Month: April 2023

MPS Foundation funds major study into dental patients’ anxiety triggers

The MPS Foundation is funding research which aims to develop interventions for patients who suffer from extreme anxiety when visiting the dentist.

The AngST project will see experts in dentistry and filmmaking at the University of Plymouth working in tandem to assess and then develop ways to manage dental anxiety. It will also offer a novel approach to detecting subtle signs or “tells” of anxiety in the dental clinic by building a partnership between patients, clinicians, filmmakers, ethnographers, researchers, and the public.

The project is one of ten awarded funding, out of over 150 expressions of interest received, in the first research grant programme of the MPS Foundation. Medical Protection Society (MPS) – of which Dental Protection is part – launched the MPS Foundation last year with the aim to create sustainable global change through ambitious research focussed on patient safety and the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams.

The task builds on a decade of work by researchers from the University’s Transtechnology Research Group and colleagues at the South Devon and Torbay NHS Hospital Trust. It will see a pilot study conducted using video recordings of dental treatment, which will be used to analyse patients’ emotional experiences during dental visits.

A methodology for filming in the dental clinic will be refined and documented and used to produce a toolkit for reflexive training of dental clinicians that can be used beyond dental practice. This will enable the researchers to design and pilot a training model that will enhance the ability of junior dentists, clinical staff, and patients themselves to be sensitive to the emergence of anxiety in the dental clinic.

The ultimate aim of the project will be to encourage all the parties to respond in a way that helps to reduce anxiety, and thereby improves the provision and take-up of dental care and the wellbeing of dentists.

Dr Graham Stokes, dentist and MPS Foundation Chair, said: “Dentists face the challenging task of responding to their patients’ anxieties while being under serious pressure themselves. In the case of newly qualified dentists, they are possibly also anxious about ensuring they provide their patients with a high level of care. Current ways to help anxiety are only moderately effective, and few have been developed together with patients or clinicians.

“Until now, funding for critical research like this has been limited, but is now taking place through the MPS Foundation. As a global not-for-profit research initiative, we aim to take non-clinical research in a new direction and transform the future of patient safety.”

Professor Mona Nasser, Professor in Clinical Epidemiology and Oral Health Research at the University of Plymouth, is leading the AngST project. She said: “With the dental profession under more pressure than ever, this project could not be more timely. For many people, just the thought of going to the dentist evokes all manner of anxieties that they choose to avoid.

“That can lead to dental issues going unmanaged, and ultimately results in a number of wider health complications. It is therefore essential for us to find better ways of managing people’s anxieties, and give clinicians and patients themselves the tools to manage them.”

The second MPS Foundation grant application window is open. Calls for expressions of interest close on 5 May 2023. Healthcare professionals can register their interest by visiting www.thempsfoundation.org and entering their details via the online grant portal.

A solution you can depend on

With Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive from 3M Oral Care, you can enjoy remarkable control and predictability.

The new and improved formula makes the Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive from 3M the first radiopaque universal adhesive,* helping you to avoid misdiagnoses and therefore more invasive treatments.

This product is suitable for direct, indirect and all etching technique workflows,* and bonds to all restorative materials without the need for separate primers.* It can also bond and seal caries-affected dentine, preventing secondary decay with its well-defined, void-free hybrid layer.* 

Find out more today.

For more information, call 0800 626 578 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental

 

Please scan the QR code for:

  • Latest news on education, webinars and events
  • FREE clinical samples – try before you buy
  • Save with current sales promotions

  

END

 

3M and Scotchbond are trademarks of the 3M Company.

Dentsply Sirona, FDI World Dental Federation and Smile Train deliver the first-ever global protocols for digital cleft treatment

Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, in partnership with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, and FDI, the global voice of the dental profession, are proud to announce a major milestone in the push to advance global cleft care. FDI and Smile Train, with support from Dentsply Sirona have developed the first-ever global standard protocols for digitalized cleft treatment. These protocols are expected to improve the accuracy and efficacy of the current treatments significantly by providing dental professionals with a comprehensive digital clinical approach across all stages of care.

To create these protocols, extensive research was conducted and consensus had to be reached amongst experts in this field. The workflows outlined in the protocols contain a wealth of information to guide dental practitioners in their work and enable best practice. The protocols encompass the fields of presurgical orthopedics, mixed dentition, permanent dentition and oral rehabilitation. Each field features a remote monitoring and oral health component.

“These protocols will help bring health and opportunity to countless children worldwide,” says Prof. Ihsane Ben Yahya, FDI President. “It took an incredible amount of research and effort to put these workflows together. Thank you to everyone involved in this landmark achievement.”

To make the mass of available information and details user friendly to apply, an interactive tool was created to display all information and help the dental professional navigate through all the different stages of care.

“The new protocols set the bar for the evolution of digital cleft care, leveraging technology that will ensure access to high-quality care for marginalized communities, and reduce the burden of care for the cleft community,” says Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train.

In addition, Smile Train and FDI with Dentsply Sirona’s support have developed a clinical education course that aims to provide cleft professionals worldwide with additional in-depth training on digital cleft care protocols, as well as support them as they integrate digital technologies into their treatment plans. The partnership builds on an ongoing global partnership between Dentsply Sirona and Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, which funded more than 730 cleft surgeries in the first year of collaboration.

“Together with Smile Train and FDI, we are working to advance the future of cleft care and go BEYOND for children with clefts worldwide,” added Erania Brackett, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona. “The launch of these new global protocols is an enormous step forward on that journey, integrating high-quality digital, more sustainable technologies and workflows into cleft care.”

BDA demands Barclay drops plans for further NHS charge hike

The British Dental Association has demanded that the Secretary of State for Health, Steve Barclay MP, drop plans for a further 4% increase in NHS charges in England next year.

In an open letter the professional body has warned millions are avoiding or delaying needed care, numbers which will only grow during the cost-of-living crisis.

The BDA has urged the Department to abandon its long-term strategy of using charge revenue as a substitute for state investment, an approach no other UK nation has followed. The letter states: “Crowns or dentures now cost £306.80 in England compared to £203.00 in Wales. You have a duty to explain to the public why patients in England must pay over £100 more for exactly the same NHS care.”

Today’s 8.5% increase is the largest on record, and greater than those recently set for both prescriptions (3.2%) and eye tests (4.5%). The letter notes “at any time, such vast patient charge increases would be unacceptable. During a cost-of-living crisis we consider them utterly outrageous. They are well beyond the increases set for optics or pharmacy, and we must ask why our patients are being singled out.”

Last month The Times reported Whitehall sources suggesting that a further 4% increase is set for 2024. The BDA say this plan must be abandoned. Dentist leaders say they can see no evidence of any meaningful equality impact assessment being undertaken, given the material impact this policy is set to have on millions on modest incomes. It has stressed pledges to develop a new framework must be brought forward with urgency, and that a sustainable funding settlement must be in place to underpin the rebuild of a service whose future is no longer guaranteed.

The access crisis in NHS dentistry is currently the focus of a Health and Social Care Committee inquiry, which is set to hear tomorrow from Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer for England and Neil O’Brien MP, Minister for Primary Care and Public Health. The BDA has referred the record increase in charges to the chairs of both the Health and Public Accounts Committees.

An implant training course to exceed expectations

Though continuous education is a mandatory part of modern dentistry, there is significant merit in finding high-quality training options for successful career progression. This is particularly true in a field like implant dentistry, where there are many potential education pathways and a vast array of techniques, products and technologies to utilise.

Dr Simon Bate completed The Campbell Academy’s Year Long Implant Courses in 2020. Commenting on why he chose this programme over others available, he says:

“My first contact with The Campbell Academy was through my Straumann representative. I had already undertaken some implant training and they recommended The Campbell Academy Business Course to improve my numbers. It was during this that I was really impressed with the quality of the training and decided to do some further implant education with them. My expectations were to be able to handle complex surgical situations that would enable me to work in specialist referral practices. I also hoped to obtain adequate knowledge to pass the Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

“The programme exceeded my expectations. As I already had some implant training, I had a different course to use as a baseline and compare, which many people don’t have. My previous training was quite ‘old fashioned’ and a lot of modern techniques such as GBR were missing. This severely limited the number of cases I could treat. I also hadn’t been taught in an evidence-based way.

“The training at The Campbell Academy far exceeded this and I would recommend the course to anyone. The introduction to the ITI consensus statements and being taught protocol from them was a game changer. It gave me a structure to my treatment planning and protocols that I hadn’t had before.”

The Year Long Implant Course covers the scientific basis of implant dentistry, patient management, basic surgical skills, complications, medicolegal aspects, treatment planning, implant surgery (theoretical and hands-on) and implant restoration. It is delivered in 12 modules over 10 months, including 5 didactic and 3 clinical sessions and designed to give delegates the foundation they need to establish and grow a successful implant service. Hands-on days and seminars are held at state-of-the-art facilities in Nottingham, and all modules are presented by highly respected implant dentists. There is mentoring and on-going support available for practitioners to make the most of in order to ensure that everything they learn can be effectively applied to their own practice.

The Year Long Implant Course is supported by Straumann, who supplies its clinically-proven implant systems for delegates to practise their new skills with. Not only does this enable clinicians to learn techniques with high-quality products, but it also gives many a chance to try the leading brand for the first time. Simon says:

“I trained initially with a different implant brand, who’s placement protocols were more complex and solutions limited, meaning you had to ‘think outside the box’. Straumann provides a big tick by having a much bigger product range that is far superior. Straumann enables you to treat more cases as they have more solutions and better products, for example, the Roxolid surface is stronger than titanium, therefore allowing narrow implants to be placed in situations where this is not possible with other brands.”

Since completing the training, Simon has seen a significant impact on his dentistry. Sharing the key changes for him, he adds:

“This training gave me the skills I needed to treat much more complex cases and gain the confidence to practice in a specialist referral practice environment. I have gone from placing 60 implants per year to around 180 per year. I have also been able to complete the Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh – as was my original goal.

“Once again, I would recommend The Campbell Academy to anyone looking to start or build on their implant practice.”

For any dentists looking to take their implant skills to the next level, The Campbell Academy offers several training courses in addition to the Year Long Implant Course, such as the Year Two Implant Course, online programmes and the Business Course. Find out more on the website at www.straumanngroupcourses.com

For details about the implant solutions available from Straumann, please visit www.straumann.com

 

 

 

Protect your investments

When you invest in high quality handpieces, it’s important to do all you can to extend their lives, ensuring you are making the most out of your purchase. This means using handpieces exactly as instructed, and making sure that they are lubricated and maintained as recommended. Research suggests that dental handpieces fail due to a number of factors. These include damage from regular autoclaving, corrosion due to inadequate lubrication, and the improper use/abuse of the handpiece.[i]

The effect of sterilisation on the life of a handpiece

In day-to-day practice, dental handpieces are used very regularly,[ii] meaning that they are required to be sterilised several times during the day.[iii] Over time, this can impact their longevity, causing corrosion to their internal elements, potentially resulting in malfunction. Even though this corrosion can reduce the lifespan of handpieces, autoclaving is a requirement for dental practices. Of course, clinicians should not prioritise the life span of their handpieces over the safety and care of their patients – effective sterilisation should always be carried out. So, we must consider the best possible ways to reduce this impact, and maximise the life of dental handpieces.[iv]

Because of this, it is important to carry out maintenance exactly as instructed by the manufacturer.[v] During autoclaving, water vapour which accesses the internal elements of the handpiece may cause corrosion, if proper protection is not present through adequate lubrication.[vi] By implementing these measures, any corrosion caused during the disinfection process should be minimal.[vii]

The importance of lubrication for extended life

A study compared the differences in levels of corrosion between unlubricated and lubricated handpieces after 25, 50, and 100 sterilisation cycles. In all sterilisation types trialled, lubrication proved to adequately protect handpieces from corrosion, showing signs of superficial oxidation only, with unlubricated handpieces displaying corrosion after just 25 cycles in some cases.[viii]

Repeated high stress can also contribute to the wear and tear of your handpieces. This could potentially lead to uneven surfaces and cracks, which can in turn cause corrosion. Be sure to not apply excessive pressure during treatments to avoid unnecessary stress on your handpiece. Following the recommended guidelines from the manufacturer is essential, as extensive damage can lead to the failure of the handpiece. Good maintenance can also help to prolong the life of these tools, as lubrication can prevent severe wear.[ix]

Thorough decontamination and maintenance

Decontamination and equipment maintenance are an essential part of the smooth running of any dental practice, so finding the most effective way of carrying out these processes is crucial for maximising the life of a handpiece. In a busy practice, the routine of cleaning, lubricating, and sterilising dental handpieces between every patient may be challenging, but it is vital that you do not overlook the important maintenance step. This will allow you to protect your investment, and ensure that your handpieces are working at maximum efficiency.[x] It is also vital that thorough reprocessing is undertaken between patients to ensure that decontamination and sterilisation are carried out properly, for the safety of your patients and dental staff. Because reprocessing can often require a fast turnaround, particularly in a busy practice, it is important to have the equipment available to facilitate this.

The Assistina Twin and Assistina One lubrication and maintenance devices from W&H are innovative systems designed to effectively maintain your handpieces. The Twin’s duo-chamber system allows for lubrication in record time. Because you can set up one handpiece while another is being maintained, you can process instruments far more quickly – reducing the procedure to as little as 10 seconds per handpiece. The Assistinas have been further enhanced by the innovative Quick Connect adaptor solution from W&H – it’s easy to use and facilitates quicker adapter changes because different adapters can be prepared outside of the device before and during the process. It also features an ergonomic design for efficient and effective workflows, enhancing your everyday practice tasks.

It is essential to reprocess handpieces efficiently, for a smooth-running dental practice. This means making sure that they are cleaned, maintained, and sterilised ready for the next patient. By investing in equipment which allows you to carry out maintenance quickly, you ensure that reprocessing is prompt, meaning that you never have to miss a step, or keep your patients waiting. Regular lubrication, as recommended by the manufacturer, will allow you to prolong the life of your handpieces, protecting them from wear and tear acquired through regular use and sterilisation.

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

 

[i] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[ii] Smith, G. W. G., et al. “Survey of the decontamination and maintenance of dental handpieces in general dental practice.” British Dental Journal 207.4 (2009): E7-E7. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2009.761

[iii] Angelini, Emma. “Influence of sterilization on the corrosion resistance of high-speed dental handpieces.” Quintessence International 23.3 (1992). http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/qi/qi_23_3_angelini_11.pdf

[iv] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[v] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[vi] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[vii] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[viii] Angelini, Emma. “Influence of sterilization on the corrosion resistance of high-speed dental handpieces.” Quintessence International 23.3 (1992). http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/qi/qi_23_3_angelini_11.pdf

[ix] Wei, M., J. E. Dyson, and B. W. Darvell. “Failure analysis of the ball bearings of dental air turbine handpieces.” Australian Dental Journal 58.4 (2013): 514-521. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/adj.12112

[x] Smith, G. W. G., et al. “Survey of the decontamination and maintenance of dental handpieces in general dental practice.” British Dental Journal 207.4 (2009): E7-E7. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2009.761

 

Benefits for the whole team

Quality patient care is only possible through collaborative efforts between the entire dental team. That’s why the Association of Dental Implantology’s (ADI) membership is open to all – from dental nurses to dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists. What can members expect? 

Benefits include discounted delegate rates for ADI events (such as the biennial ADI Team Congress and ADI Masterclasses), a certificate of membership, free access to ADI study clubs and to the ADI Members’ Only Facebook Group.

Because the ADI provides accessible educational and training resources, as well as opportunities to network, debate and discuss ideas and topics with peers, becoming a member is truly invaluable to your career.

Visit the website, or get in touch with the ADI team, to find out more information today!

 

For more information about the ADI, or to join, please visit the website www.adi.org.uk

Clean graffiti campaign shows the power of teeth whitening

To make the launch of Westerwood Whitening, Real Good Dental created a viral marketing campaign by using water pressure to stencil writing into dirty walls in the West End of Glasgow.

Known as “clean graffiti”, the brand created a stir by writing “Imagine what we can do for your smile” outside landmarks, subway stations and the university.

The campaign was designed to display the transition from dirty to bright to alliterate its transitional whitening products.

Available only in practices, Westerwood’s Premium Whitening Gel requires a prescription from a licensed dentist.

The professional-grade whitening gel is specially formulated to deliver optimal results while minimising sensitivity and protecting your teeth from damage. The prescription-strength gel is safe, effective, and tailored to patients’ unique needs.

The PAP (Physically Activated Peroxide) professional teeth whitening system uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate to break down and lift away discolouration and stains from the surface of teeth. The treatment is gentle and does not cause any damage to the enamel or underlying dentin of the teeth. This method of whitening can provide up to eight shades of whitening in just one session.

The brand also has whitening strips and kits available for at-home use.

The PAP formula used in the strips and kits have been scientifically proven to whiten and brighten teeth after a few uses, as shown in the clinical trial study by the Journal of Applied Oral Science.

To find out more, visit https://www.westerwoodwhitening.com/

NHS dentistry: Costs leave quarter of patients delaying or avoiding treatment

With NHS dental charges in England set to jump by an historic high of 8.5% today (Monday April 24), the British Dental Association has warned government that costs are now shaping the clinical choices made by millions of patients.

The professional body has urged Ministers to follow the lead of public opinion and break with its long-term strategy of using charge increases as cover for cuts in government spending on NHS dentistry.

A new survey by YouGov of adults in England shows:

  • Nearly a quarter (23%) report delaying or going without NHS dental treatment for reasons of cost.
  • 45% say the price shapes the choice of treatment patients opt for, more than those following the clinical recommendations of their dentist (36%)
  • An overwhelming majority support a break from the government’s current model of ramping up charges while reducing government spending. 38% say dentistry should be fully funded by government through general taxation, effectively free at the point of delivery. 29% say funding from government should increase, while maintaining some patient charges. Similar levels of support are clear among all political allegiances [2], social classes, and regions.  A further 16% say charge levels should remain unchanged.
  • There is strong support for extension of free NHS dentistry to groups not currently covered, with 82% saying exemptions should cover cancer patients, whose treatments can cause severe dental problems.

In light of this evidence the BDA has urged the government to reject plans broadcast by Whitehall sources for a further 4% increase in charges next year, and to fully appreciate the impact charges have on lower income, higher needs patients. While some adult patients are exempt from charges, many on modest incomes still have to pay, including many recipients of low-income benefits such as Universal Credit. Dentist leaders warn that any repeat of these choices from government will inevitably widen already significant oral health inequalities.

The BDA has rejected claims from Minister Neil O’Brien that the increase “will raise important revenue for pressurised NHS budgets” stressing funds raised will simply become a substitute for state investment. NHS dentistry’s effectively static budget has remained at around £3bn for the best part of a decade, with patient charges forming an ever-greater share of the total pot. Direct Government spend on dentistry was lower as the country headed into the pandemic than it was in 2010.

The BDA told the Health and Social Care Committee inquiry last month that saving NHS dentistry will require a sustainable funding settlement. Since 2010 Spending on dentistry has failed to keep pace with both inflation and population growth. The UK now spends the lowest share of its health budget on dentistry of any European nation, with England spending the lowest amount per head of population of any UK nation. 

The BDA stress no other UK nation has followed this model, with the latest hike following a decade of inflation busting rises. A band 1 treatment like a check-up will now cost £25.80 in England, but just £14.70 in Wales. A band 3 treatment like dentures will now cost £306.80 in England and just £203.00 in Wales.

BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said: “This hike won’t put a penny into NHS dentistry, it will just force millions to think twice about needed care. Sadly, widening health inequality is a price this government seems willing to pay to cover for cuts. This is not a partisan issue. The public recognise this is not the way to fund a core part of our health service.”

A comprehensive and invaluable course

The Complete GDP course, offered by IAS Academy, is the ideal learning opportunity for dentists looking to improve how they treat their patients.

This stimulating course covers simple to complex cases, taught over three comprehensive two-day modules, covering topics such as examination, records and splints, predictable treatment planning and aesthetic and restorative principles.

The programme begins with a pre-course webinar, which provides a theoretical overview and an in-depth Q&A session, ensuring that delegates cover the basic theory so they can focus on the practical work later on.

Improved patient and team communication are additional outcomes of this course, which will further help delegates deliver exceptional treatment to their patients.

For more information, get in touch or visit the website today.

 

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)