BDIA

CGDent sends centenary message to the BDIA

The College of General Dentistry has congratulated the British Dental Industries Association (BDIA) on its 100th anniversary.

Sir Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent, President Emeritus of the College, said: “Congratulations to the BDIA on 100 years of service and support to the dental profession and the patients it serves. Its work over the last century has unswervingly underpinned the provision of oral healthcare services, meeting the ever-changing needs of the ever-increasing diversity of oral healthcare professionals.

“The BDIA has also helped drive innovation and developments in dentistry with the timely introduction of new materials, instruments and devices, typically from international manufacturers and markets, while protecting the profession from substandard and counterfeit products.

“The College of General Dentistry is grateful for its sterling service and wishes it continued success, and we look forward to working together to further improve standards in oral healthcare during its second hundred years and beyond.”

CDO England and BSPD present NASDAL Dental Check by One 2022 Practice of the Year Award

CDO England, Sara Hurley and BSPD’s Dr Urshla Devalia presented the NASDAL (National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers) Dental Check by One Practice of the Year Award in the Clinical Theatre at BDIA Showcase.

Having been on a forced hiatus since October 2019 due to the pandemic – this year’s award is presented by NASDAL to recognise the outstanding commitment of practices to the DCby1 campaign. Launched by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) in partnership with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer England, the aim of the campaign is to increase the number of children who access dental care aged 0-2 years, by encouraging dental appointments for babies before their first birthday.

The winner of the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year 2022 Award and the £1000 prize is Bateman and Best, Darwen, Lancashire.

Nick Ledingham, Chairman of NASDAL, commented, “The last two years have been very difficult for dentistry and society as a whole. However, we have still seen huge efforts by practices up and down the UK put into DCby1. It is abundantly clear that it means so much to many practices and at NASDAL we feel honoured to be able to support this initiative. We hope our award and the £1000 cheque that the winner receives will enable them to achieve even more for access  for children and babies moving forward.

NASDAL has always been keen to recognise business excellence in dentistry – this award illustrates that doing the right thing makes good business sense too.

Ursula Devalia, Honorary Secretary of BSPD; Abbey Heaton and Helen Walsh of winners Bateman and Best; CDO England, Sara Hurley

“Congratulations to our winner, Bateman and Best. We were particularly impressed with the focus on expectant mothers and those who have recently had a baby to register their newborns, even if they may not have any teeth yet. This has helped children to adapt to the environment, so they can familiarise themselves to the smells and sounds of the dental practice. Since January 2019 the practice has registered 253 children under the age of 2 – very impressive when you consider the two years of pandemic.”

Dr Michael Best, Principal of Bateman and Best said, “We are absolutely over the moon to win this award! We have always been passionate about improving the oral health of children. We believe that it is even more important that this vital area wasn’t forgotten during the pandemic. We look forward to building upon this success.”

Dr Urshla Devalia, Honorary Secretary of BSPD, added, “I am absolutely delighted for Michael and all the team at Bateman and Best. They have shown such dedication to the cause of improving children’s oral health and DCby1 – even in the most difficult of times. All the team get involved and many have undertaken additional qualifications in oral health to enable them to help even more people. They have worked hard at reaching out to the local community in nurseries and schools to those who didn’t know they could bring their child into the dentist so early. I wish them well as they continue to spread the message of DCby1; they are a great example of what can be achieved.”

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.

Align Technology announces presence at upcoming BDIA On Demand Dental Showcase

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) today announced its presence at the BDIA On Demand Dental Showcase between 22-26 March, where it will showcase the newly launched iTero Element Plus Series. This next generation scanner and imaging system has advanced new and innovative features and capabilities designed to improve the scanning experience, increase practice productivity, and drive higher patient treatment conversion. These include faster processing times, advanced visualisation capacity and built-in AI capabilities which make the scanners future-proof. The new sleek, ergonomically designed models have been conceived to enhance the most contemporary consulting room with less footprint, or a truly portable, self-contained, medical grade version for practioners on the move.

A visit to the iTero stand will at The BDIA On Demand event will enable delegates to find out that one scan – that’s all it takes – with iTero scanners to discover interproximal caries, run a simulation of patients’ future smiles with Invisalign Outcome Simulator, compare scans to review patient progress, and view occlusal contact points. Seamless connectivity with ExoCAD applications, laboratories and restorative partners.

In addition to visiting the iTero virtual exhibition stand there will be four business of dentistry presentations being staged by Align Technology; Restorative dentist Raj Juneja will be presenting ‘The Digital Mindset – Digital Dentistry for the GDP – harnessing the iTero scanner for both Invisalign treatments and multi-disciplinary cases. Digitalisation authority and trainer Marcos White will be presenting ‘The Rise of Digital’ whilst Flora Couper will be exploring the subject of digitalisation of the business of dental hygiene, scanning and monitoring patients’ oral health at every appointment and introducing a new training programme for dental hygienists in her presentation ‘The Ultimate Digital Prevention Programme’.

The timetable for the four business of digital dentistry presentations:

  • Monday 22 March at 18.15 Raj Juneja: The Digital Mindset – Digital Dentistry for theGDP
  • Wednesday 24 March at 18.10 Marcos White: ‘Rise of Digital’
  • Thursday 25 March at 18.10 KOL debate: Raj Juneja and Marcos White: Thriving with Digital Dentistry. Facilitated by Chris Barrow
  • Friday 26 March at 15.20 Flora Couper: The Ultimate Digital Prevention Programme

In addition, delegates are invited to visit the iTero roundtable sessions at 17.00 daily throughout the week for demonstrations of the iTero Element 5D and new Plus models. Every BDIA On Demand delegate who provides proof of registration will receive a promotional discount off any iTero Element scanner until 9 April 2021. To qualify delegates only have to provide their registration number when they complete their iTero purchase details.

Align Technology engineered the iTero Element Plus Series with the latest computing power, a dedicated AI chip, and new AI-based features as well as an easy upgrade path — making it right for today’s needs and ready for tomorrow. More information about the iTero Element Plus Series can be found at http://www.itero.com and by registering to attend the BDIA Virtual Showcase https://www.bdia.org.uk/dental/events/bdia/bdia-dental-showcase-rescheduled-to-march-2022,-pl

Philips hosts The Oral Health Promotion Incubator roundtable and three lectures at the BDIA Virtual Showcase

On Tuesday 23rd March, hygienist and founder of The Smile Revolution, Victoria Wilson will facilitate a roundtable debate at the BDIA Virtual Showcase highlighting the scope of an Oral Health Promotion Incubator. The objective of the participatory round table event is to stimulate a conversation about developing opportunities in oral health promotion, pushing delegates to think creatively and explore new and untapped scope within their roles as dental professionals. This roundtable discussion is aimed at every dental professional who wishes to have a greater impact on oral health improvements by coming up with new initiatives in the practice and the wider community.

During the roundtable discussion Victoria will focus on the current challenges within oral health promotion and engage with participants to explore opportunities to help overcome their existing challenges. As she commented: “I have observed many positive changes in the people who participate in the Smile Revolution courses I run, and the initiatives they develop have the scope to bring about real change, as well as enhancing their careers and the teams of which these dental professionals are part.”

She adds: “The key message I hope to convey is that there is huge scope to develop an imaginative approach to oral health promotion, and there are more opportunities than you might think for dental professionals to tap into. I will be concluding the roundtable with some practical tips to help delegate explore oral health promotional opportunities further – from making projects financially viable to making them sustainable for the long term.”

Victoria will be joined by Preetee Hylton, a graduate from one of Smile Revolutions’ Oral Health Incubator courses, along with Laura McClune from Philips Oral Healthcare. Philips has supported Victoria Wilson’s Smile Revolution courses throughout 2020 and into 2021 by providing sponsored places. It is just one of the of reinforcing its ongoing support to dental professionals and help drive leadership in dentistry through innovation in oral health promotion.

It is also sponsoring this event and encourages BDIA Showcase delegates to register fast for the roundtable as the session can only accept a maximum of 30 places.

Philips is also hosting three lectures during the BDIA Virtual Showcase. Delegates are invited to join Dr Alif Moosajee on Tuesday 23rd March as he explores the traits of being a good dentist and business owner. Dental Hygienist and serial oral health entrepreneur Megan Fairhall will be lecturing on Wednesday 24th on the theme of health and wellness as a precursor to the launch of her first podcast series on the same subject, which is also sponsored by Philips. Whilst on 26th March Melanie Pomphrett will be speaking about the ‘Zoom Boom’ and how the whole dental team can optimise tooth whitening in practice using the Zooom Whitening systems.

To register for the roundtable or any of the three lectures at the BDIA Showcase please visit https://ondemand.dentalshowcase.com.