%20toward%20cosmetic%20surgery[Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[ii] www.cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk. (n.d.). Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery – Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk/news/what-british-public-really-think-cosmetic-surgery [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[iii] Slevec, J. and Tiggemann, M. (2010). Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Surgery in Middle-Aged Women: Body Image, Aging Anxiety, and the Media. Psychology of Women Quarterly, [online] Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-6402.2009.01542.x [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[iv] Vashi, N.A. (2016). Obsession with perfection: Body dysmorphia. Clinics in Dermatology, [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X16300724 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[v] NHS (2021). Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[vi] Bowyer, L., Krebs, G., Mataix-Cols, D., Veale, D. and Monzani, B. (2016). A critical review of cosmetic treatment outcomes in body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image, [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1740144515300036  [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[vii] Moksnes, U.K. and Reidunsdatter, R.J. (2019). Self-esteem and mental health in adolescents – level and stability during a school year. Norsk Epidemiologi, [online] Available at: https://www.ntnu.no/ojs/index.php/norepid/article/view/3052 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[viii] Choi, Y., Choi, S.-H., Yun, J.-Y., Lim, J.-A., Kwon, Y., Lee, H.Y. and Jang, J.H. (2019). The relationship between levels of self-esteem and the development of depression in young adults with mild depressive symptoms. Medicine, [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6824750/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022]

[ix] Rudolph, C., Hladik, C., Stroup, D.F., Frank, K., Gotkin, R.H., Dayan, S.H., Patel, A. and Cotofana, S. (2019). Are Cosmetic Procedures Comparable to Antidepressive Medication for Quality-of-Life Improvements? A Systematic Review and Controlled Meta-Analysis. Facial Plastic Surgery, [online] Available at: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0039-1697030 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

[x] Sadick, N.S. (2008). The impact of cosmetic interventions on quality of life. Dermatology Online Journal, [online] Available at: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7s4656k6 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2022].

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Smile in a Box from Straumann® can improve patient acceptance of treatment as it reduces the time they’ll need to spend in the chair. As well as this, your practice will have access to digital dentistry without having to invest in additional technology. Everything you need comes with the kit!

When you choose Smile in a Box you’ll find that you meet patient expectations more often with a guided-surgery workflow that makes treatment planning simple and predictable in terms of time, costs, and outcome. What’s more, you have the choice of planning and/or manufacturing services for any indication that will streamline and add efficiency to your workflow.

Visit the website to order your very own kit today!

 

For more information on the Straumann® Smile in a Box, visit https://www.straumann.com/digital/en/discover/smile-in-a-box.html

Cryptocurrency – the future of investments?

You’ll have undoubtedly heard of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum – but what actually are cryptocurrencies and are they a sound investment?

What are cryptocurrencies?

You’re probably aware that cryptocurrencies are virtual, but did you know this means that they have certain benefits over other traditional currencies? Digital cryptocurrencies are secured by cryptography, making them virtually impossible to counterfeit or double spend. Furthermore, as these currencies aren’t tied to a specific country or any central authority, this means that they are effectively immune against government interference.[i]

Many cryptocurrencies are decentralised networks based on blockchain technology. In simple terms, a blockchain is a distributed database that is shared across nodes of a computer network. Due to the unique way that a blockchain stores data, it guarantees a secure record of data that eliminates the need for third parties during transactions, making cryptocurrencies a very secure and trustworthy choice.

The benefits of cryptocurrency

So how did cryptocurrencies become so popular?

There are many features of cryptocurrencies that make them an appealing choice for investors. The first of these is that Bitcoin and other digital options have few fees associated with them. As anyone who invests in other currencies will know, the fees incurred during trading and other actions can soon become substantial, so being able to sidestep these is a significant advantage.

As previously mentioned, cryptocurrencies aren’t tied to a specific government. For some people this means that they seem a safer way to protect their wealth, especially should they have concerns that any changes in the country they live in could result in banks collapsing or other potentially catastrophic financial events. There’s also a certain level of safety some people enjoy of not being tied to a currency that is deeply entrenched in the politics or movements of a country that are beyond their control.

For these reasons, it is now estimated that there are over 300 million people using cryptocurrencies in the world.[ii]

Due to the number of people now using cryptocurrencies, they are integrating into our daily life more than ever. People can now use crypto to purchase items on websites, plus it’s easy to attain – there are even talks that there may soon be cryptocurrency debit cards and other tools that will help to spread the mainstream use of these options even further.

There’s also the fact that cryptocurrency is now considered by many as the future of trading and investments. As blockchain is set to revolutionise how trading works, individuals are keen to keep at the cutting-edge and adopt the newest methods.

What are the risks?

Of course, as with any financial venture, cryptocurrency comes with risks. These currencies are currently unregulated in the UK, meaning that when people invest in crypto there is always a substantial risk. The market for these currencies is also volatile, and even well-established currencies such as Bitcoin can fluctuate significantly.

Indeed, at the time of writing, Bitcoin and several other cryptocurrencies have experienced a sudden crash, leading to the loss of millions. This crash occurred after an up-spike in their worth, showing exactly how temperamental these investments can be.[iii]

Another thing to bear in mind is that not all cryptocurrencies are equal, and there is every chance that a whole currency will crash out of existence. For instance, following the runaway success of the TV series Squid Game on Netflix, a cryptocurrency based on the show was created. After the currency had substantial investors, the currency was purposefully crashed, allowing the creators to walk away with millions.[iv]

That’s not to say that cryptocurrencies don’t come with huge benefits, and there have been a significant number of individuals who have made their fortunes by trading within this arena. It’s all about remaining smart, listening to the experts and planning responsibly.

Here for every financial question

Despite their growing popularity, cryptocurrencies remain just one option for individuals looking to invest. Supporting dentists on their journey towards their financial goals for decades, the award-winning team at money4dentists has unique expertise and proven skill at assisting dental professionals in all financial areas. As the money4dentists network includes skilled teams across multiple sectors, this means that we are always best placed to give you advice on any financial matters. Plus, as we only work with dentists, we have a unique industry understanding that means we can truly tailor our advice to suit your needs.

The future or just a fad?

Ultimately, it looks like cryptocurrencies are only going to continue to grow in popularity, especially as they make use of innovative data systems such as blockchain and are becoming more widely accessible. It’s always a good idea to seek advice before making any investments, so by speaking to the experts and exploring the possibilities, there’s no reason why something like cryptocurrencies can’t be a lucrative decision for you.

Richard T Lishman

Managing Director of the 4dentists Group of companies

 

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.

Email info@money4dentists.com or visit www.money4dentists.com

 

[i] Investopedia. What is Cryptocurrency? Link: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cryptocurrency.asp [Last accessed November 21].

[ii] Triple A. Global Crypto Adoption. Link: https://triple-a.io/crypto-ownership/ [Last accessed November 21].

[iii] The Independent. BTC and Ethereum Slide Continues After Sudden Crypto Crash. Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/bitcoin-price-ethereum-news-today-live-b1959179.html [Last accessed November 21].

[iv] Metro. Squid Game Cryptocurrency Crashes As Scammers Walk Away With Millions. Link: https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/03/squid-game-cryptocurrency-crashes-as-scammers-walk-away-with-millions-15530857/ [Last accessed November 21].

A new look for the BSDHT!

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) is pleased to announce that our new website is now live!

Our refreshed online platform has been specifically tailored to ensure that members and those looking to join the Society have access to all the information they need at just a click of a button.

Browse our membership benefits, discover events from your closest Regional Group or sign up to tailored CPD and training – the possibilities are endless when you become part of the BSDHT.

You can visit our new website HERE: www.bsdht.org.uk

To find out more, please get in touch with the Society.

 

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

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

Practice Plan returns to BDCDS

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) 2022 is just around the corner and there will be plenty to entertain, educate and inspire all members of the dental team. The Dental Business Theatre will once again be presented by Practice Plan and sponsored by Wesleyan. It will offer an engaging programme for practice owners and managers to get involved with.

Les Jones, Creative Director of Practice Plan, comments on what they were hoping to achieve:

“We decided on a slightly different approach from previous years, driven by the situation in dentistry right now. Dental practices are working hard to rebuild business after the impact of COVID, but there are many big issues to overcome. For the Dental Business Theatre, we put together a programme that addresses dentistry’s hottest topics. We have created panel discussions instead of the typical pre-loaded presentations – the goal is to facilitate discussion and make the programme fully interactive.

“Practice Plan works with a wide range of practices looking to grow and succeed, so we keep our finger very much on the pulse of what’s happening in dentistry at any given time. We understand what dentists and businesses are facing, and what topics they are most likely to benefit from exploring at the show. When it came to choosing the topics for this programme, they pretty much selected themselves. Of the seven or eight subjects suggested during brainstorming sessions, the top five became clear very quickly.

“We utilised our extensive network and profession reach once again to bring together our panellists. Practice Plan has built a great network of contributors, including experts in their fields, over many years. For this Theatre, we approached people who were both extremely knowledgeable about their subject matters and who had strong and diverse opinions to offer. We didn’t want to create panel discussions where everyone agreed on everything, but rather wanted to stimulate debate.”

The full programme for the Dental Business Theatre can be accessed on the BDCDS website, demonstrating the breadth of topics to be covered. Les goes on to highlight some that delegates won’t want to miss:

“I think all the subjects we’re covering are extremely important with various sessions appealing to delegates’ specific situations. The future of the NHS is a massive topic that will affect the whole dental sector going forward. Even though we’re many years after the initial announcement of contract reform, there is still no clarity or clear information coming forward that dentists can base decisions upon, so there is a collective anxiety across NHS dentistry. I expect this session to be particularly lively!

“Also of note is the discussion around the future of practice ownership. The current landscape has some very interesting dynamics and shifting trends that are likely to impact what ownership will look like and who will be the practice owners of the future. COVID has been a catalyst for change, with some dentists taking early retirement and others forgoing practice ownership in favour of a better work-life balance. Do young dentists have the appetite for ownership? Will the corporates reassess their portfolios? Some interesting questions will certainly be asked.”

Designed to ignite conversation and debate, the Dental Business Theatre will also provide guidance on important issues like improving staff retention and maintaining mental health. Les continues:

“Each session will be quite different, with some offering practical pointers on how to deal with an issue, such as enhancing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and at home. Other sessions will be about elevating issues into people’s consciousness and providing a range of views from experts for them to take away, reflect upon and use to help make better informed decisions. The entire programme will be very interactive – we will be encouraging delegates to bring questions to the panel and also to comment on topics discussed to ensure a two-way conversation.”

Practice Plan has programmed the Dental Business Theatre at BDCDS for several years now and Les shares why they were happy to return once again for 2022:

“In many ways, this is a flagship event within the dental calendar. It’s always very dynamic, with lots of energy and it attracts great people who really engage. BDCDS also attracts decision-makers from practices, which is important for all exhibitors. Practice Plan will be on stand H60, alongside Wesleyan on E60, and we certainly look forward to meeting delegates!

“Dentistry is at a critical stage right now. For practice owners and managers, this is a time for reassessment, thinking differently and finding new ideas to implement within practice. Therefore, the show is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in all that’s new, pick up innovative ideas and see what’s coming over horizon. This is not a time for resting on your laurels and taking a back seat! Practices who survive and thrive in the next few years will need to be proactive now, to understand changes in the landscape and react accordingly.”

If you haven’t already, register for BDCDS online today – it’s free for all delegates!

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

REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY

For more information, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk, or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

College of General Dentistry broadens membership eligibility

The College of General Dentistry has broadened its eligibility criteria for membership, enabling suitably qualified non-registrants to join, and offering practitioners with relevant non-dental qualifications the ability to progress to higher grades of membership.

Registration with the General Dental Council or an equivalent overseas authority is normally required for entry as an Associate Member. However former registrants, and those who hold a relevant qualification but may not be required to register with the GDC due to their job role – such as dental academics – are now eligible to join.

Those wishing to join as Full Members (MCGDent), or upgrade to Full Membership, have until now been required, in addition to meeting the requirements for Associate Membership, to hold either the DGDP, MJDF, MFGDP(UK), MFDS or a Postgraduate Certificate level qualification in a ‘relevant dental subject’. However Full Membership is now also open to those whose qualification is in a ‘subject relevant to the enhancement of oral healthcare’.

Those wishing to join at, or upgrade to, Associate Fellowship (AssocFCGDent), have up to this point needed to hold the MGDS, a Specialty Membership of a UK dental faculty, or a Postgraduate Diploma level or Masters level qualification in a dental subject. However, this recently-instituted membership grade, which offers a stepping stone to Fellowship, is similarly now available to those whose qualification is relevant to oral heath rather than being strictly ‘dental’ in scope.

The changes also apply to Fellowship (FCGDent), applications for which have now opened up beyond the existing membership through the Fellowship by Experience and Fellowship by Equivalence routes.

They are further to earlier departures from the eligibility criteria of the former Faculty of General Dental Practice, from which the College evolved – most notably the ability of Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Nurses, Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians to apply for membership at all grades, and for Practice Managers and other non-clinical members of the dental team to join as Affiliate Members.

The College’s updated membership eligibility criteria are available at https://cgdent.uk/membership-eligibility/

Dr Abhi Pal, President of the College, said: “Among the key aims behind the establishment of The College of General Dentistry were the promotion of both dental and oral health, and to create a new type of college, breaking down barriers which are unnecessarily prescriptive and exclusionary, and replacing them with an inclusive approach fit for the 21st century.

“We are implementing this step by step, and are already a College open to all members of the dental team, formed of practitioners across the UK and beyond, and bridging the NHS/private divide.

“These latest changes offer recognition to a wide range of individuals and professional roles whose contribution to the advancement of general dental practice and oral healthcare is hugely significant, and we look forward to welcoming them into membership, and to bringing their significant knowledge, expertise and experience to bear in the fulfilment of our mission.”

CDO England and BSPD present NASDAL Dental Check by One 2022 Practice of the Year Award

CDO England, Sara Hurley and BSPD’s Dr Urshla Devalia presented the NASDAL (National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers) Dental Check by One Practice of the Year Award in the Clinical Theatre at BDIA Showcase.

Having been on a forced hiatus since October 2019 due to the pandemic – this year’s award is presented by NASDAL to recognise the outstanding commitment of practices to the DCby1 campaign. Launched by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) in partnership with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer England, the aim of the campaign is to increase the number of children who access dental care aged 0-2 years, by encouraging dental appointments for babies before their first birthday.

The winner of the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year 2022 Award and the £1000 prize is Bateman and Best, Darwen, Lancashire.

Nick Ledingham, Chairman of NASDAL, commented, “The last two years have been very difficult for dentistry and society as a whole. However, we have still seen huge efforts by practices up and down the UK put into DCby1. It is abundantly clear that it means so much to many practices and at NASDAL we feel honoured to be able to support this initiative. We hope our award and the £1000 cheque that the winner receives will enable them to achieve even more for access  for children and babies moving forward.

NASDAL has always been keen to recognise business excellence in dentistry – this award illustrates that doing the right thing makes good business sense too.

Ursula Devalia, Honorary Secretary of BSPD; Abbey Heaton and Helen Walsh of winners Bateman and Best; CDO England, Sara Hurley

“Congratulations to our winner, Bateman and Best. We were particularly impressed with the focus on expectant mothers and those who have recently had a baby to register their newborns, even if they may not have any teeth yet. This has helped children to adapt to the environment, so they can familiarise themselves to the smells and sounds of the dental practice. Since January 2019 the practice has registered 253 children under the age of 2 – very impressive when you consider the two years of pandemic.”

Dr Michael Best, Principal of Bateman and Best said, “We are absolutely over the moon to win this award! We have always been passionate about improving the oral health of children. We believe that it is even more important that this vital area wasn’t forgotten during the pandemic. We look forward to building upon this success.”

Dr Urshla Devalia, Honorary Secretary of BSPD, added, “I am absolutely delighted for Michael and all the team at Bateman and Best. They have shown such dedication to the cause of improving children’s oral health and DCby1 – even in the most difficult of times. All the team get involved and many have undertaken additional qualifications in oral health to enable them to help even more people. They have worked hard at reaching out to the local community in nurseries and schools to those who didn’t know they could bring their child into the dentist so early. I wish them well as they continue to spread the message of DCby1; they are a great example of what can be achieved.”