Though dental practices have always prioritised the health and safety of staff and patients, this has become more involved than ever over the past year. Additional infection control measures have been introduced to the already meticulous protocols in place, to help minimise the spread of COVID-19. Given the increased transmissibility of the new viral strains identified and the possibility of asymptomatic infection, mass testing has become the next step in the fight to bring an end to the pandemic.

Asymptomatic concerns

While scientists try to better understand exactly how many people could be carrying COVID-19 asymptomatically, it seems that the number could be high – especially with the latest strains. Current estimates approximate that 17-20% of infected people show no symptoms,[i] though there are limitations to the data collection and interpretation methods available for evaluation.

Whilst further research is undertaken to better understand asymptomatic infections, the priority is to reduce the risk of transmission. Until now, this has focused predominantly on social distancing and the wearing of face masks for the general public, as well as various additional PPE and other steps taken in the dental setting. Except in a few specific circumstances, isolation has only been required of those with symptoms and/or a positive test.

However, being able to test for the virus, particularly in those without obvious symptoms affords clear benefits in preventing the spread of COVID-19. That’s where lateral flow testing comes in.

What are lateral flow tests?

Lateral flow testing is one of the latest solutions being used across the UK to identify COVID-19 in infected individuals – whether they show symptoms or not ­– and prevent the spread of the virus. The kits provide a quick and convenient method of testing, and they are being utilised by a wide range of institutions, health and education providers and businesses to help protect and prevent cross infection within the workforce students, clients and patients.

Lateral flow tests work by taking a swab sample from the nose and/or mouth of an individual. This is mixed with a buffer solution to release virus fragments on the swab. A small amount of this combined solution is dropped onto the lateral flow device. Any part of the solution containing virus fragments is drawn down onto an absorbent strip, which it then travels along. As the solution reaches a set of labelled antibodies – which recognise specific genetic patterns within the viral fragments – the virus binds to them and provides a visible marker. Non-viral particles are separated as they attach to a control band on the strip. A band of colour appears at the control zone to confirm that the test was successful. Should a band of colour also appear at the test zone, this provides a positive identification of the virus.[ii]

These tests work best when detecting higher levels of the virus, and although they will not catch every single case, they can significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission by helping to identify those people most likely to be unknowingly passing on the virus. When used correctly, regularly and consistently, this testing offers some peace of mind for key workers and those they come into contact with.

It is important to remember that lateral flow testing is not a substitute for any other safety measures. Social distancing and the appropriate PPE should continue to be implemented diligently by all.

Testing kit waste

Should you start to provide lateral flow testing in your practice, there are various factors to consider. The authenticity of the testing kits you purchase (beware fake products are readily available online), the protocol implemented for testing, and finally the training of individuals who will be administering the test and monitoring the process.

It is also important to think about how you will manage the disposal of the waste generated from the procedure. The Department of Health has deemed used lateral flow testing kits as chemical waste, which requires disposal by incineration. Businesses can place used kits into either clear, tiger or unmarked yellow waste bags, though many experts in the field would recommend clear bags in order to distinguish this waste stream from offensive or clinical waste generated in the dental practice.

It is then important to find a service provider who can safely collect this waste and dispose of it correctly. There may be challenges faced in this area because so many waste disposal and treatment centres in the UK are already at capacity with the massive increase of PPE waste currently being received.

Initial Medical – as an expert in waste segregation and disposal – has been able to secure additional capacity in several disposal sites, ensuring that it can meet the growing demand for services. Initial Medical will even provide clear bags, as well as the internal containers and external wheelie bins where required, to support the safe and efficient segregation of waste and its onwards disposal.

Protection for all

The focus in the UK right now is to get transmission rates down and to protect as many people as possible while the vaccination programme is rolled out. Lateral flow testing is a potential tool in the fight against COVID-19, helping to stop the spread even among those who are asymptomatic. If introducing it to your practice, be sure to have all the right protocols and services in place to optimise the safety of all.

For further information please visit initial.co.uk/medical or Tel: 0870 850 4045

Author:

Rebecca Waters, Category Manager, Initial Medical

Rebecca has worked in the Healthcare sector for the past 17years and was a Research Chemist with Bayer Cropscience prior to joining Rentokil Initial in 2003.  She keeps up to date on all developments within the clinical waste management industry and is an active member of the CIWM, SMDSA and BDIA.  

-Ends-

About Initial Medical Waste Experts

Initial Medical is an expert in healthcare waste management, providing a complete collection, disposal and recycling service for hazardous and non-hazardous waste and offensive waste produced by businesses and organisations within the UK.

The safe management of healthcare waste is vital to ensure your activities are not a risk to human health.  Initial Medical’s healthcare waste services ensure that all of your waste is stringently handled in compliance with legislation and in accordance with Safe Management of Healthcare Waste best practice guidelines, providing you with the peace of mind that you are adhering to current legislation.

For further information please visit www.initial.co.uk/medical or Tel: 0870 850 4045

Media enquiries:

For more information, please contact:

erica@ekcommunications.net

[i] Pollock AM, Lancaster J. Asymptomatic transmission of covid-19. 21 December 2020. BMJ. 2020;371:m4851 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4851

[ii] Gov.uk. Lateral flow testing – new rapid tests to detect COVID-19. Public health matters. 8 December 2020. https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/12/08/lateral-flow-testing-new-rapid-tests-to-detect-covid-19/ [Accessed January 2021]

Right now, things are still highly unprecedented and stressful  in many dental practices. If you are dealing with an urgent or complex case, consider referring your patient to the Centre for Oral-Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Reconstruction.

Led by Professor Cemal Ucer – Specialist Oral Surgeon – the cutting-edge treatment centre offers a wide variety of oral surgery treatments such as surgical removal of teeth, cystic lesions and pathology as well as advanced dental and oral implantology procedures, major bone grafting, including zygomatic dental implants for the rehabilitation of severely atrophic patients. It features cutting-edge facilities such as a day care operating theatre and recovery suit, in house digital laboratory and digital diagnostic imaging centre and has a clinical team that boasts considerable experience, ensuring they are well equipped to handle demanding, high risk and urgent cases.

One thing you can be certain of is the team’s dedication to giving your patient with impeccable treatment. Refer today.

Please contact Professor Ucer at ice@ucer.uk or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co

01612 371842

Dr Abid Faqir, Past President of the ADI and is currently practising at Scottish Centre for Excellence in Dentistry, shares what he thinks of the Straumann® BLX implant for immediate protocols:

“I use the Straumann^® BLX implant for immediacy, because it was designed with immediacy in mind and everything about it and its characteristics are exactly what an immediate implant needs to be. For example, it enables very high primary stability and the SLActive^® implant surface is perfectly suited for faster healing. Restoratively, it has the perfect connection and all the various components are available to allow immediate restoration.

“I am currently using various solutions from the Straumann Group, including the BLX^® implant system, Smile in a Box and the Straumann^® Pro Arch concept, as well as trialling new implants coming through. The reason why I’m so closely involved with the Straumann Group is because they are renowned for research and highly tested products. They are market leaders and always have been. I think they’re such a progressive company – although not the fastest to market, they are the most predictable and the most well-researched, giving me the most confidence for my patients.”

For more information on the Straumann^® BLX implant and other solutions, please visit www.straumann-uk.co

Kimberley Lloyd-Rees graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2010, where she now works as a clinical tutor in dental hygiene and therapy, as well as being a practising dental hygienist and therapist. She has worked across a variety of specialist private and mixed practices, as well as for the MOD, and she volunteers her time to a dental charity in Nepal.

Kimberley is also a clinical advisor for TANDEX. Here, she discusses how patients are becoming consumers, the positives and negatives of this, and why she feels optimistic for the future.

For a few years, the change from patient to consumer is something we have been noticing in practice. This has been exacerbated by the lockdowns and patients not been able to visit their regular dentist. Via the internet and social media, patients now have more access to information than ever before, which may mean an end to former loyalties with a certain clinician or practice.

Long gone are the days when a patient would only attend because they had a problem, now they are motivated to do so because they have read about a certain treatment and want to spend money on it – they have become a consumer. Patients are finding out about new techniques and different treatment options that could be available to them. People are doing their own research and turning up with plenty of questions, for example whilst treatment planning a course of RSI my patient asked why I wouldn’t be using lasers,she had researched periodontal treatments after our initial appointment and felt that this would be the best treatment option for her.

People being more hands-on with their healthcare is certainly a positive thing and this curiosity, this shopping around just like a consumer does, means that we, as professionals, are having to raise our game. The increase in elective dentistry that we have seen year-on-year also shows how more people are becoming engaged with dentistry and want to access our services.

If the internet and social media are empowering patients to become consumers, there are also negatives to this, of course. Unrealistic expectations, especially if an individual has neglected their oral health for years, must be managed. This means a balance must be found between what they want and what we, using our knowledge and experience, believe they need or could achieve. The key to finding this balance is a collaboration between professional and patient and building honest, open relationships based on trust. It’s about listening carefully and helping them to appreciate the part they will need to play in their treatment’s maintenance. Effective daily hygiene practises and behaviours are essential, which they can learn to do with our support, and this is why good relationships will always lead to better clinical outcomes. Correct brushing and interdental cleaning techniques using quality tools – TANDEX has updated its packaging to help people find the right-size brush and interdental brush for them – is the foundation of oral health and this is where a professional’s input is crucial.

We know that people are being tempted by direct-to-consumer orthodontics, or to go abroad for their treatment, but when we have positive relationships with them, we can help them to see that a cheaper option may not give them the long-term results they crave. As part of your consultations, patient-consumers should know that we will work alongside them, to protect their ‘investment’ and keep their treatment stable, and looking beautiful, for years to come.

Practices should harness the power of the internet and social media to engage with patients, current and new. A lot of the information that people are becoming inspired and influenced by won’t come from a professional source, so fill your website and social media platforms with quality content, to catch the attention of an individual who is in research mode.

For any dental professional who feels uncomfortable about being a salesperson, this is where a treatment co-ordinator can be a fantastic addition to a practice. A treatment co-ordinator is dedicated to building engagement and relationships, giving people the opportunity to have a full and frank discussion about their options. A treatment co-ordinator can help bridge a gap between patient and clinician, ensuring that all solutions have been explored, expectations are managed, and goals align for the best possible outcome.

This is why I am optimistic for the future; patients becoming consumers ultimately means they are taking an active interest in their health. With more patients becoming consumers, practices will have to prioritise relationships and engagement as part of a high-quality, responsive service, leading to a better ‘journey’ and improved standards of oral health.

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

Author Kimberley Lloyd- Rees on behalf of Tandex

Kimberley graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2010, where she now works as a clinical tutor in Dental Hygiene and Therapy as well as working in practice. She has spent her career working across a variety of specialist private and mixed dental practices, for the MOD and volunteering her time to a dental charity in Nepal.

Have you heard that the next ADI Team Congress will be held on 26-28 May 2022? The new dates are to ensure that the maximum number of dental professionals are willing and able to make the most of the first-class education and networking available.

The event will present a dynamic lecture programme with internationally-leading speakers offering valuable insight into the very latest techniques, technologies and materials in the field of dental implantology. There will also be the chance to network with like-minded colleagues, to share stories and to learn from each other.

Plus, the major trade exhibition will provide an opportunity to interact with product experts, watch demonstrations and get all the bespoke information you need to support your dental implant business for the future. Get the dates in your diary and take advantage of the early bird discount currently available for members!

ADI Team Congress 2022

“The Great Debate”

26-28 May 2022, Manchester Central

ADI members will be able to attend the ADI Team Congress for discounted rates. Join today.

www.adi.org.uk

So often when we talk about bacteria it’s in terms of the bad strains that cause illness. Indeed, these microorganisms are often lumped with viruses and other nasties that are responsible for a great number of the health conditions we face, and in dentistry, it’s usually the bacteria behind plaque formation that come under scrutiny.

But what about good bacteria? It’s easy to forget that bacteria are a very complex life form, and that many strains are actually very helpful instead of harmful. Indeed, in our quest to prevent tooth decay and other issues that have a direct impact on oral health, it seems that bacteria do have the potential to be as much ally as menace.

I was recently reading through some of the latest scientific articles when I came across one detailing how a certain strain of bacteria could offer salvation for those suffering from diabetes.[i]

In this article, researchers revealed their belief that application of a certain gut bacteria may be the key to effectively managing type 2 diabetes. Their research, which argues that certain types of bacteria in the gut may be pivotal to the formation of the disease, split these bacteria into two categories – “improvers” and “worseners”. As the names suggest, the “worseners” exacerbated the problems with insulin absorption in the gut when tested on mice, while the “improver” bacteria had the opposite effect, suggesting potential therapeutic use.

Diabetes has a direct link to higher incidences of tooth decay due to its effects on blood sugar and salivary flow.[ii] It is thought that there are now 4.7 million people living with diabetes in the UK, and with our western diet being high in sugars and saturated fats, it’s likely that this number will continue to increase.[iii] This breakthrough on the behaviour of bacteria does offer a beacon of hope and suggest that supporting good bacteria may help overcome certain aspects of diabetes, which in turn will help lessen its impact on oral health as blood sugars will remain more stable.

Unfortunately, we won’t know the full scope of benefits that this type of bacteria can have, or indeed, whether there are any at all in human tests until there has been further research. However, it does show that bacteria could possibly be useful allies.

A similar discovery was the potential use of probiotics in dentistry and what this could mean for oral health. Probiotics, by definition, are the introduction of good bacteria in order to help support better health. Researchers at the University of Florida had discovered a certain strain of bacteria in the healthy mouth of a child that could potentially be used to help deter the formation of caries.[iv]

Again, much like the treatment for diabetes, this research is still in early days, but the implications of something like this are extraordinary. If this bacteria could be synthesised into a product and that product proved to be effective, it could revolutionise the oral health routines of millions and even offer a key push in our favour against the fight against tooth decay, especially in children.

There is an argument to be made that the oral microbiome is already perfect for exploiting in order to provide a solution against decay. In a way, we already do this by eliminating plaque bacteria through brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. However, what makes these breakthroughs in understanding certain strains of bacteria so exciting is that they could help to achieve this balance much more easily.

In the end, the complex nature of bacteria and the individuality of each person’s oral microbiome are factors that will definitely impact the efficacy of these solutions, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t an interesting prospect. There is so much still to learn about bacteria and the way that these complex microorganisms interact with one another and our bodies, but that should give us hope that there will be breakthroughs that can help make our quest to prevent tooth decay and other oral conditions all the more simple.

Until then, we need to do our bit to explain to patients about bacteria and how certain strains are behind tooth decay. By sharing this knowledge, we can help them understand the importance of achieving a balance through good oral health routines.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk

EndoCare, led by Dr Michael Sultan, is one of the UK’s most trusted Specialist Endodontist practices. Through the use of the latest technologies and techniques, the highly-trained team can offer exceptional standards of care – always putting the patient first. What’s more, EndoCare is a dependable referral centre, to which dentists from across the country send their patients for the best in specialist endodontic treatment.

[i] Medical News Today. Meet The Bacteria That Might Help Treat Diabetes. Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/meet-the-bacteria-that-might-help-treat-diabetes [Last accessed January 21].

[ii] Diabetes.co.uk. Tooth Decay. Link: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/tooth-decay.html [Last accessed January 21].

[iii] Diabetes.org. Number of Perople With Diabetes Reaches 4.7 Million. Link: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/new-stats-people-living-with-diabetes [Last accessed January 21].

[iv] Science News For Students. Newly Discovered Microbe Keeps Teeth Healthy. Link: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/newly-discovered-microbe-keeps-teeth-healthy [Last accessed January 21].

IAS Academy is now offering a NEW online Clear Aligner Course, which provides open-source training for GDPs using an array of clear aligner systems.

Designed by IAS founder and director, Dr Tif Qureshi, the course will offer ethical, progressive and highly effective training, with modules for Invisalign^®, SureSmile^®, ClearCorrect^® and IAS Aligners. The aim is to develop professionals’ knowledge base, confidence and competence with these appliances, enhancing patient outcomes and optimising the treatment journey.

The course covers basic GDP orthodontic philosophy and terminology, applications and movement, assessment, diagnosis and consent, occlusion and arch planning, treatment execution, finishing and retention.

Regardless of what clear aligner system you use or are interested, get back to effective learning with IAS Academy today!

For more information on IAS Academy membership and upcoming training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com, email courses@iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)

In February, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) was delighted to help support Flossuary – an initiative that encouraged individuals to clean interdentally for 28 days in a row throughout the month. This challenge was created in order to help patients appreciate the difference that this regime could make to their gum health, and provided those who took part with multiple resources such as advice on which products to use, video tutorials to teach them how to effectively clean interdentally , and a free starter pack for UK residents.

As you’re well aware, interdental cleaning is a fundamental part of maintaining good oral health, and yet there are still patients who don’t include it in their oral health routines at home. In fact, according to statistics gathered in the UK, only 31% of Brits clean interdentally every day.[i]

The reasons behind not flossing will vary from person to person, but some of the more common answers are that it’s too time consuming, it’s painful, or that they simply find the sensation of interdental cleaning unpleasant.[ii] As such, it’s our role as dental hygienists and therapists to help patients overcome these concerns.

For example, if someone finds flossing too time consuming, it’s a good idea to speak to them about available alternatives. Other methods such as water flossers and interdental brushes may be a more convenient and swift solution that they can better work into their routines. It’s also worth addressing the pain issue – it’s likely people experiencing pain when cleaning interdentally may have minor gum disease or be cleaning incorrectly. As such, it’s important to reiterate to patients that regular interdental cleaning will help treat gum disease, eliminating the pain issue. Plus, if they are struggling to clean properly using their chosen products, show them videos or ask them to demonstrate their interdental cleaning technique.

Flossuary was a great success, with lots of practices participating and their patients realising the benefits. Even though this initiative is over, that doesn’t mean that you can’t set your patients similar challenges throughout the year to help them get into the groove with cleaning interdentally at least once a day.

Diane Rochford, President of the BSDHT commented:

“Flossuary was excellent for everyone who got involved. I had patients who not only saw a marked improvement in their gum health, but also told me that interdental cleaning is now fitting into their daily routines more easily than ever due to them trying different products and techniques. Gum health is critical to overall oral health, and Flossuary made it clear that people are willing to learn and make the change if you give them the right tools to succeed!”

With millions of British people still not cleaning interdentally on a regular basis, it’s definitely a good opportunity to encourage patients to make a change and improve their gum health by cleaning interdentally just once per day.

If you need any support, resources or advice, the BSDHT is here to help. To find out about becoming a member, contact the team today.

 For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk

call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

[i] YouGov. Three In Ten Brits Only Brush Their Teeth Once A Day. Link: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2017/10/23/three-ten-brits-only-brush-their-teeth-once-day [Last accessed January 2021].

[ii] ADA. New Survey Highlights Unusual Flossing Habits. Link: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-survey-highlights-unusual-flossing-habits [Last accessed January 21].

“I am very impressed with the Nuview Headband Visor system,” says Dr Daniel Caga. “Simple to install and use, it protects the clinical from splatter very well. It also effectively accommodates the positioning and ergonomics of my loupes and light, whilst enabling easy adjustment. 

“Moreover, the Nuview Headband Visor System is fairly priced and I didn’t feel taken advantage of just because I needed this product. I feel confident in treating patients even with all the extra PPE I have on, simply because I still have a fantastic view of the operative site.”

For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266, email info@nuview-ltd.com, visit www.nuview.co or ‘like’ Nuview on Facebook.

There are many people who dream of a more flexible working life – one that enables them to better accommodate all their commitments. It’s not always simply about working less, but rather, it’s about working around other priorities like family, hobbies and other personal interests. In some cases, the opportunity to be more flexible with work actually enables individuals to work and earn more, giving them and anyone who depends on them a higher quality of life.

This is all perfectly applicable to dental nurses in the modern profession. Your role is essential within the practice, though it can be very demanding with many tasks to complete each day. Being able to work through these without distractions and the worry of anything from childcare challenges to the health of a family member is crucial, both for the quality of your work and your mental wellbeing.

Of course, flexible working is possible when you work in a locum capacity – you can better choose your own hours. You also benefit from experience in different dental clinics, with different teams and using various products or technologies. For some people, this variety can really enhance job satisfaction. However, potential disadvantages include unpredictable work availability, increased travel and very little job security should dental clinics need to streamline their processes or expenses.

The question, therefore, is how do you get the best of both worlds? Can you have flexible working with income security and job variety?

At Colosseum Dental UK, we care more about our people and about catering to their needs. We approached the idea of greater work flexibility and come up with a brand-new type of role specifically for dental nurses. It has been designed to bridge the gap between locum and full-time work, offering all of the advantages without any of the risks.

Essentially, it is an employed contract for dental nurses, but with an innovative structure that enables individuals to access much more flexibility. It also means that dental nurses in these roles can visit different dental clinics within their local areas. In doing so, you can broaden your skills by working alongside a number of practice teams, gaining experience with different patient groups and developing new skills as you utilise the materials and technologies in each.

There is even the added advantage of less travelling than you might be required to do for locum work. Colosseum Dental UK has an extensive – and always growing – network of clinics in the UK, so you’ll know from the start which will be within your catchment area.

One of the greatest benefits of this role is that you are employed. That means job security and income guaranteed for as long as you work with Colosseum Dental UK, giving you and your family total peace of mind. As an employee, you will also qualify for employee benefits like your GDC registration fees covered, indemnity provided and you’ll be enrolled on a pension scheme.

Benefits summary:

• Flexible hours
• Greater variety from working in different clinics in your area
• Job security – you’re employed
• Employee benefits like GDC registration fees covered, indemnity and a pension
• Comprehensive training
• Career development
• A bonus scheme to top up salaries when you work more shifts

To make the very most of this type of role and to successfully enjoy the benefits available, you’ll need to be a fully qualified dental nurse with an up-to-date GDC registration, DBS check and all your immunisations. At least 6 months working as a dental nurse in clinic and experience with CS R4+ practice management systems would be ideal. A passion for clinical excellent, exceptional patient care and effective teamwork is essential.

Your duties would be diverse, from assisting the dentist and/or practice manager with clinical aspects of dentistry to maintaining compliance standards. You might also be involved with the maintenance of infection control protocols, equipment and material stock, performing all responsibilities in-line with the Code of Ethics outlined by the Association of Dental Nurses and the GDC.

If this sounds like the perfect next role for you, contact our friendly team to see if you can start enjoying the very best of flexible working.

For more details or to apply, contact our friendly team on 07702 846 819 or via email at recruitment@colosseumdental.co.uk or visit colosseumdental.co.uk/careers