Dr Ashish (Ash) B Parmar will be presenting in the Clinical Theatre at BDIA Dental Showcase on Friday 14th March at 13:15-13:45, sponsored by Optident. His session, “Top 10 Clinical Tips from Dr Ash Parmar”, will provide a wealth of practical advice for colleagues to utilise in their own cosmetic, restorative and occlusal-related dentistry. Here, we asked Ash about the key topics he will be addressing when it comes to material selection for highly aesthetic and long-lasting outcomes…
What are the major challenges faced when it comes to dental material selection?
“There is a massive selection of dental materials on the market today. Many companies produce materials that are similar, and it can be difficult to choose which are the best for our patients. My philosophy has always been to use materials that top clinicians use, and materials that have a tremendous reputation. Personal experience is also vital – I have been using some materials for decades and won’t change to other similar ones, because I achieve excellent long-term results and success. It is also necessary to use materials that are easy to work with, and easy to handle and clean up (e.g. luting cements). Sometimes, however, associate dentists working on the NHS or within a corporate practice may have restrictions as to which materials they can order or use, and this can again be a challenge.”
How can the dental material chosen impact the restoration?
“Clinical technique is of paramount importance. A skilled clinician, for example, can create a beautiful white filling on an anterior tooth with composite A, as well as composite B. However, certain brands or materials are simply world-class. Using a superior product and combining that with excellent clinical skills will deliver the best outcome for aesthetic and long-lasting restorations. Occlusion is another very important factor – you could use the best materials and create stunning restorations, but if the bite is not adjusted correctly, then the restoration can fail.”
How can colleagues optimise the patient journey during cosmetic and restorative dentistry?
“Patients attend a dental practice because of problems that need fixing, or treatments that they may want. They don’t really know about or care what materials and equipment we are using. They do care about having comfortable, painless service, honest advice and guidance, good-looking and long-lasting results. The new patient journey involves many factors – from the initial phone call, to the initial interview with the treatment coordinator or the dentist, the customer service, the standard and way of providing dental care, the dental materials and equipment used, and the quality of laboratory work where technicians are involved. A successful result is achieved when there is harmony and partnership between the dental team, the laboratory and the patient, and also which high-quality dental materials are used throughout the process.”
What do you hope dental professionals will gain from attending your session at BDIA Dental Showcase?
“I hope that attendees will appreciate my honest advice after over three decades of being a dentist, having learnt from the best clinicians in the world. I have provided thousands of porcelain restorations and know what works and what doesn’t. So, the golden nuggets and gems that I will be sharing in my lecture could be invaluable to any dentists – from newly qualified clinicians to experienced associates and practice owners. The lecture will include 10 of my best clinical tips/materials that will allow dentists to make an immediate difference to their work in daily clinical practice!
What are your thoughts about the upcoming event?
What are your thoughts about the upcoming event?“The BDIA Dental Showcase is a wonderful exhibition where dentists can learn about the best trends in modern dentistry. It is a great opportunity to visit the leading companies that provide dental materials and equipment, and to discover the latest developments and ideas. If you wish to buy equipment and materials, then it offers a chance to compare and contrast, as well as get a good deal. There are also free lectures from leading clinicians with a lot of knowledge and experience – therefore there is lots to learn.
“I am excited and thankful to Optident for giving me this opportunity to lecture at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2025. Just as I hope to achieve through The Academy by Ash, my desire is to share my knowledge, inspiring dentists to offer world-class dentistry and change their patients’ lives by providing beautiful, healthy and long-lasting smiles.”
