Month: May 2022

Oral Health Foundation: Dental teams can be ‘vital link’ in caring for patients with eating disorders

Dental teams are in the ideal position to identify and act on early signs of eating disorders, says the Oral Health Foundation

Around 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder and many can be recognised by a range of common problems in the mouth.

Around nine-in-ten (90%) patients with bulimia and one-in-five (20%) with anorexia suffer from enamel erosion.  Tooth decay, sensitive teeth, dry mouth and enlarged salivary glands are also frequent.

The Oral Health Foundation believes that thousands of undiagnosed eating disorder can be picked up during regular dental check-ups by dentists, dental hygienists, therapists, and dental nurses.

Chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, says: “During the routine dental examination, dental teams carry out checks on the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and look for signs of tooth erosion.  They will also look for possible injuries to the mouth which could have been induced by inserting foreign objects that cause a person to vomit.

“The UK needs a far better strategy for diagnosing eating disorders early.  The sooner an eating disorder is suspected or recognised, then the more effective treatment will be.  This treatment extends far beyond any damage caused to the mouth.  It is also necessary to instigate wider medical referrals to those who specialise in treating eating disorders.”

In the UK, around 275,000 people suffer from binge eating disorders, 235,000 have bulimia and 100,000 are diagnosed with anorexia.

Those who purge through vomiting often suffer from enamel erosion and those with binge eating disorders may have an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth loss through excessive sugar consumption.

The lack of vitamins and nutrient deficiencies associated with eating disorders can also cause the body to shut down and not function properly.  This will also be reflected by signs in the mouth.

“As well as erosion through stomach acid, dental teams will also be able to detect conditions such as tooth decay, from excessive sugar consumption and signs of nutrient deficiencies,” adds Dr Carter.

“If they suspect that a person might be suffering from an eating disorder, they will be able to talk calmly through the clinical signs they are seeing in the mouth.  They might also speak about prescribing a high fluoride toothpaste or varnish to protect your teeth from decay.

“The more open and honest patients can be with their dental team, the better they will be able to help.  Your dental team can be trusted to help you and will not judge you over any symptoms you are having.”

The Oral Health Foundation is currently running National Smile Month – a campaign that champions the importance of having good oral health.  During the campaign, the charity is keen to support those with severe oral health needs and improve awareness and information about the health of the mouth.  

Brooke Sharp is a Clinical Advice Coordinator at Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.

She says: “Eating disorders impact around 1.25 million people in the UK of all ages, genders and backgrounds and you cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. This means that eating disorders can go undetected for a long time. However, physical signs of an eating disorder, such as dental erosion or sensitivity can occur, mean that dentists may be among the first to observe the signs and symptoms.

At Beat, we are currently working on a webinar series to educate different health sectors about health, which includes dentists, dieticians, and pharmacists. The aim of this training will be to help professionals identify the signs of an eating disorder and understand how to support their patients. However, whilst it’s important to increase awareness of eating disorders, it is never the role of dentists to diagnose or treat the eating disorder, and patients must always be signposted to specialist support.”

Tina McGuff  is a mother of four children and struggled most of her life with anorexia and obsessional exercise behaviours. She has fully recovered and lives a healthy life, even writing a book to help other people who are going through the same struggles. Currently, she is helping to educate others on mental health and how to cope with different needs. It can be hard for dental teams to broach the subject with those who are suffering from eating disorders.

Tina says: “I could see the impact it was having on my oral health, and I was eventually hospitalized in a psychiatric ward as a teenager. There were a lot of problems with my teeth even at that time because I was sick all the time.”

Constant stomach acid on teeth can erode the tooth’s enamel.  As the teeth are weakened, it is also important not to brush straight after being sick as this could further damage the teeth. Instead, simply rinse with water or use a safe fluoride mouthwash recommended by your dentist.

Tina explained that she assumed the dentist would simply be able to fix everything at the end of her struggle and that it would not impact her dental health going forward.  “It is so good that awareness is now being raised as to how eating disorders can impact your mouth,” Tina adds.  “All the sugary things I was taking to try to get back into normal eating meant that my teeth were always being attacked.

“I was aware of oral hygiene. I did brush and floss my teeth. I also wasn’t probably using the right products with the correct amount of fluoride. It felt almost futile, but I did it because it was the only right thing I could do.

“The most interesting thing is that when I did go to the dentist, which I did a lot when I was younger, was that not one dentist ever said anything to me. It was only this last year that the dentist sat me down and said I have some concerns with the pattern in your mouth – do you have an eating disorder? It was so sad he was the first one to ever ask. Someone must have spotted and seen, but no one person ever said anything, and it would have been a great opportunity to have that discussion.”

Tina is currently pushing for more research into how best to help patients with eating disorders. This could be a great step forward for the wellness of those who struggle with eating disorders.

Rhian Lovell has a long history of eating disorders. She is 39 years old and living currently in South Wales. Rhian says: “The longest-lasting legacy of my eating disorder is my teeth. I have spent probably the best part of £6,000 and lost five or six teeth. I am going to get dental implants for the teeth which are missing. While I was unwell, I did try to take care of my teeth but when you are vomiting multiple times a day that is going to have a long-term impact.

“When you have an eating disorder, self-care is not very high on your priorities. I probably didn’t brush all the times when I should have.

“The dentist I registered within Cardiff when I was eighteen is still my dentist to this day. The worst part before I had my treatments was having constant infections in my mouth, I was lucky because he was always at the end of the phone for me. Even now it is over an hour’s drive away, but he understands what I’ve been through, and he understands how to encourage me and what advice to give me.

“My advice for dental teams is to try to approach it sensibly and sensitively. If there is a decline in dental health there is, of course, a reason for it and I don’t think it is unreasonable to have the conversation like that. It was a bit of a relief for me for my dentist to know why my teeth were a mess. I knew I wasn’t taking care of my teeth, it almost made it easier for me to deal with. My teeth still frustrate me, but they look okay now, and they work.”

The Oral Health Foundation urges anyone with an eating disorder, or family and friends with eating disorders, to get help reach out for support.  Both Tina and Rhian volunteer for Beat, the UK’s an eating disorder charity that strives to help people overcome their problems supports people affected by eating disorders.  Beat’s helpline is open 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or via beateatingdisorders.org.uk. You can find more help here at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ for information and support.

British Dental Industry Association supports BADN Menopause Policy

The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) has announced its support for the BADN Menopause Policy launched in March this year.

The Policy outlines the challenges faced by menopausal women in the workplace and suggests ways in which employers can support menopausal employees.  Dental practices, laboratories, clinics, organisations and dental industry companies are asked to adopt the Policy and implement it in their workplace.

Gail Vernon, Vice-President of the BDIA, said “This is a great resource making it easier to talk about menopause in the workplace. It’s also a great example of shared learnings across the industry and the BDIA are delighted to lend support to this important initiative.”   

BADN’s Menopause Policy is also supported by the British Society of Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), the College of General Dentistry (CGDent), the Dental Laboratories Association (DLA), the Dental Technologists’ Association (DTA), the Orthodontic National Group (ONG), and the British Veterinary Nurses’ Association (BVNA).

The advice sheet/policy is available on the BADN website www.badn.org.uk. 

Annual report: Another strong year for Dentists’ Provident

The 2021 annual report from Dentists’ Provident, a leading income protection provider for dental professionals, was approved at its Annual General Meeting last week

Last year’s results from Dentists’ Provident show a ‘resilient performance’ says its Chairman – The Society distributed nearly £7 million as bonuses to its members and paid over £5 million in claims.

“I am very pleased to report that we have once again delivered a resilient performance, despite the ongoing pandemic. Our results are a testament to the robustness of our strategy and business model, and the talent of our people,” says Giles Kidner, Chairman of Dentists’ Provident.

In 2021 the society paid out £5.4m on a total of 1,190 claims, with an impressive new claims paid ratio of 98.9%. The Society maintained the loyalty bonus paid to leaving members at 15% and the annual interest rates for the various plans remained unchanged at between 4% and 5%.

“We know how the impact of the pandemic continued to be felt by dental professionals in their daily lives last year. Many are still working tirelessly to catch up, while facing more worries, illness and financial uncertainty from restrictions in the way they practice.”

“This past year, our members have shown incredible strength despite the longevity of the ongoing situation. By being flexible, approachable and supportive, we have tried to be one of the few things in their lives that have not become more complicated as a result of the pandemic,” says Farrukh Mirza, CEO of Dentists’ Provident.

At the Annual General Meeting, held at their Head office on Friday 27 May, all directors standing for election were successful, including Matt Payne, who joined the board in November 2021.

As a member-owned and led mutual, Dentists’ Provident’s sole objective for over 110 years has been helping dental professionals achieve financial security during periods of illness or injury.  To find out more or read the full 2021 Annual Report visit: https://www.dentistsprovident.co.uk/media/1773/annual-report-2021.pdf

The Dental Awards 2022

The Probe proudly presents the 2022 Dental Awards Ceremony audio! Hosted by Sarah Keith-Lucas.

The Dental Awards 2022 is presented by B.A. International, Colosseum Dental, Dental Elite, and Waterpik, in association with The Association of Dental Administrators and Practice Managers, British Association of Dental Nurses, British Association of Dental Therapists, British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, and the Oral Health Foundation.

Listen here as well as on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more:
 
 

Colosseum Dental UK is a Certified Great Place to Work

Colosseum Dental UK is delighted to announce that it has received the Great Place to Work certification!

This has been awarded in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to its people, which includes a significant investment in the facilities, products, training and career progression opportunities provided to all members of its practice teams. It is a testament to the business’ motto – we care more.

Claude Streit, CEO of Colosseum Dental UK, comments:

“At Colosseum Dental UK, our strength is our people. We can only deliver exceptional patient care if our practice teams have the training, support and solutions they need to ensure excellent treatment standards. We have invested significantly in our practice facilities, educational opportunities and internal structure to ensure that all our practice team members have everything they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities – and enjoying doing it. Being a certified Great Place to Work organisation demonstrates how we put words into action and come through for our people.”

Nikki Bebbington, Head of People at Colosseum Dental UK, adds:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the company and shows just how dedicated we have been to creating the best possible working environment for everyone that works within the business. We are always keen to hear from our people, to find out what they need and really listen to what they have to say. Their feedback is used to turn ideas into action, improving how we support our people in every way possible. This accolade demonstrates how successfully we have been able to do this so far and we look forward to growing further in the future.”

Colosseum Dental UK offers the flexibility and personality of a small business, combined with the greater networking and opportunities that come with a larger organisation. All team members have a voice and are encouraged to speak to up help influence positive change for themselves, their colleagues and their patients. Because by working together, we achieve more.

For more information, about Colosseum Dental, please visit

http://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/

#WeCareMore

Long-established Falkirk dental practice sold to UK corporate operator

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Falkirk dental practice, Grahams Road Dental Surgery.

Grahams Road Dental Surgery is a mixed-income practice with six fully equipped surgeries, three hygiene surgeries, and circa 19,000 registered patients. It occupies the ground floor of a traditional style property in a prominent location on Grahams Road, close to Falkirk town centre.

The location has been home to a dental practice since the early 1900s, with the business expanding over the years to meet growing patient demand. Significant investment in the 1970s enabled the practice to expand, offering five surgeries, with a dedicated denture laboratory as well as employing two full-time hygienists. More recently, in 2008, further expansion allowed for a sixth surgery and a third hygiene surgery.

The practice had been operating with four Principal Partners (Damian Carey, John Arthur, Christopher Black and Stephen Kean) who were keen to ensure a smooth transition and continuity for their patient base, whilst considering their exit strategy. After discussions with Christie & Co, the Partners recognised that a buoyant market would provide a great opportunity to transition the business to new ownership.

Grahams Road Dental Surgery, which was brought to the market on a confidential basis in May 2021, received significant interest from a wide range of buyers, with over 20 enquires in the first 24 hours alone. With the high level of interest, a closing date was set just a few weeks after launch. Multiple competitive bids were received on the day, with the Partners accepting an offer from Portman Dental Care, one of the largest corporate operators, who they felt would be able to continue the growth of the business, whilst upholding the reputation for delivering the highest quality patient care.

Speaking on behalf of the exiting Partners, Damian Carey comments, “There were numerous reasons why we decided to sell, however, I’d heard a lot of things about Portman Dental Care – it sounded like it would be a happy and supportive environment to be a part of. Since acquiring the practice, Portman have improved the management structure and have provided the staff with a great deal of support, with some exciting improvements in the pipeline too.”

“With regards to Christie & Co, I couldn’t speak highly enough of you all. The advice and work Christie & Co, and especially Paul, put into the deal was brilliant. The value of the deal I think couldn’t have been achieved otherwise, and I always felt Paul was pushing for us to reach a great result. I’m really grateful for all the effort put in and especially the patience! I was always confident that we could trust in Christie & Co to give us the best possible advice and direction.”

Selina Alexander, Mergers and Acquisition Manager at Portman Dental Care, comments, “This is a really exciting partnership that we have established with the Partners at Grahams Road. Whenever we look for practices to join us, we are adamant that they share the same values that we uphold throughout the entire business and family of practices – the team at Grahams Road do just that. That family element is also key; we’re not simply buying a practice, we want them to feel as if they’re joining our family, bringing their individual skills and competences to enrich our group further.

“A big thank you to Damian, John, Christopher and Stephen at Grahams Road for making the process so enjoyable, rewarding and straightforward for everyone. You’re joining the business at an extremely exciting time, and I am excited to see the future of Grahams Road as a Portman practice.”

Paul Graham, Head of Dental at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “It has been a pleasure to assist Damian, John, Christopher, and Stephen with the sale of their practice. This deal was a particularly interesting one, with all four Partners having different plans post-sale. We first met to discuss an exit plan that was suitable for everyone and, after a confidential marketing process, we were delighted with the result. We received a plethora of interest which is a testament to the excellent reputation the sellers have built together over the years. Thanks to all involved, particularly the sellers for the opportunity to be a part of this sale.”

Grahams Road Dental Surgery was sold for an undisclosed price.

British Orthodontic Conference 2022 – Most.Smile.Debate

Registration is now open for the 2022 British Orthodontic Conference – do not miss the largest event in the UK dedicated to dental professionals with an interest in orthodontics. This year’s theme is Most.Smile.Debate – inspired by the What.3.Words address of the ICC Birmingham. Indeed the inventor of what.3.words, Jack Waley-Cohen, will be addressing the conference about how the App came about.

At the ICC, between the 15th – 17th September, there will be a line-up of hugely respected speakers from the UK and around the world including Dr Michael Mosley, Sandra Tai, Lars Christensen, Björn Ludwig, Ewa Czochrowska and Pawel Placwicz.

David Spary will be delivering the prestigious Northcroft memorial lecture and on a wide-ranging programme there are also parallel sessions on Driving Private Practice and for those considering a career in orthodontics. There is also a well devised programme for both orthodontic therapists and nurses.

The BOC social programme always proves popular and the 2022 Gala is being held at the Birmingham Library – a venue with a difference. The beautiful Town Hall will be hosting the exclusive banquet and there will be plenty of opportunity for those wishing to see the sights and heritage of Britain’s second city. Indeed, if you haven’t been to the centre of Birmingham for some years, you may not recognise it. There has been significant investment ahead of hosting the Commonwealth Games in July.

Trevor Hodge, Chair of the British Orthodontic Conference Committee added, “I am delighted to welcome everyone to the city where I did my postgraduate training and of which I have a lot of fond memories. We have a pre-conference course on Autotransplantation, two parallel sessions, a fantastic programme for therapists and nurses as well as excellent social events for which the BOC has become famous. As in 2021, the conference will be hybrid so there is an option for those who cannot attend in person to still benefit from the excellent education on offer. I look forward to seeing you all.”

To book, please visit https://boc-birmingham-2022.reg.buzz/

An early bird discount is available for all bookings made before 30th June and a combined team rate is on offer too so that the whole team can come along, learn a lot and have fun.

Putting dentists first

Here at Colosseum Dental UK, we want to show our appreciation to our dentists for the exceptional care they deliver to every patient.

We’ve made some impressive changes to our clinical facilities – we’ve modernised our surgeries, providing our dentists with advanced equipment, introducing more intraoral scanners and even some CBCT technologies. We understand that working with the latest innovations in dentistry can aid in offering patients the best possible care.

Plus, if you’d like to branch out into a new specialism, we provide unmatched career development opportunities. From clinical governance and support, to excellent mentoring opportunities, we truly want to see you succeed, and will help you take the steps to where you need to be. At Colosseum, you have a voice and we actively seek your views and feedback, you’re not just a number. You’ll have support from our experienced management team and wherever you are in your career, we’ll help you reach your potential.

For more information, get in touch with the friendly team at Colosseum Dental UK!

To find out more, please contact Lee on 07936 358758

or visit  https://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/job-opportunities/dentists

CGDent to launch professional framework for general dental professionals

The College of General Dentistry has announced that it will be launching its much-anticipated Professional Framework next month.

The Professional Framework will describe the knowledge, skills and other attributes that primary care dental professionals may aspire to at different stages of their career, and underpins the College’s Career Pathways programme. An initial framework published last year identifies five domains:

  • Clinical and technical: the capability to diagnose, to advise and to treat
  • Professionalism: the conduct and behaviour to engage patient trust and confidence
  • Reflection: awareness of personal impact, abilities and limitations
  • Development: commitment and capability to improve the service to patients
  • Agency: the ability to resolve solutions independently and through others

The College of General Dentistry is the independent professional body into which the Faculty of General Dental Practice transferred last year. The UK’s only medical college run by and for oral health professionals, it is unique in welcoming all dental and oral health professionals with relevant postgraduate qualifications into full membership.

The creation of career pathways for general dental practice was a key founding purpose of the College, which has been developing sets of progressive steps for each dental team role in order to provide purpose and direction for dental careers, to enhance professional standing, and to help retain and nurture a motivated workforce.

These are being mapped out by four working groups representing dentists, dental hygienists & therapists, dental nurses and dental technicians, working together through a programme board chaired by Professor Avijit Banerjee and a reference group chaired by Dr Shamir Mehta.

The Professional Framework will be launched at the inaugural College of General Dentistry Fellows’ Summer Reception, which takes place on Wednesday 15 June at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall in London.

The College’s Career Pathways programme is generously supported by Colgate.

Innovation and efficiency… in a box

Smile in a Box™ is an advanced digital treatment planning and manufacturing service, designed to help clinicians grow and develop their dental practices.

Clinicians will have access to digital solutions and systems, minus any additional investment or commitment. They’ll have the freedom to choose what they outsource and Straumann® will deliver everything, conveniently, in a single box.

Whether you have a new practice, or are expanding an existing one, the Smile in a Box™ service adapts to every situation, helping all clinicians in various stages of their career to grow their business and meet patient expectations, confidently.

For more information on the Smile in a Box™ digital treatment planning and manufacturing service from Straumann®, get in touch with the team or visit the website today.

 

To find out more about the Straumann Smile in a Box, visit https://www.straumann.com/digital/gb/en/discover/smile-in-a-box.html