Month: January 2024

BioHorizons Camlog launches Striate+ – a collagen membrane at the cutting-edge of performance

BioHorizons Camlog announced the launch of Striate+, an innovative collagen membrane developed by Orthocell Ltd. for advanced bone and tissue regeneration. BioHorizons Camlog and Orthocell Ltd have entered into a global distribution and manufacturing agreement for Striate+. The product strengthens BioHorizons Camlog’s position as a global provider of regenerative solutions for implant dentistry and covers the needs of a large portion of clinicians currently looking to improve the outcomes of their surgical procedures. Striate+ is exclusively available from BioHorizons Camlog.

Striate+ is manufactured from porcine-derived raw materials, selectively sourced from Australian veterinary-certified animals. The manufacturing process referred to as Scaffold Matrix Regenerative Therapy (SMRT™), removes immunogenic contaminants and ensures high biocompatibility while preserving the structure of the native collagen. The absence of any chemical modification or crosslinking promotes the integration of Striate+ with the surrounding soft tissues and can help minimise the risk of wound dehiscence. Striate+ is fully resorbed through physiological processes within 26 weeks, so a second surgical intervention to remove Striate+ is not necessary.

Furthermore, Striate+ exhibited excellent handling and usability. It can be applied without prior hydration and will gently conform and adhere to the defect contours without fixation yet can be stabilised by suturing and pinning if needed. A recent comparative study demonstrated that Striate+ had a higher mechanical strength than a leading competitor product1. The membrane absorbs fluids by capillarity but doesn’t excessively swell, which facilitates the primary closure and makes it particularly suitable for patients with thin phenotypes.

Striate+ has a bilayer structure with a rough and a smooth side. The smooth side, comprising of densely packed collagen fibers, acts as a barrier to the infiltration of gingival cells while allowing the passage of bioactive molecules1. Conversely, the rough side, composed of loosely distributed collagen fibers, provides a scaffold for osteoprogenitor cells to deposit osteoid. This results in an active promotion of bone formation and allows for early implant placement.

Striate+ is now exclusively available for ordering through BioHorizons Camlog in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and UK. For further information about Striate+ please visit https://www.biohorizonscamlog.com/en/portfolio/biomaterials/membranes/striate

Reference:

  1. Allan et al. Collagen Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration in Dental and Orthopedic Applications. Tissue Eng Part A. 2021. 27:372-381.

700 Northern Ireland dentists press for urgent action to save service, with authorities ‘asleep at the wheel’

Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland is caught in a “death spiral” without radical action, over 700 dentists have warned.

In an open letter, backed by the overwhelming majority of NI’s high street dentists, signatories warn DoH Permanent Secretary Peter May, that a combination of the looming ban on dental amalgam, paralysis at Stormont freezing health budgets and a financially unviable contractual framework could doom the service.

Northern Ireland looks set to be subject to the EU ban on dental amalgam from 1 January 2025, with practices braced for a huge hit from increased costs and time pressures from the shift to alternative materials. NHS dentistry works to a discredited high volume/low margin model, that has already seen practices delivering some treatments at a financial loss, fuelling an exodus to the private sector.

In this unprecedented call to arms, signatories say the financial situation facing HS dentistry is now unsustainable, and that continued inaction by authorities is no longer an option. They say officials must urgently follow the lead of the Scottish Government, who rolled out wide ranging changes to a similar contractual framework in November. They stress the Department of Health needs to reinvest the significant underspend projected for this year’s dental budget to aid struggling practices, who are unable to deliver pre-pandemic levels of activity. The BDA understand that spend on HS dentistry will be more than £10m below ‘normal’ levels, not because of any lack of demand, but because of capacity issues at struggling practices.

Text of the Open letter to DoH Perm Sec Peter May delivered by BDA NI on Tuesday 30 January 2024:

Dear Peter

We, the undersigned General Dental Practitioners feel compelled to write at this time, to ask: What is the Department of Health’s plan to ensure Health Service dentistry has a future?

Despite clear evidence and repeated warnings issued by the British Dental Association about the death spiral Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland appears to be in, we have seen inaction from the authorities.

Vital public services are at stake. Livelihoods hang in the balance. We ask that you are transparent with us, and with the patients who rely on our services.

Scotland has recently moved to reform dental payments. Meanwhile, your Department has so far failed to bring forward any serious proposals to put dental services on a sustainable financial footing.

We now have an underspend projected for this year’s dental budget. Not because of any lack of demand from patients, but because struggling practices need support to deliver. DoH has failed to commit to reinvest this underspend into stabilising a service which is on the brink.

The imminent ban on dental amalgam represents an existential threat to NHS dentistry. In Strasbourg, MEPs backed amendments calling on member states to support practices with the added costs of alternative materials, and to reduce the clear impact this will have on the patients who need us most.

We require the Department to do no less.

Our signatures are testament to the intolerable pressure which this service is under. We cannot go on as we are. We need your Department to show leadership and take action now.

Evidence shows that the move away from Health Service dentistry is well and truly underway. In the continued absence of payment reform proposals, colleagues will be increasingly driven out of Health Service dentistry to keep their practices afloat.

We are passionate about maintaining a future for Health Service dentistry, and we want to continue providing access to these vital services for our patients.

But this now hinges on you acting, urgently in the public interest, and investing to stabilise and reform the service. Continued inaction will result in significant detriment to the provision of this vital public service. We cannot wait on if, or when, politicians decide they want to restore a devolved Assembly and Executive.

This isn’t a matter of the Department finally delivering a late pay rise this year. We need to know what you intend to do to fix the crumbling foundations this service is built on.

Please share your plan for Health Service dentistry with the profession, and the public.

Henry Schein UK joins in the 25 years celebration of the Company’s “Holiday Cheer for Children” programme

Henry Schein and its Team Schein Members (TSMs) from around the globe have celebrated 25 years of the Company’s “Holiday Cheer for Children” programme. Since 1999, the corporate flagship initiative has helped more than 20,000 underserved children and their families experience a cheerful holiday season, with TSMs donating clothing, toys, gift cards, and more.

“We are pleased to celebrate 25 years of fostering holiday joy for families all over the world,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “‘Holiday Cheer for Children’ is not just an initiative, it is a reflection of Team Schein’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Thank you to all of Team Schein, who throughout the years, has helped keep the spirit of the programme alive. We look forward to many more years of Holiday Cheer to come.”

In the United Kingdom, Team Schein Members from the dental and medical teams contributed to sharing the festive spirit with kids from Gillingham, Ilkley, and Cardiff primary schools. A dedicated group of Team Schein volunteers hosted parties to spread festive cheer and provided a present for the kids.

“It was one of those emotional, magical events that reminded all staff why we do what we do. The pure joy and surprise on the children’s faces, when Father Christmas arrived and delivered the presents that they had put on their Christmas wish lists, was a privilege to be a part of,” said Tina Pincott, Employer Engagement Lead at the Bradfields Academy in Chatham, one of the supported schools.

“I am immensely grateful to our Team Schein in the UK for their unwavering support and dedication, and their ongoing commitment to the Holiday Cheer programme. Their enthusiasm for bringing joy and putting a smile on the children’s faces is inspirational,” said Vikki Goodall, Vice President and Managing Director UK & Ireland.

Holiday Cheer is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme. It stands on five pillars: empowering team Schein to reach their potential, advancing health equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities, accelerating environmental sustainability, strengthening, and diversifying our supply chain, and maintaining strong ethical governance. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on four main areas: (1) wellness, treatment, prevention, and education; (2) capacity building; (3) emergency preparedness and disaster response; and (4) health system strengthening.

Adapting to the challenge

Tooth loss can be stressful for patients, with a change to their dentition potentially affecting function and aesthetics, and in turn, their confidence. They may seek a dental implant for a long-lasting, stable restoration, which can restore a natural-looking and feeling smile.

Clinicians may encounter a range of issues – lost anterior teeth, decaying pre-molars – but some of the most difficult cases may involve offering posterior implants.

Patients are demanding modern and streamlined solutions, so it’s important for clinicians to consider how this affects the types of treatments that they offer – and what it means for the equipment and techniques they use.

A modern treatment

Immediate implant placement is quickly becoming a treatment option preferred by patients. When successfully carried out, an immediately placed implant can restore the dentition with a reduced treatment time, without compromising on aesthetics, function and longevity.

Following the removal of a tooth, the alveolar bone will undergo atrophic change that reduces the available bone volume for implant placement.[i] This can be a functional and aesthetic issue faced when using delayed placement protocols.i In contrast, placing an implant directly after an extraction, particularly in the posterior region, offers a number of benefits for the clinician. Firstly, immediate placement can help to preserve the extraction site, maximising the volume of bone that is available to work with.i

The extraction site may also act as a partial surgical guide. A clinician could follow the extracted roots to ensure that the ideal positioning and orientation of the implant is achieved.[ii]

Immediately placed implants have an equally high survival rate when compared to delayed placement in a molar post-extraction site.[iii] However, to maximise the clinical and aesthetic outcomes of each unique case, clinicians must ensure they are using the appropriate equipment as well as an effective technique.

The difference a component makes

Achieving primary stability, especially in immediate implant placement, is essential to facilitate successful osseointegration in the long term. When a molar is extracted, the fresh socket may have no remaining bone to support the implant and achieve this stability.[iv] However, immediate placement could still take advantage of the limited bone in the surrounding structures. Acting quickly following an extraction could allow a clinician to utilise the nearby bone before atrophy takes place, and use this to attain primary stability.

Clinicians should utilise the widest implant diameter necessary and, where appropriate, consider the use of bone augmentation procedures to provide a sufficient bone density for success.iv A wider implant can offer an improved chance of achieving primary stability by making contact with the walls of the post-extraction socket. The introduction of a biomaterial can help to narrow the alveolar gap, where a wider implant cannot suffice.

In the posterior region, the human bite force is triple that of the anterior:[v] occlusal overload is an important failure factor, so mitigating this power through the implant structure itself must be considered. It has been reported that increasing the implant diameter can reduce the intensity of stresses along its length, as well as lower stress values in the bone.[vi] Increasing the load-bearing capacity is therefore possible with a wider implant, making it an increasingly appropriate option in this region of the mouth.

Bones and all

Alongside the implant’s relationship with the bone, with stability and occlusal forces considered, a clinician should also think about care for the soft tissue. A healing abutment is generally the option of choice to maximise health and aesthetics.

This key component is used to recover or modify the soft tissue following implant placement, for clinical and aesthetic purposes.[vii] Healing abutments may be customised for the individual patient, but wider solutions can generally be used in the posterior, given the size of the implant and the surrounding site. Overall, they are essential in modern dentistry for the control of the soft-tissue emergence profile. [viii]

The ideal outcome is a natural-looking profile that also protects the health of the soft tissue and the underlying bone. A healing abutment does this by preventing the formation of food traps.viii  If debris builds up around the implant and soft tissue, a patient could develop peri-implantitis – with potential for implant failure.[ix]

When using the right components, difficult cases in the posterior can become manageable and successful. Neodent®, a Straumann Group brand, offers exceptional posterior solutions within their Grand Morse® range. The Grand Morse® Helix® implants are available with Ø 6.0 mm and Ø 7.0 mm diameters, to maximise primary stability in multi-rooted extraction sockets. Wide healing abutments are also available, for options that provide a natural-looking emergence profile in a healthy site.

Posterior implants place unique demands upon the clinician – less bone in the extraction socket, high occlusal load, aesthetic molar restoration. Immediate implant treatment is more than possible, though, and where appropriate it can restore a patient’s confidence in excellent time.

For more information, please visit

www.neodent-uk.co/portal

 

[i] Hattingh, A., De Bruyn, H., Van Weehaeghe, M., Hommez, G., & Vandeweghe, S. (2020). Contour changes following immediate placement of ultra-wide implants in molar extraction sockets without bone grafting. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(8), 2504.

[ii] Chen, H., Wang, W., & Gu, X. (2021). Three-dimensional alveolar bone assessment of mandibular molars for immediate implant placement: a virtual implant placement study. BMC Oral Health, 21, 1-8.

[iii] Atieh, M. A., Payne, A. G., Duncan, W. J., de Silva, R. K., & Cullinan, M. P. (2010). Immediate placement or immediate restoration/loading of single implants for molar tooth replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants, 25(2), 401.

[iv] Lee, W. (2021). Immediate implant placement in fresh extraction sockets. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 47(1), 57-61.

[v] Flanagan, D. (2017). Bite force and dental implant treatment: A short review. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research, 141-148.

[vi] Bedrossian, E. (2020). Do Dental Implant Width and Length Matter? Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, 41, 7.

[vii] Kyaw, T. T., Abdou, A., Nakata, H., & Pimkhaokham, A. (2022). Dental implant healing abutment decontamination: A systematic review of in vitro studies. Int. J. Oral Implantol, 15, 311-324.

[viii] Bishara, M., Kurtzman, G. M., & Krause, E. S. (2020). Implant restorations: establishing a proper emergence profile. Compendium, 41(8).

[ix] Kochar, S. P., Reche, A., & Paul, P. (2022). The etiology and management of dental implant failure: a review. Cureus, 14(10).

Patient compliance is key for successful orthodontic treatment

Clear aligner design is key for improving patient compliance. This is why ClearCorrect® aligners are designed to apply consistent force, and optimise patient comfort.  

The tri-layer design of ClearQuartz™ material ensures that patients have a more comfortable experience as the flexible inner layer applies a third less initial force on the teeth. This provides greater orthodontic control as it combines two layers of resilient polymer and an elastomeric inner layer. Additionally, digital manufacturing software from ClearCorrect® enhances the trimline design of each aligner to help ensure a more custom, comfortable fit. This trimline design makes ClearCorrect® aligners 2.5 times more retentive than scalloped aligners, reducing the need for engagers.

For more information, please visit the ClearCorrect® website.

For more information on ClearCorrect®, visit: www.clearcorrect-uk.com

Mindful recruitment

According to mental health charity Mind, 60% of employees say they’d feel more motivated and more likely to recommend their organisation as a good place to work if their employer took action to support mental wellbeing.[i] And in a challenging time for recruitment in the dental sector, ‘word of mouth’ referrals are a helpful adjunct to the hiring process.

Ways to promote wellbeing in the workplace include encouraging the practice team to take full lunch breaks and take their full annual leave entitlement. Flexible working can help too. For example, a later start time twice a week to enable a team member to accommodate exercise.i

Dental Elite is a well-established dental recruitment agency specialising in sourcing and hiring for jobs in the dental sector. To find out how Dental Elite can assist with your recruitment needs – or if you’re looking for a new professional challenge –  contact them today.

For more information contact
the Dental Elite team on 01788 545900
https://dentalelite.co.uk/

 

[i] Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-your-staff/

Provide stunning restorations with ease

The award-winning* Filtek Supreme flowable restorative from 3M Oral Care is easy to inject.** Ideal for use across a range of indications including: class III, class V, minimally invasive dentistry, and small repairs, Filtek Supreme flowable restorative from 3M produces a smooth transition from material to tooth, for excellent aesthetic results.**

The ergonomic syringe is easy to hold and inject, featuring a triangular plunger and grip for a personalised hold.** During dispensing, you can expect drastically reduced bubbles and waste, as the syringe offers improved control.**

Choose Filtek Supreme flowable restorative from 3M for excellent adaptation, polish retention, and wear resistance.** 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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Latest news on education, webinars and events

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

* Dental Advisor awards 2023: https://www.dentaladvisor.com/evaluations/3m-filtek-supreme-flowable-restorative/

** 3M Internal data

 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.

BSDHT Poster Competition winners named

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) is delighted to report that the 2023 poster competition, sponsored by Colgate, was an unequivocal success.  

BSDHT members were invited to submit an abstract in advance of the OHC. The Society was thrilled to receive a total of 12 entries, 10 of which were forwarded to the final judging stage, the quality of which surpassed expectations by showcasing remarkable creativity, skill and passion for their subject matter.  All posters were prominently displayed in the hall of the Oral Health Conference Bournemouth for public viewing and attracted a steady stream of conference delegates interested in the high-quality content.  

The diversity of ideas and artistic interpretations made the judging process both challenging and inspiring. It was evident that each participant invested considerable effort and thought into their submissions, which also made the final selection process incredibly rewarding. The judging of the posters, held on the last day of the conference, attracted a wide audience.  The judges were:

  • Marina Harris
  • Simone Ruzario
  • Emma Bingham

The impact and success of this poster competition underscores the importance of continuing to support and promote initiatives that encourage creativity and professional involvement.   It is evident that the participation and engagement generated by this competition within our community is welcomed. It served as a platform to showcase the exceptional talent in our profession. The winners were as follows:

Vaida Kaunaite

Beyond bouncing back: Exploring undergraduate dental profession students’ perceptions of resilience.

Laura McClune

A mixed method study to establish the current level, nature and attitude to the provision of treatment under direct access for dental hygienists and dental therapists who are members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

Clare Haylett

What intervention delivery methods are the most advantageous at improving the oral health of prisoners and the efficacy of prison dental services?

Details of the winners were included in January 2024 issue of Dental Health and a series of social media posts are scheduled for January 2024 where Colgate will be formally recognised as a sponsor of this important competition.

New service launched in Nottingham to improve oral health

Nottingham City Council is working with Community Dental Services CIC (CDS) to launch a new oral health improvement service. The Nottingham City Oral Health Improvement Team will focus on improving oral health and reducing health inequalities across the city.

Maintaining good oral health has a significant impact on overall health and quality of life, while poor oral health means people often cannot participate fully in society due to pain, poor nutrition and loss of confidence. In England, tooth decay is still the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged between six and ten years. However, it can impact on individuals of all ages.

The team will deliver the oral health programmes, based on local need, working with partners to target where they can have the greatest impact, including:

  • Supervised tooth brushing programmes in schools and early years settings;
  • Delivering training to health / non health professionals for both child related and vulnerable adult / older people services;
  • Supporting care homes to implement NICE and CQC guidelines;
  • Distributing Oral Health resources.

Helen Paisley, Chief Executive, is delighted at the opportunity to deliver a new oral health improvement service for Nottingham City: “Maintaining good oral health is so important to overall health and wellbeing and quality of life. We are really looking forward to promoting positive oral health messages directly to children through supervised toothbrushing and to people working in care who support groups such as vulnerable elderly in care homes and people with complex needs. The opportunity to work in Nottingham City compliments the work of our Nottinghamshire County oral health team and our Nottinghamshire clinical community dental service teams and will really allow us to reach right into the heart of communities across Nottingham. 

“Our oral health teams have great experience in building partnerships and working through established networks to make lasting improvements in oral health where it is needed most, and we are really looking forward to working here in Nottingham.”

Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “The health of our teeth is important for all of us as it affects what we eat, how we communicate, our self-confidence and can support older people to stay independent for longer. Tooth decay and poor oral health remain a serious issue and one that is not distributed evenly across society. It can have a negative impact throughout life including missed days at school or work.

“Taking preventative action to reduce the risks of decay is really important and this new service will play a significant role in protecting and promoting good oral health amongst Nottingham City residents.”

To find out more about the service or to book supervised toothbrushing programmes for your setting, visit: https://www.communitydentalservices.co.uk/oral-health-improvement/ nottinghamshire-oral-health-page/nottingham-city

BDA: Dentists back disposable vapes ban

The British Dental Association has backed Government moves to ban disposable vapes, which have been widely criticised for being marketed to younger users.

The professional body acknowledges the use of smoking cessation aids, such as vapes, however remain concerned about the rise in their use among people who don’t currently smoke, especially in children and young people.

Though there are current gaps in the science with respect to the use of vapes and their impact on oral health, recent academic studies raise concerns over oral dryness, irritation, and gingival diseases possibly caused by the use of vapes.

The BDA says among those trying to quit tobacco vapes should not be viewed as a “silver bullet” and should be used as part of a smoking cessation package alongside other interventions. 

BDA Health and Science Committee Chair Mick Armstrong said: “A ban on disposable vapes that transparently target the young is the right choice at the right time. The MPs bleating about attacks on personal liberty need to grasp that these products are only two decades old. We’re still paying catch up on the science, but there is enough evidence for caution and common-sense restrictions.”