Month: July 2023

Make instrument maintenance simple

The Assistina devices from W&H are innovative systems which make instrument lubrication and maintenance simple.

The Assistina Twin features a duo-chamber system which facilitates thorough reprocessing and lubrication in only 10 seconds. With Assistina Twin, you are able to set up one handpiece while another is being maintained, allowing you to use your time more effectively. The new Assistina ONE is the latest addition to the range, cleaning and lubricating a handpiece in 18 seconds.

The addition of the innovative Quick Connect adaptor solution from W&H has further enhanced the Assistina’s capabilities, and the ergonomic designs create an effective workflow.

For more information, contact the team at W&H.

 

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

 

Henry Schein Releases 2022 Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Report, Demonstrating Company’s Commitment to ‘Delivering Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow’

Henry Schein, Inc., the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, today announced the publication of its 2022 Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, titled “Delivering Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow.”

As part of the Company’s work to enhance its disclosures, Henry Schein reported on its sustainability efforts in 2022 in accordance with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and Global Reporting Initiative Standards. The CSR Report highlights Henry Schein’s efforts to promote responsible business practices and make a positive impact on society.  

“Throughout Henry Schein’s more than 90 year history, we have remained committed to our five constituents: customers, supplier partners, investors, Team Schein Members, and society at large,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. “Guided by our purpose-driven mission and higher ambition model, we continue to operate as a socially responsible and sustainable organization dedicated to ‘Delivering Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow.’ This year’s Report reflects these commitments, and we look forward to continuing to build on this activity in the years to come.”

To learn more about Henry Schein’s corporate citizenship efforts and to view the full 2022

Sustainability and CSR Report, along with our Reporting Index and second Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures report, please visit www.henryschein.com/corporatecitizenship.

NHS dentistry: Reform must not be a final destination for service in Scotland

The British Dental Association has said Scottish Government reforms to NHS dentistry announced today fall short of the root and branch change required to make the service fit for the 2020s.

Following tense negotiations, a reformed payment system will be rolled out from 1 November 2023. This includes changes to the fees provided for many treatments and will see the number of items on the ‘menu’ at dental practices slimmed down – purportedly meant to make it less burdensome – to 45 codes down from around 400. The BDA had stressed that surging costs had left practices delivering some NHS care at a financial loss, particularly for items like dentures that require laboratory work. These items have seen significant increases in fee levels.

However, the professional body has stressed reforms offer no fundamental changes to the current model of care. The service is still predicated on a low margin/high volume system, without the appropriate targeting of resources for those in highest need. The BDA had been seeking a clean break towards a new patient-centred and prevention-focused model and say the package as it stands will do little to tackle deep oral health inequality across Scotland.

Dentist leaders have warned ministers not to view the current package as a “final destination.” There is uncertainty over whether these changes will be sufficient to halt the exodus of dentists from NHS services and restore access to millions.

The Scottish Parliament COVID Recovery Committee recently concluded its inquiry into the recovery of NHS dentistry, including a recommendation that the Scottish Government provide costings for – and consults on – different service model options, including those that it does not prefer, in partnership with the sector so that the opportunity is not missed to consider a full range of options for the future of service delivery.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said: “We’ve secured some improvements, but the fundamentals of a broken system remain unchanged. The Scottish Government have stuck with a drill and fill model designed in the 20th century. They were unwilling to even start a conversation on making this service fit for the 21st. 

“Ministers cannot pretend this is a final destination for NHS dentistry in Scotland. We struggle to see how these changes alone will close the oral health gap, end the access crisis or halt the exodus from the NHS.”

Preparing for the retirement you deserve

When preparing for retirement, it can be both an exciting and daunting time. Because of this, it is important to plan ahead, to ensure you can maintain a sufficient income to allow you to enjoy your retirement in the way you deserve. Even if the prospect of retirement seems like a long way off, it is beneficial to your options in advance, to help set yourself up for maximum comfort.

There are a number of aspects you may need to consider to help ensure this. One of which is having a good understanding of your pension, and the way that it works for you. Some may also choose to make investments, to enable their existing funds to continue to grow.

Funding your retirement through pensions

As a dentist, it’s likely that there are a number of pension options available to you, each of which offer varying benefits.

When you work for the NHS, you become a member of the NHS Pension Scheme automatically.[i] For many, their NHS Pension becomes the main source of their income after retirement, and it offers a range of advantages. Once you have retired, you will receive a guaranteed pension payable for life. You will also have the option to receive a one-off lump sum in exchange for some of your annual pension, and you are able to plan when you start taking payments. There is also the possibility that you could receive your pension before your normal pension age, or have access to an early ill health retirement pension. Additionally, your family may be entitled to benefits such as a lump sum or pension should you pass away. To meet the costs of these benefits, your employer also contributes the equivalent of 20.6% of your pay.[ii] Members of the NHS Pension Scheme will also receive tax relief of their contributions up to a certain amount.[iii]

You may have an additional private pension, so it is important to understand what this means for you. Some people find it reassuring to know that they have an additional source of income post-retirement, and you should understand the benefits that a private pension might present. Putting money into a pension scheme can qualify you for tax relief. This means that some of the money that would have been taken as tax, can be added to your pension pot.[iv] Additionally, you may be able to take up to 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum when you retire.[v] It is important to be aware that the size of your pension will depend on how long you have saved for, any charges taken by your pension provider, and how well your investments have performed.[vi]

When planning for retirement, it is important to also understand the worth of your state pension. However, it is recommended not to rely on this as your sole income, even if you are eligible for the full state pension (£203.85 per week), as many people hope to retire on a higher amount for quality of life.[vii]

You should also take into consideration your options for pension annuity. This allows you to swap your pension fund for an income, lasting for as long as you live. Different providers will offer different annuity rates, so it is important to ensure you are receiving the best deals.[viii]

Investing to grow your wealth

You may also decide to make investments in preparation for your retirement. Some choose to begin exploring opportunities on the stock market, capitalising on their existing funds, choosing the level of risk depending on their individual circumstances. However, there are other ways to invest once you retire, like investing your pension.

Depending on your pension type and provider, you may find that you can invest your pension, giving it the potential to grow, rather than remain static. Different providers may be able to offer different options for how you’d like to invest your remaining pension once you move into drawdown, or begin taking lump sums. These possibilities might include offering ready-made investment options, or choosing your own investments that match your attitude to risk. You may also take the advice of a financial adviser, to help you select the best way to invest for your individual situation.[ix]

Even though these are important aspects to consider, each individual is different, so it is important to discuss your own experience and hopes for retirement with a financial adviser who understands your specific needs as a dentist. This will help you to get the most out of your pension, and ensure that you are making the right investment decisions to set you up for the retirement you desire. The team at money4dentists understands the unique needs of dental professionals, and is able to provide you with the best advice, specific to your financial situation, to meet your goals for retirement.

Preparing for retirement may seem daunting, but by understanding the options available to you to help you enjoy a comfortable retirement, with the help of expert advisers, you can feel confident that your pensions and investments are working their hardest for you.

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

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

Richard T Lishman

Managing Director of the 4dentists Group of companies

[i] https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2021-09/Important_benefits_of_being_in_the_NHS_Pension_Scheme_video_transcript_202109_%28V2%29.pdf

[ii] https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2021-09/Important_benefits_of_being_in_the_NHS_Pension_Scheme_video_transcript_202109_%28V2%29.pdf

[iii] https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pension-contributions-and-tax-relief

[iv] https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/why-save-into-a-pension

[v] https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/why-save-into-a-pension

[vi] https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/personal-pensions

[vii] https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/why-save-into-a-pension

[viii] https://www.money4dentists.com/pension-annuities

[ix] https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/building-your-retirement-pot/investing-in-retirement

Affordable implant therapy, with long-lasting, reliable outcomes

Neodent®, a Straumann Group brand, offers clinicians a comprehensive portfolio of affordable, accessible and high-grade dental implants.

Solutions from Neodent® support progressive treatment concepts, offering high-quality aesthetics with shorter treatment times. The Neodent® Grand Morse® (GM) Implant System is tailored for all indications from single tooth to fully edentulous cases. They allow you to honour biological principles and simplify soft tissue management.

The Neodent® NeoArch® Immediate Fixed Full-Arch Solution is suitable for all edentulous patients, even those with severe atrophic maxilla. Patient satisfaction and quality of life can be drastically improved, with immediate function in shorter treatment times.

The Neodent® Zi Ceramic Implant System combines flexibility and stability, is metal-free and provides the flexibility of a 2-piece connection, combined with a strong screw-retained ceramic-ceramic design.

To find out more about solutions from Neodent®, visit the website today.

 

For more information on the Neodent® Grand Morse® Implant System, visit
www.neodent-uk.co/portal

 

RBD initiative to support newly qualified dentists and the BDA Benevolent Fund

Newly qualified dentists have the opportunity to make the best possible start to their life in business with the support of specialist dental accountants Ross Brooke Dental. The firm is offering to provide five young associate dentists with a year of accountancy and business advice at a heavily discounted rate. Normally worth £600+VAT, Ross Brooke Dental (RBD) will charge just £200 per dentist which they will donate to the BDA Benevolent Fund.

RBD has chosen the Charity because of its inspiring role in supporting dental students, dentists and their families through hard times. In 2023 the BDA Benevolent Fund is celebrating its 140thanniversary.

RBD is one of the few accountancy firms which is exclusively dedicated to dentists and believes in providing a service which is highly customised, taking dentists from early years to retirement.

Nathan Poole, who has worked with dentists for more than 15 years, said: “The first year as an associate dentist in practice isn’t easy. You must start paying back your student loan, submit your first tax return and decide what kind of business structure will suit you. Ideally, you should have specialist advice to help you navigate these challenges.”

RBD founder Linda Giles added: “In nearly 30 years as a specialist dental accountant, all the clients who started out with me stayed with me. It’s a relationship of great trust.”

Nathan and Linda are both great fans of the BDA Benevolent Fund and they hope to have enough dentists entering their award to make a donation of £1000.

Laura Hannon, Chief Executive of the BDA Benevolent Fund, commented: “The Charity often receives requests for support from newly qualified dentists during the transition phase from graduating to starting their training and again, once they have finished their Foundation Training and become Associates. It’s two periods of change in a short time frame and not everyone has the financial or wellbeing support systems in place to help them manage.”

“We are very happy that RBD have chosen to donate to the Charity enabling us to offer greater levels of support to the dental profession.  We hope this contribution will help raise awareness of the role the Charity plays for those that need it as well as the importance of good money management skills that experienced professional advisors can bring.”

To qualify to become a client of RBD from October of this year to April 2024, covering the submission of your first tax return as well as an initial meeting to sort out your business affairs, you should answer the following questions on the RBD website: 

Q 1: Who does the BDA benevolent fund help? (tick all the options that apply):
1. Older dentists
2. Young dentists
3. Members of the public
4. Dental students, dentists, and their dependents.

Q2 Why do I need a specialist dental accountant?
1. Because I want peace of mind that I am using experts to get my taxes right.
2. Because getting good advice from the start works out cheaper than fixing a mess later.
3. Because I want to make sure I have done everything I need to do.
4. Because building a team of advisers I can trust and who understand me and my circumstances is the right way to do business. 

To enter, visit: https://www.ross-brooke-dental.co.uk/blog/news/rbd-initiative-to-support-new-dentists-and-the-bda-benevolent-fund/

For more information on the BDA Benevolent Fund visit https://www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk/ or contact 0207 4864994.

High grade imaging solutions

Clark Dental is helping the dental profession embrace digital imaging systems, allowing them to experience the benefits for their workflow, their staff and, ultimately, their patients.

Solutions include the Axeos 2D/3D specialist system from Dentsply Sirona, delivering 4 volume sizes (from 5 x 5.5cm to 17 x 13cm) for every indication and need. The Direct Conversion Sensor (DCS) allows you to capture fine 2D details with exceptional sharpness. The autofocus feature detects, from thousands of individual images, the areas where the jaw is optimally positioned. The result? Crisp, focused data for improved accuracy.

The Xios SG Supreme provides outstanding image quality, for accurate diagnostics and a clear view of the clinical situation. With 3 sensor sizes, unique replaceable cable and the choice between USB or WIFI connectivity, these systems suit various practice requirements and personal preferences.

Clark Dental’s portfolio is comprised of high grade, reliable systems – if you’d like 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 

ADI announces new membership benefit

At the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), we are always looking for new ways to support our members and facilitate the provision of excellent patient care. We’re delighted to introduce a new membership benefit – 15% discount on professional indemnity insurance with Professional Dental Indemnity (PDI).

It is essential for dental professionals to have adequate indemnity to cover any legal expenses or compensation awarded in the event of a patient claim. It is a GDC requirement, but more importantly, having high-quality dental indemnity offers peace of mind that you are protected.

PDI was founded by a dentist and expert in medical malpractice, so the company provides comprehensive policies that are specifically tailored for dental professionals. There is also a 24-hour helpline for swift advice or support when it’s needed most – find out more at professionaldentalindemnity.co.uk.

To discover the full range of benefits available to ADI members and to join, visit the ADI website today!

 

For more information, visit www.adi.org.uk

Become a member today!

 

Maximising the longevity of implants

Implant therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for both dentists and patients alike over the past decade. According to the Association of Dental Implantology around 130,000 individual implants are placed each year in the UK, [i] providing life-enhancing functional and aesthetic benefits to edentulous patients.

Successful implant therapy is defined not only by the immediate achievement of the therapeutic goal, but, importantly, by the maintenance of a functional, stable, and aesthetically acceptable tooth replacement for the patient. [ii] It is, therefore, clear that longevity plays a central role in evaluating implant treatment.

It has proven complicated to ascertain an accurate measure of the average longevity of implant treatment, with some studies deeming “success” as “survival”, with even “ailing” or “failing” implants considered successful. ii However, to give some indication, Hartog and co-workers reported a survival rate of 95.5% after one year of follow-up, ii and even a study providing 20-year data on implants reported a success/survival rate of 75.8%/89.5%. ii

So, while the success rate is generally positive, there is clearly potential for clinicians to help in maximising the longevity of implants for their patients, thus avoiding further destruction of oral health, or costly surgical replacement of a failed implant.

Avoid infection and improve healing

There are a myriad of factors affecting the longevity of dental implants, including infection management, which remains an important area of concern for clinician and patient throughout the treatment journey.

Early treatment failure rates are often attributed to failed osseointegration within several weeks to months, usually due to bacterial infection, bone necrosis, surgical trauma, inadequate initial stability, or premature occlusal loading. [iii] As we know, it’s vital to assess a patient’s mouth for any active gingival disease in advance of treatment as untreated infection could spread and develop around the implant, resulting in implant failure. iii While bacterial infection can occur at any time during the implant process, it is of particular concern in the early healing period. [iv]

Late failure also often occurs because of infection. iii Jemt et al. reported that a history of periodontitis was closely linked with inflammation at the implant site that could cause peri-implantitis, which may be because of the transmission of periodontal pathogens from the teeth to the implant. [v]

Although it is suggested that smoking alone does not increase the incidence of late implant failure, v it is advisable to make patients aware of the potential impact of smoking on the success and longevity of their dental implant treatment, in addition to the implications on their wider health. For example, a study by Queiroz et al. found an increased presence of salivary arginase activity in smokers with dental implants that results in an increased susceptibility to bacterial infection and implant failure. [vi]

Thanks to the factors mentioned above, it is clear that infection management should be a consistent focus for the clinician and patient before, during and after implant treatment. Patients should be made aware of the importance of good oral hygiene as an integral part of infection prevention and management, and to ensure the long-term survival of their implant(s). 

Ensure excellent oral hygiene

There are a number of at-home implant care methods a clinician can share to improve and maintain a patient’s oral hygiene.

Twice daily cleaning around implants using a soft bristled toothbrush or gentle power brush is recommended to remove bacterial plaque accumulation. [vii] For those patients prone to occasional tissue inflammation, daily cleansing with chemotherapeutic agents like rinses, gels, or solutions, can help further. ix

Interdental cleaning is also important in optimising gingival health and preventing oral disease, thereby creating a healthy site primed for successful dental implant treatment. A study by Marchesan et al. found that interdental cleaning is associated with less periodontal disease, and a higher frequency of interdental cleaning (4–7 times per week) was also linked with less interproximal periodontal disease. [viii]

With this in mind, why not recommend the innovative and easy-to-use Waterpik® Water Flosser with the Plaque Seeker™ tip to help patients clean around implants and promote healthy gums. Clinically proven to be twice as effective as string floss for dental implant patients, [ix] never has it been so easy for patients to improve their oral health and enjoy the cleanest, freshest mouth possible from home.

Oral hygiene and healing

The relationship between oral hygiene and soft tissue healing and maintenance around implants is a tightly woven one. By promoting the benefits of a healthy oral status, and the products and methods to achieve and maintain this, clinicians will be able to support dental implant patients and help them enjoy the benefits of their treatment long into the future.

For more information on Waterpik® products please 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/.

Anne Symons is  a Dental Hygienist currently working in a Specialist  Periodontal/implant practice and also a busy NHS surgery. She has previously worked in a Max Fax unit, and also taught Oral Health  care to staff in Nursing and Residential  homes. Anne is also a Professional Educator for Waterpik

[i] Association of Dental Implantology. (2012) A Dentist’s Guide to Implantology. Available at: https://issuu.com/adidental/docs/adi-dentist-guide [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[ii] Setzer FC, Kim S. Comparison of long-term survival of implants and endodontically treated teeth. J Dent Res. 2014;93(1):19-26. doi:10.1177/0022034513504782. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872851/ [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[iii] Raikar S, Talukdar P, Kumari S, Panda SK, Oommen VM, Prasad A. Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2017;7(6):351-355. doi:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_380_17. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/ [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[iv] Mohajerani H, Roozbayani R, Taherian S, Tabrizi R. The Risk Factors in Early Failure of Dental Implants: a Retrospective Study. J Dent (Shiraz). 2017;18(4):298-303.  Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5702435/. [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[v] do, Thanh An & Le, Son & Shen, Yen & Huang, Heng Li & Fuh, Lih-Jyh. (2020). Risk Factors related to Late Failure of Dental Implant-A Systematic Review of Recent Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17. 10.3390/ijerph17113931. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341822410_Risk_Factors_related_to_Late_Failure_of_Dental_Implant-A_Systematic_Review_of_Recent_Studies [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[vi] V Kasat, R Ladda. Smoking and dental implants. Journal of International Society of Preventative & Community Dentistry. DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.109358. Available at: https://www.jispcd.org/article.asp?issn=2231-0762;year=2012;volume=2;issue=2;spage=38;epage=41;aulast=Kasat. [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[vii] Gulati M, Govila V, Anand V, Anand B. Implant Maintenance: A Clinical Update. Int Sch Res Notices. 2014;2014:908534. Published 2014 Jul 9. doi:10.1155/2014/908534. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897104/ {Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[viii] Ng E, Lim LP. An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(2):56. Published 2019 Jun 1. doi:10.3390/dj7020056. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630384/ [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

[ix] Waterpik UK. Dental Implant Care. Available at: https://www.waterpik.co.uk/oral-health/dental-needs/dental-work/implants/ [Last accessed 11.08.2021].

Sunstar and EDHF announce winners of the European Award of Distinction for Dental Hygienists

Sunstar, the international oral healthcare company, in partnership with the European Dental Hygienist Federation (EDHF) has announced the winners of the 2023 edition of the European Award of Distinction for Dental Hygienists.

The award, supported by the Sunstar Foundation, aims to celebrate the achievements of European dental hygienists. The 2023 Sunstar EDHF European Award of Distinction are:

  • Full Time Clinician: Lorella Mengarelli, Italy, Dental Hygienist at Studio Tiozzi Ferroni in Cesenatico.
  • Public Health: Federica d’Anteo, Italy, Dental Hygienist at Il Centro Dentale s.a.s. in Cavaria con Premezzo, and author.
  • Research: Thérèse Elkerbout, the Netherlands, Dental Hygienist and Clinical Epidemiologist at the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA).
  • Entrepreneur: Carina Løvstad, Denmark, Dental Hygienist, author and owner of educational platform and book “Små Bisser”.
  • New RDH: Lars Toonen, Netherlands, Dental Hygienist at Colloseum Dental Benelux and lecturer at HAN University of Applied Sciences.
  • Academia: Gianna Maria Nardi, Italy, Dental Hygienist and Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome.

Mayumi Kaneda, Director of the Sunstar Foundation said: “Congratulations to the winners! This award was always meant to put individual hygienists in the spotlight and to show what a difference one person can make to patients and dentistry. We’re very happy to present six dental hygienists who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen field and we’re confident this list will keep growing with every passing year, as there are many more dental hygienists in Europe that also deserve this recognition.”

Nominations were judged by an international committee of independent dental hygienists, carefully selected by the EDHF. “We are proud of all dental hygienists in Europe, and the nominations were a great opportunity to bring attention to their achievements in different activities, as shown in the nominations submitted, said Dr. Gitana Rederiene, president of the EDHF. “It also meant that judging was not an easy task. But in the end, there are six winners and EDHF congratulates these six excellent European dental hygienists”.

This European award, as well as its North American counterpart, acts as a ‘qualification round’ to the World Dental Hygienist Awards created in partnership by Sunstar and the International Federation of Dental Hygiene (IFDH). For this award, dental hygienists compete for global recognition, a money prize and a trip to Seoul, Korea to be celebrated at the 2024 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH).

Besides the Word Dental Hygienists Awards, the Sunstar Foundation promotes other educational initiatives, awards for professionals – the World Perio Research Award and the Perio Link Award – and research and innovation grants to raise awareness about the importance of oral care and support oral care professionals.

Dental Hygienists can find more information about this award at: 

https://www.sunstar-foundation.org/en/awards/world-hygienist