Month: April 2023

Practice Plan comments on NHS Dentistry Inquiry

As the parliamentary inquiry into NHS dentistry continues, Nigel Jones, Sales & Marketing Director at Practice Plan, part of the Wesleyan Group, has commented on the challenges presented by recruitment and retention.

“We need a serious discussion about workforce planning and the challenges presented by the competition for associate dentists and dental nurses. The cost of recruiting and retaining staff is heaping ever more pressure on practices at a time when they are already experiencing elevated running costs, including energy bills. Many practices delivering NHS care are hanging on by a thread. If they lose an associate, it is nigh on impossible to replace them and there’s the danger they will miss their activity targets and face financial penalties.

“A key question will be how, in the face of competition from private practices, we can make NHS dentistry sufficiently attractive to appeal to homegrown dentists, as well as those who could come from abroad to help maintain service levels. With no increase in funding and a contract that is universally acknowledged as not fit for purpose, that looks like an impossible task at the moment. And though there is certainly a strong argument to make more of hygienists’ and therapists’ skills, it’s not at all clear where they will come from and how quickly they can be trained. It could take years for there to be a material difference in the numbers of overseas dentists, hygienists and therapists, which is time that we just don’t have.

“I hope the inquiry can provide a clear vision for the future of NHS dentistry, which would provide hope and encouragement to those dentists who want to help reduce oral health inequality in our society.”

NHS dentistry: Ministers and officials try to defend the indefensible, says BDA

The British Dental Association has urged the Health and Social Care Committee to set out a clear roadmap to reform for government, following evasive answers and poorly defined commitments to rescue the struggling service.

It has disputed data cited by Minister O’Brien on the supposed ‘recovery’ in NHS dentistry. The Minister repeatedly spoke of NHS activity rising by ‘a fifth’ in the last year. Dentist leaders stress this ‘growth’ is based on comparing 2021/22 figures with the depths activity fell to during the height of the pandemic.

Levels of activity are so low that in the last financial year over £400m of the service’s budget is expected to be clawed back. Contrary to claims from NHS England on contract, the BDA has seen official data suggesting just 75% of contracted UDA activity was delivered in the eleven months to the end of February. This compares with activity levels before that pandemic, which, the BDA understands, were normally well in excess of 95% of contracted levels.

The BDA said the government’s pledge to develop a recovery plan for dentistry just ahead of the evidence session as ‘reeking of desperation.’

British Dental Association Chair Eddie Crouch said: “Witnesses tried to defend the indefensible, attempting to put a gloss on the government’s record. It won’t wash. NHS dentistry needs urgent reform, it’s got tweaks. It requires sustainable funding, instead we’ve got a charge hike that’s hit the patients who need us most. An exodus of dentists is still in motion, and millions remain unable to secure the care they need. The Committee can draw a line under this and set an urgent ‘to do list’ for government.”

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The CS 9600 is versatile and scalable, offering a mix of both 2D and 3D imaging modalities. Plus, with fourteen fields of view, practitioners can adapt the system for any indication. Special features such as AI assisted patient positioning and the included CS MAR metal artefact reduction module help ensure that images are crystal clear every time.

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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 Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk

The low-down on smile design with Dr Sam Jethwa

Dr Sam Jethwa, Bespoke Smile Advanced Dentistry & Academy, has put together a fantastic webinar for professionals interested in learning more about the evolution of smile design.

With a title like ‘Veneers in today’s world: Minimal prep, hand designed, and the Death of The Hollywood Smile’, those who watched the webinar were treated to a fascinating session.

Dr Jethwa covered the emotional management required in cosmetic dentistry, shared advice on how professionals can develop an awareness of individuality in smile design and the role of Provisionals in veneer treatments. The webinar included an intriguing blend of case examples and workflows – attendees were also introduced to Dr Jethwa’s smile sculpting techniques.

A mentor for dentists, and the founder of Bespoke Smile Advanced Dentistry & Academy, Dr Jethwa is well-versed in cosmetic dentistry. The webinar was informative and well worth the watch – if you missed it, you can still register and watch on demand: https://view6.workcast.net/register?cpak=2909855082241446

For further information please visit https://www.bespokesmileacademy.co.uk/contact-us.html

Bone is gold

The Axiom X3® implant system from Anthogyr, a Straumann Group brand, prioritises bone preservation for all patients. It is suitable for all bone types across a broad spectrum of indications, ensuring optimal stability.

Its unique design simplifies the surgical procedure by acting as a tap. It allows for controlled guidance in hard bone while also guaranteeing excellent stability in soft bone. The Axiom X3® facilitates rapid results, designed to reduce treatment times.

Its performance and ease of use are a priority – and are facilitated by its ability for universal bone anchorage.

Discover the benefits of Axiom X3® implants, get in touch today.

 

For more information about the AxiomX3® from Anthogyr, visit https://www.straumann.com/content/anthogyr

BDA responds to NHS dental recovery plan; ‘Government just talking about pulling rabbits out of hats’

The British Dental Association has responded to news that government intends to publish a ‘dental recovery plan.’

The BDA understands the plan is in its very early stages. It has been announced less just hours before the Department of Health and NHS England are set to defend the government record on NHS dentistry to a Health and Social Care Committee inquiry.

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee said: “This reeks of desperation. Ministers, set to be hauled over the coals on their record on NHS dentistry, aren’t even pulling rabbits out of hats. They’re just talking about it.”

High performance, broad use

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In two sizes, with 2 translucencies and 8 shades, this is everyday innovation from COLTENE, for upgraded dentistry.

 

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

NHS clinical waste strategy and what it means for you

NHS England has just announced a new strategy to improve the sustainability of service providers across the nation. As part of a collection of documents that include the newly revised HTM 07-01, this new campaign will address clinical waste generation and segregation.

The challenge

It is estimated that NHS service providers produce 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste every year, making them one of the biggest clinical waste producers in the UK. All this waste is sent for high temperature incineration or alternative treatment – both of which require carbon and energy-intensive processes.

While many businesses have prioritised waste reduction and increased sustainability over the past decade, healthcare providers face many challenges in this area. Safety standards and/or time and cost pressures mandate the utilisation of single-use items in many situations. Energy consumption is also difficult to lower given the equipment and utilities that must be used regularly.

However, waste management is one aspect that all clinical service providers can have an impact upon.

A new waste management strategy for the NHS

NHS England has launched an NHS clinical waste strategy designed to bring about change. It outlines best practice guidelines to help individual service providers to contribute to a more sustainable NHS.

The document focuses on:

  • Data – collecting and using comprehensive data from across all NHS organisations to drive decision-making around clinical waste management.
  • Workforce – investing in knowledge and skills to ensure the workforce is able to optimise waste management processes.
  • Compliance – ensuring all staff understand and comply with waste management requirements.
  • Commercial – standardising contract arrangements in order to build a commercial market that encourages sustainable practices.
  • Infrastructure – increasing capacity and regional resilience in clinical waste infrastructure to support sustainable processes.
  • Sustainability – reducing harmful emissions, improving air quality and achieving net zero target.

At the core of both this and the changes to HTM 07-01, is an emphasis on improving waste segregation at source. This will help to reduce the amount of clinical waste generated that requires energy-intense treatment. The goal is to reduce waste sent for high-temperature incineration down to 20%, with only 4% intended for hazardous/clinical incineration. The strategy also aims to reduce waste needing alternative treatment to 20% and so the remaining 60% – classified as offensive waste – can then be managed in more sustainable ways and converted into energy.

What this means for you

Essentially, it is important for individual service providers to reassess their waste generation and management processes. Team training is essential to ensure that all staff understand exactly which waste items should be allocated to which waste stream, minimising the items that end up in clinical waste and requiring high-energy treatment. Your business sustainability may also be improved with the introduction or expansion of waste containers or bins fabricated from recycled materials.  For more information on the waste products, collection and disposal services available from Initial Medical that could support your sustainability aims, then visit our website.

To find out more, get in touch at 0870 850 4045 or visit the website today www.initial.co.uk/medical    

About the Author

Rebecca Waters, Category Manager, Initial Medical

Rebecca has worked in the Healthcare sector for the past 17years and was a Research Chemist with Bayer Cropscience prior to joining Rentokil Initial in 2003.  She keeps up to date on all developments within the clinical waste management industry and is an active member of the CIWM, SMDSA and BDIA.  

Considering a washer disinfector? Here’s what you need to know

Washer disinfectors are becoming commonplace in dental practices across the UK. While not yet mandatory in England and Wales, they are recommended to demonstrate best practice. Not only that, but they provide a range of benefits for the dental team, so all clinicians should consider making a washer disinfector part of their infection control protocols.

Prioritising cleanliness

Manually washing instruments was often the go-to method for ensuring items were appropriately cleaned prior to sterilisation in an autoclave. While some dental practices still prefer this method of cleaning, processing staff may be at a higher risk of a sharps injury, with the potential for the transmission of infection if the item they are handling contains contaminated blood/tissues. Past research has noted that sharps injuries are generally under-reported in the dental sector,[i] so it is difficult to know the exact statistics. Regardless, these injuries put staff members at risk of contracting infections such as hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV). As such, the use of an automated system would help to reduce this risk, as it minimises hand-to-instrument contact. 

Utilising a washer disinfector also helps to ensure your instruments have been thoroughly processed, as this system uses validated technology that makes sure every cycle is being processed to the correct standard. Instruments will be rigorously processed, going through various stages such as a pre-rinse flush, detergent wash, rinses and a thermal disinfection cycle to make sure contaminants and debris are removed. Finally, the drying stage also saves additional time for the team, as they will not have to delegate additional time to dry each instrument.  

Are your records in order?

Maintaining high levels of infection control is the priority of all dental practices, and this includes ensuring that you keep accurate records that can be produced during an Audit. Certain washer disinfector models are able to keep precise processing and validation records with the use of data logging devices.

The use of a data logger is also recommended as way to demonstrate best practice, and clinicians should certainly consider utilising this method of recording valuable cycle information. Not only are you provided with additional security, but it also helps to save time for the dental team, as you will not be required to manually transfer the data.

It is worth mentioning that there is no effective way to validate whether manually-cleaned items have been processed sufficiently. Washer disinfectors from leading manufacturers will have a cycle validation feature, which grants you the peace of mind that your instruments have been thoroughly processed – it is as simple as loading the washer disinfector and letting it do the hard work for you

Protecting your system  

Leading manufacturers will offer a service contract that makes protecting your washer disinfector easy and straightforward. Options such as unlimited breakdown cover, unlimited original manufacturer parts and labour, fully-trained engineers and even additional ECPD user training for the dental team are invaluable, and will give you the reassurance you need that in the rare event of a breakdown, you can get your system back up and running with minimal downtime. Moreover, you can rest assured that your process remains compliant.

The Miele PG8581 under bench washer disinfector from Eschmann provides an outstanding performance. This WRAS-approved unit can achieve heavy-duty cleaning, disinfection and drying in just under an hour, and also accommodates 360 instruments per cycle. Plus, the real-time wireless cycle data manager allows for the recording of all cycles, making cycle data recording much more efficient. The unit also comes with a unique dental cycle that is validated and compliant to HTM01-05 and SDCEP guidelines. You can protect your system with the fully comprehensive Eschmann Care & Cover service, which includes: Annual Validation and Pressure Vessel Certification, unlimited breakdown cover, unlimited Eschmann parts and labour as well as enhanced CPD user training.  

An important system for your dental practice

All dental practices must be committed to providing outstanding patient care in a clean and safe environment. When you choose to invest in a washer disinfector, you gain the peace of mind that your instruments have been cleaned & thermally disinfected in a validated traceable cycle, keeping you, your team and your patients safe from harm.

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of decontamination equipment and products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 875787

[i] Trayner, K.M.A., Hopps, L., Nguyen, M., Christie, M., Bagg, J. and Roy, K. (2018). Cross-sectional survey of a sample of UK primary care dental professionals’ experiences of sharps injuries and perception of access to occupational health support. British Dental Journal, [online] 225(11), pp.1023–1028. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2018.1031#ref-CR6 [Accessed 2 Feb. 2023].

 

Produce what you want, when you want it

The sheer level of patient demand in modern-age dentistry means that clinicians need the flexibility to work in their preferred way.

Clark Dental is proud to offer professionals the CEREC Primescan intraoral scanner and the Primemill milling machine. With these systems, beautiful and precise restorations can be achieved in a single practice visit. The result? Incredibly satisfied patients and a smoother workflow.

Primescan enables outstanding images to be captured in moments, with the Smart Pixel Sensor processing more than a million 3D points per second (even at a measuring depth of up to 20mm). Primemill lets clinicians mill fabrications quickly and efficiently. The Super Fast milling mode produces zirconia restorations in just 5 minutes.

With Primescan and Primemill, you have the choice to produce restorations in-house and outsource when you need it. To find out more, get in touch today.

 

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk