BACD

The BACD welcomes new Vice President

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) welcomes and congratulates Carol Somerville Roberts on becoming the new BACD Vice President. Carol, founder of Evolve Dentistry in Portishead near Bristol, has been a member of the BACD since 2008, serving on the Board of Directors for the past four years.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Vice President of the BACD. My passion for continual development and commitment to excellent patient care means that I aim to make every experience the best it can be. I hope to transfer this mentality into my new role at the Academy.

“As a member of the BACD, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the best dentists in the UK. This has inspired me to push myself to be better, and believe in my abilities. Being a part of the BACD has shaped my career, and I believe that it has allowed me to become the dentist I am today.”

To discover more about the BACD, please get in touch with the team.

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

New Horizons conquered

The 19th BACD Annual Conference, titled “New Horizons”, once again brought together hundreds of members and non-members alike to learn and network with likeminded professionals. The three-day event offered hands-on training, live demonstrations and a diverse lecture programme covering both clinical and non-clinical topics.

The first day of the Conference was dedicated to hands-on workshops and masterclasses, which offered delegates an opportunity to develop practical capabilities in an array of areas. Sessions covered injectable moulding techniques, composite veneers and soft/hard tissue management concepts, as well as brand building and improving the treatment planning process with enhanced patient communication. Delegates had the chance to engage with both speakers and peers within intimate groups, learning intricate skills and taking away a wealth of guidance and advice that will help them optimise their patient care and business management for the future.

Upon attending a workshop on composite veneers by Richard Coates and sponsored by DMG, delegate H. Craig commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed Richard’s composite veneer workshop. It was advertised as a Masterclass and it truly was. I have learned so much about layering composite to emulate nature – I know for certain that I can take these skills back to practice next week and deliver a first-class service for my patients. A big thank you to Richard and the DMG team!”

During the opening ceremony, now the Immediate Past President, Dr Simon Chard, described the Conference as a place to “engage, communicate and collaborate” with colleagues and industry partners. He highlighted the many benefits available to members and demonstrated some of the educational events that will be held throughout 2024.

Dr Chris Orr and Dr Elaine Halley also paid a heart-felt tribute to Dr Uchenna Okoye, a long-time member of the BACD who sadly and very suddenly passed away recently. She was lovingly described as someone who was “passionate about making a difference” and “the best president the BACD never had” given how much she did for the Academy and the profession as a whole. In memory of Dr Okoye and her belief in living life to the fullest, the audience were treated to a lively “The Greatest Showman” performance, before settling into the day’s lecture.

Dr Lincoln Harris leads a workshop

Headline speaker Dr Lincoln Harris took to the stage at this point to take delegates on a journey through the “dance” that is the new patient consultation. Exploring how to engage with a patient who doesn’t know or understand that they need treatment, he was clear that not all patients are prepared to accept a treatment plan. The first of several key points of his session was to “never give a treatment plan to a patient that is not ready”. He went on throughout the day to discuss the importance of the professional recommendation when it comes to treatment options, the necessity to have belief in yourself as the clinician and the power of saying no to a patient. Dr Harris also talked about giving patients what they want but with no long-term regrets – something that is at the heart of the BACD’s dedication to ethical cosmetic dentistry.

Reflecting on their experience of the Conference overall, Y. Funmi Sijuwade said: “I enjoyed both the workshops I attended – it was good to cover non-clinical topics with Ken Hughes and I learnt new things to take into practice from the composite veneer session. I thought Lincoln Harris was good, covering general principles of how to build a practice. I have been a full member of the BACD for 15+ years and the Annual Conference is the biggest benefit for me.”

The final day of the Conference brought more exceptional speakers, including Dr Anthony Mak discussing digital dentistry in anterior aesthetic restorations. Though a clear advocate for digital solutions in the modern profession, he acknowledged the need to build up digital capabilities in the practice over time. He discussed the steps of the workflow and benefits of restoratively driven treatment, as well as how technologies and digital mock ups can aid the process. Dr Mak showed some of his own cases to demonstrate the benefits of digital dentistry and show it in real-life situations.

Delegate Tom Bereznicki said of the session: “­This lecture was excellent. The speaker really showed how to put the pieces of the jigsaw together. He gave young professionals a good example of excellence and something to aim for.”

Throughout the Conference, delegates were able to interact with the trade exhibition, participating in the trade lottery to be entered into a draw to win over £18,000 worth of prizes that were kindly donated by the companies in attendance. Plus, the Gala Dinner lived up to its name, providing an exceptional evening of entertainment, food, dancing and the odd drink or two!

Delegate Anna McHenry said about the event overall: “I have found the whole Conference so useful. Everything has been superbly organised and everyone has been so helpful. There was a great variety of workshops and talks to choose from and I have been inspired by the excellent standard of dentistry being shown.”

To stay informed of all the upcoming educational events hosted or supported by the BACD, become a member today!

For more information, please visit www.bacd.com

BACD: Find your second family at BDCDS 2023

The British Dentistry Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) 2023 – 12-13 May at the NEC Birmingham – will offer a wealth of information and advice for dental professionals looking to advance their knowledge and skills. Delivering the exceptional programme that the event is known for is a team effort, with valuable input provided from leading professional organisations such as the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

The BACD is an engaging and progressive organisation dedicated to the advancement of cosmetic and functional dentistry. It advocates for high-quality professional education that enables clinicians to elevate their skills and enjoy a fruitful career while delivering exceptional patient treatment. There are various well-attended BACD events held throughout the year, presented by some of the leading cosmetic and restorative dentists from around the world. The Academy is also known for its sense of community – everyone is welcome.

The BACD will be supporting the Aesthetic & Digital Dentist Theatre at BDCSD once again, with inspiring speakers taking to the podium for delegates to hear from. Simon Chard, BACD President, says: “We are looking forward to BDCDS as it’s always a great opportunity to catch up with friends, connect with members and meet new people. Delegates can find us in the BACD Lounge, by the BACD Aesthetic & Digital Dentist Theatre, where we’d be delighted to discuss all of the brilliant membership benefits available. These include the esteemed BACD Accreditation Scheme, which has recently been updated to make it even more accessible to more clinicians. For me, the greatest benefit of the BACD is the community – we’re a family that looks out for each other and we want to help every individual reach the very top of their game.”

The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show 2023 will be held on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 May, NEC Birmingham, co-located with DTS. 

For more information, visit https://rfg.circdata.com/publish/DTS23/?source=EKC or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

Register today

BACD welcomes new President: Dr Chris McConnell

Taking up the gauntlet as President of the BACD from November 2021, Dr Chris McConnell is looking forward to building upon what is already a widely respected organisation. He comments:

“The BACD is very well recognised across the world, known for bringing amazing speakers to conferences and promoting the importance of going back to basics in terms of clinical skills, education and networking.

“I would like to see the BACD promoted more in the public arena. I believe it is important to engage with the general population and make them aware of how to check a cosmetic dentist’s credentials before proceeding with treatment.

“Our aim is to carry on supporting members during and after Covid, giving ever-greater value for BACD membership.

“We are restructuring the BACD educational programme to offer even more hands-on opportunities and some great new events for members. We have a fantastic lecture in the memory of Anoop Maini in June and the first ever BACD residential conference in November 2022 with Frank Spear headlining on Friday – a Rockstar of US dentistry who rarely lectures in Europe, so it’s a massive deal to see him this side of the pond!”

We wish Chris the very best of luck as BACD President over the coming year!

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

BACD strengthens partnership with Boutique Whitening

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) has long been an advocate for excellence across all areas of dentistry. Its ethos is very much focused on promoting beautiful yet functional outcomes in all clinical treatment, encouraging members to employ evidence-based techniques and products to raise standards across the cosmetic dental field.

To strengthen the membership benefits available and expand opportunities to engage with industry, the BACD is proud to work with an array of industry-leading dental manufacturers and suppliers. One of the many valued relationships is one with Boutique Whitening, who is the Platinum Sponsor for the BACD Annual Conference 2021.

Gareth Grimes, Sales Manager for Boutique Whitening, is keen to highlight that introducing quality tooth whitening services needn’t be difficult or expensive for dental practices today. He says: “We have always been aware of the investment required by practices when providing new treatment options, so we have kept our solution highly cost-effective. With absolutely no compromise in quality of the product, we are proud to offer a premium product without the premium price. It is clinically proven, quality tested and backed by years and years of research for total peace of mind for clinicians and patients. Boutique Whitening Gel is also vegan-approved, which is an added selling point for many patients in today’s world.”

The whitening gel is not the only unique feature of Boutique Whitening – the whitening trays are also fabricated to the highest of standards by S4S Dental Lab. This delivers a cost-efficient solution that utilises the advantages of centralised manufacturing to optimise both treatment results and patient experience. In turn, a superior whitening journey is created for patients and a significant opportunity presents for business growth.

Commenting on Boutique Whitening’s interaction with the BACD over the past few years, Gareth adds: “We have supported the BACD Annual Conference for the last 4 years now. We find this to be a hugely beneficial event for us as a business, making it great value for the time and money we invest. We are always particularly impressed with the quality of delegates we meet. It helps that our ethos aligns closely with that of the BACD, so our whitening solution is ideal for members to introduce within their own practices – in fact, many Board members and others already do. This is a fantastic endorsement of our product and service, demonstrating the calibre of cosmetic dentistry that we are able to support. We’re looking forward to this year’s Annual Conference and hope to meet lots of new clinicians as well as old friends.”

If you haven’t already, book soon to avoid missing the BACD Annual Conference 2021. The event will offer a comprehensive educational programme, covering dynamic topics and presented by both nationally and internationally renowned speakers. The social programme is also set to impress, with the legendary black-tie Gala Dinner a sell-out event once again. Secure your place online today!

The BACD Seventeenth Annual Conference
‘Seeing Is Believing’
11th – 13th November 2021
The EICC
Edinburgh, Scotland 

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

BACD Annual Conference Gala Dinner is a Sell Out

The BACD Seventeenth Annual Conference is set to once again be an absolute highlight of the cosmetic dental calendar. In addition to hours of exclusive content and a truly impressive international speaker line-up, the event promises all the community and social benefits that it has become so well-known for.

It is no wonder, therefore, that the Gala Dinner has now sold out!

The black-tie event, with free bar and plenty of entertainment offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some downtime with friends from across the profession.

The BACD has worked hard to ensure that this conference could safely go ahead despite all the challenges, with no compromise in quality of education delivered, speakers gathered and social opportunities presented. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible, including our fantastic Board and President, Paul Abrahams, and the amazing Suzy Rowlands!

The BACD Seventeenth Annual Conference
‘Seeing Is Believing’
11th – 13th November 2021
The EICC
Edinburgh, Scotland 

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

Safe Smiles: new campaign set to champion the benefits of safe dentistry

The British Orthodontic Society and The Oral Health Foundation are launching a new campaign to help patients make safer choices when it comes to their dental treatment

The public awareness campaign, named Safe Smiles, will highlight the benefits of safe dentistry and treatment when carried out in dental practices by trained and registered professionals.

Safe Smiles is a dental sector response to concerns about the growth of direct-to-consumer alternatives, with the campaign’s two organisers worried about patients performing treatments at home – potentially putting themselves in danger.

The campaign was announced at this year’s British Orthodontic Society’s annual conference (16 September) in Manchester, in a joint press conference between the Oral Health Foundation and the British Orthodontic Society.

Recent research by the Oral Health Foundation reveals one-in-four (25%) UK households have opted for some form of DIY dentistry during lockdown.

The nationwide study also shows over half (55%) of adults feel they have neglected their teeth during lockdown. Around one-in-seven (15%) admit to not brushing their teeth as much as before the pandemic.  One-in-five (20%) are eating unhealthier foods, and more than one-in-ten (11%) have been drinking more alcohol. 1

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation is worried the potential decline in oral health status may lead to poor consumer choices, with many favouring shortcuts and attracted by direct-to-consumer alternatives.

Dr Carter says: “We are really concerned by evidence suggesting the UK’s oral health habits have declined during the pandemic. Symptoms associated with dental disease – mainly pain and changes in visual appearance – are leading patients to seek quick and cheap home cosmetic treatments advertised online. This is a great cause for concern and one of the key driving forces behind Safe Smiles.

“Dental treatment of any kind must involve face-to-face contact with a trained clinical professional inside the dental practice. This is to ensure patient safety and the most effective treatment.  It is important that the profession continues to champion safe dentistry and advise patients against direct-to-consumer treatments and alternatives shared on social media.

“When carried out correctly, cosmetic dental treatment can give patients the white, straight and confident smile they have always dreamed about. Safe Smiles will make sure patients are given the very best advice about the safest and most effective way to have dental treatment.”

Further findings from The British Orthodontic Society suggest that adults have become more conscious of their smile during lockdown. Over half of orthodontists (60%) say they have seen a larger than expected demand for treatment during the pandemic. It is suspected those affected could be looking for solutions to treat dental problems and improve the appearance of their smile.  

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Anshu Sood, Director of Clinical Practice at the British Orthodontic Society, says: “We’re delighted to be extending our long-standing campaign with the Oral Health Foundation. It’s heartening to see overwhelming endorsement from the dental sector. This couldn’t be more timely. Our recent stats revealed the pandemic has seen a rise in the number of people seeking orthodontic treatment. With this demand comes a growth in online companies offering treatments.

“Embarking on treatment without seeing a suitably trained clinician could result in serious conditions being missed or dangerous treatment carried out. We want to ensure patients have the very best advice about the safest and most effective way to have treatment. We know that, when carried out correctly, orthodontic treatment can have a positive and life-changing impact.”  

Data shows that more than four-in-five (84%) UK adults want to change something about their smile. Over the next year, more than one-in-three (35%) are thinking about having their teeth whitened while around one-in-six (16%) are considering orthodontic treatment. 1

Safe Smiles will be asking all patients considering treatments to visit dental practices in the UK and have treatment carried out by clinicians registered with the GDC.

The campaign will tackle the dangers associated with dental tourism, inappropriately fitting mouthguards bought online, as well as harmful aesthetic changes to the mouth like lip tattoos, oral piercings, tooth jewellery, modifications and grillz.

The new campaign is being supported by Align Technology and has gathered support from across the dental world. The campaign has already received endorsement from the British Dental Industry Association, British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, British Dental Bleaching Society, British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, British Association of Dental Nurses, and British Association of Dental Therapists.

Edmund Proffitt, BDIA Chief Executive, says: “The British Dental Industry Association is delighted to be supporting Safe Smiles. With ever growing interest in cosmetic dental work, the dental industry feels that it is very important that patients can achieve a healthy smile in a safe environment. Be it orthodontic work, tooth whitening or any other aesthetic dental treatment, working with trained dental professionals within a dental practice is a great way to get safe and effective treatment.

“With some unsafe and unregulated online and ‘do-it-yourself’ treatments available, and unfortunately, a number of unregulated practitioners offering treatments, we thoroughly recommend that patients engage directly with dental professionals to get the best, safest healthy smile.”

Jacqui Elsden, BADN President: “We’re thrilled to be supporting safe smiles. With the rise in popularity of unsafe do it yourself treatments and unregulated providers, we hope that this campaign will help patients become more aware of these dangers and think twice before they purchase them. We recommend that patients engage in this initiative and take steps to safely pursue treatment options.”

Zaki Kanaan, Chairman of the British Dental Bleaching Society: “There is no doubt that one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures that is carried out routinely in dental practices is tooth whitening. Done properly, by a dental care professional, tooth whitening is one of the least invasive ways to improve one’s smile. This popularity has led to the growth of direct-to-consumer options that often get around the legality by using non-peroxide based products that not only have little to no efficacy in whitening one’s teeth but many OTC products are in fact harmful to teeth and their surrounding structures. Members of the public seeking OTC products are leaving themselves open to harm with virtually no recourse when things go wrong.  Over many years at The British Dental Bleaching Society we have been striving to highlight to the public this exact issue and we therefore fully support The Safe Smiles Campaign.”

A special toolkit has been created to help dental professionals support the campaign and share the importance of safe dentistry.

The toolkit is available on the campaign website at www.dentalhealth.org/safesmiles.

Reference:

  1. ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (2020) ‘National Dental Survey’ Atomik Research. UK. Sample 2,004.

BACD Annual Conference postponed until 2021

Due to the challenges posed by Covid-19, the BACD (British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) has made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Annual Conference until November 2021. Don’t despair, however, as next year’s event promises not to disappoint with an educational programme that’s bigger and better than ever.

Delegates will be treated to a fresh line up of highly relevant and exciting lectures, seminars and hands-on workshops. These insightful sessions will be presented by world-renowned speakers from 2020’s programme, as well as whole new cast of speakers for 2021, who are keen to share their knowledge and experience.

Besides the outstanding education on offer at the BACD’s 2021 Annual Conference, there will be plenty of networking opportunities, plus the chance to explore the latest dental technologies and materials at an eclectic trade show. The BACD looks forward to seeing you there – you won’t want to miss out!

BACD members benefit from being part of an innovative academy where online education is swiftly released and executed to the exacting standards that would be expected. The BACD has always offered education led by world-class speakers, which is being made available to members across the globe through BACD Online Education, which can be accessed through the online members portal on www.bacd.com.