Waterpik^® Water Flossers have the seal of approval from the Oral Health Foundation – what does this mean for your patients?

In order for a product to achieve accreditation, it must be studied by an independent panel of internationally recognised dental experts. They confirm that the products deliver on their claims, ensuring they are backed by reliable scientific evidence. So, when you recommend the Waterpik^® Water Flosser, you have an additional level of assurance that the product will provide an exceptional performance for your patients.

A trusted name in the dental sector for decades, Waterpik^® is proud of its Oral Health Foundation accreditation.

To find out more, get in touch with the team today. 

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

Join the 3,000+ dental teams who have already benefitted from a professional Waterpik^Ò Lunch & Learn. Book your free session for 1 hour of verifiable CPD and a free Waterpik^Ò Water Flosser – available either face to face or as a webinar – at www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/lunch-learn/

With 74% of the UK population having had a tooth extracted,[i] staying on top of the latest tooth loss management techniques is a must.

An Advanced Certificate in Management of Tooth Loss: Immediate Implants vs Socket Preservation is a new course offered by ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital/University of Salford. It is designed for both beginners and experienced implant dentists looking to expand their knowledge and clinical skills in tooth loss management. This includes minimally traumatic extraction techniques and socket preservation.

The course, led by eminent specialist oral surgeon Professor Cemal Ucer, covers disuse atrophy, osseointegration and soft tissue management as well as immediate implant placement and loading using analogue or fully digital workflows. Delegates will also receive hands-on practical experience in socket augmentation and alveolar ridge preservation.  

To enquire about this exciting new opportunity visit the website today!

Please contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co

01612 371842

https://icedentalimplants.co.uk/

[i] Oral Health Foundation, https://www.dentalhealth.org/oral-health-statistics

It’s easy to underestimate the true impact that essential equipment malfunctioning can have. Take your air compressor, for example – it’s not a piece of equipment that you probably think about often, but if it were to stop operating properly, then you’d likely have to close your practice until the issue is sorted.

This will have a number of implications.  To understand the full impact that equipment breakdown has and why downtime should always be avoided, it’s important to explore these consequences and see why protecting your equipment is so vital.

Equipment failure disrupts patient care

First and foremost, we have to examine the impact that practice downtime has on patients. We all know that the treatment experience for patients is directly related to how they feel about the practice as a whole, and nurturing this relationship is an important part of creating patient loyalty.

In a climate where demand for appointments is high and people may already have to wait a long time to receive a time slot, the last thing they want to hear is that their visit has to be rescheduled because the practice has experienced equipment failure.

This is a highly frustrating situation for all involved. However, for patients, this situation could lead to them making a complaint, or, in a worst-case scenario, looking elsewhere for dental treatment.

Time is valuable

Time is one of the most valuable resources in dentistry. When a practice is running smoothly, every task of the day will have a perfectly allotted time, allowing you to achieve what you set out each day while also providing exceptional care.

Equipment breakdown instantly disrupts this routine. The time spent finding an emergency engineer and waiting for them to arrive is bad enough, but there’s also no guarantee that the engineer you chose will have availability that day, the result of which could be a full day’s closure of your practice. This means time away from patients, and needing to reschedule multiple appointments and other important commitments.

A financial hit

While patient comes first, dental practices are still a business. Emergency engineer call outs are rarely cheap, and you also have to factor in additional costs such as labour and any parts that may need to be ordered.

Furthermore, missed appointments and closing your practice will have financial repercussions, too. If patients can’t receive and pay for care, this will impact your profit and cash flow.

Again, if your reputation is impacted by your practice closing unexpectedly, this can potentially affect your profitability in the future. If a patient decides to receive treatment elsewhere, you’ll be losing their custom. But they may also tell their friends and family to seek treatment elsewhere, too, or leave a bad review which could influence other people’s decisions.

Safeguard against equipment failure

As you can see, safeguarding against equipment failure is essential for many reasons. Despite this, finding a maintenance
contract that suits your individual needs isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to a system like your air supply.

Booking in regular maintenance and finding the time to ensure this equipment is in perfect working order is often time-consuming in itself, and this can fast become an inconvenience for busy professionals.

That’s why thousands of professionals across the nation have turned to Air to the Chair from Dental Air. Priced at just £5 per week per chair, this policy includes next-day delivery and installation of a brand-new air supply, as well as regular maintenance, 24/7 breakdown cover and all the necessary certification. There are no hidden costs, and installation and service visits are arranged to suit your schedule, helping to safeguard against equipment breakdown and ensure minimal disruption to your business. Plus, if your system does malfunction and need repair, and the engineers are unable to fix your system on site, they will loan you a solution until the problem is solved, so you can still continue with your day uninterrupted.

Minimise your disruption with high-quality protection

At the end of the day, equipment malfunction happens, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t minimise the chance of it happening, and have a safety net in place in case it does.

For more information, please visit www.dentalair.com

Michael George Bio

Managing Director DentalAir UK

With over 40 years’ experience within the compressed air industry and following a long association with static industrial equipment, DentalAir UK was founded in 1997 by our managing director Michael George. DentalAir UK was developed with the importance of clean air for patients as a priority. Michael is a leading expert within the field of medical and dental compressed air and was a key advisor when approached by the NHS to assist in writing the specifications outlined within the HTMs; to which all practice compressors should currently be compliant.

Eschmann washer disinfectors offer reproducible, validated cleaning and disinfection and are proven to be an effective way to help remove proteins and contaminants from instruments prior to sterilisation.

Using a washer disinfector not only saves time, but also helps to minimise the risk of needle stick-injury. The risk of cross infection from manual cleaning is also reduced.

Eschmann has two different-sized, WRAS-approved washer disinfectors available. The Miele PG8581 is an under bench model which can accommodate up to 360 instruments per cycle, while the Hydrim C61 is a benchtop machine that can take up to 120 instruments. Both models can automatically record all cycles via a wireless data manager, simplifying the professional workflow.

To see which one is right for you and your practice, visit the website today!

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of infection control products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 875787

Dental anxiety is a key reason for patient hesitancy when agreeing to treatment. This is because those with dental anxiety have a tendency to overestimate fear and pain.[i] Anticipation of painful treatments might even deter patients from seeking orthodontic treatment, as they may be aware that some patients experience an aching sensation with traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. In some cases, where appropriate, it may be helpful to discuss the option of clear aligner treatment, as a more comfortable alternative. This can be useful for patients who would otherwise decline treatment, helping them to access the care they need. Discussing various treatment options may reduce the anxiety they feel about it, and therefore improve patient compliance.

The best option for each patient

As clear aligner treatment continues to gain popularity amongst both patients and clinicians, demand is on the rise. While many patients may visit your practice seeking treatment using clear aligners, it is important to ensure that this is the best option for them, as some more complex cases may require a fixed appliance. Where clinically appropriate, offering clear aligners can boost treatment acceptance for patients who may have otherwise declined. This can allow you to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.

But does it hurt?

A common question asked by many patients prior to any dental treatment, including orthodontics, is ‘will it hurt?’. The prospect of pain during dental treatment can be a source of anxiety for patients, so it is understandable that many would like to know what to expect before they agree to anything. Because of this, it is important that you’re able to answer honestly, describing the experiences they might expect from each treatment option based on research. Factors like pain are difficult to measure, as it is subjective and influenced by factors such as age, pain threshold, present emotions and stress, and previous experiences of pain.[ii]However, research has found that, overall, clear aligners are associated with significantly less pain when compared to fixed appliances during the first week of orthodontic treatment. In general, patients treated with clear aligners experience less pain and discomfort than those treated with fixed appliances and take fewer pain-killers during the duration of their treatment.ⁱⁱ

One study found that treatment using clear aligners may result in mild tooth pain and tenderness in the jaw muscle. However, this is of limited clinical significance, and patients also report mild jaw muscle tenderness at the beginning of treatment.[iii] When compared to fixed appliances, it becomes clear that this is a more comfortable option for patients. Research suggests that lesions caused by fixed appliances were common, at 76%, and severe ulcers occur among 2.5% of patients.[iv] This is because patients who have fixed braces may experience broken brackets, excess wire ends, or detached attachments which can irritate or damage the soft tissue. This can cause patients much pain and discomfort.^iv

Reassuring anxious patients

Communication is an effective way to reduce patient anxiety when it comes to treatment acceptance. Patients must be made aware that it is their decision whether they accept treatment or not, and that they can withdraw their consent at any time. However, they must be fully informed about the treatment options. This is most effective when they have the space and time to ask questions, learn about their options, and discuss any aspects they may be worried about. This is a great opportunity to reassure patients about any concerns they have, and discuss the features of the clear aligner system you plan to use. This will help patients to gain a good understanding of the treatment they will receive. Additionally, choosing a system which aims to make the patient experience more comfortable will help you to reassure anxious patients.

ClearCorrect^® aligners make comfort a priority. 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 compared to single layer material.[v] Additionally, digital manufacturing software from ClearCorrect^®enhances the trimline design of each aligner to help ensure a more custom, comfortable fit. However, there is no compromise of quality. Clarity and durability are essential for successful clear aligner treatment, and improving patient compliance, allowing them to achieve reliable results.

Because many anxious patients may be deterred from accepting treatment due to the fear of pain and discomfort, it is important to recommend the most comfortable options possible to help patients access the care they need. In some cases, orthodontic treatment using clear aligners may be appropriate, which provides patients with a far more comfortable experience. By having open conversations with patients about their treatment options, and giving them plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss their concerns, you are able to reassure patients about what they can expect during orthodontic treatment, and the levels of discomfort they might expect.

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

[i] Van Wijk, A. J., and J. Hoogstraten. “Experience with dental pain and fear of dental pain.” Journal of dental research 84.10 (2005): 947-950.

[ii] Pereira, Dinis, et al. “Comparison of pain perception between clear aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Applied Sciences 10.12 (2020): 4276.

[iii] Tran, Johnny, et al. “Impact of clear aligner therapy on tooth pain and masticatory muscle soreness.” Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 47.12 (2020): 1521-1529.

[iv] Marya, Anand, et al. “Essential attributes of clear aligner therapy in terms of appliance configuration, hygiene, and pain levels during the pandemic: a brief review.” Pain Research and Management 2020 (2020).

[v] Data on file vs 0.030 single-layer material.

How to stop demineralisation spoiling your patients’ selfies

With some people eating more than 40 teaspoons of sugar a day (that’s five times the recommended daily allowance)[i], it’s no wonder that almost one in three (31%) adults in the UK have tooth decay.[ii] And yet the desire to flash a strong, healthy smile has never been greater – around 93 million selfies are taken every day![iii]

Tooth demineralisation is one of the first signs of tooth decay[iv] and occurs when the acids produced by dental plaque erode the enamel. It effects the tooth’s appearance and wears away the tooth’s smooth surface, making the tooth’s interior dentine and sensitive root more vulnerable. Even strong teeth can be susceptible to this condition if proper oral hygiene practices are not followed.

So, on top of the standard ‘brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste’ guidance, what can you encourage patients to do to keep strong teeth? Protecting their enamel should be top of the list. Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is ‘the armour’ that protects the tooth from harm.[v] Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. Weakened enamel can be restored to some extent by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never rebuild teeth, they can contribute to the remineralisation process.

In addition to good oral hygiene practices, dietary habits also play a crucial role in preventing demineralisation.Enamel can be damaged by acidic foods and drinks, so other than cutting back on their consumption, you could advise patients to drink water or dairy after an acidic meal or drink and also to use a straw with acidic drinks to minimise contact with the teeth. Every time anything sugary is eaten or drunk, the teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour.^vi This is because the sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque and produces harmful acids.[vi]

Acidic foods and drinks can be similarly harmful. The acid dissolves the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath which can make teeth sensitive and unsightly.^vi

Patients may need to be reminded to never brush their teeth immediately after such meals as this can have a negative effect on the enamel. Chewing a sugar-free gum, on the other hand, should be recommended as this helps maintain tooth mineralisation. A 28.9% reduction in mineral loss has been shown when a sorbitol gum was chewed for 20 minutes after meals and snacks (without gum the rate was 16.8%).[vii] The act of chewing stimulates saliva which helps clear fermented bacterial products, buffers the drop in pH, prevents demineralisation and enhances remineralisation.[viii]

Eating calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese and other dairy products can help protect and strengthen enamel. High-calcium foods both neutralise the acid that harms enamel and helps to remineralise tooth surfaces. Vegetables such as broccoli, kale and other leafy greens are calcium rich too, providing a non-dairy approach.[ix]  

While sweets are an obvious one to put on the naughty list, the trend towards ‘sour’ sweets these days presents an even greater risk as it combines sugar with citric acid – the ultimate dental health nightmare!

It is worth bearing in mind that many foods these days contain hidden sugar. Often disguised by an array of unusual names, from carob syrup and diastase to maltodextrin and rice syrup, patients should be advised to read nutritional labels on products to discover just how much sugar a food product contains. Every four grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon of sugar.[x]

Patients should be beware too of starchy foods like chips and soft bread that can get stuck between teeth and convert to sugar, feeding the bacteria that turns into plaque.

Interdental brushes are more effective at removing food particles and bacteria from between teeth than regular brushes (and brushing). Given that around 33% of adults have never cleaned interdentally in the UK,[xi] putting them at an increased risk of periodontal disease, caries and tooth loss,[xii] advising patients of the benefits of interdental cleaning is vital. Recommending high quality products is also essential. For example, the iWave Interdental Brushes from Oraldent are available in a range of sizes to fit any interdental space, featuring flexible handles for easy use and access to all areas of the mouth.

Overall, maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen and making healthier dietary choices are essential in preventing demineralisation and preserving strong teeth. The upside of society’s obsession with endless selfies is that patients will be more receptive to advice given by dental professionals than ever before.

For more information about the iWave range of interdental brushes, please visit Oraldent.co.uk, call 01480 862080 or email info@oraldent.co.uk

[i] Sugar Smart campaign https://www.sugarsmartuk.org [Accessed August 2023]

[ii] Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/oral-health-statistics [Accessed August 2023]

[iii] Eksposure.com/selfie-statistics [Accessed August 2023]

[iv] Cheng R, Yang H, Shao MY, Hu T, Zhou XD. Dental erosion and severe tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2009 May;10(5):395-9. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B0820245. PMID: 19434767; PMCID: PMC2676420. [Accessed August 2023]

[v] Lacruz RS, Habelitz S, Wright JT, Paine ML. Dental enamel formation and implications for oral health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2017 Jul 1;97(3):939-993. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2016. PMID: 28468833; PMCID: PMC6151498. [Accessed August 2023]

[vi] Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/diet-and-my-teeth [Accessed August 2023]

[vii] UK Parliament COH00024 Evidence on Children’s oral health https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/56608/html/[Accessed August 2023]

[viii] Heng C. Tooth Decay Is the Most Prevalent Disease. Fed Pract. 2016 Oct;33(10):31-33. PMID: 30766141; PMCID: PMC6373711. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6373711/ [Accessed August 2023]

[ix] Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/top-10-foods-to-keep-your-dentist-happy [Accessed August 2023]

[x] College of Naturopathic Medicine https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/04/20/what-are-hidden-sugars/[Accessed August 2023]

[xi] Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/oral-health-statistics [Accessed August 2023]

[xii] Marchesan JT, Morelli T, Moss K, Preisser JS, Zandona AF, Offenbacher S, Beck J. Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence. J Dent Res. 2018 Jul;97(7):773-778. doi: 10.1177/0022034518759915. Epub 2018 Feb 26. PMID: 29481764; PMCID: PMC6728587.

Dr Mehdi Yazdi, Principal at Crown Bank Dental and Implant Centre, recently joined other colleagues on an exclusive trip to Bologna as a guest of RPA Dental, to find out more about how the products are created by Cefla. He says:

“This trip was a generous, thoughtful and kind gesture from RPA Dental.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity to see, first-hand, the high standards of care and attention that go into the manufacturing of the equipment we, as dentists and business owners, use.

“At the Cefla factory, we saw how the units are assembled and tested. It was great to meet some of the people responsible for supplying the machinery I rely on every day.

“It has been a real pleasure working with RPA Dental over the last five years. They give me on-going support and guidance, to ensure our practice can continue to flourish and grow.

“This trip showed me I am an appreciated customer and I am very grateful for the experience.”

For more detail about the Cefla solutions available through RPA Dental in the UK, please visit www.dental-equipment.co.uk, call 08000 933 975 or email info@rpadental.net

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 8,300 cases diagnosed each year in the UK.[i] A missed diagnosis of oral cancer can have a massive impact on the lives of patients. The nature of the condition means that it’s more likely than other types of cancer to progress into later stages without being noticed.

Signs of oral cancer might include ulcers, white patches, red patches, lumps in the lip, mouth, or neck, and unexplained pain.ⁱ Early symptoms are prone to misdiagnosis, often mistaken for other conditions such as oral abscesses, paraesthesia, and trauma.[ii] Currently, over 70% of cases are diagnosed at stage III or stage IV, with 5-year survival rates at less than 50%. As such, early detection is essential. When oral cancer is detected at stages I and II, 5-year survival rates improve to around 90%.ⁱ

Prevention and catching cancer early

When carrying out routine assessments, including oral cancer screenings, be sure to offer patients advice that might help lower their risk. Key messages might include smoking cessation, staying within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption, and having a healthy balanced diet.[iii] If a patient does show signs of oral cancer, catching it early is essential.

Not only does early detection improve survival rates, but also patients’ quality of life. This is because, when in its early stages, the cancer may be more easily treated, whereas more intensive treatment (including radiotherapy in some cases) may affect patients’ ability to swallow and speak.ⁱ Because of this, it’s important for dental professionals to be vigilant, and monitor changes in their patients’ mouths consistently.ⁱ

The BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ System from Vigilant Biosciences^® produces a simple and accurate assessment to aid in the early detection of oral cancer. The platform is designed for use at the point of care, and produces a report of either low, moderate, or elevated risk levels associated with oral cancer to assist dentists in their decision making. The system is suitable for use as a pre-diagnostic test for asymptomatic adults who present with visible abnormalities during the oral cancer exam to help determine their level of risk and the likelihood of potential oral cancer. 

Regular screening and decision-making

In 15 minutes or less, the BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ System uses patented technology to aid clinicians in the assessment of mucosal oral abnormalities which

may assist in the detection of oral cancer. It determines oral cancer risk by testing saliva for early-stage biomarkers and analysing clinical risk factors. The test provides a “low”, “moderate’, or “elevated” risk result. 

Currently, when potential signs of oral cancer are unclear, healthcare teams might decide to “wait and see” if the problems develop, or undertake invasive tests to determine a diagnosis. The BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ System detects saliva-based biomarkers, and combines these values with clinical risk factors including age, gender, race, tobacco use, and alcohol use to establish the risk of high-grade dysplasia or cancer. This helps practitioners decide whether to take no action, schedule a follow up exam, or refer to a specialist. It ensures that those who are determined to be at elevated risk are referred as early as possible.

Benefits of early detection

When diagnosed at an earlier stage, treatment for oral cancer is far less invasive, having a much smaller impact on the patient’s quality of life. This is why looking for signs of oral cancer during routine exams is essential, especially as many patients are currently being diagnosed in the later stages. By using the BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ System in your practice, you have access to a non-invasive screening device which can be used alongside clinical assessments to detect high-risk patients and ensure they get the help they need. Implementing the BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ System provides an aid in assisting with decision making and offers peace-of-mind that you have carried out the appropriate checks. 

Improve outcomes in your practice with earlier intervention using a system which is: accurate, using multiple biomarkers and clinical risk factors to establish risk; non-invasive, using a simple saliva test; and fast, producing results in just 15 minutes. 

For more information, please visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com or email info@vigilantbiosciences.com

[i] Care Quality Commission. Dental mythbuster 33: Detecting oral cancer and improving outcomes in primary care. https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/dentists/dental-mythbuster-33-detecting-oral-cancer-improving-outcomes-primary

[ii] Daniel, M. & Rogers, S.N. (2022). Professional delays in referral of patients with mouth cancer: six case histories. British Dental Journal 233(12), 1003-1008.

[iii] British Dental Association. Early detection and prevention of oral cancer: a management strategy for dental practice. Accessed online Sept 23: https://bda.org/about-the-bda/campaigns/Documents/early_detection_of_oral_cancer.pdf

Infection control is seamlessly integrated within everyday life in the dental practice. Every member of the team has a role to play in protecting themselves, their patients and their colleagues from the risk of infection. To achieve the highest standards of infection prevention, professionals must meticulously follow practice protocols and have access to equipment they can rely on. 

This is a particularly important topic as we enter the colder months of the year, as the risk of viral transmission increases at this time. Looking at influenza as an example, winter tends to be a difficult time for people who are most susceptible to the virus, including pregnant women, children under 5, elderly people and individuals with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions.[i]

Preparing for the spike

The UK Health Security Agency monitors the prevalence of respiratory viruses from October to May – the months when influenza is typically at its highest.[ii] The weekly reports consistently demonstrate spikes in influenza-related hospital admission rates and GP consultations between November and the following January from 2015 to 2019.[iii] Covid-19 was more prolific than influenza in recent winters, although the latter seems to be making a return as of winter 2022-23, with cases of both viruses recently confirmed across the UK.[iv]

Environmental impact on viruses

Many respiratory viruses spread between people via aerosol or contact with pathogens. Droplets are exhaled by an infected host and then evaporate into the air ready to either be inhaled by another unsuspecting person or fall onto surfaces.

There are several reasons why the rates of sickness tend to increase in the winter months. When it comes to respiratory viruses, three potential factors are believed to contribute to this phenomenon:[v] virus stability in environmental conditions, human behaviours and environmental impact on host immune systems. 

With regards to the temperature and humidity of the air, influenza has been shown to remain most stable and viable in lower temperatures and lower humidity.[vi] This reflects the temperatures often experienced in non-tropical climates in the winter months.

Human behaviour exacerbates the situation, with the colder weather driving people indoors for longer periods of time. More crowding indoors and greater chance of contact with other people may increase the risk of viral infection.[vii]

In addition, the change in environmental conditions has been shown to affect humans in a way that influences viral transmission rates as well. For example, the nasal epithelium is cooled when a person inhales cold air, which in turn has been shown to hinder mucociliary clearance and lower the body’s natural defences.[viii]

Protection in the dental practice

Of course, influenza is not the only virus to pose a threat in the dental practice. Others may include norovirus (the infamous winter vomiting bug), hepatitis B, C and D, HIV, measles, mumps, rubella and Covid-19.[ix] It is therefore vital that any infection prevention protocols put in place would be effective against all of these, as well as bacteria, fungi and spores.

While outdoor environmental factors cannot be controlled, there are still many things that the dental team can do to minimise the risk of spreading infection in the practice. For example, good ventilation can help to reduce airborne transmission.[x] Frequent hand hygiene has been shown to significantly lower the risk of viral infection too, as has reduced touching of the eyes, nose and mouth.[xi] In addition, it is essential to routinely clean and disinfect surfaces throughout the practice, as influenza can survive on hard non-porous surfaces for 24-48 hours and on textiles or paper for 8-12 hours.[xii]

Another crucial part of the infection control workflow to prevent the transmission of all pathogens in the dental practice is instrument sterilisation using an appropriate autoclave.

The Little Sister range of vacuum and non-vacuum autoclaves from Eschmann provides easy-to-use, highly reliable and durable solutions that suit the needs of every practice.

Eschmann has used its 60+ years of experience in autoclave design and manufacture to develop the latest models, which are available in a variety of capacities, including 11, 17 and 23 litres. The USB cycle data recorder, and option to upgrade to the wireless Autolog cycle data manager also facilitate seamless digitised record keeping.

All equipment from Eschmann can be supported by the Eschmann Care & Cover service package, providing Annual Validation and Pressure Vessel Certification, Annual Service and Software Upgrades, Unlimited Breakdown Cover, Unlimited Eschmann Parts and Labour and on-site support from 50+ Eschmann engineersnationwide, as well as Enhanced CPD User training and technical telephone support.

Stay safe this winter

The risk of illness increases in the winter so it is a good time to review and further optimise already meticulous infection control protocols in the dental practice. Several viruses pose a threat to patients and staff alike, but professionals can help keep everyone safe by following some simple yet essential steps every day.

For more information on the highly effective and affordable range of infection control products from Eschmann, please visit www.eschmann.co.uk or call 01903 875787

[i] World Health Organization. Influenza (seasonal) January 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal) [Accessed August 2023]

[ii] UK Health Security Agency. Surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses in winter 2021 to 2022. Updated July 2023. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-flu-reports/surveillance-of-influenza-and-other-seasonal-respiratory-viruses-in-winter-2021-to-2022#:~:text=The%202021%20to%202022%20season%20saw%20an%20increase%20in%20the,compared%20to%20pre%2Dpandemic%20seasons.  [Accessed August 20323].

[iii] Weekly national flu reports: 2013 to 2014 season. 2014 to 2015 season. 2015 to 2016 season, 2016 to 2017 season. 2017 to 2018 season. 2018 to 2019 season. Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/weekly-national-flu-reports-2013-to-2014-season [Accessed August 2023]

[iv] National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 26 January 2023. Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2022-to-2023-season[Accessed August 2023]

[v] Neumann G, Kawaoka Y. Seasonality of influenza and other respiratory viruses. EMBO Molecular Medicine. 2022; 14: e15352 doi.org/10.15252/emmm.202115352

[vi] Lowen AC, Steel J. Roles of humidity and temperature in shaping influenza seasonality. J Virol. 2014 Jul;88(14):7692-5. doi: 10.1128/JVI.03544-13. Epub 2014 Apr 30. PMID: 24789791; PMCID: PMC4097773.

[vii] Valle SYD, Mniszewski SM, Hyman JM. Modeling the Impact of Behavior Changes on the Spread of Pandemic Influenza. Modeling the Interplay Between Human Behavior and the Spread of Infectious Diseases. 2012 Oct 29:59–77. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5474-8_4. PMCID: PMC7114992.

[viii] Eccles R. An explanation for the seasonality of acute upper respiratory tract viral infections. Acta Otolaryngol. 2002 Mar;122(2):183-91. doi: 10.1080/00016480252814207. PMID: 11936911.

[ix] Volgenant CMC, de Soet JJ. Cross-transmission in the Dental Office: Does This Make You Ill? Curr Oral Health Rep. 2018;5(4):221-228. doi: 10.1007/s40496-018-0201-3. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30524929; PMCID: PMC6244620.

[x] Jendrossek SN, Jurk LA, Remmers K, Cetin YE, Sunder W, Kriegel M, Gastmeier P. The Influence of Ventilation Measures on the Airborne Risk of Infection in Schools: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 20;20(4):3746. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043746. PMID: 36834438; PMCID: PMC9961295.

[xi] Liu M, Ou J, Zhang L, Shen X, Hong R, Ma H, Zhu BP, Fontaine RE. Protective Effect of Hand-Washing and Good Hygienic Habits Against Seasonal Influenza: A Case-Control Study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Mar;95(11):e3046. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000003046. PMID: 26986125; PMCID: PMC4839906.

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