Author: Dental Design

Align Technology’s UK and Ireland team get on their bikes for Operation Smile

Align Technology’s UK and Ireland employees have organised a series of eight fund raising events to amass £50,000 for Operation Smile by the end of 2021.

The headline fundraiser will see a convoy of Align team members, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats – an epic road trip of 921 miles over 10 days from 11th – 20th September.  The team of cyclists will make pit stops at Invisalign practices en route from where they will also report their progress. The team of mixed ability riders have been training physically and psychologically to prepare themselves for the tough challenge they have set themselves.   They have also set themselves a target of raising £25,000 for the cycling challenge.

Dan Parsons, Director of Marketing for the UK and Ireland, one of the ride participants explained: “We decided to embark on this cycling adventure as part of a major fund-raising initiative for Operation Smile, Align’s long-standing charity partner organisation, and for which we have enormous admiration for the work they carry out.  According to Operation Smile, in the UK, babies are screened prenatally, with a cleft lip or cleft palate diagnosis made before they are born. The first repair operation is done between 8-12 weeks, and the second at 8-10 months. As a result, children are able to live a normal life. In resource-poor countries, infants born with cleft conditions have nine times the risk of dying within the first year of life. They may be rejected by their families or communities. They may be unable to feed or have problems speaking due to the hole in the roof of their mouth.  We feel enormously privileged to be able to help people in the UK and Ireland achieve the smile of their dreams, and this initiative is a way we can help those less able to access the help they need to achieve a life-changing smile.”

Whilst Dr Maria Moore, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Operation Smile UK, commented: “As a dentist myself, I worked closely with Align and the Invisalign system for many years and I’m now so thrilled to see this relationship with Operation Smile going from strength to strength. For me we have the perfect collaboration partnership due to a simple but beautiful synergy in our missions, transforming smiles and changing people’s lives. This phenomenal total of £50,000 (including £25,000 from the cycle ride alone) to be raised by Align’s UK and Ireland team this year will do just that. The team’s incredible efforts will help Operation Smile to positively transform the lives of hundreds of children with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions all over the world. On behalf of our patients and their families, I cannot thank Align enough for what will be truly life-changing support. I wish the best of luck to all of the team taking part.  Enjoy that pedaling!”

The charity ride schedule runs as follows:

  • 11 September             Set off from Lands End to Bodmin – 65 miles
  • 12 September             Bodmin to Whiddon Down – 57 miles
  • 13 September             Whiddon Down to Wookey Hole – 76 miles
  • 14 September             Wookey Hole to Ludlow – 100 miles
  • 15 September             Ludlow to Chorley – 114 miles
  • 16 September             Chorley to Carlisle – 100 miles
  • 17 September             Carlisle to Cumbernauld – 109 miles
  • 18 September             Cumbernauld to Fort William – 113 miles
  • 19 September             Fort William to Dornoch – 107 miles
  • 20 September             Dornoch to John O’Groats – 80 miles

Other fund raising initiatives Align team members have signed up for include five people taking part in The Great North Run, two contestant participating in an Iron Man competition in Finland, and another who is embarking on a three-day trek in the Lake District.  Company-wide activities include a sweepstake on the European Football Championships, a charity auction, General Manager Car Wash and a comedy night at the organisation’s sales conference.

If you would like to support the team achieve their goal of raising £25,000 from the cycling challenge by making a donation and following their progress, please follow the link: https://aligntech.enthuse.com/pf/align-cycling-team.

Align Technology has supported Operation Smile worldwide for a number of years and donated over $2.5 million to date, sharing a simple yet powerful synergy in mission: to transform smiles and change lives.

DPAS 25th anniversary

September sees DPAS celebrate 25 years of helping hundreds of dentists to introduce a membership plan and thrive in private dentistry.

DPAS, which stands for Dental Payment Administration Services, was set up with the aim of being a cost-effective dental plan administrator for practices that wanted to move from NHS to private, or who wanted to switch plan providers.

DPAS was set up in Fonthill Bishop, Wiltshire, before expanding to Place Farm in Tisbury. In 2006, DPAS saw significant growth  leading to investment in a print department to handle the printing of practice brochures and mailings to patients.

Significant investments were also made in state-of-the-art patient registration software and automation across the organisation to improve the overall efficiency of the operation and provide ever-improving levels of service to DPAS customers.

The business was then acquired by Wesleyan Group in 2015 as it looked to strengthen its position in the dental market, and DPAS now has offices alongside Practice Plan in Oswestry.

Business Development Manager Ian Eslick, who has been with DPAS for 21 years, said the 25th anniversary was a huge achievement.

He said: ‘To be able to celebrate 25 years of changing the lives of dentists and practices around the UK is a fantastic achievement.

‘Over the years, our team of experienced regional support managers have used their expertise to help hundreds of dental practices make the transition from NHS to private, and flourish.

‘We have continued to grow as a business over the last quarter of a century and have become more experienced in helping practices to establish a thriving membership plan within their practice.

‘To reach 25 years is a superb achievement that all of us at DPAS are proud of.

‘I personally have had some superb memories and take so much satisfaction from helping a practice to grow in private dentistry, and from seeing how much of a difference we really do make to people’s lives.

‘Our goal is always to support dentists to succeed. It’s what we have done for the past 25 years, and it’s what we will continue to do in the future.’

 

Feel valued with Colosseum Dental UK

The past 18 months have certainly been challenging for those working across the dental profession, applying unprecedented pressure to professionals and the execution of their roles. The challenges faced during this period are reflected in a recent CIPD survey, indicating that key workers feel they have less access to flexible working arrangements, more overspill between their work and personal responsibilities, and are less satisfied with the hours they work, when compared with non-key workers.[i] In short, they are feeling undervalued and overworked.

At Colosseum Dental UK, we appreciate the difficulties faced by employees during the pandemic and are committed to continuing to support all our people, including our valued dental nurses, to ensure they feel appreciated in their roles. 

Reach your full potential

We take great care to support our dental nurses in their career aspirations, and ensure they have everything they need to be at their best. This includes investing in on-going training through skills, development, knowledge sharing, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

We also provide the resources needed for our dental nurses to explore alternative avenues in the profession if they want to apply their skills to something new and maximise their earning potential. This could include a focus on a specialism, treatment coordination, becoming a practice lead, dental nurse training, or practice management.

All our training opportunities are underpinned by close support. Our management team are always on hand to listen, advise and guide on creating the best development plan, while mentors and the wider network can offer valuable insights and words of encouragement as you embark on your journey.

Practice, made perfect

Our fantastic career opportunities are enhanced by the outstanding facilities that we offer our people. We want our staff to smile, which is why we have invested millions in refurbishing and modernising all our clinics – we are the only major UK dental provider who can proudly say that.

From a fresh coat of paint, to brand new surgeries, and upgraded waiting rooms, the refurbishment covers every angle across the entire portfolio of practices.

We know the powerful impact that a purposefully designed environment can have on daily workflows, and enjoy seeing how the new-improved practice settings support and motivate our teams to deliver exceptional patient care.

Not just a number

As part of our wider promise to our employees, we strive to offer secure hours with flexible working options. Never has this been more important after the challenges of the pandemic.

We care more for our people and recognise each and every member as an individual, not just a number. This is why we offer flexible working agreements for dental nurses, including those who need to work around family or care commitments, to protect wellbeing and ensure a positive work-life balance.

Added extras

Our people also benefit from a wide range of additional benefits to help make the most out of life as well as work.

On top of a competitive salary package, we are delighted to offer our dental nurses discounted gym membership, club savings, cycle to work scheme, and technology offers. A unique Reward and Recognition incentive programme also offers the chance to acquire extra remuneration.

Additionally, other perks such as Birthday off and a Holiday Purchase Scheme help us to show our dental nurses that they are valued and provide increased flexibility in respect of well-deserved planned time off work.

Other benefits include a workplace nursery, where users can save tax and NI on up to 100% of fees and meet their family needs, as well as an Employee Assistance Programme, Cashplan Scheme, and Pension with employer contribution, for added peace of mind.

Get the appreciation you deserve

If you are looking for a new position and the chance to be valued for all that you offer, consider joining the Colosseum Dental UK family. Why not arrange to visit your local practice for a look around or simply get in touch for a chat? We can’t wait to meet you and show you how we can support you in taking your dental nurse career further.

 

For more information, pleases visit https://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/job-opportunities/dental-nurses

#WeCareMore

 

[i] CIPD. CIPD Good Work Index 2021. Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/good-work-index-research-report-2021-1_tcm18-96100.pdf. [Last accessed 20.07.2021].

Changing the game for at-home dental care

The latest innovation in complete oral hygiene has landed. Say hello to the Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion® – the world’s first flossing toothbrush.

Combining the power of an advanced sonic toothbrush with the proven effectiveness of built-in water flossing technology, the Sonic-Fusion® helps to maintain a complete one-step oral hygiene routine, at the touch of a button.

With the ability to move seamlessly from brushing to flossing, or both, never has it been so simple to achieve the level of clean your patients need.

Clinically proven to be twice as effective as traditional brushing and flossing for reducing plaque and improving gum health, [i] the Sonic-Fusion® is a game changer for at-home dental care.
Choose the Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion® for streamlined, fast, easy, and effective brushing and flossing.

For more information on Waterpik® products please visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Asda, Costco UK, Argos, Boots, Superdrug online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.

Book a free Waterpik® professional Lunch and Learn 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/ 

 

[i] Goyal C.R et al. Comparison of a novel sonic toothbrush to a traditional sonic toothbrush and manual brushing and flossing on plaque, gingival bleeding and inflammation: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Compend Contin Edu Dent 2018; x (Special Iss. 1):pp. https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/special-issues/2018/06/comparison-of-a-novel-sonic-toothbrush-to-a-traditional-sonic-toothbrush-and-manual-brushing-and-flossing-on-plaque-ginigval-bleeding-and-inflammation (Accessed April 2020).

Smiles and sustainability

With its handle made from sustainable FSC-certified birchwood, the WOODI is the latest addition to the TANDEX range of oral hygiene aids.

TANDEX is premium brand from Denmark, and we have been making toothbrushes since 1931. We develop products to keep you smiling!

We care about the environment too. We only use food-approved raw materials and green energy sources in our factory. Our aim is to become carbon neutral and we are fully committed to this goal.

TANDEX represents how you can think differently, with no compromise to quality. To find out more about us, and WOODI, visit our new-look website.

 

For more information on Tandex’s range of products,
visit https://tandex.dk/ or visit the Facebook page

All in This Together

Given how isolated the past year has felt for many, the thought of once again being a part of a community is something to be celebrated. While just being around other people has clear psychological benefits, working with others also presents advantages.   

These can be especially important for those who work in high pressured environments and contribute to the care of others. With the strain that all healthcare institutions have felt during the pandemic, including dental providers, being able to rely on others in a work setting has become more important than ever.  

Motivation

Everyone will always have different levels of motivation. During a vast number of studies, psychologists have found that there are two different types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic is when there are external factors with obvious rewards that will encourage motivation. For example, students studying in order to get good grades and giving someone a compliment with the intention to be given one in return. Whereas intrinsic is when people are motivated to do something without wanting any external rewards. For instance, someone pursuing a hobby or interest because they enjoy the experience.[i] [ii]

In a work environment, both types of motivation are expected to occur in order to drive individuals to do their best for themselves and to gain the external rewards they seek. For example, dental professionals are likely to be encouraged to do well to gain a respectful and certified reputation among staff and patients, as well as obtain praise for their work.[iii]

A Better You

When it comes to someone’s mental wellbeing, the clear link between loneliness / lack of social interaction and low mental health has become common knowledge. While this can affect several areas of an individual’s life, it could make a big difference to how well someone performs in their job. For dental practitioners who have a responsibility to their patients, they are less likely to be able to provide them with the high standards of care that are expected if they’re struggling mentally themselves.

Along with the obvious implications, such as increased levels of stress and depression,[iv] new studies have highlighted the possible physical consequences that seclusion can have. For instance, isolation and loneliness have been linked to conditions such as systemic inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, neuroendocrine dysregulation, chronically increased allostatic load, strokes and coronary heart disease.[v] Although lack of social interaction will affect everyone differently, these studies provide evidence that if someone were to consistently work alone with minimal social interaction, then over time, both their mental and physical health can be expected to decline.[vi] This could be particularly detrimental to dental practitioners as if they are struggling, a consequence may be their patients receiving a poorer quality of patient care.

CC9W5W Group of dentists holding medical instruments at the hospital

Stronger Together

One of the biggest known factors in struggling with poor mental health is stress. It has been recognised that being part of a team and having a support system in place can make all the difference. In a study that measured how people manage different levels of stress, psychologists found that those with good support systems were not as affected by the increased stress levels compared to those with little to no support system.[vii]

This can be especially important for those who work in stressful environments, such as dental practices. This is vital to remember when thinking about how much pressure can contribute to an individual’s work performance. For example, it’s known that when someone is stressed, they are more likely to have poor time management and lack of focus, two factors that can easily affect a clinician’s competence and confidence in the dental surgery.[viii]

As such, it’s important that all practice team members are able to seek support and advice when they feel they need to. A good example of this is through organisations such as the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). Created to bring together a community with a shared passion and excitement for what they do, the BACD is inclusive and gives all members the opportunity to network and never stop learning. For those who are looking for more support from likeminded professionals, the BACD is a great community to turn to.

When it comes to maintaining mental and physical health, being able to reach out to colleagues and feeling like part of a community could provide all the support needed. Not only will this improve the individual’s wellbeing, but ultimately, it will optimise the quality of patient care delivered as well.

 

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com

 

[i] CLIFTON B. PARKER. (2014). Stanford research shows that working together boosts motivation. Stanford University homepage News Service. 10 (16), 1-3.

[ii] F Roche. (2016). Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills: Teamwork. Journal of Perioperative Practice. 10 (11), 1-6.

[iii] Mind Tools. (2021). Motivation Energizing Your People to Achieve Good Things. Available: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/motivating-your-team.htm. Last accessed 21st May 2021.

[iv] Mind. (2021). Loneliness. Available: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/. Last accessed 25th May 2021.

[v] E. J. Keir, Philip, Michael I. Polkey, Nicholas. S. Hopkinson, Andrew Steptoe & Daisy Fancourt. (2020). Social isolation, loneliness and physical performance in older-adults: fixed effects analyses of a cohort study. Scientific Reports. 10 (13), 1-20.

[vi] Jingyi Wang, Brynmor Lloyd-Evans, Domenico Giacco, Rebecca Forsyth, Cynthia Nebo, Farhana Mann & Sonia Johnson. (2017). Social isolation in mental health: a conceptual and methodological review. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 52 (14), 1-17.

[vii] Treatment & Care. (2017). The Importance of Social Support. Available: https://phctheproject.org/the-importance-of-social-support/. Last accessed 21st May 2021.

[viii] Mental Health First Aid . (2020). The Importance of Having a Support System. Available: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/08/the-importance-of-having-a-support-system/. Last accessed 25th May 2021.

Implementation of SNOMED CT for UK Dental Practice Management Software – Statement from the Dental Software Suppliers Association

The Dental Software Suppliers Association (DSSA) has been working alongside regulatory and industry bodies including the Business Services Authority, NHS X and the Chief Dental Office, regarding the implementation of SNOMED CT.

The DSSA is aware that users of our members’ dental practice management software are contacting it to ask about the go live date, which remains today, 1st September 2021.  The DSSA can confirm that the ability to input SNOMED codes against treatment codes is available in all DSSA members’ products.  Please see the links for specifics at the bottom of this article.

It is important to note that, to date, the DSSA has not received a finalised set of SNOMED CT codes to be incorporated into our practice management software solutions.

The Dental Software Suppliers Association is continuing to seek clarification on the following points:

  1. How and when SNOMED codes should be recorded in the day-to-day workflows of diagnosis and treatment through your practice management software.
  2. The finalised list of SNOMED codes for practice management systems to implement, with mapping to treatment and diagnosis codes within the software.
  3. How practices are expected to use the recorded SNOMED codes; when/if the information should be viewed, transmitted or simply stored in the database.

Please be assured that all DSSA member supported customers will be provided with functionality to enable them to remain compliant with all requirements.

Each dental software supply company shall communicate directly with their customers as each of the above points are clarified and a roadmap for inclusion within the software is agreed upon.

If you would like to know more about SNOMED, please see the article on the BDA website https://bda.org/news-centre/blog/Pages/SNOMED-CT-What-you-need-to-know.aspx

Outstanding Vision

When it comes to looking for a reliable and ergonomic instrument of the highest quality, look no further than the Synea Vision range of dental turbines from W&H.

With exceptional innovation and an optimum service life, you can trust these solutions to support excellent treatment results in both restorative and prosthetic indications.

You should never have to sacrifice quality for haste which is why the speed-increasing Synea Vision turbines have been designed with two different head sizes to reach speeds of 1:4.5 and 1:5. Also, thanks to an innovative surface coating, the handpieces are easy to clean and offer comprehensive protection and long-term value retention.  

In addition, Synea Vision turbines are durable due to their scratch resistant surface and external parts constructed of stainless-steel.

With so much more to be excited about, find out why the Synea Vision dental turbine range could be perfect or you.

 

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

Stress-free restorative dentistry

Alastair Fraser from Greygables Dental in East Kilbride reveals what he thinks of some of the newest solutions from 3M Oral Care:

“I have been using 3M products since qualifying as a dentist in 2012, but much more so after completing my MSc in Advanced General Dental Practice and taking over my practice in 2017.

“I find 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive straightforward to use and adaptable to my needs. Its simplicity and versatility are very appealing. Having used many other bonding agents over the years, I have found 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive to consistently be the most effective and have always come back to using it after trying alternatives. 

“3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive handles very well, is easy to work with and gives an excellent bond strength whether placing direct composite restorations, cementing indirect restorations or resin retained bridges. The single bottle system removes the need for an additional primer and makes things easy for both myself and my staff.

“Another reliable and simple to use product is 3M RelyX Universal Resin Cement. It is a mainstay of my practice in adhesive dentistry due to its ease of use and effectiveness. It is simple to work with, handle and importantly, clean up excess around restoration margins after a quick cure. 

“These products complement each other perfectly and are amongst the most widely used materials in my practice. Together, they give an excellent bond for a wide range of restorations and applications. Their reliability and range of use take much of the stress out of adhesive dentistry!”

 

For more information, call 0845 873 4066 or visit www.3m.co.uk/Dental 

3M representatives remain contactable by phone or via video conferencing

3M, RelyX, and Scotchbond are trademarks of the 3M Company.

500 dentists call on NI Government to ensure service survives pandemic

The British Dental Association NI and 500 high street dentists have written to Health Minister Robin Swann to call time on the dire situation facing Health Service dentistry, urging the Department of Health to set out tangible solutions to overhaul the decades-old General Dental Services (GDS) contract.

18 months on from the start of this pandemic, signatories state that many are now burned out and utterly demoralised, and that the present situation in Health Service dentistry has become intolerable, and unstainable. Dentists report they have been working harder than ever to meet more stringent Infection Prevention Control measures but remain “hamstrung” in the number of patients they can see in a day. 

Many indicate they are now being pushed out of being able to continue to offer care under the NHS. Latest published figures show dental earnings in Northern Ireland have fallen once again, by an average of 4.2% compared with the previous year, or 36% in real terms for Associates and 43% for Practice Owners since 2008/09. Those with the highest commitment to Health Service dentistry (75% or more) have recorded the lowest earnings of all, averaging taxable income of £49,700 in 2019/20.

Practices are now facing huge challenges trying to recruit Associates and dental nurses to provide Health Service care, and the growing public access problems that have resulted post-COVID. Health Service dentistry has been on a downward trajectory for over a decade, with the service becoming increasingly financially unviable in its own right.

Dentists have urged the Department of Health to face up to the crisis in dentistry and come forward with concrete solutions aimed at modernising Health Service dentistry, and that addresses the terms and conditions associated with providing Health Service dentistry to safeguard its future.

Richard Graham, Chair of the British Dental Association’s NI Dental Practice Committee, said: “We have reached a point where the majority of NHS committed dental professionals are feeling utterly demoralised, burned-out, and concerned for the future.

“Already, we see the difficulties patients have in being able to access NHS dental services. That situation will only be compounded many times over if dentists continue to see little hope that their decades-old contract model will be replaced with something that works, both for practitioners, and the public alike. A 1990s activity-based contract model that was driven into the ground pre-Covid, has collapsed irreparably. We need an overhaul of GDS, and we need it urgently.   

“Over the course of a weekend, almost half of GDPs in Northern Ireland put their name to our letter to the Minister saying ‘enough is enough. 

“Without a fundamental shift of trajectory away from a race to the bottom, and meaningful work on a new GDS contract that works better for the public and practitioners alike, Health Service dentistry will not survive.”