Month: October 2022

Dentists advised by the DDU to proceed with caution if communicating with patients via private messaging apps

The Dental Defence Union (DDU) has today issued guidance on the potential risks and pitfalls of communicating with patients via direct messaging apps. 

In the latest edition of the DDU journal, the DDU argues that while pandemic also increased our reliance on remote communication platforms, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls if you’re planning to use direct messaging with patients.

In particular, the appropriateness of direct messaging with patients must be carefully considered, with full regard to professional standards, regulations, and laws. Professional boundaries, record keeping, confidentiality, data protection and jurisdictional issues are all issues that must be considered before direct patient messaging begins.

Jo- Anne Taylor, dento-legal adviser at the DDU said:

“The increased use of technology into professional practice undoubtedly offers new opportunities to deliver innovative services to patients. However, there are risks associated with this and it is also important to remember that disclosing direct messages may be necessary if a complaint, claim, or regulatory matter arises.

“Alternatively, workplace communication platforms may offer a secure and GDPR compliant, where records of patient communications can be more seamlessly integrated into the appropriate systems and the risk of professional boundaries becoming blurred is reduced.”

Read the full DDU journal at: https://ddujournal.theddu.com/

More than one in ten dentists are unsure how much retirement income they need

In support of the national Pension Attention campaign, Wesleyan Financial Services has released retirement research findings specifically for dentists across the UK.

The Pension Attention campaign marks an unprecedented cross-industry pension campaign, created in part after it was revealed by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association that only 20% of the British population are confident they are saving enough for retirement. The campaign aims to help people understand their pensions and protect their money for the future.

In terms of dental professionals, Wesleyan’s research indicated that saving enough for retirement is the key financial priority for 40% of dentists over the next twelve months, but more than one in ten are unsure how much they will need when the time comes to hang up the loupes for good.

While the Retirement Living Standards provide some indication, suggesting that a single person would need a minimum of £33,600 per annum to maintain a ‘comfortable’ lifestyle with some luxuries, with dentists typically being higher earners their financial requirements may be significantly different.

Iain Stevenson, Head of Dental at Wesleyan Financial Services, said, “These findings won’t be surprising to a financial adviser who’s worth their salt when it comes to the complexities of a career in dentistry.

“With many dentists having some form of NHS pension, multiple income streams and being self-employed, it’s understandable that there are many elements that make it difficult for dentists to pinpoint exactly how much they are likely to receive in retirement. However, clarity in this area helps dentists make informed choices, put plans in place to retire when they want to and supports tax efficiency while saving. Seeking specialist advice may support dentists that are in a position of uncertainty.”

The research also revealed that in the next two years, a quarter of dentists are prioritising reducing their working hours and a fifth are looking to reduce their NHS commitments. Concerningly, of those looking to make changes, only 40% are sure how these changes would impact their pensions, which will be significant without replacing the potential loss in pension contributions.

When looking more closely at the findings, female dentists are more vulnerable in this financial planning area, with less than a quarter feeling confident that they understand the implications and planning for short and long-term impacts. In comparison, 41% of male dentists are confident they have planned for these changes.

When faced with more immediate financial challenges, such as the cost of living crisis and spiralling energy prices, these important elements of financial planning can be deprioritised. But with inflation potentially also impacting these longer-term financial plans taking time to pay pensions some attention could be invaluable.

Pay your pension some attention, visit Wesleyan’s dedicated webpage with pension resources at www.wesleyan.co.uk/campaigns/pension-attention to get started.

Please note: Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.

Dental Protection’s CGDent discount extended to nurses, hygienists, therapists and technicians

Dental Protection’s ‘CGDent Scheme’, under which members of the College of General Dentistry receive a discount on their Dental Protection subscription fees, is now available to dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians.

The arrangement has been available to dentists since the launch of a partnership between the organisations in 2020.

Membership of the College is open to all registered dental professionals, and in line with the College’s vision to support the whole dental team, the partnership with Dental Protection has now been extended to College members in all registrant categories. Those holding a Postgraduate Certificate (or higher-level qualification) in a relevant subject are eligible for Full Membership and can qualify for a 5% reduction on their indemnity fee, and those admitted to Fellowship benefit from an 8% discount.

To take advantage of the reduced fees, College members should contact Dental Protection. Existing Dental Protection members should call 0800 561 9000 to get their relevant discount applied, and those who are not yet Dental Protection members should visit https://www.dentalprotection.org/uk to join. The discount will need to be requested each year at renewal to allow for verification of continued eligibility.

Dental Protection members who are not yet members of the College should visit https://cgdent.uk/membership

A magical evening marks the launch of The Practice Growth Academy

On 20th October at the Odeon Luxe Cinema in Leicester Square London, The Growth Coach and Founder of Focus4Growth, Justin Leigh, launched The Practice Growth Academy, created to help dentists grow their private practice through impactful consultations.

On the night, alongside award-winning dentist and speaker Sameer Patel, Justin created a unique magical experience for an exclusive group of guests.

The springboard for this event was to help dentists take ownership of their own future and build a thriving, growing practice in these unprecedented, demanding times.

The combined presentations of Justin and Sameer were created to support dentists and their teams in overcoming challenges facing the profession, including those relying on NHS contracts, where costs are increasing but the contract value is static, and the pressure is mounting.

In addition, the pair recognise that the successful move to a private practice is a journey that many are unsure about making, but that growing the business is key to being able to invest in the team, patients, and practice.

Concluding the dental-focused portion of the evening, significant emphasis was placed on the need to engage the services of mentors and coaches to travel a successful growth journey.

Justin shared some of his clients’ successes who have accelerated growth as a result, including his role as coach for the Dental Practice Accelerator, his work with MiSmile Diamond Club members, and many more.

Adding a little magic into the mix, world renowned magician, Lee Smith, performed a spellbinding routine, to the delight and amazement of the guests.

If you are interested in joining this growing movement of proactive, positive and motivated dentists, and adding some magic to your practice, the Focus4growth team is running a 2-day ‘Practice Growth Academy’ course at the stunning Wyboston Lakes Hotel, in Cambridgeshire, on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January 2023.

The programme aims to grow your private practice through more impactful consultations, and achieve the following objectives:

  • Create a high performing practice and the ideal patient experience
  • Engage even the most difficult patients
  • Ask ‘High Quality Questions’ to understand your patients’ needs completely
  • Present compelling treatment solutions tailored to your patient
  • Find an easy way to gain commitment from every patient, every time.

The programme also includes two 90-minute Group Coaching Calls, hosted and recorded on Zoom, to help delegates with implementation and adoption.

Meeting GDC development outcomes A, B & D, and worth 19 hours of Enhanced CPD, this is a programme not to be missed!

For further information, please visit https://focus4growth.co.uk/practice-growth-academy/

UPGRADE your endo with NEW HySolate Latex Dams – low protein, powder-free, and also available in BLACK EDITION

HySolate Latex Dams are LOW PROTEIN, POWDER-FREE dental dams, and NEWLY LAUNCHED by leading dental manufacturer COLTENE.

Replacing all powdered latex dams, this is a move towards healthier endo, as the risk of latex hypersensitivity is greatly reduced.

Reliable moisture control

HySolate Latex Dams create a dry operating field and infection control barrier, allowing you to work in a clean and moisture-free area, as you concentrate on treating the tooth. Minimise cross contamination of the root canal system, with superior isolation while optimising patient comfort and improving your visibility.

Made from pure, natural rubber latex, you get strong retraction with a comprehensive choice of thickness, colour and size. You can opt for either 127mm x 127mm or 152mm x 152mm (5in x 5in or 6in x 6in). For a scented version, select the HySolate Fiesta Dental Dam.

Take bold leaps forward with HySolate Black Edition!

The flagship product of the range is the HySolate Black Edition for brilliantly upgraded workflows.

Its colour is a ‘true’ black, to help with visual contrast because you will see more detail on the treatment site. HySolate Black Edition is also ideal for taking better photographs, enabling superior record/note taking and planning.

This dental dam also has the template pre-printed with the tooth position, therefore removing the step of marking it before punching. Offer shortened treatment times with no compromise to the outcome thanks to this smart feature. This is innovation that is practical and intuitive, for comfortable and cost-effective endo that benefits your practice and your patients. 

As an alternative to the Black Edition, the light-coloured HySolate Latex Dam will naturally illuminate the operating field. The decision is yours!

Exceptional endo

HySolate Latex Dams are the latest addition to COLTENE’s endo line for root canal treatments and retreatments. For conservative preps, COLTENE offers Hyflex EDM and CM files. If you prefer a single file system, or the clinical situation demands it, the MicroMega One RECI has superior cutting performance, while supporting the delivery of minimally invasive, safe treatments. Or why not try the CanalPro Jeni for autonomous digital navigation of the endo canal. A beep will signal time to irrigate, or when a file change is recommended. There are also irrigation solutions, obturation and sealing materials and everything else in between.

COLTENE wants dentists to do MORE!

HySolate Dental Dams join other world-beating brands offered by COLTENE, enabling dentists to do more, and help more patients comprehensively. The group includes popular names such as HyFlex, MicroMega, Affinis, OneCoat, SciCan and BioSonic. From endo to all restorative applications, general dentistry and infection control, COLTENE has it covered.

We only bring a product to the market when we are sure it will help dentists do things more efficiently, more conservatively and safely. We believe ethical dentistry can be fast and great value – something patients want to invest in, to improve their oral health, general health and sense of wellbeing. We will never suggest you buy anything we feel you won’t need; COLTENE’s approach also means streamlined stock and less waste.

Our team searches far and wide to find ideas and innovation that are user-friendly and actually work – something might look cutting-edge and impressive, but will it give you better results? And will it integrate seamlessly into what you do, and how you do it, everyday? Quality does not have to mean complicated. Choose COLTENE and you can be confident that we only want the best for every dental professional, practice and patient.

That is our mission – upgraded dentistry, that is simpler as well as better. Not only are our products award-wining, but our customer service is second-to-none. We have a team that is knowledgeable and friendly and who is just as good as listening as talking. That’s why dentists, specialists, dental nurses and practice managers around the world trust us to help them deliver successful treatment and a high level of care to their happy and satisfied patients.

To find out more about the NEW HySolate Latex Dam range, as well as our other offerings, get in touch today.

 

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

Zygomatic implants – what are the benefits?

Even when you have learned the skills to perform dental implant surgery, there are numerous scenarios where traditional implant systems may not be a feasible option.

In these cases, zygomatic implants can often be a suitable choice for upper arch restoration, especially as they offer certain benefits that traditional implant systems can’t provide.

So, if you’re considering introducing zygomatic implants into your treatment portfolio, here are some of the advantages, complications and things you need to consider:

A predictable, less invasive procedure

Dental implant treatment can be a daunting prospect for patients. Although it has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, it still requires invasive surgery that tends to entail a significant healing period. Plus, even if the procedure itself is successful, further complications can occur in regards to aesthetics or function.

Zygomatic implants offer good peace of mind, with high success rates. In fact, a systematic review that averaged success rates across 25 different studies found survival rates of 97.86% after 36 months.[i] These success rates don’t diminish over time either, and follow up studies that assessed zygomatic implants over a 12-year period found cumulative survival rates to be at 96.7%.[ii] 

Due to their length and placement into the zygomatic bone, this style of dental implant eliminates the need for some of the more invasive treatment steps associated with conventional techniques and implant systems, including bone augmentation. As professionals are well aware, bone grafting isn’t always successful and can lead to further complications. As such, being able to avoid this stage is a huge advantage, especially if you want to ensure that treatment is predictable for your patients.

This feature also means that zygomatic implants are a suitable option for cases where there has been significant bone loss or resorption in the upper arch or where the bone quality isn’t good enough to support traditional implants. This means that by providing zygomatic implants you can widen the patient pool you are able to provide treatment for, making it so cases of inadequate or poor-quality bone needn’t be referred elsewhere or undergo significant bone grafting.

Rehabilitation made easy

As zygomatic implants avoid the need for bone grafting, often it means that patients can undergo a one-stage procedure. These implants can often be immediately loaded, instantly restoring the patient’s quality of life and giving them an aesthetic, comfortable and long-lasting solution with minimal distress.

Healing times for zygomatic implants tend to be shorter than traditional implants as they require less surgical steps. With the avoidance of bone grafting and the fact that zygomatic implants are designed to provide more strength than traditional implants, patients don’t have to experience long healing sessions between each stage of treatment.

Possible complications

No dental implant surgery is without risk, and there are certain issues that can occur with zygomatic implants both during placement and over time.

During surgery, there is a risk of zygomatic bone fracture if the implants put too much pressure on the bone when they are placed. Additionally, further surgical complications include incorrect implant trajectory after placement, and damage to the implant itself during placement. These issues can usually be avoided through detailed treatment planning and the use of technology that is designed specifically for this type of surgery.[iii]

Following placement and even after the healing phase, zygomatic implants may result in the formation of sinusitis. This issue may not occur for some years, and can usually be rectified with simple medical care. However, these implants may also lead to the formation of oroantral fistulas, sensory nerve defects, intraoral soft tissue problems and more issues – all of which require specific treatment and care to overcome and some of which could potentially cause implant failure in the long-term.[iv] We also can’t forget that zygomatic implants, much like traditional implants, may lead to peri-implantitis, which can also cause complete implant failure over time.

Depending on placement of these implants and the fit of the final prosthesis, there is the opportunity for oral hygiene issues to occur as well, especially if the patient is unable to clean around the implants and the soft tissues effectively.

Facilitating success

Zygomatic implants require a high level of clinical skill and knowledge, but professionals can support their skills with technology that has been designed to facilitate the surgical process.

The SZ-75 Surgical Handpiece from W&H has been specifically created to aid placement of zygomatic implants. Unique angulation allows better visibility at the treatment site, while the ergonomic design helps support fatigue-free working. Plus, its efficient cooling system helps ensure that it won’t overheat, giving you complete control.

An option worth exploring  

Although traditional dental implants perform well in most clinical scenarios, zygomatic implants are a trusted alternative for upper arch rehabilitation in the severely atrophic maxilla. Ensure you are aware of both the benefits and risks and have the equipment you need to safely deliver this type of treatment for your patients.

To find out more visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email office.uk@wh.com

 

[i] Tzerbos, F. et al. Complications of Zygomatic Implants: Our Clinical Experience with 4 Cases. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2016 Sep; 50(3): 251–257.

[ii] Tzerbos, F. et al. Complications of Zygomatic Implants: Our Clinical Experience with 4 Cases. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2016 Sep; 50(3): 251–257.

[iii] Nunes, M. et al. Complications Related to Zygomatic Implants. Nunes, Mariana & De Araújo Nobre, Miguel & Veiga, Vítor & Maló, Paulo. (2016).

[iv] Tzerbos, F. et al. Complications of Zygomatic Implants: Our Clinical Experience with 4 Cases. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2016 Sep; 50(3): 251–257.

A great place to work for dental hygienists/therapists

Miranda Pascucci is a dental hygienist working at Colosseum Dental UK. She shares her experience:

“I have worked at Colosseum for 18 months. I chose to join the organisation as the facilities were state-of-the-art, with fresh and modern surgeries and excellent equipment. From the recruitment process to entering the practice, all staff I communicated with were friendly and supportive. 

“I have been well supported by the entire network throughout my time at Colosseum. The management and leadership teams are very welcoming and always make time to listen. Being able to express fresh ideas for the practice and company was important to me.

“I have also been able to help develop the dental therapy model for Colosseum and provide new ideas for our dental hygiene portfolio. In addition, I am currently looking to introduce Guided Biofilm Therapy into our dental hygiene programme. 

“I would absolutely recommend Colosseum as a great place to work! For anyone who wants a supportive, friendly dental organisation to work for, Colosseum is the place.” 

 

For more information, please visit https://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/job-opportunities/hygienists

#WeCareMore

Cater to your patients’ needs with ClearCorrect®

With the popularity of clear aligners constantly on the rise, choose ClearCorrect® to better meet the needs of your patients. ClearCorrect® offer dentists the freedom of customisability – using ClearPilot™ for optimised digital treatment planning.

ClearCorrect® aligners are fabricated using third generation ClearQuartz™ tri-layer material, designed to retain 10x more of its initial force when compared to other models. And, for advanced customisability, ClearCorrect®aligners feature cut outs for elastics, buttons, and bite ramps to allow clinicians targeted treatment.

Plus, clinicians can set treatment preferences across a wide range of areas including movement velocity, IPR timing, and torque – allowing you to streamline communication with your dental technician and have complete control over the most specific areas.

So, meet the growing demand from your patients for excellent orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect®.

 

For more information on ClearCorrect®, visit: https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home.html

Learn more with Waterpik®

Waterpik® provides dental professionals with the opportunity to book a Lunch & Learn presentation, which is a fantastic way for professionals to gain first-hand information about the Waterpik® Water Flosser and its benefits for oral health.

Led by a Waterpik® Professional Educator, your Lunch & Learn session will cover the clinical research behind the Waterpik® Water Flosser and showcase the newest products. There will also be a free lunch for all attendees.

Upon completion, you’ll receive an hour of verifiable CPD and a WaterpikÒ Water Flosser demonstration model for the practice.

Book today at www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/lunch-learn/.

 

For more information on Waterpik® Water Flosser products visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Costco UK, Argos, Boots, Superdrug and Tesco online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.

Join the 3,000+ dental teams who have already benefitted from a professional Waterpik® Lunch & Learn. Book your free session for 1 hour of verifiable CPD and a free Waterpik® Water Flosser – available either face to face or as a webinar – at www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/lunch-learn/ 

CGDent raising awareness of domestic abuse in dentistry

The College of General Dentistry (CGDent) is working to raise awareness of the safeguarding role of dental professionals in response to signs of domestic abuse, and to support information-gathering on the profession’s own experiences.

In the UK, around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic abuse during their life, including psychological, emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse, and/or coercion, control or stalking. Healthcare professionals are at even higher risk.

Working in partnership with researchers at Bristol Medical School’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Health Research Group (DVAHG), the College is inviting all dental professionals to join a free webinar to learn how to recognise signs of abuse among colleagues or patients and act accordingly, and is encouraging all those in the profession who have experienced abuse, or supported colleagues who may have done so, to complete the DVAHG’s survey.

The webinar, Domestic abuse in dentistry – speak out, takes place at 7pm this Tuesday, 1 November 2022.

Preetee Hylton, a dental nurse, safeguarding lead and domestic abuse survivor, together with Dr Alison Gregory and Dr Sandi Dheensa of Bristol Medical School, will help participants:

  • Understand the various types of domestic abuse, and recognise the possible signs
  • Be confident in assisting patients and colleagues who require support
  • Work together as a team to create a safe space in the workplace
  • Grasp the importance of the Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse

The webinar, hosted by the College and available through ProDental CPD, is free to view live for all dental professionals, but prior registration is required. It is part of the College’s study programme, which includes another 13 free-to-all webinars between now and March 2023. College members have free access to all recordings afterwards as part of their library of over 1,000 hours of GDC-compliant CPD.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE WEBINAR

The survey of primary care staff in England is part of the PRESSURE study, which is examining:

  • the impact of healthcare professionals’ own experiences of domestic abuse and coercive control
  • whether dental practices and other healthcare employers have useful policies for staff who are experiencing domestic abuse
  • what help and support healthcare professionals who have experienced domestic abuse seek or might need
  • what implications there may be for managers and senior staff

The study is independent of the NHS and healthcare regulators, and is for healthcare workers who have experienced abuse, control, or violent behaviour from a partner, ex-partner, or family member, and for staff who may support healthcare workers.

The survey closes on Sunday 4 December 2022, and its findings will inform recommendations to help improve healthcare employers’ policies.

START THE SURVEY HERE

The College of General Dentistry is the independent professional body into which the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) transferred last year. The UK’s only medical college run by and for dental professionals, it is unique in welcoming all those with relevant postgraduate qualifications into full membership. Find out more at https://cgdent.uk/membership/

If you have experienced domestic abuse, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and there are people ready to listen and help. Details of support options are included in the survey, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247 – 24/7), and Respect Men’s Advice Line (0808 8010327 – Mon–Fri 10am-8pm).