Month: June 2022

Oral-B and Straumann partner on a landmark alliance for scientific education

To improve the periodontal and peri-implant health of patients worldwide

Oral-B and Straumann, two of the world’s leading oral care companies, are proud to announce a new global alliance whose purpose is to elevate the importance of prevention in periodontal and peri-implant health. The alliance will set new standards in quality scientific education for dental professionals and help their patients achieve better long-term outcomes.

The Oral-B Straumann alliance has a long-term goal of delivering a holistic program of scientific events, professional courses, webinars and publications, co-created with and delivered by the world’s leading experts and thought leaders in dentistry.

The alliance was launched on 17th June 2022 with a Sponsored Scientific Session at  EuroPerio10 Copenhagen – the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry – where both companies also presented their recent innovations for periodontal and peri-implant patients: Straumann Biomaterials solutions ranging from enhanced wound healing and bone regeneration to soft-tissue management and wound care and Oral-B iO Specialized Clean brush head, Oral-B iO10 & iOsense to empower patients in effective self-care.

“As patients around the world invest in dental implants, they need to recognize that self-care around implants is just as important as around their natural teeth. The Oral-B/Straumann Alliance will play an important role in enabling ongoing dialogue between dental professionals and their patients so both understand the most up to date science on prevention of implant-related diseases and promotion of periodontal health”, says J. Leslie Winston, Vice President, Global Health Care R&D, Procter & Gamble.

Ari Zucker, Vice President, Global Head of Biomaterials, Straumann Group, adds: “Prevention of tooth or implant loss is for many years an important topic for us in the Straumann Group. As one of the world’s leading dental implant companies, we work closely with experts from the research and clinical fields to address the issues caused by peri-implantitis and periodontitis. The Alliance with Oral-B complements our efforts and offers a solid ground for further scientific and educational activities that will enable more dental professionals to improve their patients’ lives.”

Oral-B & Straumann Alliance: Partnering to Amplify the Importance of Prevention

The vision for the Oral-B Straumann Alliance is ambitious: an unwavering commitment to amplifying the importance of prevention through scientific education, helping dental professionals and their implant and periodontal patients achieve better outcomes.

Starting with the Sponsored Scientific Session at Europerio10 in Copenhagen on 17th June 2022, the alliance will be rolled out over a series of scientific exchange activities that include a forthcoming scientific symposium at the American Academy of Periodontology annual meeting in October 2022, as well as continuing education courses, webinars and publications- all developed with and delivered by the world’s leading experts and thought leaders- focusing on the importance of preventive clinical and self-care for the life cycle of the implant and general periodontal health.

The Sponsored Scientific Session “Limiting periodontal and peri-implant diseases during and beyond the pandemic: from the chair to self-care.” was presented at Europerio10 by Dr. Martina Stefanini (University of Bologna), Prof Giorgio Pagni (University of Milan) and Prof Filippo Graziani (University of Pisa). Reflecting on the importance and potential impact of the Oral-B Straumann alliance, Prof Graziani remarked:“I strongly believe that with the changes in the society and patients’ behaviors it is fundamental to provide a large array of solutions for general health. There are so many opportunities that any patient may get confused by the plethora of products and indications. Thus, this alliance should be cherished in order to simplify the life of our patients and provide additional benefits for their health.”

Periodontal Disease: the #1 cause of tooth loss

Tooth loss is a major global oral health concern: 69 % of 35-44-year-olds in the US have lost at least one permanent tooth[1] while in Europe 30 % of 65-74-year-olds have no natural teeth left[2]. With periodontal disease being the number one cause of tooth loss in adults-and prevalent in up to 50 % of the global adult population- its impacts can have a detrimental effect on the quality of a patient’s life, with a growing volume of scientific evidence that consistently highlights the association between periodontal disease and a number of systemic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.[3]

The economic impacts of periodontal disease (both on the individual and society as a whole) are no less significant: A single tooth implant costs 2,000-5,000 euros and to protect their investment, patients must be educated on how to remove plaque (the dominant risk factor for oral disease) and prevent periodontal & peri-implant diseases, with dental professionals playing a central role in this process.

Prevention Pays Off

Studies show that the removal of 80-85 % of oral biofilm twice a day as part of a patient’s self-care routine can maintain oral and implant health.[4] And as we emerge from the pandemic prevention of periodontal disease is more important now than ever, with recent research finding that Covid-19 patients with periodontitis are 3.5x more likely to be admitted to intensive care and 9x more likely to die than Covid-19 patients with healthy gums.[5] Beyond the significant personal benefit to the patient, recent studies have also shown that eliminating the burden of gingivitis and increasing the diagnosis and treatment rate of periodontitis to 90% in 6 European countries shows a positive return on investment for society over a 10-year period.[6]

Trusted Science, Trusted Brands, Indispensable Partners for Dental Professionals

Both Oral-B & Straumann are innovation leaders in their respective fields: the former with its range of proven personal oral hygiene products -the #1 dentist recommended brand worldwide- and the latter as the world-leading brand for confidence in esthetic dentistry and a gold standard in implantology. With their extensive portfolios of breakthrough oral care products and biomaterials, Oral-B and Straumann will support the launch of the alliance by presenting to dental professionals an upcoming range of new innovations for successful patient outcomes:

Oral-B iO Specialized Clean Brush Head: Brushing personalized to the needs of Implant Patients

The highly anticipated Specialized Clean brush head-with its distinctive bristle field designed with dental professionals exclusively for the Oral-B iO series of electric rechargeable toothbrushes- combines oscillation-rotation with the gentle energy of microvibrations to effectively reach and clean around implant restorations and other hard-to-reach areas that require special focus.

Findings from a recent case study of implant patients who used the Oral-B iO9 round brush heads together with the Specialized Clean brush head showed a 62.7 % reduction in plaque 8 weeks after switching to iO from their regular toothbrush; in line with previously published research showing the superior oral hygiene benefits in favour of Oral-B iO versus a manual toothbrush. In a recent study, 3 times more patients with swollen gums who used Oral-B iO were categorized as generally healthy over an 8-week period compared to those patients using a manual toothbrush.[7]

Oral-B iO10 with iOsense: Technology for better self-care

Launching in September 2022, Oral-B iO10 with iOsense offers real-time coaching via Artificial Intelligence and the Oral-B app, making it even simpler to establish good oral hygiene habits without the need to bring your phone into the bathroom. The iOsense™ Smart Charger personalizes your clean with live coaching to guide how, when and where you brush by providing real-time feedback on your brushing via the LEDs built into the charger, ensuring the user brushes thoroughly, with optimal pressure and for the dental professional recommended duration.  

Research shows a positive correlation between app usage and improved oral hygiene.[8] And a recent analysis of 16.7 million anonymized real world brushing sessions using the Oral-B app and Oral-B® smart-connected oscillating-rotating toothbrushes found that real-time feedback using Position Detection resulted in:[9]

  • Excellent brushing thoroughness: with an average of 94% of brushing zones covered and with 8 out of 10 brushing sessions producing complete coverage.
  • Longer Brushing: Brushing sessions with real-time app feedback lasted on average 2m43s, 21.6 % longer than brushing sessions without the app and helping users ensure they brush for the dental professional recommended 2 minutes. With the average brushing session with a manual toothbrush reported to be just 46 seconds long there has never been a better time adopt interactive brush technology to help establish better brushing behaviors.

Straumann Biomaterials: proven technologies to help dental professionals set their patients up for success

Equally significant is the contribution to dentistry by Straumann, a global leader in the field of dental implants and an important player in the biomaterials market. Offering the industry’s most comprehensive biomaterials portfolio, Straumann provides dental professionals with a unique range in oral regeneration that covers a large range of indications, from enhanced wound healing and bone regeneration to soft-tissue management and wound care:

  • Straumann® Emdogain®: a unique gel containing enamel matrix derivative with an impressive scientifical background of over 1000 publications[10], including multiple 10-year follow-up studies[11], and over 25 years of clinical experience. Based on its success and thanks to a new, shorter, and thinner applicator, Emdogain® FL can now be applied by specialists, general practitioners, and dental hygienists in a flapless approach connected to the hygiene phase of the periodontal treatment.[12]
  • Jason® membrane – a pericardium-based collagen membrane with a long barrier function, tensile strength, and easy handling.[13],[14]
  • Straumann® XenoGraft – an easy-to-handle bovine bone graft that provides long-term volume stability.
  • Labrida BioCleanTM – a proven solution for effective debridement of teeth and dental implant surfaces as part of maintenance or treatment protocols provided by specialists, general practitioners, and even dental hygienists.[15],[16]

References:

[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/#:~:text=Statistics%20provided%20by%20the%20American,of%20their%20permanent%20teeth6 (accessed April 2022)

[2] https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/oral-health/data-and-statistics#:~:text=Dental%20caries%20and%20severe%20periodontal,cases%20per%20100%20000%20people (accessed April 2022)

[3] https://www.scientificamerican.com/custom-media/a-scientific-approach-to-cleaning-your-mouth/ (accessed April 2022)

[4] Wingrove S. Why personalized oral hygiene technology matters. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2022;43(suppl 1):1-4

[5] Marouf N, Cai W, Said KN, et al. Association between periodontitis and severity of COVID-19 infection: A case-control study. J Clin Periodontol 2021; 48(4): 483-91

[6] Bouchard, Carner, Carter et al., Time to take gum disease seriously, The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2021

[7] Grender J, Goyal CR, Qaqish J, Adam R. Int Dent J 2020 70 (Suppl 1) S7-S15

[8] Tonetti, MS, Deng, K, Christiansen, A, et al.. J Clin Periodontol. 2020; 47: 1219– 1226.

[9]  Thurnay S, Adam R, Meyners M.  Oral Health Prev Dent. 2022 Jan 20;20(1):1-10. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b2572911. PMID: 35049247

[10] According to PUBMED search for “Emdogain” or “enamel matrix derivative”

[11] Sculean A, Kiss A, Miliauskaite A, Schwarz F, Arweiler NB, Hannig M. Ten-year results following treatment of intra-bony defects with enamel matrix proteins and guided tissue regeneration. J Clin Periodontol. 2008 Sep;35(9):817-24

[12] Graziani F, Gennai S, Petrini M, Bettini L, Tonetti M. Enamel matrix derivative stabilizes blood clot and improves clinical healing in deep pockets after flapless periodontal therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Periodontol. 2019 Feb; 46(2):231-240.

[13] Rothamel et al. 2012, Biocompatibility and Biodegradation of a Native, Porcine Pericardium Membrane. Results from in vitro/in vivo Examination, J. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 27(1):146-54.

[14] Barbeck et al. 2015, Porcine dermis and pericardium-based, non-cross-linked materials induce multinucleated giant cells after their in vivo implantation: A physiological reaction? J Oral Implantol., 41(6):e267-81.

[15] Wohlfahrt JC, Aass AM, Koldsland OC: Treatment of peri-implant mucositis with a chitosan brush-A pilot randomized clinical trial. Int J Dent Hyg 2019;17:170-176.

[16] Wohlfahrt JC, Evensen BJ, Zeza B, Jansson H, Pilloni A, Roos-Jansaker AM, Di Tanna GL, Aass AM, Klepp M, Koldsland OC: A novel non-surgical method for mild peri-implantitis- a multicenter consecutive case series. Int J Implant Dent 2017;3:38.

Kent Express Dental Supplies earns IS0 14001 Certification for environmental sustainability

Kent Express Dental Supplies, the UK’s leading mail order dental supplier, has been awarded ISO 14001 certification for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The accreditation process for ISO 14001 follows standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which help organisations minimise how their operations negatively affect the environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements, and continually improve their environmental performance.

Kent Express Dental Supplies demonstrated through a series of audits that it is meeting the compliance obligations for ISO 14001, and that it is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner. The ISO certification confirms that Kent Express Dental Supplies has ISO-certified environmental management systems established to identify, manage, monitor, and control its environmental impact.

The company has implemented the required processes to ensure it is effectively managing its environmental aspects and risks and is taking steps to promote environmental sustainability. Becoming ISO certified also reinforces the company’s dedication to helping to reduce climate change.

“We are pleased to obtain ISO 14001 Certification as part of our efforts to advance environmental sustainability,” said Grant Long, Director of Sales and Marketing, Kent Express Dental Supplies. “At Kent Express Dental Supplies we acknowledge the crucial role that industry can and should play in addressing climate change, and we are dedicated to working together with our supplier partners and customers to reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible business practices.”

Introducing the BACD Young Dentist Conference 2022

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is renowned across the profession for its world-class education and learning opportunities. However, it is much more than that – it is also a community of dental professionals that share a passion and a drive for clinical excellence and career development. 

For dentists in their first few years post qualification, this is a fantastic community to be a part of. Not only do you gain access to all of the education and training on offer, but you can also surround yourself with some of the most highly skilled, respected and forward-thinking clinicians in the business.

There is nowhere better to get a taste for everything that the BACD provides than at the dedicated BACD Young Dentist Conference 2022.

This year’s event will be bigger than ever, offering a new two-day format for the first time. This is reflective of the demand for training and support for dentists in their initial years in the profession, as well as the BACD’s commitment to colleagues starting out in their careers.

Dr Stewart Beggs, Chair of the BACD Young Membership Committee, offers further insight into why this change was important:

“This year’s programme encompasses a range of both clinical and non-clinical topics to ensure a well-rounded event. It covers everything from dental implants and aligner treatment, to communication skills and how to ensure you stand out as an associate. Speakers will also talk about their own career journeys and the pitfalls they have faced, providing inspiration and guidance for young dentists to build their own path. The extensive programme also offers delegates greater flexibility – you can attend for both days or just one as you wish.”

As Stewart suggests, the diverse programme will deliver a wealth of practical information and advice for young dentists attending to take away and apply to their own situations. Industry-leading speakers will discuss lab communication and materials, patient marketing and treatment acceptance, social media and managing finances. From a clinical perspective, there will be sessions offering top tips on composite bonding, introducing dental implants and discussing the concept of ‘slow dentistry’. Speakers will include Dr Sandy Shergill, Dr Simon Chard, Dr Chris Leech, Dr Mike Gow and several others. 

Dr Lydia Sharples, BACD Director of Membership, adds:

“The topics have been designed to support the young self-employed dentist to thrive in both clinical and business areas. We are looking at subjects not covered at university or during the FD year. That means the event is perfect for all dentists in their first few years in dentistry – whether you wish to start transitioning into the private sector, to build on your current private work or to upskill and upgrade your existing private services. There will also be useful insights and support for students and FDs to utilise, so it’s open to everyone. The goal is to help you stand out from the crowd, to give you confidence to go for your dream associate job and the clinical skills to deliver exceptional yet highly efficient dentistry.

“From personal experience, I can say that I wouldn’t have the job I have now, or made the clinical progress that I have, if I didn’t attend BACD events as a young dentist – especially the Young Dentist Conference and BACD Annual Conference. These allowed me to aim higher and learn invaluable clinical tips, which all had huge knock-on effect for my career. The BACD has really shaped my career so far and I would encourage all colleagues to get involved as early on in their own careers as they can!”

Of course, the BACD Young Dentist Conference is not just about learning skills. The now two-day event offers double the networking and double the fun, with even more opportunities to engage with speakers, BACD members and peers at a similar level to yourself. A selection of organisations will be on hand to offer product-specific advice relating to sessions, including headline sponsor Voco. There also will be a complementary drinks reception on Friday after the event, as well as a party hosted by Boutique Whitening in the evening.

Lydia says:

“We handpicked the sponsors and industry supporters to include companies and individuals you can add to your network to help you fly as an associate and deliver the kind of work and quality of work you aspire to. We’re very pleased to work with Voco as our lead sponsor and are looking forward to Boutique Whitening’s afterparty!”

Ensuring it’s not all work and no play, the BACD Young Dentist Conference will also be the perfect place to enjoy some time with colleagues outside the practice, to have fun with friends and meet new people. For Stewart, the community and networking aspects of the BACD are among its greatest strengths:

“Aside from the brilliant speakers and sessions, this will be quite a social event. This is really important, especially since the last couple of years made it so difficult for young dentists to go out and meet peers outside friendship groups from university. The Young Dentists Conference provides a good opportunity to meet others at a similar stage of their careers and get involved with the BACD.

“This networking is a key aspect of BACD membership. It’s an essential feature of all events from the Annual Conference to regional meetings, where there are some really big names to hear from and interact with. The BACD has certainly been a driving force in my career so I want to help others get the same benefits. The whole premise is to promote ethical cosmetic dentistry and it is a fantastic community to be a part of – I have made loads of great friends.”

What are you waiting for? register for the BACD Young Dentist Conference online today!

 

BACD Young Dentist Conference 2022

17 September

The Edwardian Hotel, Manchester

 

Please visit www.bacd.com for details and to book

Dentists: 100% target fanciful but easy choice for ministers

The British Dental Association has slammed the moves by NHS England to try and return to business as usual, warning that the new 100% activity target – set to be imposed from 1 July – will offer no flexibility to the thousands of NHS practices struggling to ‘live with covid’.  

A 95% target has been in force since 1 April, and the BDA understands delivery in the last quarter fell dramatically at the outset, a reflection of mounting workforce problems. The professional body believes these choices are driven by Treasury diktats, not by the data emerging from the frontline.
 
COVID infection rates are now at the highest levels since April, with a widespread impact on workforce availability and patient cancellations.  The most recent data published by the Office for National Statistics for the week ending 18 June, shows 1.7 million people across the UK were estimated to have had the virus— up 23% in a week, after a 43% jump the week before that.  
 
While Infection, Prevention and Control guidance has been withdrawn, all practices are continuing to face burdens that lower their capacity, without corresponding support from government. The BDA stresses no other UK nation has adopted such an inflexible, punitive approach, which it believes will leave a growing number of NHS practices facing financial penalties for failure to hit targets, further destabilising an already fragile delivery model. 
 
With the exodus from the NHS accelerating dentist leaders have said there can be no delay in delivering meaningful reform to the NHS contract, supported by appropriate financial resources. The government is expected to introduce modest, marginal changes to the current discredited contract before parliament’s summer recess, but formal negotiations on fundamental reform have yet to begin. Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: “From 1 July NHS dentists have to pretend they’ve returned to ‘business as usual’. For thousands of struggling practices, nothing could be further from the truth. Imposing fanciful targets is easy for Ministers. The harder but necessary path demands real reform and fair funding.”

money4dentists awarded another accolade!

Over the years, money4dentists has become synonymous with expert financial advice for dental professionals.

Today, the team are pleased to announce that they have recently been recognised for their efforts, after the firm was named the “Best Dentist Full-Service Financial Advisory Firm” at the Worldwide Finance awards 2022.

This joins a long line of other awards through the years that have solidified money4dentists as a trusted choice for dentists around the country.

So, why not see how our award-winning team can help you?

To find out how the team can help you, please get in touch today.

 

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

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

NHS dentistry on the brink as Ministers cut vital support, says BDA Scotland

The British Dental Association Scotland has warned Ministers they risk undermining the future sustainability of NHS dentistry, as they move to scale down vital financial support for the service.  

For the last three months practices have received a 1.7 multiplier to the fees paid to provide NHS care, a reflection of the unprecedented backlog practices have faced as they try to ‘live with Covid’. The Scottish Government has now moved to pare the multiplier down to 1.3 for the next 3 months. This reduction follows no dialogue with the profession despite the BDA calling for regular discussions with the Government about the latest activity data and any proposed changes.

The discredited low margin/high volume model dentists in Scotland work to means treatment can often be delivered at a loss, a growing problem given the growing levels of unmet need, particularly among those from move deprived communities.   

Official data suggests the total number of high street NHS dentists in Scotland has fallen by over 5% since the onset of Covid. The BDA warn heavy-handed policies will only push Scottish dentists down the road of their colleagues in England, where thousands of dentists have left the NHS since lockdown, amid warnings from MPs south of the border that NHS dentistry now faces a ‘slow death’. 

The BDA has again urged the Scottish Government to, in the short term, develop a suitable interim funding package to support dentists and their teams as they work through the backlog, and begin work on a new, sustainable long-term model for NHS dentistry. Dentists remain anxious that the Government will look to remove the multiplier altogether at the first opportunity despite its stated intention not to return to the pre-pandemic financial arrangements. The BDA has repeatedly voiced its strong opposition to a return to the pre-Covid “treadmill”.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said:“Ministers are playing with fire, pulling away the life support from a service millions depend on.  

“This multiplier helped ensure NHS dentists received fees for care that actually covered their costs.  Slashing them will leave colleagues churning out dentures at a loss while thinking twice about their future. 

“Scotland has already lost too many NHS dentists since lockdown. Ministers are now blindly heading down the path the Westminster Government has chosen, which has sparked an exodus. 

“Cuts have consequences. The Scottish Government promised free NHS dentistry for all. Short-sighted policies like this will likely result in the exact opposite, and stark oral health inequalities will only widen further.”

Ensuring predictability with surgical guides

Dr David Veige is one of several industry-leading clinicians to have recorded a webinar for ADI members, all of which are included free as part of membership. More than qualified for the job, David has an MSc in Dental Implantology and is a widely renowned clinician, mentor and lecturer. His webinar explores “The Power of Guided Surgery”, exploring the basics of guided surgery, alongside different workflows and case scenarios. Discussing the benefits of guided surgery, when done right, he comments:

“Guided surgery is all about pre-planning for enhanced predictability of dental implant treatment. It provides an opportunity to run through the surgical procedure in your head and be prepared. As the clinician, you get an idea of where the future prosthetic envelope needs to be so that a surgical guide can be created to deliver the implant within the restorative confines. The benefit is that the pre-determined steps prevent the need to figure out what you need to do as you’re doing it.”

As many clinicians will know, the use of surgical guides has increased substantially in the past decade or two. David considers their accessibility now compared to just ten years ago:

“When the concept of guided surgery first came out, people thought it was complex. There were a lot of computer steps, moving around and analysing files. Technology has since evolved and caught up with us, so our manufacturing is much better than it was. Ten years ago, 3D printing offered nothing like the results we can achieve today. Costs have also come down significantly, making it far more cost effective. For context, one of the first guides I ever 3D printed – a single-tooth guide – was £600. I can print the same guide now for £5, so it is no longer cost-prohibitive for clinicians or patients.” 

Despite the massive improvements in technology and techniques, guided surgery is not without its challenges. Being aware of these and knowing how to avoid issues is integral to achieving optimal outcomes.

“The biggest challenge is gathering the correct data,” David continues. “Comprehensive assessment of the patient and understanding the digital workflow will help you get data in the correct format to produce effective surgical guides. Complications can occur when metal artifacts obscure the CBCT scan, but it is possible to adapt your workflow. Getting the right data ensures a highly accurate process – today I can fabricate the final restoration to fit on the day of surgery, which was not possible with traditional techniques.”

For clinicians looking to develop their skills with guided surgery, David offers some advice on where to start:

“I would recommend downloading some free software and watching how-to videos on YouTube – I offer some on my channel. I think the learning curve is relatively short as you are mostly just familiarising yourself with the buttons and software functionality. Digital dentistry is amazing but it not a silver bullet, so it’s always crucial to remain within your clinical ability. It’s important to maintain the analogue skills as these are critical to check that surgical guides are seating correctly on a model or in the mouth. Where they don’t fit perfectly, they must be adjusted. In my experience, 99% of surgical guides are prefect first time, but it does take time to get the right techniques with the equipment. It’s about understanding your specific technology. As such, I would recommend those new to the field invest in simple to use equipment that is easy to set up. Surgical guides also work best where they are supported by teeth in the mouth.”

As part of his ADI webinar, David will also consider the use of surgical guides for full arch rehabilitations. He says:

“Surgical guides for full arch restorations are supported by the bone, soft tissue or teeth, which means that an extra step is required to obtain the relevant data with segmentation of the CT scan to create a bone model. From here, you fabricate the surgical guide to fit directly. To place the guide on the bone, a flap must be raised, so it’s important that the clinician is capable and confident with this technique. Good access to the bone is essential to allow the guide to seat properly, otherwise surgery can be unpredictable. When done correctly, this workflow produces very accurate implant placements to allow the correct prosthetic envelope and space for restoration.”

The webinars are just one of many membership benefits available through the ADI. However, the organisation is much more than the first-class education it offers – it is also a community, as David goes on to highlight:

“What I love most about the ADI compared to other dental implant organisations is that everyone is working in the UK – you have direct access to people around you. The international organisations are great, but members are all over the place. For a young dentist wanting to get involved in dental implants, the ADI is place to be. You could have really experienced clinicians just down the road and that can be a very powerful learning opportunity.”

Become a member today to utilise David’s and many other webinars, as well as several further benefits to aid in your career progression.

 

For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit the website

www.adi.org.uk

New Director of Dentistry of NHS Lanarkshire

A new director of dentistry has been appointed in Lanarkshire. Following a formal interview process, Shelley Percival has accepted the role after fulfilling the interim post since 1 January 2022. Shelley will continue to provide leadership on all issues relating to dentistry in NHS Lanarkshire, ensuring high quality, safe and effective oral care across the area.

“I’m absolutely delighted to accept the position” said Shelley.

“Where my interim role has given me the opportunity to support colleagues during all the challenges of the pandemic, as we recover and look to the future, I look forward to building on the strong relationships and culture of partnership that exists in Lanarkshire. Our unremitting focus, of course, remains on looking after the dental and oral health of local people.”

As well as promoting the improvement and overall quality of care, Shelley will also provide leadership in reducing any oral health inequalities across the area. She will report to Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire.

“A fundamental and guiding principle of our future direction is the continued expertise, compassion and focus of our staff and partners supporting the health and wellbeing of people Lanarkshire” said Soumen.

“As we take careful steps out of the pandemic, the dental community has a really important and continued contribution to make to the overall effort of delivering health and care fit for the demands of today – and the future.

“Shelley brings a wealth of experience to the role and she is well placed to continue the excellent leadership she has demonstrated in the interim position. We are delighted to formally welcome her to the director post.”

Shelley replaces Anne Moore who officially retired on 31 March 2022. Prior to taking up the post of interim director at the turn of the year, Shelley was clinical director for general dental services in Lanarkshire in October 2020. She has, and will continue to, fulfil a clinical director role alongside her director responsibilities, providing a single professional source of advice regarding all aspects of dentistry.

Shelley graduated from Glasgow University in 1997 and worked in practices in Whitburn, Hamilton and Falkirk before setting up Clyde Valley Dental Practice in 2006. She has pursued post-graduate education by completing a diploma in Forensic Medical Science in 2001 and gained the Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners in London in 2007.

Shelley has been a vocational trainer and also a tutor for the Faculty of General Dental Practice diploma.

In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and running marathons throughout the world.

Dental Awards 2022 – ‘And the winners are…’

This year marks the 24th annual Dental Awards, the original and most respected awards programme in British dentistry. For almost quarter of a century, this prestigious event has recognised the outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment and drive continue to raise standards throughout UK dentistry.

Since announcing last year’s awards we have passed some significant milestones in terms of returning to normality as we learn to live with Covid, thanks in large part to the success of the vaccine roll out.

Whilst this is undoubtably good news, it is essential to remember that all the clinicians and practices that are being recognized in this year’s awards have been at the very forefront of the country’s fight against covid putting themselves at risk on a daily basis in order to provide the highest quality dental care for their patients. So thank you to you all.

What is also particularly gratifying is that, even in uncertain times, the UK dental sector can be relied upon to provide the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care as amply demonstrated by the significantly increased numbers and the quality of entries received for this year’s awards.

The 2022 Dental Awards Ceremony is available to watch on-demand, right here, and is brought to you by B.A International, Colosseum Dental, Dental Elite, and Waterpik, in association with The Oral Health Foundation, ADAM (Association of Dental Administrators and Managers), BADN (British Association of Dental Nurses), BADT (British Assocition of Dental Therapists) and BSDHT (British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy).

The finalists, highly commended and winners can all be seen below:

Winner: Oral Health Promotion Team, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Share a Smile Campaign

Best National Smile Month Initiative

Winner: Oral Health Promotion Team, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Share a Smile Campaign

Faced with the pandemic challenge, the tooth fairies had to be more innovative than ever for their National Smile Month campaign. Deciding that rather than rely on one single event, they would create lots of opportunities to share ‘THE SMILE’ message.

Developing a broad range of initiatives, examples included a virtual tea party, working with trainee teachers and the creation of a monthly E-bulletin. They demonstrated a creative and multidimensional approach to spreading the oral health message within their community.

 

Dental Receptionist of the Year

The Finalists: 

  • Lisa Fee – Baycliff Dental & Implant Surgery, Liverpool
  • Barbara Bolton, {my}dentist Oswaldtwistle
  • Dena Russell, Kingswood Parks Clinics, Hull

    Winner: Barbara Bolton, {my}dentist Oswaldtwistle

  • Beth Donkin – Kingswood Parks Clinics, Hull

Winner: Barbara Bolton, {my}dentist Oswaldtwistle

Joining her practice in 2019, Barbara is now considered as the “heart and soul of the practice”. Not only does she do a brilliant job as a dental receptionist, she has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to support patients and her team. She is considered to be one in a million. With one comment being that, “If you could clone Barbara and have one in every practice, you would.”

Barbara is well-known among the community for always trying her best for patients. She was the first to suggest sending care packs to the vulnerable and she came in on days off and sat by herself calling patients over 70 years old to check in on them and organise support with prescriptions or shopping if they needed it.

On rare occasions when she wasn’t answering the phone, Barbara turned her attention to the practice itself to spruce it up to welcome patients back. Sometimes in her own time she worked to give surgeries a new coat of paint, created a new filing system for paperwork and worked on the practice garden to make it more welcoming.

Highly Commended: Dena Russell, Kingswood Parks Clinics

 

Dental Therapist of the Year

Winner: Lauren Long, Cherrybank Dental Spa

The Finalists:

  • Karenn Helmrichne Davila – Gentle Dental, Salisbury
  • Kirsty Chappell – Jamil Dental, Aberdare
  • Lauren Long – Cherrybank Dental Spa, Edinburgh
  • Amy Northen-Hills – Kingswood Parks Clinics, Hull
  • Neringa Krusinskaite – Falkirk Dental Care

Winner: Lauren Long, Cherrybank Dental Spa

Lauren has been a champion of Dental Therapy for nearly 14 years. Graduating from Dundee University in 2008, she has continually promoted the role of Dental Therapists, successfully demonstrating how a dental therapist can be an important element in helping to grow a successful business. With a special interest in dental anxiety, Lauren believes in tailoring treatments to each individual, continually striving to improve her knowledge, she has just completed a post grad diploma in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. She is a great advocate for the profession.

Highly Commended: Karenn Helmrichne Davila, Gentle Dental

 

Dental Hygienist of the Year

Winner: Beata Knysak, SW1 Dental Studio

The Finalists:

  • Jenita Radhakissoon – Orchard Orthodontics, London
  • Beata Knysak – SW1 Dental Studio, London
  • Neringa Krusinskaite – Falkirk Dental Care
  • Alison Craig – Direst Dental Hygienists, Great Dunmow, Essex
  • Nancy Bentley – Appletree Dentistry, Cambridge

Winner: Beata Knysak, SW1 Dental Studio

Joining the profession as a receptionist, Beata trained as a Dental Nurse, before finally graduating from Kings College Hospital as a DHT with a distinction in 2017.   

Putting excellence at the forefront of everything she does, Beata is a laser treatment specialist and is also strong believer that great patient rapport can be as important as the actual treatment program making patients feel motivated and genuinely cared for.

Highly Commended: Jenita Radhakissoon – Orchard Orthodontics, London and Neringa Krusinskaite – Falkirk Dental Care

 

Dental Nurse of the Year – in association with BADN

Winner: Lorraine Hanvey – {my}dentist Portadown, Belfast

The Finalists:

  • Sarah Andrews – Smile Together Dental CIC, Penzance
  • Lorraine Hanvey – {my}dentist Portadown, Belfast
  • Kerry Kellock – Falkirk Dental Care
  • Lucy Hales – New Square Dental Practice, Cambridge
  • Kim Russell – New Square Dental Practice, Cambridge

Winner: Lorraine Hanvey – {my}dentist Portadown, Belfast

The judges agreed that Lorraine is a fine example of a Dental Nurse, being efficient, caring and inspirational. A vital member of the practice team she has a particular interest in assisting and supporting nervous patients, particularly when confronted with long term dental issues. A richly deserved award, well done and congratulations to Lorraine.

Highly Commended: Sarah Andrews – Smile Together Dental CIC, Penzance
Commended: Kerry Kellock – Falkirk Dental Care

 

Practice Manager of the Year – in association with ADAM

Winner: Maiara Ban – ODL Dental Clinic, London

The Finalists:

  • Stephen Potter – Baycliff Dental & Implant Surgery, Liverpool
  • Claire Lewis – Seven Dental, Nottingham
  • Toni McGuire – Cahill Dental & Implant Clinic, Bolton
  • Maiara Ban – ODL Dental Clinic, London
  • Kamila Soja – Normanton Road Family Dental Centre, Derby

Winner: Maiara Ban – ODL Dental Clinic, London

Starting as a receptionist and progressing to Practice Manager in just 3 years, Maiara is an essential part of the ODL team. Working alongside the practice principle, she has carefully designed every role within the practice and has been instrumental in recruiting the talent to fulfil them. The quality of her input is evidenced by the growth of the practice which has seen a 44% increase in patient numbers.   

The judges said that Maiara is an inspirational practice manager that continually strives to improve her own skills and those of her team.

Highly Commended: Stephen Potter – Baycliff Dental & Implant Surgery, Liverpool

 

Website and Digital Campaign of the Year

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic – London

The Finalists:

  • ODL Dental Clinic – London
  • Smilessence – East Molesey, Surrey
  • Neel Dentistry – Welwyn, Herts
  • Courtyard Dental – Huddersfield
  • Cannon Street Dental Centre – London

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic – London

ODL’s website is beautifully presented, coming across as warm and welcoming to all visitors. The essential practice information is well presented enabling visitors to easily find details of treatments and pricing. The judges particularly liked the quality of the video testimonials which they felt was of real value to end users.

Highly Commended: Neel Dentistry – Welwyn, Herts

 

Best Outreach or Charity Initiative

Winner: The Happy Smiles Club, Caister – On – Sea

The Finalists:

  • The Happy Smiles Club, Caister – On – Sea
  • Forest Dental, Blackwood
  • Dental Arts Studio, Enfield
  • Cahill Dental and Implant Clinic, Bolton
  • Basingstoke Orthodontics

Winner: The Happy Smiles Club, Caister – On – Sea

Whilst all the entries in this category were excellent, Happy Smiles outreach campaign particularly impressed the judges due to the range of oral health groups the campaign covered. Realising that oral health was being neglected by some patients during pandemic lockdowns, the team linked with The Young Minds Charity and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to run an in practice campaign and also holding fund raising events in support the great work of undertaken by these organisations.

Highly Commended: Basingstoke Orthodontics

 

Dental Team of the Year

The Finalists: 

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic – London

  • Smile Max Studio @ Falkirk Dental Care – Falkirk
  • Baycliff Dental & Implant Surgery – Liverpool
  • Church Street Dental Centre – Somerset
  • ODL Dental Clinic – London
  • Community Dental Services CIC, Prisons Team – Bedfordshire

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic – London

The remarkable ODL team is diverse, multidisciplinary and multilingual and is able to offer the full range of dental treatments in one practice. From recruitment onwards, the whole team is mentored and encouraged to develop their skills sets, which in turn enables them to support both their colleagues and patients alike. This laser like focus on detail and training is demonstrated by the extremely impressive results in clinical and patient satisfaction surveys.

Highly Commended: Smile Max Studio @ Falkirk Dental Care – Falkirk

 

Young Dentist of the Year

Winner: Risha Patel – Fulham Road Dental, London

The Finalists:

  • Risha Patel – Fulham Road Dental, London
  • Aly Virani – North Cardiff Dental & Implants
  • Christian Lucas – Castle View Dental Spa, Eccelshall
  • Amir Nazim – mydentist, Ayr
  • Simon Rana – Halesowen Dental

Winner: Risha Patel – Fulham Road Dental, London

Qualifying in 2012 and taking a post grad in 2019 Risha impressed the judges with the quality of the clinical case studies she has undertaken, combined with her passion for teaching and keenness to learn and continually improve her skills and knowledge. Equally notable is Risha’s desire to always give something back, as demonstrated by the many charitable works she has undertaken and in particular volunteering to join the first Super Acute Dental Care Unit to be set up in the UK, at Guy’s Hospital in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Highly Commended: Aly Virani – North Cardiff Dental & Implants

 

Dentist of the Year

Winner: Manrina Rhode- DRMR Clinic, London

The Finalists:

  • Kiran Shankla – Wood Lane Dentistry, Reading
  • Rachel Derby – St Mary’s House Dental Care, Shoreham by Sea
  • Rashmi Chattopadhyay – Southport Road Dental Practice, Chorley
  • Neil Simkin – {my}dentist Newtown Advanced Oral Health Centre, Powys
  • Manrina Rhode- DRMR Clinic, London

Winner: Manrina Rhode- DRMR Clinic, London

Manrina has had a most impressive career to date, graduating from Guy’s Hospital in 2002 her unusual professional dental journey has taken her from Harvey Nicholls via Harrods and the USA to setting up her own dental brand DRMR. Working as an associate until recently, which has enabled her to focus on clinical excellence, Manrina is now in the process of setting up her own ‘super clinic’.

Building a great rapport with patients is central to Manrina’s philosophy, always focussing on the best clinical approach and outcomes rather than financial considerations.

As a respected key opinion leader, Manrina sits on a number of professional association boards and is a recognised figure on several international lecture circuits and editorial committees.

Highly Commended: Kiran Shankla – Wood Lane Dentistry, Reading

 

Dental Practice of the Year

The Finalists:

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic, Finsbury Circus, London

  • North Cardiff Dental and Implants
  • Normanton Road Family Dental Centre, Derby
  • ODL Dental Clinic, Finsbury Circus, London
  • Balham Smile Clinic, London
  • The Portland Road Family Dental Centre, Hucknall, Notts

Winner: ODL Dental Clinic, Finsbury Circus, London

Another richly deserved award for ODL. This remarkable London based practice is proud to offer the full range of dental treatments under the one roof. With an emphasis on staff training and development, the multilingual team is focused on delivering the very best in patient care and clinical outcomes, whilst cultivating a culture of support and personal development for all the members of its team.

Showing highly impressive figures in patient satisfaction and recommendation, the ODL practice is also active in the wider community, supporting
a range of oral health and children’s charities and launching a post grad program to teach dentists form across the globe.

Highly Commended: North Cardiff Dental and Implants

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and to every one of our nominees.

Click here to watch the full awards ceremony on demand.

Precise and confident treatment of a complex root fracture

Dr Giuliano Fragola presents a complex premolar root fracture case using the new CS 8200 3D Neo Edition CBCT system from Carestream Dental.

 

A 45-year-old female patient presented with pain in the teeth of the first quadrant and the sensation of slight mobility when she chewed. Her overall condition was good – she was a non-smoker, with good oral hygiene. The dental history revealed that she had undergone endodontic treatment about 15 years previously, and she had a full contour crown in place, which was causing no issues.

Figure 1a – Axial view of the maxilla, showing the root fracture of tooth 14 (red arrow)

Figure 1b – Sagittal view showing the root fracture of tooth 14, the bone loss associated (red arrow) and an apical lesion

 

In trying to identify the source of the pain, extensive visual inspection and percussions were carried out, but these alone were not enough to diagnose the source of the pain. A 3D x-ray was therefore indicated to assess potential subgingival or bone complications. The new CS 8200 3D Neo Edition from Carestream Dental was used to take the image, with the MAR tool (Metal Artefact Removal) delivering precise and very clear images for diagnosis and treatment planning. It can be very difficult to see a root fracture of this nature due to reflections from existing crowns, which are typically paced over endodontically-treated teeth, but this technology overcomes this problem. Having used digital technologies from Carestream Dental since the late 1990s, I completely trust the quality of the equipment available.

It was also possible to narrow the FOV to only the area in question and the lateral scout view played an important role enabling us to check the targeting of the desired area, avoiding the risk of retakes. The low dose mode was used to minimise exposure while still delivering very good image quality.

Figure 2 – 3D rendering showing the vertical root fracture on the vestibular side of tooth 14 (red arrow)

The images demonstrated bone loss around the sites of the 14 and 16 [Figures 1a and 1b], which explained the mobility and positive percussion. Using different 3D views, a complex root fracture was diagnosed in the first premolar (14) [Figure 2], along with complete bone loss between the roots of the first maxillary molar (16) and a small sinus floor bone perforation [Figure 3]. This provides a very useful tool for the clinician, facilitating communication with the patient and encouraging their engage with treatment from the very beginning. With CS 8200 3D Neo Edition image, it was easy for the patient to visualise the problem and understand the proposed treatment so she felt confident to accept it and proceed straightaway.

There was only one viable treatment option available in this case – the 14 and 16 both had a hopeless prognosis and so would require extraction and restoration. The procedure was explained to the patient in full, including benefits, limitations and potential risks to ensure informed consent to proceed.

Figure 3 – Coronal and sagittal views of tooth 16, showing the dentine and bone resorption on the palatal root and the sinus floor perforation

Both teeth were extracted as atraumatically as possible and then left to heal for approximately six months, when dental implants would be placed. The patient refused a removable denture, preferring restoration with an implant-retained prosthesis instead. Given the complexity of this case, a new CBCT scan was indicated post hard and soft tissue healing to assess bone volume remaining for implant placement planning.

The patient was very satisfied with the outcome of treatment, appreciating the quick and precise diagnosis and treatment delivery based on the information obtained. She commented “I’m absolutely impressed by the images shown by the dentist with the fracture lines. I completely understand that extraction is the only option.”

At this stage, we are waiting for the soft and hard tissue to fully heal before deciding how to proceed. A new CBCT scan may be indicated post healing to analyse the bone volume and density, and to support the planning procedure for implant placement and restoration. This scan would be used to help determine whether bone grafting will be required and if it can be delivered simultaneously with implant placement. Even with the second CBCT scan, the patient would still be exposed to less radiation in the long-term compared to the alternative – multiple periapical x-rays at different angles. The CBCT low dose mode is ideal for reducing exposure without compromising image quality.

From a professional perspective, good results were achieved in this case. The new CBCT scanner was instrumental in ensuring accuracy and confidence of every stage in the treatment, from diagnosis to treatment planning and delivery. It was also beneficial in supporting and improving communication with the patient, enhancing their understanding of the procedure and ensuring quick but confident informed consent. The CS 8200 3D Neo Edition helps to obtain precise and high-quality images with the lowest possible dose of radiation. Being able to select the FOV with a simple and quick view shot, and to manage the scattering with digital formatting are further benefits.

 

 

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 Twitter @CarestreamDentl

and Facebook

 

 

 

Author:

Dr Giuliano Fragola

DDS, MS, PhD Madrid Complutense University 1995.

MSc in implant dentistry 1996.

 

Dr Fragola is a renowned dental surgeon, ITI Fellow and international speaker. He utilises his skills and experience by working as an ITI online Academy reviewer, a KOL for various dental organisations and in his own private practice in Madrid, Spain.