A principal dentist is, in many ways, akin to a captain at the helm of a ship. It is their direction, experience and commitment that keeps a practice on the right course.

But, as captain, there are many different responsibilities that simply cannot be ignored. Compliance, recruitment, administration, discipline and finance: these are just a small selection of the duties that a principal dentist must manage on a daily basis – on top of their busy schedule of treating patients.    
 

This presents a very real problem for a great many principal dentists. Indeed, one of the most common factors for job dissatisfaction amongst practice owners is actually the stress of running a practice.[1] Even with a practice manager (or first-mate, to continue the maritime analogy) taking some of the strain, there are a multitude of unavoidable day-to-day tasks that are necessary for success.

But most dentists are not businesspeople – and, in all honesty, why should they be? They did not spend years at dental school to become anything but a dentist so it is understandable that some of the extraneous obligations that principals inevitably find themselves dealing with become the reason for professional failings and shortcomings.

And, of course, this can have very serious ramifications for the rest of the dental team. After all, if a ship’s captain has lost their way, what hope is there for the crew? Indeed, it is well documented that a large majority of workplace issues and employment tribunals in dental practices stem from the inability of a principal to treat their staff as business employees.[2]
 

There is a solution to this. Research has shown that dentists who join with a larger dental group exhibit greater work satisfaction than those who forge ahead alone. The two main benefits that were highlighted were an increase in downtime and the elimination of administrative stress.[3]
 

In fact, those dentists who joined dental corporates found themselves with more time to concentrate on the things that attracted them to a career in dentistry in the first place: practising dentistry.
 

Admittedly, dental corporates have acquired a negative reputation in the UK. Some professionals see them as profit-driven conglomerates that are intent on eliminating autonomy and imposing stringent uniformity. But while these unfortunate views persist, they are simply untrue.    
 

A dental corporate strives for one thing above all others: excellence. Whether that is clinical excellence, or the very highest standards in all other aspects of the dental business. Corporate leaders understand that the best way to promote excellence is to allow people to do the jobs they are best suited for. That is why they are enthusiastic about bringing together experts in all parts of the dental profession – from practitioners to nurses, IT gurus, marketing experts, recruitment leaders and compliance professionals.
 

By working together, and supporting each other, it becomes far easier to achieve the best. Whether its in matters of compliance, recruitment or discipline, there will always be a network of understanding, like-minded professionals to depend on.
 

So, joining a dental corporate should not be thought of as surrendering your ship to another captain: it’s far more like joining a fleet – a fleet formed of many individual ships, each with an individual captain, who all share a common direction, who can depend on each other for support and who are administered by a dedicated and experienced Admiralty.
 

Portman Dental is a dental corporate that truly promotes this idea. With around 30 practices across England, from Sheffield to the Isle of Wight, Portman Dental strives to make each individual practice the best it can be. It does this not by introducing radical changes that force its members to work in a certain way, but by providing the right support, direction and staff to allow for excellence to propagate naturally. Management is maintained on a local level, and supported by a central team of experts and only principals who are truly committed to the idea of cooperation and progression are taken on. 
 

Don’t allow workplace pressures and dissatisfaction to affect your practice’s success – or your wellbeing. Join a dental corporate and strike the truest course, for you and your team.

For more information about joining the Portman Dental team, please visit www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk or call on 0207 281 9489

I always try to be as open-minded about the development of our profession – I try to read extensively on many different topics to ensure I know what new ways I can care for the patients who come to me asking for help.

But every so often I come across certain articles and opinions that truly test my resolve. The most recent was a piece that was written to promote the work of holistic dentists and, while I am fully supportive of any dental professional who strives to improve their patients’ general health through their work, I found the particular attitude on display in this piece both cynical and unwarranted.
 

Indeed, it is an attitude I am seeing more and more often in the alternative press – how holistic or homeopathic dentists are the only ones in the profession who truly treat their patients as a whole, not just a set of disembodied teeth.
 

Admittedly, when I’m working and the patient is dozing off in the chair and I’ve got my microscope on and all I can see is the canal, it’s easy to get a little bit lost in the treatment. Of course, I’ve never completely forgotten that there is a person attached to the tooth, but sometimes – and I am sure that many of you are exactly the same – I can become so absorbed in what I am doing that the tooth is all I see.
 

But beyond the treatment, this is by no means the case. Dentists in this country are part of a caring, protecting profession and we are all aware of the links between oral health and general health. We always discuss dietary habits with our patients, explain how stress and anxiety may manifest in dental conditions such as bruxism or TMJ disorders.
 

That holistic dentists would try to monopolise this aspect of the responsibility all dental practitioners have to their patients is simply a cynical marketing tactic – and it is fundamentally inaccurate.
 

What’s worse is the attitudes many alternative practitioners have to the materials and techniques the majority of modern professionals use on a daily basis. In particular, holistic dentistry attacks amalgams, portraying them as irredeemably toxic, or fluoridated water as an institutionalised evil.
 

This attitude is undermining the profession apart from the inside. As dentists, we already have to protect ourselves from the bad reputation external sources burden us with; to have to do the same from our own colleagues is a disaster. True, we should welcome diversity and forward thinking, but this can only happen without the need to scare the public or lambast each other.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999 or visit www.endocare.co.uk

Dr Michael Sultan BDS MSc DFO FICD is a Specialist in Endodontics and the Clinical Director of EndoCare. Michael qualified at Bristol University in 1986. He worked as a general dental practitioner for 5 years before commencing specialist studies at Guy’s hospital, London. He completed his MSc in Endodontics in 1993 and worked as an in-house Endodontist in various practices before setting up in Harley St, London in 2000. He was admitted onto the specialist register in Endodontics in 1999 and has lectured extensively to postgraduate dental groups as well as lecturing on Endodontic courses at Eastman CPD, University of London. He has been involved with numerous dental groups and has been chairman of the Alpha Omega dental fraternity. In 2008 he became clinical director of EndoCare, a group of specialist practices.

To create natural-looking and strong restorations in order to achieve the beautiful smile patients desire, you need products that you can rely on.

Filtek Supreme XTE universal restorative from 3M ESPE incorporates enhanced ease of use and clinical performance.[i] Utilising unique nanofiller technology, it achieves the polishability and polish retention typical of a microfill and provides excellent handling, strength and wear properties needed for universal indications.[ii]

Filtek Supreme XTE universal restorative is available in 36 shades and opacities meaning you will always be able to provide a suitable aesthetic match for your patients.[iii] Contact the team at 3M ESPE today to find out how Filtek Supreme XTE universal restorative can benefit your practice.

For more information, call 0845 602 5094 or visit www.3Mespe.co.uk

Naturally, young people compare their appearance with models, actors and celebrities depicted in advertising and the media. Youngsters also have a tendency to ignore other abilities and focus on appearance as evidence of worthiness. However, there is still much to commend about this generation’s attitudes towards fitness and wellbeing as they lay down the foundations for a healthy life.

In general, the younger generation has a healthy disposition and research conducted over the last decade reveals that an increasing proportion of youngsters eat fruit and vegetables, are physically active on a daily basis, rate their health as excellent, practice safe sex, and live free of tobacco and cannabis.[1] There is also a decline in those that drink alcohol weekly and gym use has increased threefold in a generation. The consequences are that young adults are now more inclined to take regular exercise than people did 30 years ago and 48% of 16-24 year olds use a fitness app on a regular basis.[2] Special diets that focus on organic, lactose and dairy-free foods have trebled in popularity over a generation,[3] but conversely, young adults are placing much less emphasis on their oral health.

According to statistics, the number of people that visited an NHS dentist in England has fallen since 2013.[4] Furthermore, the highest prevalence of decay on the crowns of the teeth was found in adults aged 25 to 34.[5] This would indicate that although young adults seem to be better informed and enthusiastic about their general health and fitness some are neglecting to look after their teeth.

The condition of the teeth significantly affects a person’s appearance and cracked, missing, stained or unhygienic teeth look unhealthy and unattractive. Along with this, untreated dental problems, a build up of plaque and periodontal disease are common causes of oral malodour, which can lead to a lack of confidence and social withdrawal. As we know, the health of the mouth impacts significantly to the general wellbeing of the body and effective oral hygiene is required to preserve it. When speaking to young patients, dental professionals need to reinforce the message and encourage them to take their oral health just as seriously as every other aspect of their fitness.

Along with effective tooth brushing and interdental cleaning, it is wise to recommend a mouth rinse to keep breath smelling fresh. With the hectic lifestyle that many young people lead, CB12 mouth rinse can be used as a convenient daily oral deodorant to prevent bad breath. Just one shot begins working instantly and its unique, patented formula adheres to the tissues of the oral cavity to eliminate unpleasant breath for up to 12 hours. Many of your patients may experience dry mouth during a work out or ‘ketone breath’ if they are following a specific diet but CB12 has the solution. As well as the rinse, CB12 Boost is a sugar free chewing gum that can be used to freshen and invigorate the breath after meals and throughout the day. CB12 products have been developed by dentists and contain specific ingredients to reduce plaque, strengthen teeth and prevent cavities so you can empower young patients to look after their oral health with confidence.

Although the younger generation seem to be very savvy about health and fitness the power is in still your hands. By encouraging your patients to take their oral health seriously with a regular daily routine, you can enrich their lives well into the future.

For more information about CB12 and how it could benefit your patients, please visit www.cb12.co.uk

When it comes to dental care, patients want to feel as though they are getting the maximum value for their money – and by working with Munroe Sutton, they can be sure they are.  

By offering a range of great discounts to patients, Munroe Sutton provides easy and affordable access to both the essential care and optional dental treatments that patients desire, for less. In turn, this will boost participating practices’ patient numbers, filling appointment books and helping them grow as a business.

Becoming a part of Munroe Sutton is free for dental practices and gives you access to a vast network designed to promote and market your services to a broad variety of people.

The team at Munroe Sutton are committed to providing patients with the most affordable solution to high quality dental care, while also helping practices maximise chair time and maintain optimal profitability. Find out how they can bring you and your new patients together; contact the team today.

For more information please call 0808 234 3558 or visit www.munroesutton.co.uk

Geography can play a significant role in the success of any practice transaction. From regional variations in value, demand and activity to patient demographics, understanding the local trends and market characteristics are all vital when ensuring the optimum transactional outcome. 
 

Christie + Co has specialists in 16 locations across the country, providing convenient, reliable access and insights into the local markets. For instance we understand that the areas that see the most interest are London and the South East, with the Midlands and some areas in the North also experiencing very high demand. This causes significant regional variations in practice valuation and it seems that the closer you get to the extremities of the UK, the more values ‘fall off’.
 

With years of experience valuing businesses across many market sectors and experts located across the UK, Christie + Co understand the significance of local knowledge. So if you’re looking to purchase a practice and want to ensure you make the most appropriate decisions based on in depth local and national insight, contact the experts at Christie + Co today.
 

To discuss how Christie + Co might help you achieve your future plans please contact Simon Hughes on 020 7227 0749

When it comes to pensions and annuities, the Government is constantly changing the rules and moving the goalposts. It’s no wonder many dentists are struggling to know which decisions to make in regards to their own retirement.

Luckily money4dentists is here to help. As specialist Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) to dentists, the money4dentists team have over half a Century’s experience in the profession and are there to help ensure you make the optimum decisions when it comes to your finances.    

From the economic climate to the amount in your pension and from your geographic location to your health and lifestyle; the amount you receive from an annuity depends upon a long list of variables.

So if you are considering retiring soon, or want to be sure to plan for a secure, worry-free future, it pays to seek out the advice of an IFA that has experience and understanding of your profession. Turn to the experts at money4dentists and take a step towards a safe financial future.

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754 DENTIST.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.money4dentists.com

“I was keen to take the Inman Aligner training course after attending an inspirational lecture by Dr. Tif Qureshi on ‘Align, Bleach and Bond’ at the FGDP,” says Dr. Rima Patel, who works at dental practices in Crystal Palace and Carshalton.

“Associates in both practices I work in had previously attended and begun offering the appliance to their patients – so there were always enquiries about it. I wanted to develop my skills, in order to also be able to offer patients what they wanted, rather than having to refer them to a colleague.

“I had expected there to be more people attending the course on the day – and the lecture to be more crowded. I was pleasantly surprised, however, that it was a small group, and that the lectures were of the highest quality. Everything was explained thoroughly and the hands-on element complemented the presentations.

“I would recommend the Inman Aligner training course to others, as I feel the IAS Academy has a structured learning pathway you can follow and the guidance and information provided was of a high quality and very detailed in nature.”

To discover what you could learn, contact the friendly IAS Academy team today.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, including the Inman Aligner,

In a poll taken during the BDIA Showcase, 100% of dentists interviewed said they would recommend Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes to their patients.[i]

As a further testament to the quality and effectiveness of the products, over 85% said they would use them themselves.

The Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes feature a super soft rubber design with the flexibility to clean even the smallest interdental spaces with ease. Completely metal-free, patients who have struggled with interdental brushes in the past are likely to find these simple and effective to use.

Ideal for those with orthodontic appliances, dental implants, metal fillings or crowns, and available in three different sizes, the Clean Between Interdental Brushes are suitable for every situation.

From September, Dentist Surgery Packs of Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes will be available via dental wholesalers, consisting of dispenser boxes with 100 cello-wrapped sample packs of each colour of brush. Make sure you get yours and discover for yourself how much they can help your patients!

To discover why so many dentists recommend the Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes, contact the team today.

To find out more, please visit www.wisdomtoothbrushes.com or call 01440 714800

Recently launched in the UK and Ireland, Humble Brush is an exciting new product that aids dental health while protecting the environment and supporting less fortunate communities around the globe.

Dr Noel Abdayem, one of the founders of Humble Brush, as well as James Hamill from Quintess Denta – exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland – and Dr Darren Weiss, President of the Humble Smile Foundation (www.humblesmile.org), introduced the inspiring product at a press launch in August this year.

Humble Brush features an ergonomically designed, biodegradable, panda-friendly bamboo handle that offers natural antiseptic properties. This is complemented by soft, degradable nylon bristles and packaging  made from 100% recycled materials.

You have the power to not only provide your patients with a truly effective and environmentally friendly adjunct, but also gain assurance that with every Humble Brush sold, the equivalent value will be donated to people in need.

Furthermore, you can test this remarkable product with a free toothbrush sample available for each practice. To help make a difference, contact the team at Humble Brush today.

Humble Brush is now available in the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.humblebrush.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0286 862 8880. To order contact our exclusive distributor Quintess Denta at www.quintesshumblebrush.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

@HumbleBrush and www.facebook.com/humblebrushuk

Dr. Rima Patel, who works at dental practices in both Crystal Palace and Carshalton, recently took part in the Inman Aligner training course, provided by the IAS Academy.

“I attended the Inman Aligner training course in December 2014,” says Dr. Patel. “I initially booked a place following an inspirational lecture given by Dr. Tif Qureshi on ‘Align, Bleach and Bond’, held at the FGDP. He was also offering a small discount to attendees of that lecture, so it presented a great opportunity.

“Several of my colleagues had already been using the Inman Aligner – so patients were always enquiring about it. As a result, I wanted to be able to offer my own patients what they wanted, rather than having to refer them to a colleague.

“I had thought that the course would be crowded, that a lot of people would be attending the lecture – but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a small group. The lecture was of the highest quality and everything was explained thoroughly; the hands-on element complemented the presentations very well.

“It was also great that there was a small trade fair running over lunch, which gave us the opportunity to meet and talk to different people from different companies.

“I would recommend the Inman Aligner training course to others, because I feel as though the IAS Academy provides a structured educational pathway for you to follow – and the guidance and information it offers is of a high quality and detailed in nature.”  

The IAS Academy provides a number of training opportunities, including the Inman Aligner course, that are designed to give GDPs the confidence and expertise to offer their patients more in the way of alternative anterior alignment orthodontics. A truly unique and dedicated learning pathway, the IAS Academy focuses on education as much as it does on effective appliances, ensuring excellent levels of competence and success.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, including the Inman Aligner,

please visit www.iasortho.com or call 0845 366 5477

The term “Catch 22”, first used in Joseph Heller’s novel, described the constraints placed on soldiers during World War II. Since then it has become a familiar way to describe the predicament of being trapped by contradictory rules or circumstances.

When leaving education, many young people now find themselves in a “Catch 22” situation simply because they don’t have any knowledge of the working world, yet employers frequently prefer to hire candidates with some form of previous work experience.

There are around 1.85 million people unemployed in the UK[1] and an analysis by the House of Commons Library for Labour states that people aged between 16 and 24 now fare comparatively worse than others at any point since 1992, with this age group nearly three times more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population.[2] Without enough jobs to go around, there are fewer opportunities for youngsters to work part time or have weekend jobs during education as previous generations did. Consequently, many are finding themselves out in the big wide world with very little or no work experience.

To address the situation the government is investing in apprenticeship schemes to encourage more 16-24 year olds into work. The new employer-led Trailblazers Apprenticeship programmes are ideal for young people, enabling them to earn as they learn, gaining valuable experience as they train in a worthwhile profession. From the employer’s point of view, the advantages of taking on an apprentice are multi-faceted. Not only are business owners and managers able to grow talent in-house, moulding and encouraging individuals to work to the methods and standards they need to increase productivity, but it also allows them to remain competitive and retain a committed workforce. What’s more, taking on an apprentice is rewarding, both on a personal level and for the team as they are able to pass on their knowledge and experience, feeling valued and pleased to play an active part in training a new recruit. Indeed, studies reveal that 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeship schemes lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.[3]

Apprenticeship programmes are now led and developed by employers to ensure that trainees attain the necessary skills and standards to meet the needs of UK industry and to build a competent workforce for the future. Along with other top employers and governing bodies, Mustafa Mohammed – owner of Genix Healthcare and Sparkle Dental Labs and Chair for the new Trailblazers Apprenticeship Programmes in Dentistry – has been instrumental in spearheading new apprenticeship programmes in both Dental Nursing and Dental Practice Management. Together they have created new training pathways and assessment methods to provide young people with the practical skills and experience they require for long and successful careers. Similarly, employers are able to gain the calibre of staff that they need to continue the high standards expected in dentistry.

With the top quality training and support the dentistry sector has to offer, it is possible to rescue some young people from the “Catch 22” situation. If you are thinking of recruiting a new member of your team, why not consider taking on an apprentice?

For more details contact the team today.

For additional information from the National Apprenticeship Service, please visit www.apprenticeship.org.uk.

For additional information please call 0845 838 1122, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.genixhealthcare.com

We all have the dream of owning our own practice, however the thought of making that transition is often frightening.
 

My first thought was, what can I afford? The only loan I’d ever got was for my home, and that was in the days banks were handing out money to anyone and everyone. This is where Dental Elite (DE) Finance, and in particular Becki, were invaluable. Long before I found the right practice, Becki had taken all the relevant information from me and let me know what I could realistically expect to get from the banks given my circumstances. This really narrowed down my search criteria, allowing me to stop wasting time on those practices that were out of my reach.

This was to be my first acquisition, for a reasonably sized practice in South Yorkshire with a healthy NHS contract. Before committing, DE Finance ran through all the figures again, ensuring the purchase was financially viable, before we moved forward.

In between dealing with the sellers and our respective solicitors, as well as having to turn up to work each day, I didn’t have time for much else. In DE Finance I felt like I had a PA, with Becki contacting all the major banks (and some I’d never heard of) on my behalf, leaving me to get on with other things. I left Becki to fight my corner as to why they should lend someone who has never run a business, let alone a dental practice, such a large sum of money. This I thought was going to be the most stressful part of the purchase, but it turned out to be the easiest.

Becki had influential contacts in all the right places, and offers from the banks quickly came rolling in. More importantly, because Becki was involved, the banks knew they would be competing against each other, and subsequently provided offers at fantastic rates. I certainly didn’t have time to approach all these banks myself, nor would I have received the rates I did.

Things didn’t end here however. Becki followed the process right through to completion and beyond. She was always there when I needed to contact her, even out of work hours. When the bank was labouring with the sale at times, she would intervene on my behalf and get her contact to push things along. It was great just being able to pick up the phone when I wasn’t sure about something, to receive some expert guidance, or even just some much needed reassurance.

Would I recommend Becki? Absolutely, without hesitation. I know who the first person I ring will be when I’m ready to make my next acquisition, even if it’s not a dental practice. And what did this fantastic service cost me? Nothing, not a penny!

Thank you Becki for making this whole process so easy for me.

- Imran Ahmed

Following the success of the 2015 Bursary Awards, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) would like to announce that application for the 2016 Postgraduate Bursary Award is now open.

Dental professionals interested in entering the Postgraduate Award should submit their project, focusing on either improving access for disadvantaged people or building awareness of oral cancer and the need for early diagnosis.

The proposed project must be implemented during 2015-16 and the winning applicant will receive £5,000, made up of £2,500 for the dentist and a further £2,500 to be used in support of the delivery of the project.

The winners of the 2015 ADG Postgraduate Bursary Award were Orna Ni Choileain and Niall McGoldrick for their project ­­­­­­­­Let’s Talk About Mouth Cancer.

On winning the Bursary, Orna said: “When I found out we won the Bursary, I had the perfect mixture of shock and excitement. It feels like a great achievement to have our work setting up the 'Let's Talk About Mouth Cancer’ charity recognised by other professionals on a national level. It's a sign of confidence for us and the wider team that all the work we have been doing over the last year has been worthwhile.”

For more information about the ADG visit www.dentalgroups.co.uk

The Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign – which was launched by the British Dental Health Foundation and supported by the Association of Dental Groups – may have finished for another year, but there is no doubt that the fight against mouth cancer must go on. Much has been learnt about the disease over recent years, especially in regards to triggers and causes, but over the last year in particular, new research has come to light.

One study, for instance, suggests that there could be a complex network of chemical, viral and (epi)genetic factors that link to the occurrence of oral carcinogenesis.[i] While the factors that trigger this process and the metastasis of oral cancer have not been clarified in this study, the mere suggestion that immune reactions following viral infections may cross-react with tumour suppressor action proteins to create oral cancer could be ground breaking.

Another element that is currently being researched at some length could be crucial to diagnosis, is the mutation of the TP53 gene. Normally, the protein produced by this gene – known as p53 – works to prevent cells from increasing in size. But as studies of the gene show, changes can cause oral squamous cell carcinoma to develop[ii] – which accounts for more than 90% of oral cancers.[iii] Testing for changes to p53 could serve as a prognostic marker, thereby increasing the chances of early detection.

In terms of effective diagnosis, it has also been suggested in research conducted earlier this year, that salivary genomic and proteomic biomarkers could potentially be a successful – and less invasive – approach to testing for oral cancer.[iv] This could prove very beneficial to diagnosis if this were to develop. In the meantime, it is crucial that you continue to screen for oral cancer and invite your patients for regular check-ups.

What still needs to be done, however, is to convince the government that oral cancer is as important as other healthcare issues. That’s not to say that ministers don’t care about oral cancer – for Sir Paul Beresford MP seemed sincerely passionate about the matter at the Mouth Cancer Action Month launch – but it occasionally appears as if other concerns, such as smoking and obesity, take precedence.

It goes without saying that you are all aware of mouth cancer and the health risks that late diagnosis poses. But by keeping up to date with the latest research, maintaining constant vigilance with screenings and treatment pathways and by urging government officials to take greater action, you can keep on top of oral cancer. To find out more, please contact the ADG or British Dental Health Foundation.

To donate or for more information visit www.dentalgroups.co.uk or www.dentalhealth.org

“Currently, I use Impregum Penta for all my indirect restorations and implant work: it is a superior impression material,” says Dr Adyl Asani, principal dentist at TwentyOne Dental in Hove.

“I have used a variety of other impression materials over the course of my career, though none of these have provided me with the stability, accuracy and level of detail that Impregum has.

“Its ideal flow properties also reproduce the most minor details in my preparations and I avoid drags and airblows. This means I can ensure that the first impression is the last.

“I have no hesitation in recommending Impregum Penta impression material to other practitioners who are looking to provide their patients with the best possible indirect restorations.”

For more information, call 0845 602 5094 or visit www.3Mespe.co.uk

When undertaking a building project to create a new surgery or practice, the excitement can quickly dissolve into dismay, as the true extent of elements needing consideration come to the fore. Regulations, branding, accessibility, finances; they are just a few of the factors that need to be decided upon. Your true expertise lies within the clinical arena, treating patients, and so it is worthwhile approaching the professionals in the field of design and building of dental surgeries and practices.

Rules, Regulations and Requirements

The minefield of regulations to adhere to can be overwhelming and trip you at the first hurdle. There are requirements to ensure you adhere to stringent clinical welfare needs, such as with cross infection control to keep your patients and staff safe. HTM01-05 is updated periodically so it is best to consult with experts to ensure you follow the latest mandates and are therefore compliant. 

Then there are the non-clinical rules that must be obeyed; especially pertinent if you are considering building a new dental practice. Planning permission can become a necessity depending on your level of development, and this can be time consuming and needs to be applied for via a particular route. There are other building related regulations too. Many dental practices are located in beautiful historic houses, and so the listed building status needs to be assessed to see if relevant.

Design and Branding

Another essential consideration is the design and branding of your practice. As a dentist, you will have a keen eye for detail but are perhaps more used to working at a microscopic level. From the building layout to the dental units used in surgeries it is crucial that every aspect of the practice conforms to a clear notion of what you have to offer, however this can require a lot of time to plan and implement successfully. Working with a reputable design company that utilises the latest technology and has experience in implementing dental surgeries will help you to achieve a practice that has a consistent aesthetic and unifying brand message.

Experts in this field can work with you to understand what your practice’s vision is and how you want your services to be conveyed to existing customers. They can also advise on how to create branding that will attract new patients. Your practice says a lot about you and so you need to get this right to encourage patients to attend.

Motivated Workforce

It’s not just your patients that may need encouragement; you will need to spend as much time ensuring your staff and colleagues have a comfortable environment to work in. It is remarkable, how when people operate in a new, clean and pristine setting it motivates them to work even harder. They feel the need to exude the same level of competency as their environment conveys. It is not only the aesthetics that can be motivating but also the facilities available to members of the team. The staff room can therefore be as important a consideration in the building of a new practice as a surgery, and should be carefully thought through.

Further still, there is the health and safety of your workforce. “Ergonomically friendly” is a term used frequently when discussing a new surgery set-up. A new build project is the ideal chance to maximise the latest technology and design concepts to ensure your team work in the most healthy and comfortable way.

Customer-Centric

The final consideration to discuss is probably the most important to you: the patient. If you are an existing practice that is refurbishing a surgery or even the whole building, you need to ensure there is minimum patient disruption. Good communications with patients and keeping them informed of the progress of the project will help put their minds at ease and further engage their interest in the practice. If you are unable to proceed with their treatment due to the building work, then alternative arrangements need to be made.

The new surgery and practice should ensure accessibility for all patients and create a comfortable, peaceful environment, especially for those that are more nervous of a dental visit. The décor and design can assist with this, such as the colours used, and the layout of surgeries to the waiting room.

With you all the way

There is so much to contemplate when embarking on a new practice, new surgery, rebuild or redesign that it’s impossible to know where to begin. By turning to the experts at Clark Dental you will have a bespoke design and build solution tailored to your specific needs. They help take care of every aspect; from that initial discussion right through to completion, when you open your new door ready for the first patient to walk through.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

Rushing around buying gifts, planning and shopping for Christmas menus, absorbing additional expenditure, entertaining friends and family, decorating the house and making sure everyone has a great time are all stresses of the festive season. Indeed according to a recent survey, 14% of Brits feel more under pressure than ever to have the perfect Christmas.[1]
 

Another ‘pressure point’ is the works’ Christmas party. This event is the highlight in the annual calendar for many where they are able to enjoy mingling with colleagues in a relaxed environment. However, it can be a time of anxiety for some individuals because although they can reveal more of their personality at the Christmas bash, out of their usual professional role, they worry more about their appearance. According to a survey commissioned by The Clothes Show Live, 63% of women start thinking and researching their Christmas outfit three months in advance.^[2]
 

For a lot of people, meeting and interacting with others, attending Christmas parties and getting up close and personal are what nightmares are made of. Many have social anxieties and suffer from low self esteem, but with 25% of the population experiencing bad breath at some point in their lives, chatting up their latest crush or sharing a kiss under the mistletoe is out of the question for some individuals.
 

Oral malodour is a very personal problem and remains a social stigma that can influence an individual’s confidence and well-being considerably.  Unfortunately, with everything else to manage and consider, many people are more likely than ever to forget about their oral health over the festive season. Dashing around the shops, visiting friends and relatives and completing all the additional tasks associated with Christmas may keep them active, but they can become dehydrated and the saliva that helps to wash away bacteria becomes depleted. Additionally, over Christmas and New Year we are all subjected to an array of tempting food and drink that we may normally avoid, but grazing on sugary, fatty, rich foods as well as an increase in alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on the health of the oral cavity as well as the breath.

As well as advising patients to stay properly hydrated, dental professionals can help patients to remain healthy and confident with good oral health instructions, including the use of a daily deodorising mouth rinse and recommending a chewing a sugar free gum after eating. CB12 has developed a mouth rinse that can be used in the morning to prevent unpleasant breath for up to 12 hours, which is great news for patients during the festive season.

Build on your existing skills by gaining all the business knowledge and practical experience you need to be the best dental practice manager you can be.

Plus, earn a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification with the ILM Certificate in Leadership and Management.

With only 3- 4 classroom-based days, held at Barnet and Southgate College in London, you can even hone your skills while taking next to no time away from your practice.

The exciting two-year programme covers:

Human Resources / Patient Care / Clinical / Marketing / Risk Management / Quality Assurance / Finance and The Dental Industry

The next starting dates are:

18^th March 2016

13^th May 2016

1^st July 2016

Take the next step in your career and find out more about the

Trailblazer Management Apprenticeship today.

For more information or applications contact Barnet and Southgate College on 0208 266 4333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wrights, an experienced and independent distributor, was proud to introduce Planmeca and its quality products to its range at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2015.

With a competitive edge in scientific knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of clinical workflows, the products from Planmeca have the potential to put your practice one step ahead of the rest.

Aesthetically pleasing, sophistically designed and outstandingly durable, Planmeca offers quality products including:

·         First class imaging software for all your imaging needs

·         Advanced CAD/CAM solutions

·         A wide range of 3D, 2D, panoramic and intraoral imaging devices

·         Innovative dental units

If you are looking for cutting-edge equipment at excellent prices with an efficient and reliable next day delivery service, the friendly and approachable staff at Wrights can help you, whatever your needs.

Interested? Contact Wrights now and find out what you are missing!

For more information contact Wrights on 0800668899 or visit the easy to navigate website www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

While innovation and technological advancements will continue to play a key role in the development of dentistry, nurturing the future generation of dental professionals is equally as crucial.
 

As the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) understands the positive impact ingenuity and proactivity can have on a practice and on the profession, it is pleased to be welcoming back the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Bursary Awards in 2016. The ceremony will be held on the 18^th March at The Library at the Royal College of Surgeons.                                

With applications open until December 31^st 2015, there is still time for budding undergraduate students – including dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and clinical dental technicians – to enter their chosen category.

Covering the competencies of ethics, professionalism, scope of practice and communication, the ‘Skill mix in dentistry’ category focuses on ideas relating to teamwork and the use of skills in the dental setting. Alternatively, applicants can choose to enter the ‘Professionalism’ group. All they need to do is describe a time and situation in which professionalism and ethicality have been demonstrated for a chance to win.

With gold, silver and bronze bursary prizes available for both categories – offering £1,000, £750 and £250 respectively – all applications will be judged and awarded by an expert panel.

As Amardeep Singh Dhadwal, the Undergraduate (Professionalism) Gold Award Winner of 2015 comments, “I would definitely recommend other students to enter the competition next year; it is a great opportunity to discuss and consider what dentistry means to you and what you aspire to as a dental professional.”

Indeed, not only is the ADG Undergraduate Bursary Award 2016 an excellent opportunity for personal development in young professionals and a chance to earn the respect of their colleagues, but it is also beneficial to the future care of patients.

The ADG also recognises the talent and commitment of both postgraduate students and dentists with a dental degree undertaking postgraduate training. Offering a bursary of £5,000 to the winner, applications must detail a project to be executed within the UK – either to improve access for disadvantaged people or to build awareness on oral cancers and the need for early diagnosis – and must be implemented during 2016/17.

Although £2,500 of the award must be used to support the delivery of the project, the other half is very much a reward – and will be a well-deserved one at that. As Orna Ni Choileain, who was last year’s joint winner with Niall McGoldrick, highlights however, the bursary is much more than a cash prize. “When I found out we won the bursary, I had the perfect mixture of shock and excitement. It feels like a great achievement to have our work setting up the ‘Let’s Talk About Mouth Cancer’ charity recognised by other professionals on a national level.”

If you are thinking of applying or know somebody that is suitable for the award, contact the ADG today for more information. Who knows, it could be you?

For more information about the ADG visit www.dentalgroups.co.uk

On 25 November 2015, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne revealed the 2015 Spending Review and Autumn Statement. In the Summer Budget, Osborne declared it was time to become a country of higher wages, lower taxes and lower welfare. It would seem that the Review looks to reinforce this. However, how will this affect the dental profession, if at all?

Savings and Pensions

There are some aspects of the Autumn Statement that won’t affect dentists, but taxation on savings and pensions might. It is prudent to note that the band of savings income that is subject to the 0% starting rate will remain at £5,000 for 2016/2017 – a relevant point for those looking to achieve savings on tax through proactive mitigation.

In regards to individual savings accounts (ISAs), the limit will remain at £15,240. The Statement also announced that the list of qualifying investments for the new Finance ISA is to be extended in Autumn 2016 to include debt securities offered via crowdfunding platforms. As for the ISA savings of a deceased person, they will continue to benefit from ISA tax advantages during the administration of their estate.

The Review has also outlined plans to introduce legislation that will enable the pension tax rules on bridging pensions to be aligned with Department for Work and Pensions legislation. As for the pensions tax relief consultation that was launched in the Summer Budget 2015, the proposals will be published in the 2016 Budget.

Inheritance Tax

Another aspect of the Autumn Statement that might affect dentists is changes to inheritance tax (IHT). The Autumn Statement has revealed that inheritance tax rules are to be backdated to 2011 to prevent pension scheme members from being charged for inheritance tax if they don't drawdown their monetary funds before their death.

Buy-To-Let Scheme

For those looking to invest in additional properties, including buy to let properties and second homes, from 1 April 2016 they will have to pay an extra 3% in stamp duty. The money raised will be used to help those struggling to buy their first home. While this may be costly to some, it is certainly good news for the younger generation of dentists who are not yet on the property ladder. With announcements that a new Help to Buy equity loan scheme will lend 40% of the price of a home to those living in London, it is especially good news for those working and living in the capital.

Rent-A-Room Relief

Additionally, there has been an increase in rent-a-room relief, which is the amount of rental income that can be received tax-free by individuals renting a room or rooms in their main residence. From April 2016, the tax-free amount will be increased to £7,500 per annum.

Get Advice

All in all, the Autumn Statement was met with mixed reactions and certainly provides food for thought. For dentists specifically, there is much to be considered, but there is nothing that is especially concerning. If you are unsure what the Review might mean for you and your practice, it is always beneficial to seek out the advice of trusted financial professionals.

For more information please call 0845 345 5060, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.money4dentists.com

Turbo charge your Turnover
 

Website optimisation can be a cost effective and easily integrated marketing strategy for a dental practice to pursue. Practice owners need to spend time dedicated to the clinical aspects of a dental surgery, and this is where their expertise lie. However, this can result in the business side of the practice being neglected having detrimental effects on the revenue flow, so owners need to identify tactics that have maximum impact with minimal disruption on the care of their patients.

The internet has transformed the way in which businesses can communicate to both their current and potential patients. It is another channel that can be utilised to target specific groups with a tailored message that will resonate with their needs. Most UK dental practices have a website, even if it is not fully optimised, and there are a number of routes that a new patient can take to find it. The majority probably start from a well-known search engine and if a website has been designed effectively, it should have a high enough organic ranking to be featured in the first few search results.

However, many websites have to work proactively to acquire a prime position. One method is to pay for advertising. The advertisement needs to be carefully considered to ensure its effectiveness: concise, informative and intriguing. However, this does not guarantee a new patient, with the average conversion rate currently presenting at only 2.5%.  An important tip to increase sales conversion is to ensure that the landing page from the advertisement supports the message. If the landing page does not give the information that the patient requires at first glance, then the viewer is unlikely to spend any more time on that website. Also, it’s important that the potential new patient can easily make contact with the practice through simple forms of visual contact details. Even if the potential new patient does not convert following initial contact, this data can then be used to communicate with the ‘hot lead’ in the future.

With over a hundred years’ of experience across the team, Dental Elite can offer your practice a ‘Health Check’ and practical advice on how to achieve your objectives. Dental Elite will work with you to ensure the practice is optimising its revenue stream with view to maximising the valuation for when you come to sell. The Dental Elite directors have experience in marketing and Search Engine Optimisation and so these activities are at the core of the service offered.

Web site optimisation can be a powerful marketing tool to drive new patients to your practice, maximise their investment once there and increase the practice’s revenue stream. With just a few simple tactics applied online, the practice’s potential reach to new patients is enhanced with minimal disruption to clinical care.

For more information visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01788 545 900

Dedicated to providing first class customer service, Wrights, the independent distributor, continues to build upon the ever-growing reputation of what it can achieve and provide. Lisa Montague, Practice Manager of Hook Lane Dental Care in Welling, explains why Wrights has won her and her practice over.
 

Ever since our Wrights representative, Shilesh Jetha, first introduced himself to me two years ago, ordering within my practice has not been the same. Happy, friendly and communicative, we hit it off straight away.
 

He showed me price comparisons and potential offers compared to competitors. Since then Shilesh has price matched, or beaten, everything that he possibly can and he continues to ensure I get the very best deals available.
 

Since transferring a lot of our ordering to Wrights, I have sampled more and more products, which for the most part, have been exactly what we were looking for. Although we use Wrights mostly for the branded products, we have certainly seen an increase in our use of own brand products, now using the gloves for instance.
 

In the event of us not liking a specific product, Shilesh has always been very understanding, taking the feedback away and producing an alternative for us to try. What’s more, he always seems to get us a better deal, which is integral in an industry driven by price.
 

Although I do a weekly order, I probably speak to Shilesh most days! He is extremely helpful and accommodating, ensuring that products arrive next day delivery whenever possible.
 

Even though we are getting top brands for amazing prices, for me the customer service is what makes Wrights stand out from the rest. If I ring Shilesh with a problem or an issue, he deals with it straight away. As a very good problem solver, I always feel assured that I am getting an incredible service.
 

Ultimately, he is a perfect example of the kind of representative that Wrights need and do employ. Changing my perception and attitude to ordering, Shilesh has essentially acted as the catalyst for our move to Wrights. The products are great and the pricing is unmatched, but Wrights earn its reputation on the customer service alone.

As a result, I would definitely recommend Wrights, and have done so already to several practices.

For more information contact Wrights on 0800 66 88 99 or visit the easy to navigate website www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

The John Zamet Memorial Prize has been established to recognise and commemorate the significant contribution made to clinical periodontology by the late Dr John Zamet.
 

Dr Zamet was an Honorary Consultant and Senior Research Fellow at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, a Past President and Honorary Member of the British Society of Periodontology and the founder Chairman and a Trustee of the Alpha Omega London Chapter and Charitable Trust.

Applications are open to all UK-based postgraduate dental students studying for a Masters degree or PhD who are undertaking or who have recently completed original research associated with clinical periodontology.

The prize will be awarded every other year with a value of £2,000.

Applicants should submit a covering letter and an abstract not exceeding 1000 words which should, at least, cover the following areas:

1. Background to project?
2. Aims
?3. Methods?
4. Relevance to clinical periodontology
?5. Start and completion dates (estimated completion date will suffice if ongoing)

Three paper copies of the application should be submitted by 31st December 2015 to:

Professor Andrew Eder?Chairman, The Alpha Omega London Charitable Trust 2nd floor, 57a Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YP

And also sent electronically via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.?. The applicant must also submit a letter of support from their research supervisor confirming their supervision of the project. The submission will be considered by a panel of at least two Specialists in Periodontology of Professorial/Consultant status whose decision is final.

The successful applicant would normally be invited to present the results and/or clinical implications of the research at a meeting of the Alpha Omega London Chapter.

For a restorative that is suitable for everyday dentistry, try Filtek Z500 Universal Restorative from 3M ESPE.

Filtek Z500 has a multitude of benefits including good radiopacity[i] and light stability,[ii] high flexural strength,[iii] and low shrinkage.[iv] All of these factors add up to simple handling and durability, which is essential in the dental setting.

Not only that, Filtek Z500 Universal Restorative is available in eight universal and one opaque shade, so you can create beautiful restorations. The combination of this, along with the excellent polish retention,[v] makes Filtek Z500 your go-to product for aesthetic restorations.  

For a truly universal restorative, try Filtek Z500 from 3M ESPE today.

For more information, call 0845 602 5094 or visit www.3Mespe.co.uk

Dr. James Tinning of Pinfold Dental Practice, Cheshire took the London Inman Aligner hands-on training course.

“Following a seminar I attended presented by Tif Qureshi, I quickly realised that being able to offer patients the Inman Aligner system would be a great skill to add to my armamentarium.

“The course was excellent and very impressive – not only an informative and interesting day, but also a really enjoyable one as well. Instructors Tif Qureshi and James Russell were very professional and they were happy to spend time discussing potential cases.

“The appliance itself is very simple to use in practice and I have been able to use both the online support forum and help from NimroDENTAL laboratory to develop my knowledge of the Inman Aligner and treating more complex cases.

“I was impressed by the IAS academy hands-on training course and I would definitely recommend it to other colleagues.”

Committed to providing the highest quality of training and support, IAS Academy runs courses for the Inman Aligner, ClearSmile Aligners and ClearSmile Braces. To find out more, contact the team today.

For more information, go to www.iasortho.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0845 366 5477.

The current refugee crisis in Syria has been brought to global prominence with the heart-breaking image of three year-old Aylan Kurdi, lifeless in the surf after a desperate, failed attempt with his family to flee his birthplace and strive for a better life in Europe.

The Washington Post summed up Aylan’s plight:

“…As refugees from the Islamic State and other turbulent parts of the world besiege Eurostar trains, crowd the French port of Calais, and die on the shores of Libya or in trucks in Austria, it’s clear that Aylan is just one of countless many[i].”

The tragedy of losing this little boy is the stark result of political upheaval, war and suffering in our neighbouring countries. These are ordinary people, like us, who have left behind families, jobs and homes they loved, due to dreadful circumstances way beyond their control. However, in trying to flee their nations, they risk losing their lives. In Syria, the crisis has reached monumental proportions – the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre states that half of the country’s 22 million population is either displaced within its borders or has fled overseas[ii].

European heads of government face the immediate and seemingly insurmountable task of accommodating thousands of desperate people arriving daily on flimsy dinghies at Greek shores. However, because communication lines are broken, it’s easy to forget that there are millions more displaced in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan. Here, communities are torn apart by war, persecution and unimaginable misery and having fled their homes, still remain in their home countries.

The International Rescue Committee depicted the experience of displacement by documenting refugees’ possessions in photos as they arrived on the Greek island of Lesbos. One 17 year-old Afghan boy simply had a change of clothes (shorts, a t-shirt and lightweight trainers), a small amount of Turkish Lira, SIM cards, a comb, bandages and, shamefully, face whitening cream and hair gel. He thought that by whitening his skin and spiking up his hair, the authorities wouldn’t know he’s a refugee and therefore, he wouldn’t be arrested[iii].

Can any of us really appreciate what it is like to be driven from home in a matter of hours, to then have your last remaining valuables stolen at checkpoints before another fifty-mile trek to relative safety? This is a typical experience relayed to Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Archbishop of Westminster) when he met displaced Christians living in makeshift camps in Erbil, Iraq, seeking refuge from ISIS violence. He is at pains to emphasise that it is crucial for these people in order to preserve their dignity by giving them a home, however makeshift and temporary it may be[iv].

Thankfully, this fate is extremely unlikely to beset those of us living in Europe, which is why we are in a position to help. Whilst David Cameron, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin thrash out the political complexities within war-torn countries, the average person reflects, shelving the minutiae of day-to-day life to consider how their actions can make a difference.

Cardinal Nichols touched upon a very human element intrinsic to each and every one of the millions of displaced and resettling people around the world – the preservation of dignity is not only humane, it’s imperative. So, it follows that all of the items supplied to those in need have enormous value, however big and however small. In stable countries, everyday items including toiletries and oral health adjuncts are just taken for granted. But, what would it be like if we had no means to access those products for ourselves, if we no longer had the freedom to cater for the daily routines to which we’re accustomed?

The Humble Smile Foundation and Humble Brush teams are dedicated to providing eco friendly, sustainable, efficient toothbrushes wherever peoples’ needs are the greatest. There can be no argument that the displaced, in many cases only possessing the clothes on their backs, have needs that reach far beyond the imagination. In support of the work the charity Assyrians Without Borders undertakes, aiming to assess the mental health, understand the trauma and address health conditions for refugees both in Northern Iraq, Syria and Turkey, the Humble Smile Foundation has donated over 100,000 toothbrushes. Of course, oral care is just one example of the unending building blocks involved in establishing some semblance of normality.

The non-profit Humble Smile Foundation gives a toothbrush or equivalent oral care to an underprivileged child for every sale of a Humble Brush, made from biodegradable natural bamboo. It’s well documented that taking care of our teeth and gums assists in our general wellbeing. Whether the recipients of these brushes are living in basic refugee camps or in remote parts of our world with no access to dental assistance, nurturing their teeth is a good place to start with bettering their lives.

Humble Brush is now available in the UK and Ireland. For more information please visit www.humblebrush.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0286 862 8880.

To order please contact the exclusive distributor Quintess Denta www.quintesshumblebrush.co.uk

Follow us on social media:

@HumbleBrush and www.facebook.com/humblebrushuk

The Christmas countdown is upon us, and the boxes on the calendar will be ticked off leading up to the season of fun and festivities. Whilst this is exciting for many, it can be a daunting time for some.

This holiday season, some will struggle to put food on the table and pay their bills, let alone buy presents and indulge in festive treats. Indeed, the number of Britons expected to borrow money for basic living this Christmas could be high as 21%.[i]

The country is also experiencing an increase in the use of food banks, with 2014-2015 statistics showing a 19% rise since last year,[ii] and it is thought that 2,744 are sleeping rough on any one night. [iii] Poverty, perhaps, is closer to home than we thought.

Needing help

Despite advancements in technology and the implementation of ergonomic friendly products within surgeries, work-related illness and injury remains the biggest cause of financial struggle. Figures from 2013/2014 show that 1.2 million working people were affected by this and as a result 28.2 million working days were lost.[iv]

Accidents, bereavement, stress, addiction, marital problems and mental health are other possible factors that unsettle financial stability, impacting everyone from dentists to their dependants, friends and colleagues.

A helping hand

In times of hardship help can come in many forms; a shoulder to lean on can sometimes be enough. But for many, financial aid is required for food and clothing, bills and mortgage payments, nursing home fees and even funeral costs.

Although the Summer Budget 2015 recently made cuts, benefits are still available up to a possible £23,000 in London and £20,000 in the rest of the UK.[v] Yet, research has shown that some people are too embarrassed to seek help and as much as £19 billion in state benefits can go unclaimed each year.[vi]

At some point or another most of us need help, which is why the BDA Benevolent Fund works to provide support to any registered UK dentist in financial need. With help from other professionals, regular donations and gift aid, the Fund provides one-off or regular grants to those who need it most. The difference that this can make at any time, let alone Christmas, is immeasurable.

A donation can help someone in need and make their Christmas worth celebrating.

Thank you.

The BDA Benevolent Fund relies on your help to continue its work,
so please contact us on 020 7486 4994 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
or to give a donation today go to www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk.
 

And if you are in need of help yourself, please contact us now.

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

Dr Darshak Amin from Dentistree @ Horley has been referring implant patients to Ten Dental for approximately seven years: “The team at Ten Dental are always prompt, professional and provide correspondence every step of the way.

“Patients continue to be impressed with the service they receive at Ten Dental and feel reassured that their own dentist is involved in the treatment.

“Martin Wanendeya and Nik Sisodia at Ten Dental have a vast amount of experience in their speciality fields, especially implants, which means that I know my patients will be treated professionally, in a caring environment and to a world-class standard. In short, it gives me the piece of mind that my patients will receive the best care possible.”

Contact the knowledgeable team today to find out more about the comprehensive and personable implant referral service Ten Dental can offer your patients.

For more information about Ten Dental and The Implant Restoration Course visit Facebook/Implant Restoration Course-IRC, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.implant-restoration.com or call 020 7622 7610

How confident a person feels during a particular situation or activity depends upon numerous elements and beliefs. And, everyone is different with varying levels of awareness, as well as divergent and personal areas of importance. Confidence is something that cannot be precisely measured, however, most people are likely to respond favourably to success and accomplishment. Equally, when an individual is involved in the achievements of another it can also boost confidence, particularly if that person is in a familiar situation or has similar values or goals to their own.
 

Dental professionals will be aware of the importance of building confidence in members of the dental team, nurturing skills and talents and assisting each other. This is an area of familiarity, of mutual benefit, where challenges can be shared and overcome collectively. When this is accomplished well, it extends to the patients visiting the practice, increasing their confidence in the qualities and proficiency of the people that work there.
 

For many individuals, personal achievement influences their levels of confidence. Some feel self-assured by their level of fitness or sporting prowess, financial position, social status or occupational accomplishment, for others it is their academic ability, knowledge or skills. Conversely, a person’s confidence can be significantly influenced by their appearance or how they believe others perceive them.
 

Decades of studies have demonstrated that people, in particular women, are bombarded with images of unrealistic beauty that have resulted in unhappiness, anxiety, low self-esteem and low body confidence.[i] The compounding affect of negative body satisfaction has been shown to be a contributory factor in poor mental wellbeing[ii], eating disorders, obesity[iii] and risky behaviour in relation to drugs, smoking and sex.[iv]
 

Although only 32% of adults[v] agree with the statement: ‘your value depends on how you look’, many individuals become devoted consumers of products, programmes and procedures to improve their appearance and indeed their confidence. Fundamentally, many people overlook the value of more cost effective strategies and the impact and importance of good overall health.
 

For example it is believed that physical activity can improve self-esteem and self acceptance, indeed when a person enjoys the exercise they engage in, they are more likely to continue, and garner positive psychological effects.[vi]
 

As we know, the health of the mouth is crucial to overall health and visits to the dental practice can also help people to gain confidence. Patients are able to improve their smile, access safe cosmetic and tooth whitening procedures as well as essential oral health instruction and advice. Certainly, for some patients, conditions requiring orthodontic or cosmetic intervention can impact on issues of self-esteem and confidence. The British Orthodontic Society, in their Guidelines for Referrals for Orthodontic Treatment[vii] note improvement in dental and facial aesthetics often results “in improved self-esteem and other psycho-social aspects of the individual.”
 

In addition, no matter how healthy or satisfied some people may feel, they still could have feelings of uncertainty or concern about their breath. Interestingly it was recently revealed that nearly 40 per cent of people worry about their mouth once a day[viii]. Believed to affect around 25% of the entire population oral malodour be an exasperating and sometimes debilitating condition. In a seven-year Swiss study, halitosis was found to bring about inhibition, insecurity, withdrawal and reduced social contact to chronic sufferers.[ix]
 

Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental checks and treatment when necessary will have a significant effect but practitioners can also annul any worries by encouraging patients to use an effective daily oral deodorant such as CB12 mouth rinse.  By recommending CB12, practitioners can offer a reliable way of keeping the breath fresh, as it has been proven to work better than 18 other leading mouthwash brands. CB12 is able to target and neutralise all three odour-causing Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs)[x] that cause oral malodour and continue to ensure first class breath for 12 hours. Not only can patients feel confident about their breath but practitioners can also feel empowered by recommending a clinically proven solution to the problem.
 

When dental professionals feel appreciated for their skills, advice and contributions they are likely to feel more self-assured about their abilities and enhance their team’s performance. If it is possible to successfully resolve a condition such as unpleasant breath, the rewards are far reaching both physically and psychologically. In turn, this confidence and empowerment has a reciprocal effect that extends positively to colleagues and patients.

For more information about CB12 and how it could benefit your patients, please visit www.cb12.com

As with any business, it is essential to have a well-thought-out marketing plan that will allow you to attract, capture and retain patients. Customer value optimisation (CVO) is one system that can be applied to dental practices to aid success. Consisting of seven steps, it can significantly simplify the process and help your practice to grow and prosper.

Step 1: Determine product/ market fit

Dentistry is a well-established sector that will continually be required by patients of all ages. However, it is important to choose the correct product or service for the market. If, for example, you are looking to offer a new orthodontic product or service in your practice, it is worth researching whether the market for the product will be sustainable.

Step 2: Choose a traffic source

Attracting interest from potential patients online will greatly optimise your chances of acquiring new clients, selling more products and services and increasing the frequency of sales.

With a number of options to choose from, it is best to focus on one traffic source, then once mastered add a second and third. The goal throughout is to drive prospects into the CVO funnel. This begins with the lead magnet.

Step 3: Offer a lead magnet

The lead magnet prompts a transaction of information by offering an irresistible bribe that gives a specific chunk of value to a prospect patient in exchange for their contact information. With the lead magnet at the very top of the CVO funnel, increasing opt-ins here will pay dividends throughout the rest of the system and allow you to provide more tripwire offers.

Step 4: Offer a tripwire

Tripwire offers are made to potential patients that have displayed interest through the lead magnet. The main aim of a tripwire is to change the relationship from prospect to customer through offers that individuals are unable to resist.

Step 5: Offer a core product

The core offer relates to your flagship product or service, perhaps implants, orthodontic or whitening treatment. In some cases, the core offer will be profitable, but it does not have to be. If you follow through on the CVO process, you could take everything you make from the core offer and reinvest it to acquire more patients.

Step 6: Offer a profit maximiser

The profit maximiser increases the average transaction value per customer. Through an upsell or cross-sell, patients will spend more during one transaction.

Step 7: Create the return path

The final way to grow your practice is to increase the number of transactions per customer. Having gained their contact information through the initial lead magnet, you will have the ability to continue marketing, offering them new lead magnets, tripwires, core offers and profit maximisers.

Effective email marketing is one way to maintain communication with patients and increase transaction frequency. The experts at 7connections have recently developed AIM – Automated Intelligent Marketing – specifically for small dental practices. Based on proven strategies, such as CVO, AIM can help your practice to reap the rewards of a clear and well-thought-out marketing plan.

Successful marketing systems can enhance a business and allow you to make the most of opportunities. Increase patient numbers, enhance the average transaction value per client and raise the number of transactions per patient with a well-thought-out marketing solution.

For more information about 7connections, please call 01647 478145 or email pThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Alternatively, please visit the new website www.7connections.com.

In dentistry what you can see greatly affects what you can treat. By embracing the latest magnification and visualisation technology, such as the Carl Zeiss OPMI Pico dental microscope, your practice will see countless benefits and be able to treat so much more.

Available in the UK from Nuview, the OPMI Pico incorporates the latest video and ‘live streaming’ technology, allowing you to record examinations and treatments in HD. The innovative camera options available facilitate excellent patient consultation and documentation and provide a fantastic tool for education and communication for the whole dental team.

The compact, high performing and easy-to-use OPMI Pico offers solid, ergonomic support for the most demanding of applications – whether in restorative dentistry, endodontics, implantology or periodontics. It is also available with a Varioskop objective lens that allows you to adjust the focal length to focus on virtually any image detail without leaving your preferred working position.

To find out more about the Carl Zeiss OPMI Pico contact Nuview today.      

For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266,

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.nuview.co

When it comes to making your practice fit for the challenges of modern dentistry, Tavom UK will make your ideas a reality.

The beautiful, bespoke furniture looks contemporary and is built to last. You will be providing your team with an efficient comfortable place to work in, which will boost morale, reduce stress and impress your patients.

Tavom UK’s design service will allow you to see all the furniture in situ before you complete your purchase. The team will find a solution to make the most of your space and create a clean, streamlined environment.

If you want to allow for future expansion, Tavom UK’s experts will build this flexibility into your design. With excellent customer service from a team who will always go the extra mile, contact Tavom UK today and find out why it always pays to invest in quality.

To see how Tavom can transform your dental practice, call 0870 752 1121 or visit the Tavom UK website www.tavomuk.com

Dr Prash Patel from Beech Lane Dental has been working with Ten Dental and in particular Nik Sisodia for about five years. Commenting on his association with the Ten Dental team, Dr Patel said:

“They are absolutely fantastic. Nik is approachable, extremely professional and great with the patients. His help and advice on placing implants and restoration has been invaluable.

“Nik comes directly to the practice and has an innate ability to know how much to push me so that I continue to improve, and he always has time for my questions. I would feel comfortable and confident referring any of my patients to Ten Dental, as they always put the patient first and their communication is excellent.

“Our patients have all been extremely happy with the results and the service they receive. Nik is highly qualified and very relaxed with the patients, which has a positive effect on their experience.”

For more information about Ten Dental and The Implant Restoration Course visit Facebook/Implant Restoration Course-IRC, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.implant-restoration.com or call 020 7622 7610

Carl Zeiss’ expertly-crafted range of loupes, exclusively available in the UK from Nuview, offer high quality optics that allow for clearer visualisation and enhanced clinical results.

Dr Andrew Bolam is an associate dentist at Bancroft Dentistry in Hitchin, he uses the EyeMag Pro F loupes in his practice and says:

“The loupes have been fantastic. Before buying them I tested all the available options and definitely thought that these were the best in the field. For quality of magnification they were far superior to all the other loupes I tried.

 “The benefits are incredible. I didn't initially use them for examinations, primarily for restorative treatment; but now I use them for everything. You can see so much more and the quality of my work is definitely improving.

“I would certainly recommend Nuview and the Carl Zeiss EyeMag Pro F loupes to other practitioners.”

For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266,

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.nuview.co

Adopting preventive measures in your practice is essential to help patients achieve optimum oral health. Fissure sealants can be particularly beneficial, especially in young children who require extra protection against caries.[i]

Clinpro Fissure Sealant from 3M ESPE can provide this vital protection[ii] while offering you a convenient direct delivery syringe for simple application. Not only that, the low viscosity allows it to flow easily into pits and fissures.

Clinpro Fissure sealant also utilises  colour change technology to allow for easy placement.[iii] Clinpro Fissure sealant isPink when applied and changes to an opaque white once exposed to light, leaving a layor of invisible protection.

For a truly preventive and protective solution try Clinpro Fissure Sealant from 3M ESPE today.

For more information, call 0845 602 5094 or visit www.3Mespe.co.uk

Orthopantograms, or OPGs, have many benefits and a huge number of uses. They are especially useful in the treatment and care of elderly patients, who will be a huge proportion of your caseload if not now, but in the future.
 

OPGs are a powerful tool to have at your disposal. They can give you information on periodontal bone loss, help find the source of pain, assist with the correct placement of implants and much more. Digital OPGs mean fewer repeat scans are needed, so less time and cost required, and also less exposure to radiation. Patients can usually understand a panoramic image more easily and they can be emailed to colleagues effortlessly.

These images are also invaluable when dealing with challenging cases, such as elderly patients. The number of older patients you will be treating in the future is growing – and fast. In 2012, the BDA published a review of its 2003 Oral Healthcare for Older People report[1] which concluded that the ageing population was growing faster than had been originally predicted.

OPG scans are quick and comfortable. The detail means that you will be able to anticipate future complications.  Caries, periodontal disease and recession of the gingiva can have devastating consequences as a patient gets older and can lead to life-threatening complications, such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Type-2 diabetes generally affects people over the age of 40, and oral health is a key component of diabetes management, so it’s a two-way relationship. If a patient has type-2 diabetes, they are also more likely to develop gingivitis, caries and xerostomia, too.[2]

Setting up an OPG scan is quick, and OPGs can be used comfortably for elderly people who cannot open their mouths wide. Patients are usually asked to bite down on a spatula for about a minute while the machine moves around the head. A detailed, informative scan that won’t have to repeated and is easily explained will help you move forward with implementing an effective treatment plan with confidence.

If you do not have OPG technology, look carefully for the right referral partner. Work with a practice that not only has the latest OPG equipment in place, but that employs clinicians who can be trusted to work sensitively with older people and other vulnerable groups. The London Smile Clinic takes referrals, for example, and will meet all of these needs with ease and professionalism.

OPGs will help you deal with the enormous challenges ahead as you treat more elderly and vulnerable people. With a saturated market, and expensive technology that is developing fast, you don’t have to invest in new equipment. Referring out can be the perfect solution to provide the highest-quality care for these patient groups now, and in the future.
 

For more information, please contact The London Smile Clinic on 020 7255 2559 or visit www.londonsmile.co.uk.

On average, there are approximately 6,000 employment tribunals being presented each month in this country. In dentistry, we see a large volume of cases in which practice principals have failed to issue their staff with proper employment contracts. Despite the fact that the provision of such contracts has been a statutory requirement since 1978, there are still many practices that fail to do so – why this should be the case is hard to determine, but it is indicative of an attitude that fails to recognise the importance of the staff. 

Failing to provide employment contracts to any member of your team is not only a breach of statutory requirement, it can also leave practice owners vulnerable should there be dispute with a member of staff. For example, without an employment contract, there is no clear procedure for staff holidays, sick pay, overtime of discipline.

It is also quite likely that if a tribunal comes across a case where an employer has not provided a contract, they are likely to sympathise with the employee’s position. Thus, the lack of a contract can actually jeopardise the chances of successfully defending against such proceedings.

But by including a clause in an employment contract, that defines the procedures that will be followed in all aspects of work within your practice, you will be suitably protected.

To reinforce this, it is also prudent to supply a comprehensive staff handbook. This must be bespoke to your dental practice and will expand upon the terms detailed in the employment contract, focussing on specific circumstances that may be unique to you and your team. Of course, it must be regularly updated to reflect new legislation and practice changes, and it is absolutely vital to include a thorough introduction to the handbook in any staff inductions.

Ultimately there are two reasons to invest yourself in a comprehensive handbook like this. Firstly, you will be able to significantly reduce the chances of becoming embroiled in a dispute and being taken to a tribunal. The second is that your business will come across as professional, serious, fair and competent.

Of course, these precautions are not guaranteed to stop all staff misconduct, but they do provide an efficient safety-net to fall back on if matters turn nasty. What’s more, it will promote staff happiness, because they will feel protected and valued – and, of course, happy staff should equal happy patients.

John Grant of Goodman Grant Lawyers for Dentists - a NASDAL member

For more information call John Grant on 0113 834 3705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goodmangrant.co.uk

A NASDAL and ASPD MEMBER

Our personalities show individual differences in behaviour, feeling and thinking. We are all unique and some of us are extrovert and some introvert, but a mix of personalities can be very useful in the dental practice.

A blend of both social and analytical skills is required for a successful dental team. For example some dental professionals may feel shy around patients but excel in clinical tasks or organisation. Others may have a warm chair-side manner and are able to put patients at ease instantly, but may struggle with elements such as keeping records or ordering supplies. There are many elements that go into team chemistry and performance, which frequently fluctuate and coexist at varying levels.

The diversity of patients that visit the practice is also an eclectic mix of personalities that may act very differently at the dental surgery. Some enjoy meeting people, having a chat and telling the dental team about many facets of their lives. Others prefer to remain quiet and simply want to get in and out. Some patients are able to cope with all types of treatments without worry while others can become very anxious. Indeed, national surveys reveal that around 36% of patients experience moderate dental anxiety and 12% of adults are classified as having extreme dental anxiety.[1] It is the role of the dental professional to evaluate how patients feel and behave and to conduct their service accordingly.

Of course it is impossible to understand all personalities but it is important to remember that everyone is different. Even the most shy or fearful patients attend dental check ups while battling with a whole host of anxieties. In all cases empathy is needed with a non-judgemental, kind and gentle approach, the dental team need to be able to assess the reactions of their patients and adapt in order to provide the most appropriate care.

Sometimes in order to achieve the best results and to keep the interests of a patient at the forefront, it may be necessary to refer them to a specialist practice. However, the referral practice needs to work well alongside your practice to ensure good communication and successful results. With patient care a priority, when you choose a referral practice you need to feel confident that their team have the ability and skills to treat your patients whilst also fitting in well with the personalities and characteristics of you and your dental team.

London Smile Clinic is a referral practice with a team of specialist dental practitioners that are experienced in liaising successfully with dental professionals on all levels. They understand the variances of personality and provide open communication, trust and confidence to both practitioners and their patients. As a centre of excellence with exceptionally high standards of clinical dentistry, London Smile Clinic can offer a range of specialist orthodontics, implants and periodontal treatments and can consistently extend a professional and considerate approach to all patients.

You may not always be able to work with perfect people but recognising their strengths is a valuable step to building a well-rounded team of people that will not only streamline operations but also help you to achieve the most favourable results for your patients.

For more information, please contact the London Smile Clinic on 020 7255 2559 or visit www.londonsmile.co.uk.

By listening to the right advice, and being organised, purchasing your first property is an achievable goal. At the beginning of your dental career, when you have begun to put down roots in a practice, buying your own property will be the next obvious step. Of course, there will always be issues in the wider economy that may complicate the process, but it is always possible to overcome these.

One-hundred per cent mortgages are almost obsolete nowadays and the chances of them coming back are slim indeed. Low-deposit mortgages are still out there, and there are schemes you may not know about that can help of which you may be unaware. For example, the Government offers Help to Buy equity loans schemes, which are available to first-time buyers on newly built homes in England. You will need to contribute 5% of the property price while the Government provides a further 20% and then a mortgage covers the rest.

However, even with a low-deposit mortgage, your savings may not be enough. Many first-time buyers ask their family for help, but it is always prudent to document the arrangement thoroughly so everyone knows where they stand. The bigger the deposit you have acquired, the more options you will be offered. When you are looking at your savings, or when you are planning out how much you will need to save, you must not overlook all of the additional costs incurred when buying a property, such as mortgage arrangement fees and stamp duty.

In the current financial market, first-time buyers might benefit from a fixed-rate mortgage. With the Bank of England set to increase the base rate in 2016, anyone on a tracker mortgage will see monthly repayments go up. And with interest rates predicted to rise, if you are on a variable rate mortgage, you may find yourself struggling with repayments. One of the advantages of fixed-rate mortgages is peace of mind. You have no idea how your financial priorities may change over the next few years, so if your mortgage repayments are static, so much the better.

Of course, any advice on home-buying needs to be tailored to your individual circumstances. This is where working with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) can be most beneficial. By seeking out an expert who has experience of working with dental professionals, such as one of the IFAs at money4dentists, you can be assured that the advice you receive will be specific to the challenges you face.

Your first step onto the property ladder is just the start: by getting the right advice at this stage, and maintaining the relationship with your IFA, you can progress to making more personal and professional financial decisions in the future.  

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754DENTIST.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.money4dentists.com

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (BACD) Annual Conference has closed its doors for another year – but what an exceptional event it’s been. With a line-up of prodigious speakers, a diverse lecture programme and inspiring hands-on sessions, there truly was something for everyone in the fully-filled three-day event.

The BACD is recognised for always providing the most relevant education to its members – and this year’s Annual Conference was, yet again, a true testament to this. Like previous years, the Academy brought together a collection of internationally-renowned speakers to discuss some of the most pertinent topics in the profession today.

Offering some insightful tips on the finer points of aesthetic restorative dentistry,  both Dr Serhat Köken and Dr Walter DeVoto inspired delegates to artistic heights with their sessions on composites, while Dr Ian Buckle, Dr Ken Harris, Dr Heike Krämer and Dr Andy Toy took part in a lively discussion on the effective management of occlusion.

Delegates were also encouraged to get involved with a number of hands-on sessions. Dr Nik Sisodia and Dr Martin Wanendeya shared their expertise on implant restoration while Dr Simon Chard and Dr Bertrand Napier gave delegates the chance to practice their camera skills in a session on clinical photography.

What’s more, Dr Christopher Orr and Dr Donald Sloss gave an insightful presentation on the BACD’s Accreditation process. Designed to elevate practitioners to the pinnacle of clinical excellence, Accreditation was brought one step closer to many practitioners with this detailed session.

As with previous years, the wealth of knowledge and expertise on offer at this year’s Annual Conference was stupendous. Regardless of clinical experience or role, the varied display of industry secrets, techniques and know how provided all delegates with inspirational and exciting information with which they could improve their own dentistry. 

Aside from the many educational opportunities on offer, this year’s conference was the perfect chance to welcome the BACD’s new president. Dr Bertrand Napier, well known as the Editor for the International Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, assumed the title and said:

“I want to be a president that encourages members to become more involved with the Academy, both through learning and giving. I want our members to be able to grow and advance their professional practice while doing what they can to helping their fellow members do the same – more than anything, I think this role is about serving others, just as much as leading.”

Most importantly, the BACD Annual Conference gave delegates the chance to meet and network with other like-minded and talented professionals, learn from some of profession’s leading lights and rediscover their passion for beautiful dentistry. 

If, however, you missed this year’s BACD Annual Conference you can still get involved. Membership to the BACD is a great way to stay up-to-date with everything in the world of cosmetic dentistry and the regular regional meetings provide excellent education on a wide range of topics. In addition this, there is always next year’s Annual Conference to look forward to – make sure you put the dates in your diary!

The BACD Thirteenth Annual Conference 2016

‘The Digital Revolution’

10^th- 12^th November 2016: The EICC, Edinburgh

For more information about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com

For those expecting pioneering innovation, enthusiasm, inspiration and vibrant learning opportunities, the Nobel Biocare Team Conference 2015 definitely did not disappoint.

Held against the stunning backdrop of The Brewery in London, the highly anticipated event delivered a unique two-day programme catering to the interests and specialities of all those in attendance. More than 350 professionals were welcomed to the conference this year, ensuring a fully inclusive and well-rounded educational event.

But what made this conference truly stand out?

The Speakers

With over 30 internationally renowned and highly celebrated speakers delivered stimulating sessions throughout the two-day conference. The Scientific Co-Chairs – Professor Ian Brook, Professor Screenivas Koka and Professor Daniel van Steenberghe – led an outstanding line-up of professionals, each recognised as modern-day pioneers in their respective fields. To name but a few these included Edmond Bedrossian, Wolfgang Boltz, Steve Bongard, Richard Brookshaw, Andrew Dawood, Susan Tanner, Richard Elliot, Stefan Holst, Joseph Kan, Glenn McEvoy, Guy McLellan, Alessandro Pozzi and Peter Wöhrle.

The Presentation

As Kishore Pranjivan, Nobel Biocare Regional Director of UK and Ireland, commented in his opening speech, the conference was designed specifically for “customised learning”. Delegates had the opportunity to choose between topics that were of most interest to them, with a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops forming the diverse and exciting programme.

Setting the scene for two days of learning and innovation, the opening lecture took delegates on a journey through the history of dental implants, from Professor Brånemark’s initial invention to today’s cutting-edge solutions that make the previously untreatable cases, treatable. The programme then split into two, with delegates choosing to consider how they can exceed patients’ aesthetic expectations, or to explore how the latest solutions have blazed a trail for change and advancement.

In the afternoon, delegates had a chance to learn from the global podium speakers first-hand within the eight different masterclasses and hands-on workshops available. Sessions explored everything from peri-implantitis to CBCT, 3D modelling and successful relationships between practice and laboratory. In the workshops, delegates had the chance to get hands-on with Zygomatic implants, hone their skills for immediate implant placement or get to grips with the many benefits of the NobelClinician® software. These more intimate sessions were then repeated on Saturday morning, enabling delegates to attend a second masterclass or workshop of their choice, before the plenary session demystified options for treating the compromised maxilla with a fixed prosthesis.

Evolution and Innovation

With a passion for excellence and delivery of high quality implant treatment clear among both speakers and delegates, the atmosphere throughout the conference was one of celebration for past achievements and excitement for the future.

In the words of Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, but rather that which is most adaptable to change”. Nobel Biocare strives to be both, delivering the high quality, innovative solutions the profession needs to meet even the most complex of patient needs.

For more information, contact Nobel Biocare on 0208 756 3300, or visit www.nobelbiocare.com

The Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes are clinically proven[i]^,[ii] to help your patients safely and gently remove plaque and maintain optimum dental health.

Dental flossing can be an unpopular oral health adjunct for many patients and the Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes offer an effective alternative to both floss and wire interdental brushes.

Constructed with latex-free, rubber filaments, they are wire-free and easy to use between tight spaces in natural teeth, under bridges, around dental implants and with fixed orthodontic appliances.

The soft tips gently stimulate and massage the gingiva, minimising trauma and helping to prevent galvanic effect.

From September, a Dentist Surgery Pack of Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes will be available via dental wholesalers for you to use on patients. Consisting of a dispenser box with 100 cello-wrapped bundles of each colour of brush, these will provide the ideal opportunity to introduce the products to patients, showing how their oral health can be maintained with ease.

Whatever the dentition, Wisdom Clean Between Interdental Brushes provide a solution. Find out more today.

To find out more, please visit www.wisdomtoothbrushes.com or

call 01440 714800

As part of this year’s Clinical Innovations Conference (CIC), Healthcare Learning, in association with MyDentist, presented the Clinical Innovations Awards 2015.

Held in the stunning Battlebridge Room in the King’s Place venue, London – overlooking the Regent’s Canal – the evening was a prime opportunity to celebrate some of the year’s finest innovations and achievements.

Many excellent products were nominated for the coveted Product Awards, and the expert panel of judges awarded the following Product Winners:

·        Pikster Tip Brush – from Erskine Dental

·        SpotIt – from Directa

·        Synea Vision – from W & H (UK) Ltd.

Not only were the Awards a chance to showcase some of the most distinguished new products in the industry, it was also a fantastic occasion to celebrate some of its finest people as well. The Dental Nurse Certificate was given in recognition to those nurses who had shown outstanding commitment to the Advanced Dental Nursing apprenticeship. The winners were:

·        Keisha Ellis Dale

·        Artesia Anderson

·        Phoebe Kennedy

The Clinical Innovations Awards evening was a perfect addition to CIC 2015 – and allowed delegates to enjoy good food, live music and the company of like-minded and enthusiastic colleagues.

For more information call 020 7400 8989, visit www.healthcare-learning.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And follow us on twitter for all the latest @hlc_newsweb @hlc_smileon

Brought to you by the British Dental Health Foundation and supported by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), the Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign is this month, aiming to raise further awareness and rally more support than ever before.
 

“As long term supporters of the British Dental Health Foundation and Mouth Cancer Action Month, we are as pleased as ever to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause,” says Chair of the ADG, David Worskett. “By working together we can tackle oral cancer and make a real difference to those who suffer, one campaign at a time.”

Diagnosis

With the latest figures showing that 6,767 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year,[i] educating and alerting people on the dangers of oral cancer remains crucial for ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.

As it stands, a referral to a specialist must be completed within a two-week time frame,[ii] and there is a one-month maximum wait from the date a decision to treat is made to the first definitive treatment.[iii] For survival rates to increase, delivery of these treatment pathways by NHS England must continue to be implemented and improved upon.

As Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE explains, “if more of us are aware of the potential dangers of long-lasting mouth ulcers, red and white patches and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, there could well be a reduction in the number of mouth cancer cases we are seeing.”

Do Your Bit

Unfortunately however, a lack of patient knowledge is evident, with statistics showing that only 40% of patients who develop oral cancer visit the dentist with concerns.[iv]. As Dr Nigel Carter OBE explains, “If the dental and wider health profession can inform and urge patients to regularly attend dental check-ups, we can increase the chances of mouth cancer being detected at an early stage.” That is why Mouth Cancer Action Month continues its efforts to inform and educate and why it urges you to incorporate regular screening for oral cancer into routine appointments.

Meanwhile, the British Dental Health Foundation will continue to provide educational materials to dental practices, hospitals, GPs and pharmacies, and remains passionate about improving the awareness of patients and professionals alike. Whether it’s through donning a blue ribbon, taking part in the Blue Lip Selfie Campaign, running an event or donating, you can give back to the cause and to your patients. Remember, all the support received really does make a difference to the charity and to the lives of the individuals who have suffered at the hands of oral cancer.

To donate or for more information about the ADG visit www.dentalgroups.co.uk

Wrights, one of the UK’s oldest and dedicated independent dental supply companies, is delighted to announce the addition of G&H Orthodontics quality products to its wealth of product ranges.

G&H Orthodontics boast an enviable reputation with 99.9% customer satisfaction on products including archwires, elastomerics and brackets.

Wrights will be supporting the orthodontic product launch with a dedicated brochure. There will be excellent offers and promotions across a range of top-selling products such as Focus™ Brackets, Titan™ Bands, VIPER™ Low Profile Buccal Tubes, G4™ Niti Wires, and Enchanted™ Elastics.

All available with guaranteed next day delivery and excellent support from the highly experienced team across the UK.

Request your brochure today to make sure you don't miss out on the exceptional promotions currently exclusive to Wrights.

To contact Wrights for more information, call 0800 668899 or visit www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

Every year, the BDA Benevolent Fund helps dentists and their families in times of dire financial need. The case of Dr Smith, whose name has been changed to protect their identity, is an example of just one of the many times the Fund has offered vital monetary assistance to those who need it most.

Early last year Dr Smith, who was then married and had two young children, suffered a series of setbacks which turned his and his family’s life upside down. First of all he was treated for early stage liver cancer which fortunately was found to be operable. However, he suffered severely from the after-effects of the treatment and had to take considerable time off work, eventually leading to him losing his job. This meant the family had no income and were struggling to keep on top of mounting debts. His wife had recently been made redundant and she was finding it very hard to come to terms with this and to find new employment. Dr Smith had just managed to recover enough to return to work himself when the family suffered a further blow: his wife was struck down with a debilitating stroke. Although she managed to recover after several months, she has not been able to find employment since that time.

Dr Smith returned to work for a short period but found it increasingly difficult to cope both mentally and physically with the aftermath of his own illness and looking after his wife and their two children. The situation adversely affected his daughter who started experiencing periods of depression and performed badly at school. Finally, he came to the conclusion that he would be unable to continue working as a dentist and has not practised since. The couple’s debts eventually led to them having to declare bankruptcy and to sell their family home. During this process his wife left him and their children and has not contributed to their support since.

Gradually with financial help from the Ben Fund, Dr Smith was able to get back some sort of normality. The Fund helped him with a regular monthly grant towards living expenses and contributed to the costs of moving house. He was also given some extra support during the summer holidays for the children and help with fuel bills in the winter. Dr Smith is now starting to feel much more positive about his life. He has begun working part-time as a support teacher in a local school and is considering the possibility of training to become a mentor and counsellor. 

The BDA Benevolent Fund relies on your help to continue its work,
so please contact us on 020 7486 4994 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
or to give a donation today go to www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk.
 

And if you are in need of help yourself, please contact us now.

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

“We have been working with Jackie Kendrick, a representative of Wrights, for six months now,” says Dr Ann-Marie Bard, principal of Cleobury Dental Practice in Kidderminster.

“Jackie and the rest of the team are extremely helpful and easily accessible, always providing a first class customer service; that's why we now use them in 99 % of our consumables and materials orders.

“Wrights deliver amazing deals and provide us with the best value for money. What’s more, Jackie has delivered excellent one to one advice in helping us to set up a time saving monthly ordering list; this enables us to reach the targets within our budget and has been invaluable to the practice.

“We could not be happier with the service and we would definitely recommend Wrights to other practices.”

For a professional and friendly service and to work with an experienced team, contact Wrights and find out how you can get next day delivery on top-selling products at exclusive discounted prices. 

            For more information contact Wright on 0800668899 or visit www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

Clark Dental provides a comprehensive range of high quality dental units from the most prestigious manufacturers. Supplying the latest dental chairs from Anthos, Stern Weber and A-Dec, whatever you’re looking for in a dental unit, Clark Dental has the solution.

The extremely reliable manufacturer Anthos is well known for its beautiful dental units that exude quality and style. The range includes a number of chairs that feature the latest technology and dental delivery systems.

Or for the very best of Swiss innovation and precision engineering for dentists that require a perfect blend of sophisticated design and pleasing aesthetics there is the Stern Weber range. With over 50 years of pioneering invention and intelligent design, the Stern Weber range has everything to meet the needs of modern dentistry. 

Meanwhile, the A-Dec range includes the entry-level Performer, updated A-dec 300: Evolved, the contemporary A-Dec 400 and the outstanding A-Dec 500 series, which are extremely flexible for superb ergonomics, come in left and right handed models, and optimise operator access whilst enhancing patient comfort.

Clark Dental has the range of products and wealth of experience to help ensure you make the right choice for your practice, contact the expert team today.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

Don’t let the past shape the present 

For many years I have been a very keen member of Alpha Omega. This is an organisation that was founded over a century ago in the United States with its primary mission is to fight against discrimination in the dental profession wherever it’s found. It continues to provide outstanding postgraduate courses as well as being a real fraternity. I have often wondered whether the anti-discrimination origins of the group was anachronistic.

So it was with great sadness that I heard recently about a particularly unpleasant episode – the details of which I will not dwell too closely on here. The overall gist, however, was that patients in the UK are inherently racist and any practitioner who does not fit within a certain ethnic bracket should be prepared to encounter negative attitudes.

Is this true? I think not; it may have been 30-40 years ago, but certainly not today. When I first started in dentistry in the West End of London I found many practitioners refused to hire black dental nurses. They maintained that they did this, not because they were racist, but because their patients would simply not cope with such an arrangement.

But this has changed. Time has moved on. The people of the UK are open-minded, tolerant and accepting of difference and diversity. I have personal experience of this: I am from a Jewish family, my father’s first language is Arabic. There used to be a time when patients who, after being referred to my practice and seeing my name on the door, would ask: “And where is he from?”

In those days, I think a lot of people just shrugged off this disparaging attitude and grew thick skin. They became accustomed to it and, in doing so, almost condoned it. I am still guilty that I did not take a stronger stance earlier on as I believe racism will occur only if we let it. Thankfully, when those individuals did later question my efficacy as a practitioner based upon the sound of my name, I took a zero tolerance approach and simply suggested they find treatment elsewhere. I do not think anyone should have to reassure a patient that they are competent, despite their name and ethnicity.

Fortunately, these days are over. I so rarely hear remarks about ethnicity or gender in this profession, that when the aforementioned incident came to light, I was deeply saddened.

Dentistry already receives an often terrible press. Dredging up past bitterness and bad memories of a time that has resolutely been put behind us is unnecessary and disappointing. Just consider the intake by our dental schools! The draconian ‘old boys’ who long ago lambasted difference would be spinning in their graves if they knew, I’m certain – but what does that matter? Our profession is proud to be enriched by such diversity and our patients are open-minded and tolerant, with their feet placed firmly in the present and not in the past.         

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk

Dr Michael Sultan BDS MSc DFO FICD is a Specialist in Endodontics and the Clinical Director of EndoCare. Michael qualified at Bristol University in 1986. He worked as a general dental practitioner for 5 years before commencing specialist studies at Guy’s hospital, London. He completed his MSc in Endodontics in 1993 and worked as an in-house Endodontist in various practices before setting up in Harley St, London in 2000. He was admitted onto the specialist register in Endodontics in 1999 and has lectured extensively to postgraduate dental groups as well as lecturing on Endodontic courses at Eastman CPD, University of London. He has been involved with numerous dental groups and has been chairman of the Alpha Omega dental fraternity. In 2008 he became clinical director of EndoCare, a group of specialist practices.

CQC compliance requires an ever-growing amount of time, effort and resources in the dental sector. Ensuring effective protocols are in place in preparation for the crucial inspections is essential in order to avoid any nasty surprises or last minute panics.

The keeping of records is a particularly cumbersome yet vital aspect, and the equipment used for decontamination and sterilisation lies at the heart of ensuring compliance.

HTM 01-05 2.4n states: “Equipment used to decontaminate dental instruments should be fit for purpose and validated. This means that the device should be commissioned, maintained and periodically tested by a Competent Person (Decontamination) or service engineer, that records of maintenance should be kept and that correct functioning should be monitored and recorded”.

Therefore all testing reports are required to be kept for documentary evidence of the effectiveness of equipment in the dental practice. However, the meticulous task of record keeping can be time consuming and also has the potential for inaccurate logging of data due to inevitable human error. It is therefore crucial to try to find a way to enhance the efficiency of your record keeping and streamline this process, whilst maintaining the quality of data.

One area that can be especially time consuming is the recording of daily and weekly test cycle data of your autoclave and/or washer disinfector. From the everyday ACT tests completed each morning to measure the time, steam and temperature of the autoclave, to the weekly residual air and air leakage tests, each check requires detailed annotation, documented in a daily logbook for every piece of equipment in the practice.

Although absolutely essential in terms of practice inspections, manually having to record this data and then store it can often be seen as more than a mere inconvenience. Some autoclaves will have a printer installed, which will print off a receipt that should be kept, which makes the process a little easier and more efficient, but it still requires time and effort to collate these print-offs, not to mention the physical space needed to store the data.

However, there are new technological solutions that can make all of this a thing of the past. The latest autoclaves from Eschmann are compatible with computer software that can capture all of the data necessary from your tests and automatically save it onto your PC. This means you have no forms to fill in and store, and you don't have to transfer data using memory cards or USB devices.

With such software you will benefit from quick and easy cycle sign-off at the click of a button and you could even monitor the progress of your cycle from your PC or laptop. The latest software will also show you when your instruments are ready for use, as the software operates in real-time meaning it is always up to the minute, which is precisely what you need in a busy dental practice.

The Eschmann real-time Wireless Cycle Logger with automatic daily/weekly test cycle software is compatible with the company's own autoclaves and washer disinfectors. Providing automatic population of daily and weekly test cycle records, this software is making manual record keeping and storage a thing of the past, while also providing added security through accurately recorded and validated cycles and tests ready for official inspection.

To take away any unnecessary worry in the lead up to your next CQC inspection, make sure you have everything in place now.

For more information please visit www.eschmann.co.uk, or call 01903 753322

Knowing when and how to delegate is crucial when you own a dental practice. It will free up time, motivate your team and help you to become a good leader and a great boss! But delegation can also be one of the hardest skills to learn.
 

A common mindset is, “Well, if I do XYZ myself, I know it will be done properly!” Yet delegation is not about relinquishing control and/or an inability to manage time. When you are a new business owner, it is essential to involve yourself in establishing all systems and processes, in order that you know how everything works. But if you continue trying to do it all, not only do you risk burnout, you will probably hinder growth.

Every member of your team should have a job spec, which lists all the tasks they do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, and is reviewed periodically. When tasks are documented, you can easily see where to eliminate certain duties, or delegate them. Job specs will also help you to compile an Operations Manual, with every system, process and expectation/desired result documented. An Operations Manual will give staff something to refer to if anyone is absent and makes training new starters easier.

Having the right people around you is essential. You need individuals who are confident enough to do their own job well and also have the motivation to take on other tasks. Take time to learn people’s strengths and weaknesses, and things they would love to do given the opportunity. When you delegate, you are saying that you trust someone. As people broaden their experience, this will naturally lead to more responsibilities and possibly future promotion. For example, a motivated receptionist could move into a practice management role if they have been able to develop and grow with your support. Even if that’s not at your practice, it still helps to enhance its reputation as a brilliant place to work!

Be a responsible delegator – it’s not about offloading tasks you find mundane. The golden rule is you should not delegate anything that you are not prepared to do yourself: that is a sure-fire way of losing respect. Communication is fundamental and you should promote a listening culture in your practice, with all opinions are considered equal. When you delegate, be upfront about expectations and timelines and give people all the information they need. The more direction you give, the better the result will be. Be approachable and patient, so your staff are comfortable about asking questions, or clarifying things they are not sure about. Mistakes happen of course, and that is how one learns, but you want to eliminate repeat errors. If people are confused or misdirected, not only will you waste time when something is done incorrectly, but you will also affect an individual’s confidence in the long run. Make sure you give credit where it is due too and share any achievements with the rest of the practice if appropriate.

As your practice grows, you simply will not have the time to do everything to a consistently high standard. If you delegate and share responsibilities, you will not only save time but create a productive and confident team. Delegation is a sign that you trust your staff; that you value their skills and want them to succeed while allowing you to focus on growing the business.

Lansdell & Rose are specialist medical and dental accountants that also share business tips with clients via an up-to-date and informative blog. Visit www.lansdellrose.co.uk or call 020 7376 9333.

When Dr Nikhil Shah of Brentwood Orthodontic and Implant Practice undertook his recent practice renovation and relocation, he chose the new Nomad Pro 2 hand held X-ray device to fulfil his radiography requirements.

“The Nomad Pro 2 handheld X-ray machine is great for our practice. The beauty of it is that we can walk around and there is no clutter on the walls – just one fully mobile machine.

“The advantage to us is that radiographs do not have to be taken in only one X-ray room as before. We can move around across multi-surgeries and so our patients don’t have to, which helps them to feel more at ease. As it’s handheld the practitioner can work around the patient much more freely, ensuring they get the most appropriate radiographs.

“The images quality is great too, and perfect for our practice needs.”

To learn more about the fantastic Nomad Pro 2, and the benefits it will bring to your practice contact the Clark Dental team today.

For more information contact Clark Dental on 01270 613750,
email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.nomadhandheldxray.co.uk

Wilhelm Roentgen, Professor of Experimental Physics in Germany, was the first to discover the x-ray in 1895. Over the next century, the technology used to perform radiography was transformed and an x-ray machine is now an essential piece of equipment within the modern dental practice. Most recently, the digital era has seen another change in the field of radiography offering a new alterative to conventional methods.

­­

Film x-rays still have their place in the modern profession. The picture quality is excellent, giving great detail and contrast and sterilisation is simple, which is an important consideration within the clinical setting. However, there are disadvantages to consider too. For example, the image is static once processed with the contrast fixed, and it takes time to be processed and much space to be stored. It is also labour intensive further making it expensive, and it is hazardous posing a health and safety concern.

Digital alternatives strive to tackle the downsides of conventional film imaging techniques. The practitioner and the patient can view the image instantly, allowing improved communications between the two parties and quicker treatment times. Radiation exposure is reduced and even at a lower dosage the image can be digitally enhanced to aid accuracy of diagnostics. The image can also be increased in size to help detect very small cavities that may not have been noticed on a conventional x-ray. And in terms of cost, the initial outlay may be an investment, but it is often a fruitful one as everyday expenses are reduced and the quality of patient service delivered is elevated.

Is there not a ‘happy medium’ that offers the benefits of both systems?

The CS 7200 phosphor plate imaging system from Carestream Dental fits this remit. It is an affordable solution for any practice and covers all daily intraoral indications. You will appreciate the simplicity of the workflow, while the instinctive software allows you to view the high quality images in less than 8 seconds. Further benefits include hygienic sheaths available to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and automatic removal of images from plates after each scan for optimum convenience.

So if you favour the use of film imaging processes and are unsure about changing to completely digital systems in your practice, there are solutions available to you. Today’s dental market is littered with different innovations to enable you to work in the way you prefer, and selecting only those products of the highest quality will ensure you don’t have to compromise your working methods or the quality of dentistry you provide.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook

Principal and Founder of AURA Centre of Dental Excellence and Facial Aesthetics in Kingston upon Thames, Dr Nadine Skipp explores how to ensure the products you use in your practice are up to scratch.

No matter what industry you are in, you need effective ‘tools’ and the skills to use them in order to be successful. In dentistry and facial aesthetics, it’s no different. There is such a wide range of products and equipment available (which I will reference throughout as ‘tools’) – and it can sometimes seem impossible to know which to choose to accompany your provision. However, it is essential that the ‘tools’ you utilise are of the highest standard and achieve the best results.

After all, it just takes one poor choice in product, or one unreliable piece of equipment, to take a patient from their desired outcome to an unsuccessful result. We all know that only a bad workman (or workwoman) blames their tools, however you wouldn't be a good workman if you didn’t first at least ensure that you were using the right tools.

From major recognisable brands to leading manufacturers with cheaper ‘own brand’ alternatives, every company wants you to think that what they offer is the best and superior to all others. But they can’t all be, so we must employ our own professional judgement in deciding which will suit us most and which will offer the most successful and predictable results time after time.

Given that there is so much choice out there, how exactly do you do this?

A fundamental question when choosing should be, “Does it do the job I need it to? And will it do so reliably and consistently?” If you were to ask your product rep I’m sure they would say, “Yes, of course” – unless they have an alternative item to sell. But the only way to find out for sure is to try and test it out first hand.

But, before doing so it may be prudent to take note of the following considerations:

Cost effectiveness

Firstly, this can be something of a subjective term. Not specifically related to that which is the cheapest, rather the items that provide the best value for money. Of course, it can be easy to simply choose the product that appears to give you the highest quantity for the lowest cost, but this can lead you into problems later down the line.

Indeed, for something to be cost effective it will need to be reliable, have a well-thought out delivery system that minimises wastage, deliver consistent results and have a price that is relative to its quality. For instance, you might expect a single use disposable item to be far cheaper in comparison to a piece of equipment you would use over and again throughout your career. But, if the quality of results you achieve with a cheaper product is substandard and means you have to invest in more expensive products to rectify any issues, this negates any potential savings you might have made.

Ease of use

One of the main advantages in offering facial aesthetic treatments such as botulin toxins or dermal fillers is their relative ease of use and application (which in turn make for more cost effective treatments through time savings). However these benefits will be negated through poor product choices. On the other hand, products that have been designed with ergonomics and function in mind will be far more intuitive and natural to use, but this often comes with a higher price tag. In some instances this expense is justified, as those that are not designed with these considerations are likely to deliver results of a lower standard.

Compatibility

Familiarity with new ‘tools’ and understanding their compatibility with your own personal work processes are also essential factors to consider. Some clinicians like to stick with what they used in their training or have a long-standing familiarity with, whilst others will be constantly looking for new and innovative products. It is worth thinking about the time it may take to become accustomed to new products or equipment and whether any workshops or further training are required to utilise them properly.

Recommendations

One of the best sources of reliable information will come from recommendations from colleagues, peers and trainers. Before investing, it is wise to ask fellow clinicians to share their opinions and experience and for any advice or suggestions. It is also well worth visiting trade shows and exhibitions, as new products and equipment are often launched at these events alongside special promotional offers.

Certification

Finally, it is essential that all products and equipment you use have the appropriate certification and comply with all the required regulation and legislation. Look out for CE marks and any symbols or logos that certify quality. There are often horror stories in the news around forged or inferior products that have been imported into the country from foreign manufacturers. This rise in counterfeit products poses a real risk to both patient and practitioner due to the lack of regulation, certification and accountability. The trick here is to not be tempted when an offer looks too good to be true. A product that would normally cost £700 is unlikely to be genuine if sold for £50.

Ultimately you want to use ‘tools’ that will help make the service and treatments you offer faster, easier and better for the patient. So by taking into account practicality, cost, ease of use, compatibility, peer recommendations and manufacturer’s certification you can begin to ensure that the treatments and services you offer will not be let down by the products and equipment you choose to use.

To find out more visit www.auradental.co.uk, call 020 8549 5710, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr Nadine Skipp is the Principal and Founder of AURA Centre of Dental Excellence and Facial Aesthetics in Kingston Upon Thames. Having trained with leading experts from across the dental profession in the US, UK and internationally, Dr Skipp has fulfilled many educational roles throughout the industry, and was awarded a Fellowship from the International Academy for Dental and Facial Esthetics in 2014. She is also partner of SOURCE1uk - Dental Recruitment, Training Courses, Classifieds and Practice Sales.

As we all know, a new NHS contract has been mooted for the last three or four years. The major problem that the Government currently appears to be struggling with is that, for all its flaws, the current system very precisely provides control over the spend.

So the Government is trying to implement a new contract whilst retaining this same level of control. However, it is very difficult to envisage a system that will allow them to do that and satisfy the dental profession.

For the last few years, everything seems to have been focused on reducing spending on NHS dentistry. This can be seen with both GDS and PDS contracts. As the PDS contracts come up for renewal the LATs are taking a much harder stance and reducing values wherever they can. 

There was a time, a number of years ago, when over 50% of practices had not achieved their UDA target on a regular basis and yet no action had been taken by PCTs to recoup any monies. This was certainly the case for the first five years of the current contract; however, one of the changes we have seen recently is a significantly stronger focus on performance. So that now if a practice does not hit targets, not only will the LAT recoup the money but they will seize every opportunity to reduce the contract value, either by decreasing the number of UDAs or lessening the UDA value. 

Under any new contract, if there is one, underperformance and failure to achieve KPIs is going to lead to a similar situation. Whilst the latest prototype proposed contains remuneration based on capitation, the number of patients that you have registered, the work performed and some for achieving KPIs, the potential risk for missing these targets is a massive 10%. Nevertheless, a lot of the essential details here remain unknown.

In some ways the most concerning part about the change in contract is the notion it might be time limited. This completely fails to recognise the investment that dentists have to put into practices, not only in terms of equipment, but also regarding the time spent building a good dental business. To fit out a dental practice is a very significant cost, and nobody is going to do that if there is a contract that only lasts for five years – over that period one is not going to get back that which one has paid out, never mind actually make any money!

It seems, whether stated or unstated, that it is the Government’s clear intention to reduce spending on NHS dentistry. To achieve this, perhaps all they would have to do is introduce time limited contracts and there would be a very large shift away from NHS ownership towards private.

And this, in my opinion, is what the Government wants. They need to save money and whilst they talk about the NHS in hallowed terms, I’m not so sure that NHS dentistry is quite so hallowed as the rest of it.

John Grant of Goodman Grant Lawyers for Dentists

For more information call John Grant on 0113 834 3705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goodmangrant.co.uk
 

ASPD MEMBER

According to the World Happiness Report 2015, released earlier this year, the UK is the 21^st happiest country in the world. While, as a country, we fall behind the United States, Australia, the Nordic countries and Switzerland (which is smiling in the number one spot) we contentedly remain in the happiest 20% of the 158 countries that have been included in the study.[1]

A number of different variables are taken into account in order to assess the happiness of a country. These include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption and generosity. Of these, generosity has one of the highest positives affects on people and produces the lowest negative affect overall.  

To evaluate a population’s generosity, participants were asked, “Have you donated to a charity in the past month?” The most recent survey of its kind, the UK Giving Report 2014, found that 57% of adults in this country gave to charitable causes in a typical month – meaning that around 34 million people were extending their financial generosity to people in need to the estimated sum of £10.6 billion.[2] But while this is an encouraging statistic, how does it have an impact on the overall happiness of the country?      

Research has shown that people who are giving money to charity exhibit heightened brain activity – particularly in the ventral striatum and tegmental areas. These areas are closely linked to the experience of positive affect and our physiological reward system and the processing of emotional output from the amygdala.[3] What this means is that giving to a worthwhile cause triggers a chemical reaction in our brains that produces a sense of reward and positive emotion. The same areas of the brain are stimulated when we ourselves are given good news or receive something we want, but studies have shown that giving is the better stimulant, corroborating the common adage that ‘it is better to give than receive.’

It has also been proven that doing good for others can benefit our own mental and physical health[4] as well as being an important, pro-social function that contributes to the overall wellbeing of the country. Of course, while it is nice that being charitable makes us feel better, the impact on the people we are giving to is far more important. Being able to depend on the generosity of our peers is a real indicator of a population’s happiness and will make a real difference for the people who are most in need. Circumstance and chance can too easily force any one of us to the brink of desperation and knowing there is a network of support built on the goodwill of others, who are ready and willing to provide help, is a comforting reality.

Established in 1882, the BDA Benevolent Fund has been providing this type of vital support for decades. By offering essential financial assistance for everyday expenses they can bring much-needed relief to dentists and their families, when all other avenues of income fail.

Depending entirely on your generous donations, the BDA Benevolent Fund needs your continued support to carry on helping dentists and their families when times are tough. Help support your colleagues and donate to the BDA Benevolent Fund today.

Thank you.

The BDA Benevolent Fund relies on your help to continue its work,
so please contact us on 020 7486 4994 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
or to give a donation today go to www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk.
 

And if you are in need of help yourself, please contact us now.

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

The demand for affordable dental care is on the rise, along with the increase in popularity for dental procedures. We safeguard our most cherished possessions such as our homes, cars, pets and even lives with insurance policies, so logically our teeth should be as carefully protected.

The repercussions of poor oral health have the potential to not only damage self-confidence and relationships, but are also linked to diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. To add insult to injury, the healthcare required to treat dental conditions is notoriously costly. As completely free NHS dental procedures are only available to pregnant women, new mothers, children up to the age of 18 and those receiving benefits, virtually everyone – whether private or NHS – pays towards dental care. Current NHS treatment bands range from £18.80 for a standard check up, through to £222.50 for more complicated procedures such as crowns. Bearing in mind that 63% of NHS dental patients choose their practices based on cost[i], it’s prudent for clinicians and patients to investigate dental insurance policies, particularly when several treatments are required.

A British Dental Association report in 2013 showed that over half of mainly NHS dental practices in the UK, didn’t employ dental hygienists at all[ii]. However, the 2009 Dental Health Survey revealed 45% of the population with natural teeth had gingival pockets of 4mm or more revealing that periodontal disease is widespread[iii]. For these patients, hygienist sessions are recommended at least twice a year, typically costing around £50. If a standard amalgam filling at £50.50 (a composite, white filling is usually a private treatment), and any related dental examinations are then added to the mix, fees can escalate.

For a series of private treatments, a £220-£280 annual cover plan, recompensing 75% of the final bill makes financial sense. NHS dental patients may also be able to opt for NHS clinic-only cheaper insurance plans covering 100% of the costs[iv]. With some policies covering families, dental accidents or emergencies overseas, and giving no upper age limit for new customers, there’s a wide range of options available to suit both need and budget.

Munroe Sutton has been organising, designing and managing stand-alone, affordable dental plans for over thirty years. Created by dentists, these policies are committed to fair compensation for professionals and improving accessibility to quality dentistry for the individual. Together with leading insurance providers, a network of high quality dental practices has been established. Completely free to join, it offers your business a highly effective and efficient promotional tool to help increase your patient-base and build profit, all at no extra cost.

For more information please call 0808 234 3558

or visit www.munroesutton.co.uk

A key defining factor of life today is that we’re all connected in ways our forefathers were not. The Truman show film released in 1998, depicted the world in an unfamiliar, fantastic way, which is what made the subject matter so intriguing. However, are we really that far away from that fantasy world today? We may not be being watched in our own homes 24/7 but we are just a click, a text, a tweet or a Skype call away from anyone we choose to connect with, anywhere in the world, at any time.

Technology, coupled with a social media explosion has meant that real time information is no longer a figment of our over active imaginations, it’s here and constantly developing. Everyday, live data is served up in many guises via digital applications covering diet and fitness through to bus timetables. Many businesses are recognising the endless benefits of capturing this kind of data. Online news sites can post two headlines for the same feature, monitor the interest generated and within minutes discard the less popular, optimising their online hits. They stay one step ahead in an increasingly competitive environment by not only communicating to readers in real time but by enhancing the product  (editors receive immediate data and respond accordingly).

Dental practices accessing live data can reap similar benefits in terms of workflow and profitability. In 2009, the British Dental Association ran a survey to calculate the amount of hours lost for practices by Failures to Attend (FTA). It recorded an average of 81 hours per dentist over the year, with an astounding rise to an average of 111 hours where those practices had no reminder system in place[i]. This is equivalent to three weeks of back-to-back treatments so can any practice afford to ignore appointment management?

There is now software available offering the continual stream of information and communication between your practice and patient base. This fully automated system takes care of appointment fixing, credit card processing, and crucially, reminding patients to attend. Covering the four focal points of chair occupancy, treatment planning, appointment confirmation and patient recare, this real-time information helps to monitor and manage appointments efficiently. Staff are then free to instantly respond to situations as they occur, keeping schedules at optimum efficiency.

Carestream Dental can provide this real time data via the new fully automated Springboard feature of the CS R4+ practice management software. Because the system immediately undertakes time-consuming administration, Springboard enables a continual, fluid workflow. In return, resources and skills are applied to the areas where they’re required where they’re most needed – attending to patients.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook 

“The relationship between the practice and the supply company’s representative is the most important feature for us when considering who to work with,” says Vicky Marsh, Practice Manager at Parkway Dental Care.

“We’ve been working with Wrights for a number of years but since our current representative, Tina, joined the team a year ago, we have been especially happy with the excellent service we’ve received. Wrights offers the best value for money and we now order all our materials and consumables, as well as some oral health products, through the company.

“Tina and I hit it off straight away. She is absolutely fantastic, her level of customer service is extremely high – she is always prepared to go that extra distance to deliver on our requirements. I get regular emails with any deals or offers that may be of interest and anything she doesn’t know is investigated and immediately reported back to me; it is first-class customer care.

“I am extremely satisfied with Tina and will stick with her for the foreseeable future. I would recommend this service 100%, in fact I always do – Tina is wonderful!”

For a professional yet personal service from an experienced team, next day delivery on top-selling products and exclusive discounted prices, contact Wrights today.

            For more information contact Wright on 0800668899 or visit www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

How could the Florida Probe, one of the most accurate and consistent periodontal probes on the market, be made even better?

Clark Dental is proud to introduce the Florida Probe Dolphin – the single-use and disposable probe that ensures each new patient can be treated with a fresh appliance. Seeing you unwrap a new probe especially for them increases patient trust and reassures them that they are receiving the best and most hygienic care possible.

The Dolphin features a new, more flexible plastic sleeve, in a neon yellow colour to make it easier to see in both light and dark environments. With its improved flexibility, you will also be able to reach difficult interproximal sites far more easily.

The Florida Probe Dolphin is compatible with your existing Florida Probe and the powerful Voice Works perio-charting software. This innovative product is changing the way periodontal exams are conducted and is the ideal tool for any practice. To find out how you could benefit from it, contact the team at Clark Dental today.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

Described as a global burden, severe periodontitis has been reported to be the sixth most prevalent medical condition in the world.[1]

In the UK, periodontitis affects about half of all adults with up to 15% estimated to have the condition severely.[2] These shocking statistics echo the findings of the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey, which reported that, although this generation has a better outlook than their predecessors, there are still many people whose oral health and function does not meet the best possible standards.[3]

Periodontal disease is a particular area of concern because it can cause serious oral health problems and when left untreated, and can result in tooth loss as well as deterioration of both gingiva and bone. Ominously the potential effects and implications of periodontal disease may also extend beyond oral health and recent research has established that periodontal infection is a probable risk factor for various systemic diseases, including pulmonary disease.[4]

Furthermore, periodontal disease has the capability of changing the chemical composition of the blood and glucose levels as well as interfering with the body's inflammatory system and thereby increasing the risk of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,[5] respiratory[6] and cardiovascular diseases.[7]^,[8]

As we know, tobacco use, stress and obesity may be significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. However people with other general health conditions also have an increased risk of developing the condition. Evidence has consistently revealed that diabetes is a risk factor for the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis^[9] and a five-year follow-up, population-based study in Taiwan[10] has also indicated that patients with osteoporosis might have an increased chance of developing periodontitis.

The Trailblazer Management Apprenticeship in Dentistry provides an extensive work-based programme with a national recognised level 4 qualification – ILM Certificate in Leadership & Management. The course offers a foundation of knowledge, skills and experience for progression into lots of different roles, not only that of practice manager; it also paves the way for advancement towards area or regional manager roles. It is applicable for individuals working in both independent and corporate practices and the qualification in leadership and management has the potential to open a lot of doors, so there is no limit to the career opportunities available.

The aim of the course is to develop a student’s capabilities and personal awareness in order for them to become a leader. It provides learning pathways in a wide range of areas to allow a holistic approach to how the practice is run on a large scale, enabling them to make better-informed decisions. Graduates will be able to take a strategic approach to managing the practice; increasing the efficiency of operations by streamlining workflows and increasing the quality of patient care.

Due to the nature of apprenticeships, the two-year course keeps students in the working environment with only three or four days taught in college per year. Candidates are able to implement new procedures and processes in an environment they are already familiar with to benefit the entire team. A portfolio of work showing evidence of scenario-based projects, learning activities and assessments is developed in practice and a student mentor supports individuals as they learn. The programme covers Human Resources, Patient Care, Clinical, Marketing, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Finance and the Dental Industry and other areas, enabling practice managers to marry their existing abilities with new skills.

Employers can obtain fully qualified people to run their businesses without huge expense. They are not required to fund the entire apprenticeship, just a third; the other two-thirds is funded by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). Students must of course provide drive and commitment to the training but they do not pay anything, so it's a fabulous opportunity for learners to gain high-level qualifications as they earn.

Intake for the apprenticeship programme begins every few months and the start dates at Barnet and Southgate College are:

• 18^th March 2016
• 13^th May 2016
• 1^st July 2016 with more dates to follow.

The college offers an eligibility criteria form designed to provide a quick assessment of candidates’ suitability for the course. Generally, candidates need a grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths and should have a level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent or BTEC qualification), but most candidates will be at this kind of level if they are applying.

Dental practice managers are undoubtedly the ‘life-blood’ of the company. To ensure your management staff members have the skills and experience they need to excel in their careers and drive your business forward, find out more about the Trailblazer Management Apprenticeship today.

For more information or applications contact Barnet and Southgate College. Tel: 0208 266 4333

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With an in-depth understanding of the daily demands faced by modern clinicians, Carestream Dental offers an array of flexible solutions to suit the way you work.

The CS Adapt module allows you to define and customise images in whatever way you wish. Up to six pre-set filter options are available for you to choose between, enabling each image to be presented in a format that best suits the individual case.

The intuitive library-style programme facilitates easy browsing, image selection and the choice of filters ensures faster and more accurate diagnostics every time.

Available to use with various imaging solutions from Carestream Dental, including the CS 8100, CS 8100 3D, CS 9000 and CS 9300 systems, CS Adapt image processing is ideal in a wide variety of situations.

What’s more, you can be confident that the customer service delivered by Carestream Dental will be second-to-none, enabling you to make the very most of your innovations.

Don’t compromise the way you work when employing new systems – discover CS Adapt.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook 

Clinical competency is the foundation for excellence in dentistry. Through high quality and on-going training and education, professionals acquire and develop the appropriate skills that enable them to deliver safe and effective dental treatment to their patients.

Particularly in such a fast-paced profession as dentistry, where techniques, materials and technologies are rapidly advancing and changing the way treatment is provided, remaining abreast of the latest innovations and ideas is vital. Not only does this ensure competency to treat patients in the most appropriate way, but it also allows practitioners to enhance the dental care and treatment they offer. 

What’s more, it’s important to develop knowledge and understanding in a broad range of areas. For example, if you wish to offer implant treatment to patients it is clear that you need to complete advanced training so that you have the skills necessary for the provision of safe and effective services. However, even as a GDP who doesn’t provide such treatment directly to patients, you still need sufficient knowledge that will enable you to assess the health of implant supported restorations that you may encounter.

Whether clinicians require education for the placement, restoration or maintenance of dental implants, it is paramount that any training completed is of the highest calibre.

Passionate about improving awareness of and access to first-class tuition in the field is Ken Nicholson. Ken is the founder of the British Society of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the Faculty of Examiners at RCS Edinburgh, amongst many other accolades. He is also the founder of SmileTube.tv, a learning portal designed to ensure practitioners’ competency in implant treatment. He says:

“The widespread use and published success of dental implant supported restorations is encouraging more and more GDPs to become involved in this treatment modality. A visit to the dentist’s section of the Yellow Pages makes it difficult to ignore the fact that an increasing number of practitioners are using the label ‘Cosmetic and Implant Practice’. Ensuring the clinician has the appropriate knowledge and skills to undertake dental implant treatment is of paramount importance.

“The GDC’s required learning outcomes of undergraduate education for Dentists: The First Five Years states that dental students should ‘be familiar with dental implants as an option in replacing missing teeth’. UK-qualified dentists are not expected to practise implant dentistry without undertaking structured postgraduate training and assessment of competence.

“The first step towards treating a patient is case assessment, where attention to detail and identification of the salient features of the case are essential. Even if a general practitioner does not wish to provide implant treatment, it is almost certain that he or she will be caring for patients with implant-supported restorations. A component of that care will be assessment of the health of the implant restoration(s) for which an understanding of implant dentistry is essential.”

For those wishing to perform implant treatment themselves, it is crucial that any training undertaken is carefully designed to provide both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience clinicians need to ensure their clinical competency.

Through SmileTube.tv, practitioners have access to a structured, blended learning programme that is tailored to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skill to place and restore dental implants, in a safe environment. The course involves four online modules, which can be completed at a time and from a place of the delegate’s choosing for ultimate engagement and effectiveness of learning. Training concludes with eight clinical days where delegates can develop practical skills for placing and restoring implants, while under the supervision of leading implant practitioners across the country and with access to cutting-edge facilities.

“The SmileTube.tv ‘Ultimate Implant Year Course’ delivered in partnership with Nobel Biocare provides delegates with the core knowledge and competence in implant dentistry expected of a GDP, as described by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for the Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the College,” continues Ken. “The knowledge component of the course, and assessment of that knowledge, is delivered online through the purpose designed e-learning platform SmileTube.tv, and delegates are able to revisit any material as many times as they need for the duration of the course. The clinical skills component, and skills assessment, is delivered through one of a network of clinical training centres throughout the UK and Ireland.

“I believe Nobel Biocare to be a global leader in implant dentistry with a hugely impressive and well documented track record. It is a proactive, innovative and forward-thinking company keen to support education and training for the GDP, which arguably offers the most comprehensive range of services, products and materials in the industry. The latest implant design from Nobel Biocare, the NobelParallel® Conical Connection (CC) implant will be one of the implant designs used on the SmileTube.tv course and promises to be an excellent platform for the newcomer to implant dentistry.

“As Nobel Biocare has been innovative in its approach to implant dentistry, SmileTube.tv has been innovative in its approach to education and training in the field. We hope to develop a passionate, global learning community, pushing the boundaries of education and training in implant dentistry to provide a better experience for our learners and a safe and predictable outcome for their patients.”

For more details on the learning opportunities available, please visit www.smiletube.tv, email Janine our Learning Community Facilitator on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0289 252 8522.

For more information about the exciting innovations available from Nobel Biocare, please call 0208 756 3300 or visit www.nobelbiocare.com

Last year, Dr Peter Collins from Beaconsfield Dental Practice decided to update two of the surgeries in his Buckinghamshire practice. He went to Clark Dental for help with planning and design, and for some of the most cutting-edge equipment in the industry.

“I would highly recommend Clark Dental,” says Dr Collins. “The support and advice the team offered was excellent. 

“I have worked with Matt Rowlingson from Clark Dental on a number of occasions and he has always been incredibly helpful. This project was no different. His team of engineers and experts, including Ryan Shoesmith and Grant Smith, were exceptionally dedicated, helpful and professional throughout the entire process – from planning to installation and their ongoing support now everything has been completed.

“With new Apex Elite cabinetry in both surgeries, and A-Dec dental units, our 100 year old practice has been given a new, modern look that has had a positive response from both our patients and our dental team.” 

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

“We have been working with Wrights for two years” says Maryam Felkler, Principal Dentist and Clinic Co-ordinator at eleDent Clinic, Sutton. “Our representative Louise is the reason we joined; her reputation is outstanding and she truly represents the standard of staff that Wrights employs.

“When it came to renovating two of our surgeries, Wrights did everything and the team was efficient and well-organised. We were given a really great price and a five-year warrantee with most of our chairs and equipment. What’s more, Wrights beat every single quote I received from other suppliers.

“Due to the excellent and consistent service that Wrights provides, we use it for 100% of our ordering. The delivery of our consumables and materials is faultless; even the most unusual requests are met by Louise.

“Wrights offers no limitations on payment and we are able to pay monthly. This is testament to the strength of our working relationship and the mutual trust between Wrights and its customers.

“The personalised service that we receive in invaluable and is the biggest selling point of the company. We will continue to use Wrights for all of our ordering into the foreseeable future.”

To find out how you can get a dedicated, professional and personalised service, contact Wrights now.

            For more information contact Wrights on 0800 66 88 99 or visit www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

In the UK, there a number of people who are contracted to do unsociable hours with estimations from the Labour Force Survey in 2005 showing 3.6 million in shift work employment.¹ Indeed, with many working in healthcare, manufacturing, transport, communications and hospitality professions, nine to five is no longer considered to be the norm.

With reports showing a decline in nightshifts and the three-day working pattern, it appears that emergence of ‘other types of shift work’ is on the rise highlighting the constant change that workers face.²

Finding the time

Because of the erratic and unpredictable patterns that shift work brings, it can therefore be difficult for people to arrange and attend much needed or emergency appointments.

In comparison to fixed contracts, which specify pre-arranged working days, shift work rotas are subject to change and can often not be distributed to staff until the last minute. As you would expect, booking an appointment in advance can become a seemingly impossible task.

What’s more, because employers are not required by law to allow workers to attend medical and dental appointments in work time,³ booking an appointment without a definite rota is out of the question, unless annual leave is approved for that specific time.

The toll on oral health

Not only does working unsociable hours and shift work have an effect on the convenience of booking an appointment, it could also create or contribute to medical and oral health problems.

Although there is insufficient research specifically on the topic of oral health in patients who work these hours, there is some evidence to suggest that it can be damaging to a person’s general health and wellbeing. As well as affecting sleep, weight and increasing the chance of diabetes, studies have shown a link between shift work and increased cardiovascular morbidity.⁴

The solution

Making appointments more accessible and offering online booking will encourage the general and oral health of shift workers. The current system has many flaws including busy phone lines, lack of out-of-hours options and limited choice of appointment times.

In comparison, online booking is flexible and transparent, offering 24/7 access to available appointments. A quick, easy-to-use and stress free alternative, online platforms such as Zesty offer a solution to those who work unsociable hours.

If you want to streamline your practice, optimise your surgery time and allow patients who do shift work to access services, contact Zesty today.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. visit www.zesty.co.uk or call 02037717799 for more details today

¹ Unite guide to shift work and night work – a health and safety issue for unite members. Revised October 2013. Accessed online 24^th July 2015.

http://www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/ShiftandNightWork%2011-4950.pdf

² Changes in shift work patterns over the last ten years (1999 – 2009). Prepared by Office for National Statistics for the Health and Safety Executive 2011. Accessed online 6^th August 2015 http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr887.pdf

³ Advice Guide. Citizens advice bureau. Accessed online 24^th July 2015 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice%20factsheets/Employment/e-time-off-work.pdf

⁴ Europe Published Central. Shift work and health – a critical review of the literature on working hours. J.M Harrington. Accessed online 24^th July 2015 http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/784775

Providing a rare opportunity for you to learn and interact with more than 20 of the top global speakers in the field of implantology, the Nobel Biocare Team Conference 2015 is an event not to be missed.

Held on 6^th and 7^th November at The Brewery London, the conference offers an exceptional programme with lectures, hands-on workshops and masterclasses run by leading global professionals.

Among the outstanding speaker line-up will be Professor Sreenivas Koka, renowned for his leading expertise in the field of implantology and prosthetics. He will be presenting a masterclass alongside Professor Daniel van Steenberghe, entitled “Peri-implantitis: a tsunami waiting to happen? Facts and fallacy”.

“Reports of peri-implantitis are steadily increasing and it is up to the profession to ask what we can do to reduce its prevalence,” says Professor Koka.

“During our session, Professor Steenberghe will focus on the treatment and management of the condition, while I will look at how the disease is caused and what we can do to prevent it.

“We know that patient behaviours influence the development of peri-implantitis to some degree, but it is how we as clinicians use dental implants that will have the most significant affect. The key is in the treatment planning, before implant surgery is performed. We need to fully understand the science behind our decisions: where do we choose to place the implants, in what types of people and why?

“We used to have many concerns with regards to implantology, but as the procedure has become more common and success rates have improved, we have relaxed our approach slightly. This just needs tightening up again to ensure we create the best possible chances of clinical success.

“My section of the masterclass will focus on what we should be looking for and doing in preparation for implant placement. Particularly relevant for those who are relatively new to the field, the session will emphasise that implants will not always work well with every patient.”

Professor Koka will also present a lecture on “Prosthetic solutions for the edentulous patient: What, when and why?”, exploring the key prosthetic pathways for different solutions. Discussing the evolution of protocols and materials in this area, there will be an opportunity for debate regarding prosthetics for the All-on-4^® treatment concept, prosthetic implant bridges, IBO and maintenance.

A member of the Scientific Committee and involved with the creation of the programme, Professor Koka concludes by highlighting the calibre of the event:

“This conference will celebrate how far we have come as a profession in the past couple of decades – the science and clinical experience we have developed is truly astounding. It will also highlight how much more there is yet to come.

“Historically, Nobel Biocare has been a major leader in the dental implant arena and this kind of programme will definitely keep it at the forefront. The conference will go back to basics, emphasising the science, education and research supporting the many products, materials and techniques used today. It’s a very exciting programme!”

For more information about the Nobel Biocare Team Conference, or to register, please visit www.nobelbiocare.com/uk2015, or call 0208 756 3300.

Offering you a choice of cutting-edge digital imaging solutions, Carestream Dental is delighted to bring the power of 3D imaging within the reach of every general dental practice.

The outstanding CS 8100 3D produces both 2D and 3D images of exceptional clarity, optimising versatility, accuracy and predictability of diagnostics and treatment planning procedures.

Further aiding a quick and smooth image acquisition, the intuitive interface is easy to use and patients of all shapes and sizes can be scanned in just seconds.

The CS 8100 3D also offers carefully controlled radiation exposure, with flexible fields of view available to ensure the safety of patients at all times.

To harness the benefits of 3D imaging within your every day practice, find out more about the CS 8100 3D from Carestream Dental today.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook 

The dental practice goodwill values for the last financial year ending March 2015 are out at last, and average practice sales with Dental Elite as a broker have risen to 3.23x adjusted net profit, 6.99x adjusted EBITDA with 137.8% as a reflection of turnover.

“I think anyone involved in dental practice sales and goodwill values will have noticed that the market has gained considerable strength,” reflects Luke Moore, Co-Founder of Dental Elite. “Most practices this year have achieved over and above our valuation.”

This year, NHS practices are displaying a 3.66x ANP, 6.79x EBITDA and 156.70% turnover compared to mixed practices, which sold for an average of 8.98x adjusted EBITDA or 3.56x ANP with a reflection of turnover standing at 136.02%.

“The breakdowns are very interesting,” says Paul Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Dental Elite. “It would seem that mixed practices tend to sell more to dentists who seek to work in the practice themselves, hence the slightly higher EBITDA multiple which is counteracted by the lower Adjusted Net Profit. It is also interesting to see Private Practice Multiples starting to narrow the gap between NHS Practices.”

To find out how you can get the best deal on your practice, and for a free, no strings valuation, contact Dental Elite now.

For more information contact Dental Elite. Visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01788 545 900

EuroPerio8, the triennial world leading conference in periodontology, made its visit to London this year.

With lectures held throughout the duration of the conference, EuroPerio Platinum Sponsor, Acteon, presented lectures on Thursday and Saturday.

On Thursday, Dr Amit Patel and Donna Schembri explored the concept of ‘Seeing the Unseen’ - Utilising Fluorescent Technology for Optimal Periodontal Care.

The theme from Acteon and the two speakers was clear: improve patient understanding to empower self-care and utilise technology to see better and treat faster.

Cutting-edge products mentioned as examples for the effective removal of plaque included the Newtron P5xs ultrasonic generator, the Air n Go easy airpolisher and Soprocare - which utilises state of the art photonics technologies.

It was a similar story from the Ziv Mazor lecture on Minimal Invasive Surgery Utilizing Piezo Surgical Device - Optimizing Biological and Functional Outcome in the Posterior Maxilla.

Using products such as Piezotome® and Sinus Lift Kit as examples, he articulated that innovative technology minimises complications, reduces treatment and healing time, and ultimately enhances function.

Improve patient understanding and encourage them to look after themselves by giving them the tools and the knowledge: together we can improve patient care.

Find out more about innovations available from Acteon by calling the team today.

For more information on Acteon and how to educate your patients, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 01603 227019 or visit www.acteongroup.com

As an established independent company, Wrights prides itself on providing a customer-centred, professional and friendly service.

At this year’s BDIA Dental Showcase Wrights was pleased to introduce for the first time, the sophisticated and quality imaging software, CAD/CAM solutions and dental units from leading manufacturer Planmeca.

Wrights also had the pleasure of launching its new partnership with the easy-to-use and multi-functional cloud based practice management software Dentally, as well as a new orthodontic range from leading provider of clinical solutions, G&H Orthodontics.

“I am pleased to finally announce the launch of these three ranges exclusive to Wrights,” said Ahmed Zaher, “and I thank everyone for their support”.

For those who missed out on the exciting array of old and new products and brands, flyers displaying exclusive discounted offers will be made available throughout the year.

To find out more about quality products and brands unveiled at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2015, contact Wrights now. Rest assured that whatever your supply needs, Wrights has it.

            For more information contact Wrights on 0800 66 88 99 or visit the easy to navigate website www.wright-cottrell.co.uk

The state of the nation’s children’s dental health never seems far from the headlines. Although the NHS insists there has been a vast improvement over the past decade, the fact that nearly 26,000 five-to-nine year olds were admitted to hospital for tooth decay in England in 2013-14[i], means the time for action is now. But a focused, multi-agency approach, based on education and prevention, must consider how a child’s needs change as they grow older and move into adolescence.

Just like other life stages, hormones play a significant part, making a good oral health routine crucial. Research has shown that puberty’s rush of ‘sex hormones’ affects the periodontium.[ii] This is an unavoidable factor; as for an ‘avoidable’ one, a smoking habit usually starts, and gets established, during adolescence, and obviously has many serious consequences for dental and systemic health.

Like smoking, eating disorders are often initiated during the teenage years. Individuals who develop bulimia nervosa may experience acid erosion to the surface of the teeth as a result of vomiting. Anorexia nervosa can lead to increased caries, xerostomia and osteoporosis due to a lack of essential nutrients.

Energy drinks are popular during examination time as they are marketed as boosting energy, decreasing fatigue and enhancing concentration. However, they are often full of sugar, too. Skipping breakfast – or grabbing something unhealthy on-the-go – is also common. New research has shown that teens are twice as likely to suffer from halitosis if they miss breakfast[iii] and, with these years being a defining time socially, bad breath can be a great motivational tool to trigger better oral care!

With finances also likely to be an issue we need to look at simple, cost-effective ways to boost teens’ dental health between appointments. Education about the causes of halitosis, proper brushing techniques and the dangers of smoking of course are important, but they could add some adjunctive products, too, such as CB12 mouth rinse and Boost chewing gum which are clinically proven to neutralise the gases that cause halitosis and keep the the mouth fresh all day.