Dental practitioners have a duty of care to educate their patients on how to prevent oral diseases for an improved quality of life. This is the goal of the iTOP programme from Curaden; giving dental practitioners an expert understanding in oral prophylaxis so that they can better teach and protect their patients.
Diane Rochford is a dental hygienist and a BSDHT Past President. She divides her time working clinically in two practices and achieved iTOP Lecturer status in 2024, leading the UK Introductory courses.
Alan McCartney, Education Manager for Curaden UK, spoke to Diane about her professional dental journey and her experience with the iTOP programme.
Alan: So Diane, what originally made you interested in pursuing a career in dentistry?
Diane: I had a brilliant dentist as a child and felt very comfortable in their practice. I remember thinking ‘I would like to work somewhere like this’. Later, I had a positive experience as an orthodontic patient and this cemented my interest in dentistry.
Alan: What do you enjoy the most about being a dental hygienist?
Diane: Definitely the patient side of the role. I love getting to know my patients and ensuring that their oral hygiene is at an optimal standard; the longer I’ve known my patients the more confident I am in my work. But there is so much else to love about being a dental hygienist; the treatment aspect, being part of a team, the flexibility, and teaching fellow dental professionals – there are many positives, and I am enjoying them even more as the years pass.
Alan: Tell us about how your career progressed with your involvement in the BSDHT and being elected as President?
Diane: I joined the BDHA in 1996 (as it was known then) because my tutors were all members so I thought it was compulsory! I had been a regular for many years and as my career progressed, I became involved at Regional Group and Council level, culminating in being President-elect in 2018 and becoming President in 2020. I have had such positive experiences in my career and I wanted to inspire others in our profession to have similar opportunities. Being President was one of the best things I have ever done!
Alan: What is the biggest challenge in your day-to-day workflow?
Diane: I have been at one of my practices for 28 years, and many of my patients have been with me for all that time. The biggest challenge there is continual motivation; we can get blasé with our oral health over time.
Alan: How did you first hear about the iTOP courses?
Diane: The dentist I work with in London – Dr Linda Greenwall – was taught the iTOP approach whilst teaching abroad. She returned and encouraged me to attend the iTOP courses.
I completed the Introductory course in Surrey in 2018 and then the two-day Advanced course in Switzerland a few months later. Curaden UK invited me to attend the Educator course in Prague, which I loved.
Alan: What was the main takeaway for you after attending the iTOP courses and what impact did it have on your approach to patients afterwards?
Diane: The Advanced course in particular was one of the best courses I’ve ever done. I learnt so much and felt hugely motivated to help my patients. The hands-on Touch2Teach element was superb.
After the course, I championed the home care focus much more with my patients – these were tailored conversations with greater focus and discussion about their daily oral hygiene routine; what’s going well and what isn’t, what they’ve learned etc., rather than just a few words at the end of each appointment. Patients understood the importance of home care and soon I saw improved results.
Alan: What is the benefit of the iTOP programme and what impact will it have in the UK?
Diane: Home care and oral prophylaxis isn’t taught in great detail within the dental curriculum. Curaden UK has been able to help undergraduates and postgraduates, offering training, bridging the divide so that we can best support our patients in achieving optimal oral health. Patient education is such an important part of our daily practice, and it is important for all members of the dental team to learn more about the iTOP philosophy of a tailored approach to patient education.
The iTOP programme is about something more than just toothbrushing. Curaden’s mission is to ensure that there is an understanding of preventive action for a healthier world. The iTOP programme is enlightening, inspired and motivational, and completing it is one of the best things dental practitioners can do to help their patients.
For more information about iTOP courses and to book your place on one, please visit The Curaden Academy website http://www.curadenacademy.com/
To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager please email us on sales@curaden.co.uk
