Month: November 2023

LM Restorative Instruments – Stock up and Save!

Try to think of a New Year’s resolution? How about – look after yourself and your hands?

LM Dental is renowned for being the pioneer in hand instrument ergonomics. LM ErgoSense Instruments reduce the risk of RSI due to their soft silicone handle, lightweight design and comfortable, non-slip grip. It’s time to invest in yourself, by choosing LM!

Aside from the ergonomics of the LM ErgoSense handle, the instruments have a special alloyed metal core. This metal-metal connection enhances tactile sensitivity, whilst also reducing the risk of breakage. Standard (uncoated) LM Instrument tips are made from LM-DuraGradeMAX supersteel, which demonstrates high wear resistance, immunity to corrosion and can be resharpened. The precision formed tips are extremely sharp, giving a smooth cutting edge.

We believe knowledge is power, and so now we’ve shared the knowledge, we are giving you the power to buy these instruments by sharing a magnificent December offer on the LM Restorative Instrument range*.

Buy 4 LM ErgoSense Restorative Instruments get 1 free**

Buy 8 LM ErgoSense Restorative Instruments get 1 instrument and a cassette free**

The LM restorative instruments range includes those for cavity preparations and placing fillings (excavators, pluggers and burnishers), for contouring and sculpting (composites – plastics, carvers) and Multi-Holder instruments. Click here to see the range.

We don’t often have offers on the LM restorative range, so take advantage while it’s available. Make 2024 the year you invest in yourself with LM.

For further information or to order, call J&S Davis on 01438 747344 or email jsdsales@js-davis.co.uk.

Follow up on Facebook and Instagram.

*Excludes LM-Arte range.

** Cheapest instrument free, subject to availability, while stocks last. Valid until 31st December 2023. ErgoSense handles only,

Happynecks®, the headrest that makes dental treatments a breeze.

Are you tired of seeing your patients frown and squirm during your treatments? Do you wish you had a better way to access their mouths without straining your neck and back? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need Happynecks®!

Happynecks® is the ultimate headrest for dental professionals and their patients. It is designed to fit the natural curve of the neck and provide optimal support and comfort. It gives you a clear and easy access to your patient’s mouth, without having to bend or twist your body. You’ll be able to work faster and more efficiently, while avoiding any injuries or fatigue.

It’s handmade in the Netherlands with the finest materials and craftsmanship. It’s tested and refined to ensure the perfect shape and size for every patient. It’s covered with high-quality medical artificial leather that is easy to clean and comes in many colours to match your decor. And remember, a happy neck is a happy patient!

For more information call 0808 1000 888, email sales@evident.co.uk or visit www.evident.co.uk

New research reveals the missed opportunity of preventative oral care in UK dentistry

Haleon, a world leading consumer health company, together with the College of General Dentistry, the standard-setting professional body for dental health professionals, have launched the Dental Health Barometer, which provides deep insights into the role of preventative oral healthcare in the UK.

Preventative care is defined as proactive dental care and advice that helps a patient to take action to maintain a healthy mouth, protecting against tooth decay, gum disease and more serious issues such as tooth loss and negative impacts on general health.

Yet, the survey of UK consumers and dental health professionals reveals that preventative oral care advice is not being offered consistently to patients. That’s despite a high incidence of tooth decay – with 70,000 people treated in UK emergency departments for the disease last year alone[1]. Just one third (34%) of oral health professionals said they always offer preventative care advice to patients, while one in four (25%) patients said they weren’t given preventative advice during their last dental appointment.

Over half (59%) of oral health professionals said that they are more likely to offer preventative advice for private patients than NHS patients, and over a third (37%) of NHS oral health professionals cited time constraints as the top reason for not being able to routinely offer preventative care advice, as opposed to just 15% of private oral health professionals. Though we know oral health professionals are working hard during a time of unprecedented pressure on the UK dental landscape, these figures come as little surprise given the widely reported ‘dental deserts’ where some areas of the UK have over 3,000 patients for every NHS dentist[2].

Additionally, oral health professionals differed on the preventative advice they would recommend to patients. While half (50%) said advice on additional oral hygiene products and brushing techniques were key, only 2 in 5 (41%) pointed to advice on diet as preventative care and just over a third (34%) would consider advice on caring for gums to be preventative advice.

Bas Vorsteveld, General Manager GBI, Haleon, said: “We know that oral health professionals are facing huge pressures, and we want to help support them to be able to provide better preventative advice – not just during routine dental appointments, but outside of appointments too. Our findings revealed preventative care advice is not always offered consistently, despite patients and dentists understanding its importance. We remain committed to addressing these issues and will look to develop new initiatives to support dental professionals.

These will form alongside our existing initiatives which include providing educational materials to Healthcare Professionals, continuing to innovate and provide therapeutic oral care for patient issues at home and through campaigns like Shine Bright which raises awareness in children of the prevention of oral health conditions.”

The importance of preventative care

Nearly half (49%) of the UK public think preventative care for oral health is very important with over half (54%) of consumers saying they would prefer to receive preventative care advice for their oral health from their dentist. Meanwhile, the majority (87%) of oral health professionals think that preventative action is beneficial and aim to provide it proactively.

Confusion over the availability of preventative care on the NHS

However, there is a lack of understanding across consumers and oral health professionals over whether preventative care is routinely available on the NHS. Almost half (48%) of consumers said preventative oral healthcare advice is offered on the NHS, and over a third (34%) were unsure. Oral health professionals were more aware, with 74% saying preventative oral healthcare advice is offered on the NHS. Once again, younger dentists are more aware that preventative care advice should be routinely available on the NHS.

The importance of preventative care has already been acknowledged by the Department of Health, through the roll out of the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit, which was updated in 2021. This aims to provide best practice guidance on routine preventative care. It is encouraging that over a quarter (76%) of oral health professionals surveyed were aware of this toolkit. Younger dentists are more likely to be aware of it, with 82% aged 23-34 were aware compared to 58% of dental health professionals aged 45 – 54.

Dr. Kate Fabrikant, Medical Affairs Director, Northern Europe, Haleon, further supports this: “Working in the industry, we must find ways to support the availability and accessibility of preventative oral care for all. We will continue to support dental professionals in facilitating behavioural change towards better oral health in their patients, whilst improving health literacy of the patients to seek out and engage in preventative care, to help them practice better everyday self-care and avoid longer term dental issues.  There is a long road to travel to normalise healthy smiles in society, and it will take professionals, industry and policy makers coming together to get to this end goal.”

Consumers are open to preventative advice, but guidance is needed

The study found patients have a strong level of trust in advice given by their dentist. Where it is offered, 9 in 10 (88%) found the advice helpful. The study found that NHS patients, younger people and men were less likely to proactive ask for preventative care advice.

Dr Abhi Pal, President at the College of General Dentistry said: “We are committed to quality and standards of excellence in general practice dentistry – helping professionals to do the best for their patients. The research revealed some fascinating insights into the role that preventative care plays in the UK. It’s quite properly a mainstay of both private and NHS appointments, and we support any initiative that promotes prevention.”

Regional Split

The Barometer also found that there were regional discrepancies between both patients and oral health professionals. It was found that:

  • Only 40% of consumer respondents from Greater London think that preventative care is very important for oral health compared to over half (55%) in Northern Ireland and South West England.
  • Respondents from Greater London also were less likely to have received advice, with only 37% having encountered preventative care advice compared to over half of respondents (55%) in the South East and nearly half (47%) in the North East.
  • Over half (55%) of respondents in Wales said thinking back to their most recent trip to an oral health professional, they received preventative care advice verbally from them,
    • compared to 50% of those in Scotland,
    • 48% of those in England,
    • And under 2 in 5 (37%) in Northern Ireland
  • Northern Ireland have recalled a particularly low level of preventative care during dentist visits – with only slightly over a third of respondents (37%) having received advise at their last appointment. Despite this, the respondents from the region were some of the most interested in learning about preventative advice (53%) compared to (36%) of East England, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber who were less interested.
  • The East of England saw the lowest level of detail from their oral health professional on preventative care advice, with only 30% feeling their dentist provided a lot of detail.

References:

[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/23/tooth-decay-patients-ae-nhs-dentist-shortage/

[2] https://www.libdems.org.uk/press/release/rise-in-dental-deserts-leaves-millions-struggling-to-get-nhs-dentist-appointment

What is it about Ankylos?

First launched over 35 years ago, and largely unchanged ever since, the Ankylos® implant system remains one of the most innovative and reliable implants systems in the world.

As testament to why Ankylos remains the implant of choice for so many of today’s clinicians, The Probe caught up with attendees at the inaugural Ankylos Aesthetic Masters Congress 2023 on 12th October in London, hosted by Dentsply Sirona and attended by implant clinicians from around the world.

This exclusive event was the chance for delegates, not only to see the new innovations in aesthetic and restorative digital implant dentistry, but also to celebrate how the Ankylos implant system has stood the test of time and fits so easily into today’s digital workflows.

We asked a selection of the speakers and delegates some key questions about the Ankylos implant system, and this is a brief summary of what they had to say.

What makes you so passionate about Ankylos?

“The Ankylos implant is an all-rounder. From a surgical point of view I can say that it fits every clinical situation. Regardless of the quality, quantity or shape of the bone, I can get the implant in the perfect position.” Matija Gorjanc, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

“In my clinic I see patients coming in with Ankylos implants that were placed 20, 25, 30 years ago. I see that longevity, I see the long-term results and therefore it is an implant I want to choose for my patients going forward.” Jaimini Vadgama, Implant Dentist, Woodbury Clinic.

Why is the research and scientific data behind Ankylos so important?

“There were several pieces of pioneering research behind Ankylos: it was the first implant to be placed subcrestally, the first implant to show bone growing above the head of the implant, and the first implant with such a long track record from multiple researchers from different countries all coming to the same conclusion. This evidence gave me real confidence in choosing to use the Ankylos implant system.” Martin Wanendeya, Implant Surgeon and Partner at Ten Dental, Clapham.

“I first started using Ankylos because my mentor was using the system. However, I then started investigating the research behind Ankylos and realised I was looking at a treat here. I began modifying my techniques according to the research and implementing them into my practice. Now when any of my mentees asks me which implant to use I tell them to use Ankylos because you simply can’t go wrong.” Hrisith Choksi, Implant Surgeon.

Why is Ankylos so important when it comes to aesthetics?

“I’m passionate about Ankylos because it works for me and it is a very simple system to use. Ankylos is so forgiving when it comes to treating aesthetic cases because I can bury the implant way down beneath the bone and you don’t get any grey coming through the tissue. Whatever the type of case, Ankylos will still look great.” Bill Schaeffer, Implant Surgeon and Co-founder of The Implant Centre, Hove.

“We are living in an age of social media where everybody wants everything to look perfect. Gone are the days when patients didn’t mind a bit of greyness or metal showing through. As clinicians, we are coming under more pressure to deliver hugely demanding aesthetic cases so to have a system like Ankylos that delivers such good aesthetics is so important.” Bobby Jandu, Dentist at Dentalessence, Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

How does the Ankylos implant system, which has been around for such a long time, fit into  today’s digital workflows?

“Some clinicians may consider Ankylos to be a classical and therefore outdated implant, but actually it fits perfectly into any digital workflow. It’s time efficient and precise with all the components you need in the digital world.

The digital workflow is especially important when it comes to the younger generation of patients and clinicians because they are so familiar with the digital world. Ankylos is a very simple system with only three drills, which is compatible with digital systems and always gives you predictable, aesthetic results.” Dimitris Charoulis, Oral Surgeon, Krompas & Stefanopoulou Dental Clinic, Athens, Greece.

Curious about what makes AAMC an unmissable event? Check out the highlights from our 2023 Congress and Save the Date for AAMC2024:

https://cvent.me/92Bvvn

 To find out more about the Ankylos implant system please visit https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-gb/categories/implant-dentistry/ankylos.html

The British Fluoridation Society awards inaugural career development fellowship

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) is pleased to announce that its first Career Development Fellowship has been awarded to Dr Patrick Quinn, Principal Dental Surgeon for County Kerry, Ireland.

The award is funded by a grant from The Borrow Foundation, a grant making organisation that is committed to the improvement of oral health, primarily in children.

Dr Quinn’s project is called “Improving the Accessibility of Community Water Fluoridation Monitoring Data.” He will conduct the research at the School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin and Dublin Dental University Hospital where he is pursuing a clinical doctorate in Dental Public Health.

The project aims to improve the accessibility of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) monitoring data by exploring the approach taken by other countries with CWF programmes and identifying examples of good practice.

It will also determine the views of key stakeholders such as members of the public, researchers and members of the dental profession through public and patient involvement (PPI) and make recommendations for countries with CWF programmes who wish to improve the accessibility of their monitoring data.

Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE, chair of the British Fluoridation Society, commented: “The work proposed by Dr Quinn will strengthen the academic and practical foundation for water fluoridation and add to the growing monitoring of the safety and efficacy of this worldwide intervention. The Society is pleased to initiate this fellowship, which is generously funded by The Borrow Foundation.”

To date, the approach to making CWF monitoring data accessible in Ireland and six other areas with CWF programmes has been researched and validated by subject experts as background preparatory work.

The views of key stakeholders will be gathered through a patient and public involvement (PPI) process with members of the public, researchers and members of the dental profession. Recommendations for practice will then be made following the compilation of stakeholder perspectives and examples of good practice from around the world.

Commenting on receiving the Fellowship, Dr Quinn said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the first British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowship. I have always been interested in community water fluoridation and particularly how we make data accessible to key stakeholders.

“This fellowship will enable me to undertake further research in this area as well as growing my expertise in the wider area of CWF. It is essential that we continue to develop expertise in this area and this fellowship will enable me and hopefully many more in time to become leaders in the promotion and development of this important public health intervention.”

The fellowship and its conclusions are scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

Ray Lowry, secretary of the British Fluoridation Society, adds: “We recognise the need to encourage research and development in water fluoridation as new schemes are introduced, for example in England, following the strengthening of Government support for the issue. As academic and other monitoring matures, Dr Quinn’s work will add significantly to the scrutiny and surveillance portfolio available to universities, public health authorities and policymakers.”

The British Fluoridation Society was founded in 1969 to work for improved dental health in the UK through the introduction of water fluoridation schemes and distribute information about dental health.

It works to promote the improvement of dental health by securing the optimum fluoride content of water supplies (one part per million) in areas where high levels of tooth decay continue to be a public health issue and to promote and co-ordinate medical, dental, educational, and administrative efforts to achieve this.

What’s up Docs?

To help busy dental professionals – who spend around 14 hours a week generating clinical documentation – Kiroku, the AI digital note taking platform, has introduced Kiroku Docs that converts clinical notes into documents at the click of a button.

Kiroku Docs can generate many different types of documents, including consent forms, treatment planning letters and referral letters, from the notes already taken. Each fully customisable document template pulls the relevant information from the notes guaranteeing no duplication of effort. 

Given that clinicians need to communicate with a wide range of people (from patients and specialists through to insurance companies), Kiroku Docs can also adapt the language it uses. For example, it can translate complex clinical terminology into layman’s terms.

For more information about how Kiroku Docs can help you in your practice, get in touch with the team today.

 

To find out more about Kiroku, or to start your free trial, please visit trykiroku.com

Don’t compromise, choose Ketac Universal Aplicap restorative from 3M

The Ketac Universal Aplicap glass ionomer restorative from 3M Oral Care enables an easy one-step process for providing strong restorations.*

Sometimes, speed is key. This is why Ketac Universal Aplicap restorative from 3M offers low stickiness for easy handling and a simple one-step placement process.* But this speed doesn’t compromise on strength.* The material is suitable for long-term restorations and stress-bearing indications.*

Plus, the design of the nozzle makes accessing deep cavities simple, and the material sticks to the tooth as you fill it, not to your instrument, allowing you to place and sculpt easily.*

For more information, visit the 3M website today.

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr

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

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $34.2 billion in sales, our 92,000 employees connect with customers all around the world.

The UK is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing around 1,900 people across 12 locations, including four manufacturing sites.

Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, personal safety equipment and adhesive tapes.

As a strategic partner of the British Science Association and a sponsor of WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards in Science and Engineering, 3M is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at 3M.co.uk or follow @3MUK on Twitter or 3m.uk on Instagram.

A multitude of options at your fingertips

At Createch Medical, innovation is at the heart of everything they do. So, when you outsource with them, you know you’re receiving work that is always of the highest quality.

Part of the Straumann Group brand, Createch Medical ensures every one of your needs are met, so you devote time to other aspects of running your business. Createch Medical has numerous design programmes to ensure you have access to a range of tailor-made solutions, all measured, designed and milled centrally, for total assurance of quality.

If in-house design and/or milling is not viable for your dental laboratory right now, don’t worry – Createch Medical can support your workflows and produce work that never strays from your high quality standards.

To find out more, visit the website today.

Register for your account with Createch Medical at http://www.createchmedical.com/en/file-sending/login-registro/

For more information on the Createch Medical direct-to-lab milling service from the Straumann Group, visit https://www.straumann.com/gb/en/dental-professionals/products-and-solutions/implant-borne-prosthetics/products/createch-medical.html

CS 7200 Neo Edition: Ideal for the whole practice

The CS 7200 Neo Edition from Carestream Dental offers practices a smarter workflow.

Perfect for multi-user practices, Scan & Go technology electronically identifies imaging plates prior to each exam, allowing the system to automatically recognise the images and send them to the correct computer and patient file. This innovative system completely eliminates the risk of mix-ups meaning that all that’s left to do is insert the plate, scan, and diagnose the image. Plus, after reading, plates are erased automatically, ready to be re-used. 

For more information, please contact the team at Carestream Dental.

For more information on Carestream Dental and our new extended warranties visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk

Wise up to winter – keeping patients safe

As we enter the season of coughs and sneezes, it’s even more important to keep the dental surgery as hygienic as possible. Providing hand sanitisers for use by both patients and staff can help to prevent the spread of pathogens.[1]

UltraProtect™ is an alcohol-free hand sanitiser from Initial Medical. Available in both a foam and gel format, it is powerful (killing 99.99% of pathogens including MRSA, Influenza and Norovirus) and long lasting, providing eight hours of protection. It is also dermatologically approved to not dry out or crack the skin.

UltraProtect™ is effective against Coronavirus*

To help keep your patients and staff safer this winter, stock up on UltraProtect™ today!

*Independent tests show that UltraProtect™ destroys 99.99% of feline Coronavirus (feline Coronavirus, is a surrogate virus for Coronavirus).

To find out more, get in touch at 0808 304 7411 or visit the website today www.initial.co.uk/medical.

About Initial Medical

Initial Medical set the standard in healthcare and infectious waste management in the UK, providing a reliable, effective and fully compliant service built around customer needs and delivered by our highly trained local teams.  We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited, with technology fully integrated into our operations, providing full traceability of service delivery, electronic waste documentation and the best customer experience possible. We also offer innovative healthcare waste management services and infection control products, to help break the chain of transmission and prevent cross contamination.  

Initial Medical are a company with a ‘World Class’ Health and Safety record, and ISO 45001:2018 accreditation. We are also accredited to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards, and pride ourselves on our sustainable approach with a focus on delivering eco-friendly products and operational solutions.
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[1] Bloomfield SF, Aiello AE, Cookson B, O’Boyle C, Larson EL. The effectiveness of hand hygiene procedures in reducing the risks of infections in home and community settings including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Am J Infect Control. 2007 Dec;35(10):S27–64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.07.001. Epub 2007 Dec 10. PMCID: PMC7115270. [Accessed August 2023]