As the end of the first five-year cycle of continuing professional development (CPD) approaches this July, the GDC is urging all dental care professionals (DCPs) to complete the required 150 hours of CPD. The learning and development of DCPs is important to strengthening the level of care practical teams can provide. But one recent report quoted that over 43,000 DCP registrants will end their five-year cycle in 2013. Yet of these, 19% have currently not declared any hours and 33% have declared hours for their first year only. [1]

With the plethora of CPD resources and providers available, why is it that DCPs are struggling to fulfil CPD requirements? Literature published by the GDC[2] on this subject suggests that cost of training, ease of access and work patterns affect all healthcare groups – but in different ways. Therefore the need to make CPD versatile, inexpensive and easy to access is paramount; and there a few ways practices could look to put this into action.

The overall picture of continuing education for DCPs can be positive if the issue of a lack of funding is addressed. A survey on the attitudes of dental hygienists towards CPD for example, indicated that involvement in CPD was good but they just needed more support for CPD activities.[3] Another barrier to education for some DCPs was the geographical location of learning events, since time and money is required to attend. A remedy could certainly be distance learning, e-Learning and private study that can be ‘picked up’ at any time. In fact, 73% of participants in the same survey reported that they would find distance learning to be a desirable alternative to physically attending events.

In response to some of these barriers to learning, online CPD providers such as

ProDentalCPD host over 600 e-Learning modules and members are granted access to CPD articles and videos that cover the fields of Dentistry, Dental Nursing, Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology. Such e-Learning material can be accessed at any time of the day and is flexible since it does not need to be completed in one sitting - it can be started and stopped as other priorities arise.

The purpose of CPD is to maintain public confidence in the dental profession and to enhance standards of patient care. This is can be achieved by registrants if they invest in life-long learning. The skills and knowledge of registrants will then evolve so that the best possible treatment and care is given to patients. For the skills dental professionals learned when qualifying, could easily become out of date if dental professionals are not familiar with burgeoning developments in clinical research, technological innovations and techniques that constantly improve dentistry.

The practical application of evidence-based learning to the workplace is an important benefit of CPD. New skills, knowledge and techniques that are acquired during CPD can be applied to practice. Making the most out of the extensive training and learning resources available can also be made easier by formulating effective personal development plans for all dental professionals.

For easy to use and flexible online CPD that is suitable for all members of the dental team, choose ProDentalCPD as your e-Learning provider. 

To learn more about high-quality e-Learning solutions, contact ProDentalCPD on 0114 282 3509, or visit www.prodentalcpd.com

Dental prostheses are like bespoke pieces of art that require skilled technicians to execute well. And so it follows that when dentists search for a laboratory to create their ceramic restorations, the first thing they need to look for is a supplier that can boast of adept and experienced craftsmen.

Dentists should keep in mind, however, that using a skilled worker only makes up half of the equation. Like commissioning a bespoke piece from an artisan, a satisfactory end product is also largely dependent on the amount of instruction the maker is given.

A client wouldn’t approach a jeweller and simply say, “I’d like you to make me a gentleman’s ring, and I’d like it to be gold.” In order for the client to receive a product that is faithful to what they had in mind, they would supply more information, such as the shade of gold they’d like, how heavily decorated the piece should be, and so forth.

In the same way, dentists cannot expect to receive an ideal prosthetic if all they extend to the dental lab by way of instruction is what kind of prosthetic they require, and what shade it needs to come in.

While it’s true that the technician also picks up a wealth of information from the impression that the dentist sends, not everything can be determined from the model derived from the initial cast. If for example the dentist would like a tooth brought in, or a certain translucency is required to match neighbouring teeth, then all this needs to be made known.

On the flip side, a good technician will also keep the dentist and the patient in mind at all times when creating ceramic prostheses. Whether the technician works in a small laboratory and handles every step of the restoration himself, or labours in a bigger outfit as part of a team whose members concentrate on specific stages of production, the end goal is always to create a dental prosthetic that is satisfactory for both the practitioner and the patient.

One of the main differences between a small and large dental lab is turn-around time – in the teamwork style of production, time-consuming step-by-step processes can be executed simultaneously, bringing about a more efficient process. If the team works well together, this system can function beautifully. The core team of technicians at Sparkle Dental Labs, for example, have been running solidly together for more than a year and have reached a kind of symbiosis with each others’ working styles, leading to excellent ceramic restorations with quick turn-around times.

But whether a dentist chooses to work with a small or large laboratory, the concept remains the same: with the combination of a skilled craftsman and detailed instruction, the creation of excellent dental prostheses can be expected.

For any additional information please call 0800 138 6255 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:

www.sparkledentallabs.com

At the forefront of campaigning to help raise awareness of the risks and symptoms of mouth cancer, The British Dental Health Foundation estimates that over the next decade around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease. Without early detection, an estimated 30,000 people will die. Worldwide, over 460,000 are expected to die from mouth cancer each year by 2030. It is one of the few flourishing cancer variations in the UK, with cases increasing by almost 50% in the last decade and claiming more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Although more common in people over 40, particularly men, research shows that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women. The survival rate for people with mouth cancer is lower than those who have cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer. [1]

Mouth cancer (or oral cancer) occurs where an abnormal group of cells develops anywhere in the mouth, on the surface of the tongue, lips or gingiva. These are called squamous cell cancers. Less commonly it can occur in the salivary glands, tonsils or pharynx or can appear as melanoma, which starts in skin pigment cells around the mouth or lips.

Mouth cancer arises when something goes wrong with the normal cell lifecycle, causing them to grow and reproduce irrepressibly. The two most common symptoms of mouth cancer are an ulcer that does not heal and constant discomfort or pain in the mouth. Other symptoms can include red or white patches in the mouth, inexplicable loose teeth and a lump or thickening on the lip, tongue or neck. Similarly bad breath, unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth and difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing or speaking can indicate the presence of mouth cancer. All of these symptoms can be due to other conditions, so tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Mouth cancer can of course be treated more successfully when it is diagnosed early and it is thus important for dentists to emphasise the urgency of self-awareness to patients. The changes to the GDC’s recommended CPD topics highlight this, as professionals are urged to include five hours of study on the topic within their five-yearly CPD cycle.

Mouth cancer is not hereditary and most causes are linked to alcohol and tobacco. Chewing tobacco is particularly dangerous and the risk of mouth cancer is increased if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together. A diet containing large quantities of red meat and fried food can also be a contributory factor. As highlighted in media coverage of Michael Douglas and his 3-year battle with this disease, recent research has linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV).[2]

What can dental professionals do to help?

It is important for all members of the dental team to raise patient awareness of the simple lifestyle changes that can help prevent the development of mouth cancer (or prevent it reoccurring after successful treatment). These are not smoking, keeping to the recommended weekly limits for alcohol consumption (21 units for men and 14 units for women) and eating a healthy, balanced diet, low in fat and high in anti-oxidants, full of fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, olive oil and fish.[3] Reminding patients to wear sun block on their lips, staying out of the sun between 11am and 3 pm and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect their face will not only help prevent melanoma but also other types of skin cancer.

It is the dental professional’s responsibility to perform checks that include feeling the neck and face to check for swellings, as mouth cancer can often be discovered in its early stages. Regular dental appointments are thus imperative in the prevention and early detection of mouth cancer. Patients with particularly busy lives need simple and convenient methods for booking regular dental visits. As the dental industry heralds the power of the internet, it is becoming easier for patients to book their appointments online.

Working in collaboration with NHS Choices, Zesty is an online booking service, committed to providing quick and easy access to dental appointments. This is done by providing dental practices with a profile on the Zesty website, where any free appointments, including cancellations, can be advertised and filled as quickly as possible. A constant stream of patients is thus guaranteed, keeping the practice as busy as possible, and ensuring patients with any immediate concerns can book an appointment quickly.

A prime advantage of being able to book an appointment online is that the service is available both day and night. Rather than wait in physical or emotional discomfort until Monday morning, a patient in agony or concerned about mouth cancer at 3am can simply log on to their computer and instantly book an appointment. This ensures peace of mind and maybe a better night’s sleep, which in turn improves the quality of customer service.

Dental professionals need to continue raising the profile of mouth cancer, to assist in early diagnosis and help fight against the horrors of this potentially fatal disease.

Simply email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.zesty.co.uk or          call 0203 287 5416 for more details of our Free Trial

Widely renowned for providing top quality digital imaging systems and practice management software, the experts at Carestream Dental have developed the innovative CS Solutions. Designed to offer maximum flexibility to the practitioner, the system represents the very cutting-edge of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Offering ultimate versatility, CS Solutions consisting of:

 CS 3500 Intraoral Scanner

 CS 9300 or CS 9000 3D CBCT Impressioning Scanner

 CS 3000Milling Machine

 CS Restore

 CS Connect

Available as stand-alone technologies or as a complete and comprehensive system, CS Solutions provides the option to scan, design, mill and place restorations in a single appointment. This enables the clinician to work the way they prefer, whether they wish to scan their ‘analogue’ impressions; scan the patient directly; create the restoration chairside; or send their digital impressions to a laboratory.

Carestream Dental has listened to the profession and developed CS Solutions to accommodate the specific requirements of the modern dentist, technician and patient.

With this in mind, each component is user-friendly and easily portable. The system can also be fully integrated into any existing practice management software, for optimum workflow and communication between the entire dental team. In addition, patient experience has been enhanced with quiet and vibration-free technologies, ultimate precision for fast yet accurate treatment, and improved handling for maximum comfort.

Find out more at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013, stand P05.

For more information on CS Solutions from Carestream Dental,

please call 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

Widely renowned for providing top quality digital imaging systems and practice management software, the experts at Carestream Dental have developed the innovative CS Solutions. Designed to offer maximum flexibility to the practitioner, the system represents the very cutting-edge of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Offering ultimate versatility, CS Solutions consisting of:

 CS 3500 Intraoral Scanner

 CS 9300 or CS 9000 3D CBCT Impressioning Scanner

 CS 3000Milling Machine

 CS Restore

 CS Connect

Available as stand-alone technologies or as a complete and comprehensive system, CS Solutions provides the option to scan, design, mill and place restorations in a single appointment. This enables the clinician to work the way they prefer, whether they wish to scan their ‘analogue’ impressions; scan the patient directly; create the restoration chairside; or send their digital impressions to a laboratory.

Carestream Dental has listened to the profession and developed CS Solutions to accommodate the specific requirements of the modern dentist, technician and patient.

With this in mind, each component is user-friendly and easily portable. The system can also be fully integrated into any existing practice management software, for optimum workflow and communication between the entire dental team. In addition, patient experience has been enhanced with quiet and vibration-free technologies, ultimate precision for fast yet accurate treatment, and improved handling for maximum comfort.

Find out more at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013, stand P05.

For more information on CS Solutions from Carestream Dental,

please call 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

Practice management software is at the heart of many dental practices, and functions to simplify routine tasks and improve communication across the business. While running a successful practice can be a complex and highly involved task, practice management software is designed to ease the burden of administration, taking care of the details, so you can take care of your patients.

Beyond helping to relieve the administrative burden, many of the best practice management solutions are modular in nature, giving you the means to tailor your software to meet your specific business needs. This may include options such as online appointment booking or modules designed to help you enhance your patient communication. All of which can be used to improve either productivity or the quality of patient care, thus helping you grow your business.

Integrated payments

Of all the many advances demonstrated in the latest practice management software on the market, the option for integrated payment systems has been one of the most significant. By integrating payment processing with your other day-to-day practice management functions, you can save time and money, reduce errors and get a better view of your business.

One of the main advantages of integrated payment processing is that it greatly enhances your business efficiency. Transaction amounts are sent automatically to the card payment terminal. This means your team members don’t have to enter transaction amounts by hand, which reduces errors and speeds up the whole procedure. Furthermore, because the whole process is linked in with your management software, at the end of the month you won’t have to reconcile figures with your merchant statement – the whole process is completed for you.

For a small business, efficiency gains such as these can make a major difference. Where one member of staff will often have many different roles within the business, time spent on re-entering data or re-verifying credit card information can be re-allocated to more important tasks that can help your business get ahead. After all, time is money, and the time you save with an integrated payment system can be put to much better use caring for patients and ultimately, helping your practice to grow.

A case study

One example of how integrated payment systems can greatly enhance the efficiency of a dental practice can be found in the case study of Carestream Dental. The company has partnered with leading omni-channel payment services provider Anderson Zaks, to offer a fully integrated payment processing for its R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software.

Chris Groombridge is Principal Dentist of 543 Dental Centre in Hull. He has sourced equipment from Carestream Dental for many years, and has recently introduced integrated payment processing to his practice. This includes the RedCard payment application and a card reading PIN pad that links  directly with his practice management software.
 

“We use a lot of the software and technology available from Carestream Dental within our practice, due to the quality of both the equipment and the customer service provided,” says Chris.

“The main reason we sourced the RedCard solution  from Carestream Dental, was that it could be fully integrated into our practice management software. Data is therefore fed directly from the R4 software into the till, and this automation greatly reduces the chance of human error.

“Through our own market research, we also found the new payment processing service offered by Carestream Dental to be cheaper than other alternatives available in the industry, which was another great plus.”

Further benefits

In addition to the efficiency benefits offered by an integrated payment system, you will also find that having more convenient payment options for patients also reduces the amount of debt owed to the practice, and will help to promote fast payments. Patients will appreciate the fact they can pay for treatments by credit or debit card, and the ability to do so is the hallmark of a modern practice.

If you already have an existing payment processing facility that isn’t integrated with your practice management system, you may be interested to learn that the latest systems do not require a dedicated payment processing telephone line as they operate through your existing broadband connection, thus saving further practice resources.

Whether you have an existing payment processing facility, or you are still yet to make the move over to credit and debit card payments, adopting an integrated system such as that available with Carestream Dental’s R4 Clinical+, offers a number of persuasive benefits. As well as efficiency and productivity gains, your practice will also benefit from improved cash flow on account of faster payments and the fact you are able to track payments through your practice management software.

While modern dentistry provides a great many challenges for dental practice teams, payments needn’t be one of them. An effective, integrated payment solution can prove an invaluable tool in making payments simpler, giving you and your team more time to spend on the things that matter the most.
 

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

Most NHS restorations deliver a reasonable degree of patient satisfaction and achieve a significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life, this is down to the skill of both the dentist and the laboratory technician as they collaborate to make the most of limited, financially constrained, possibilities.

Private patients, however, expect much more, regardless of whether their prosthetic teeth are fixed or removable; they want only the highest levels of comfort and functionality, but also aesthetics indistinguishable from natural dentition. For many, they feel they are investing not only in their teeth but also their appearance, and this last consideration, irrespective of the cost, is stretching the remit of NHS dentistry. 

Private practices cannot survive without providing absolute patient satisfaction – unlike NHS practices, they have no guaranteed contract income, and their patient list is not ‘captive’ with often no alternative destination – and so the private practice’s choice of laboratory is crucial. 

Although many laboratories work for both NHS and private practices, the advent of CAD and more advanced technology, together with a range of new materials, has widely expanded the prosthetic options when cost is not a primary consideration. At the same time, the quality of laboratory output is still heavily dependent on the technicians’ skill, and private practices must, above all, be profitable. The laboratory should always advise regular customers of the economic advantages of bulk purchasing, whether of materials or the finished prostheses.

From the laboratory’s point of view, NHS work, although relatively repetitive, tends to be subject to onerous time pressures, while the private laboratory is able to dedicate much more time to each case to ensure the optimum outcome.

A key factor in the different approach to private prosthetics is the range of material options, with ceramics becoming increasingly popular, especially when the patient shows an allergy or aversion to a metallic construction. At the same time, neither practice nor laboratory should automatically assume that for all private patients money is no object – a tariff encompassing a choice of materials delivering comparable results is highly advisable in the present economic climate.

Stressing the advantages and benefits of a private prosthesis is not to denigrate in any way those produced for NHS patients, who are fully entitled to expect a functioning, visually acceptable result. Nevertheless, the additional expense incurred by the patient who chooses to ‘go private’ will naturally be reflected in a higher quality outcome in terms of detail and aesthetics. Dentists should never forget that their restorations are in effect a free, constantly ‘onscreen’ walking live advertisement, and a satisfied patient will always recommend friends and family to visit the practice.

Modern dental labs such as Sparkle Dental Labs Ltd. are aware of the expectations their customers harbour. This is why they seek to provide craftsmanship of the highest quality for both NHS and private work. They also take into considerations other factors that customers are looking for, such as competitive prices, free logistics, free traceability, a rapid turnaround (3days guaranteed for urgent requests) and sourcing all active materials in the UK. Combined with a passionate commitment to delivering the very best customer service, the future is looking bright for the British dental laboratories.

For additional more information please call 0800 138 6255, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.sparkledentallabs.com

William Lyons is Head of Prosthetics at Sparkle Dental Labs.

I was attracted to dentistry as a career during secondary school and I have been a qualified dental technician from the age of 20.  I have been involved in all aspects of dentistry and I am passionate about high standards, commitment and patient satisfaction. As Head of Prosthetics at Sparkle I can share the knowledge I have gained over 30 years. My experience and communication skills will ensure a professional relationship with clients to allow Sparkle to meet every expectation.

Maddy Managooli is Technical Manager at Sparkle Dental Labs.

I have been in dentistry for14 years, having worked as a dentist, dental technician and Head of Quality Control for one of the biggest labs in the UK. I am very excited about the Sparkle project as we have the best technology and a highly skilled Technical Team to deliver superb quality prosthetics at affordable prices.

 BDA Benevolent Fund’s Christmas Appeal 2013

In the Bleak Mid-Winter…

Christmas is considered a time of family gatherings, eating good food and sharing gifts. But for dentists and their families who are already struggling financially, the extra pressure the festive season brings can prove too much. 

Dentists who are in financial crisis often turn to the BDA Benevolent Fund to help them cope when they can no longer keep their households functioning on their own.

With the majority of these dentists surviving on state benefits, and many poverty-stricken, the winter months are particularly harsh. The average household energy bill has risen by £300 over the last three years to £1,420[1] and the cost of an average household’s annual food bill has also risen by more than £400 over the last ten years from £2,356 to £2,799[2]. With bills soaring like this, it often means some dentists have to make the difficult decision between feeding their families and heating their homes.

And for those whose finances are already stretched to the limit by rising bills and Christmas, the added cost of the GDC Annual Retention Fee ­– ­that has to be paid
by 31 December in order for them to remain registered for work – is often another major concern.

The BDA Benevolent Fund works hard throughout the festive season to help dentists and their families who have been financially crippled, whether that’s through illness, unemployment, bereavement or another event that has turned their world upside down. This support includes a Winter Fuel Grant, which is given to every dentist who is receiving regular assistance from the Fund.

Dr Ann Rockey, Chairman of the Fund, has seen first-hand throughout the year what measures dentists take to deal with their money troubles and what Christmas does to struggling families. She says, “Please consider your colleagues in need this Christmas. We all know what an expensive time of year it is with increased fuel bills, the ever-increasing costs of a supermarket shop, Christmas and the GDC Annual Retention Fee on top of all that. Every year we have requests for assistance from dentists in need, often already recipients of assistance from the Fund, who cannot afford to pay their ARF. In recent years there has been a threefold increase in the number of applicants who are in difficulties with their commissioning bodies and or the GDC. Sometimes they have such restrictive conditions placed upon their licence to practice that they are unable to find work, and without paying their ARF, they will be unable to work and support their families in the future.”

To date this year the Fund has received 20 new applications for help.  Most dentists received help by way of a one-off grant, a monthly grant towards living expenses
or a loan. The charity currently supports 17 families with children of school age on
a regular basis, also providing school holiday supplements and uniform grants[3].

Sarah* turned to the Fund after the sale of her practice in 2009 resulted in an unfair suspension. After losing her job, Sarah was left struggling to support her three children of school age and the mortgage on the house. She began working as a locum dentist in a hospital, but because her earnings had significantly dropped, she began to use her savings and credit cards for the family’s living expenses. It was when she realised she couldn’t continue on such a downward spiral that she turned to the Fund for help in 2010. While, the interest free loan offered Sarah and her family a lifeline, Christmas still remains a particularly difficult time of year for them.

Sarah says, “Christmas has been particularly hard for us. Last Christmas was a real struggle. It’s my eldest son’s 21^st birthday this year as well, so we will probably put whatever we can afford into his birthday, rather than into Christmas. It’s going to be
a hard one.”

Sarah admits that without the Fund’s help she may well have had to have her house repossessed resulting in her family being left without a home. She added, “I’m doing all I can at the moment to pay back the Fund and if I was to win the lottery tomorrow they would get a great big lump sum. I’m really thankful for all the help they have given me.”

Please will you spread a little festive cheer by making a special gift to your colleagues who will be struggling this Christmas?

To make a donation please go to www.benevolentfund.org.uk or send a cheque to ‘BDA Benevolent Fund’ 64, Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS.

For more information about the BDA Benevolent Fund

call 020 7486 4994, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 or visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

While Christmas is the best time of year for many, we are all more than aware of the added expenses that come with the festive season. For those amongst us already struggling to keep up with routine living expenses, the extra pressure can prove too much.

For dentists who have suffered accident, illness or other life-changing event,
the Christmas period can be difficult to cope with, and that is where the BDA Benevolent Fund can help.

The Fund offers financial support all year round but gives all regular beneficiaries some extra support, with a supplementary fuel grant and a special Christmas grant to give a helping hand through the winter months.  This will ensure they can heat their home, feed their families and enjoy the festive period.

The Fund relies on kind donations from the dental profession. Every pound received goes to dentists who are in crisis. Any gift you can give could make
a huge difference to beneficiaries’ quality of life. Please help us help those colleagues in need this Christmas?

To make a donation go to www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk or send a cheque to: ‘BDA Benevolent Fund’, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS.

For more information about the BDA Benevolent Fund
call 020 7486 4994, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 or visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk
 

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

Without any doubt ‘data’ is great.

As a Principal, it is likely that either in isolation or with your management team you make powerful decisions on finance, marketing, customer experience treatment co-ordination and operations each and every day.

In making these potentially ‘game changing’ decisions do you draw on your previous experience, industry trends and/or gut instinct? Or do you draw guidance from objective data sourced from your practice management software, your leadership management tools and your lead generation records?

You may even go one step further and filter the seemingly endless data sets into a simple set of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

I haven’t met anyone in business who hasn’t had some understanding of the power that data can add to their business. Without question, you should track a wide range of data across your business. If you can measure it, you can track it, refine it and improve it.  Undeniably, collecting “clean” and reliable data and analysing it in a consistent way is part of 21^st Century management.

Therefore, data is a fundamental ingredient in decision making, figuring out where to focus resources and on which specific projects. However, it can never provide the ‘WHY”.  Data can’t tell us about your personal values, the culture that you are trying to create within your team, or your customer’s personal feelings when they interact with your brand. The difficult job of truly transforming a business is underpinned by your ability to explore these places where data alone can’t reach. Often that requires time and space, and on occasion a ‘Coach’.

So, consistently collect and analyse data! Certainly, the right data at the right time will facilitate the success of your finances, marketing, patient experience, treatment co-ordination and operation’s; but ensure you control your relationship with data. Make the time to reflect on the bigger picture. Why did you start this dentistry game?  Why are things not as you expected? What’s next – and what do you need to do differently to get there?

The biggest steps are nearly always made by those who can hold onto the ‘Why’, whilst using data to change the course in which they do business.

For more information about 7connections business coaching

please call 01647 478145

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

The latest business programme from 7Connections has the capacity to accelerate your business growth more than you ever thought possible.

Never mind trying to increase your annual sales by 5 or 10%– how about looking to become a £10 million business? 

You might think that is a very ambitious target, but in order to make real changes to your annual sales, you have to think big.

Business experts at 7Connections have put together ‘theTwenty’ – a community of no more than 20 dental business owners striving to better themselves in every aspect, expand the services they provide and grow their potential profitability by a substantial margin. This opportunity is open to owners of dental practices, laboratories and supply companies, who will benefit in a number of ways.

With the support of all the 7Connections team, each member of theTwenty will have access to bespoke advice in the areas of staff training, ethical selling, patient experience and business marketing to name just a few. They will aim to produce some of the best business managers and treatment coordinators in the profession, as well as creating highly efficient and desirable working environments.

Regular online ad tele- meetings will be held to bring members together to share ideas and experiences on effective systems, marketing strategies and recruitment processes. This also gives members a chance to see how they are comparing to others in the group, while under the guidance of 7Connections.

In addition to receiving business support, members of theTwenty will also be able to form a purchasing group for cost-effective supplies, materials, training, compliance and facility management.

All in all, members of theTwenty can expect to develop a whole new way of looking at their business. Aiming for a £10 million business in five years may seem daunting, but by broadening ideas and taking a determined approach, it is by no means impossible.

With 10 spots still available for theTwenty, if you own a dental practice, laboratory or supply company and want to reach for the stars, contact 7Connections today and start the biggest journey of your professional life.

For more information about 7connections business coaching

please call 01647 478145 or email phillippa.goodwin@7connections.

The amount of complaints lodged by patients left unsatisfied with the healthcare service they received, has risen in recent years. For example, the GMC saw a 23 % increase in the number of complaints in 2011[i], and NHS Scotland has seen a rise of 13%[ii].

The dental industry is no different, and the Dental Complaints Service (DCS) in fact received 1887 complaints between May 2011 and April 2012 – resulting in an increase of 17 % since the previous year[iii]. Throughout 2012, 2278 complaints were received by the GDC with regards to professionals’ Fitness to Practise, which was a massive 44% increase from the year before[iv]. Approximately half of these cases went on to be investigated, with issues centring around ‘poor treatment’, ‘fraud and dishonesty, and ‘poor practice management’ [v].

While constant fluctuations are to be expected in such figures, this is a significant and quite worrying rise that may have an impact on the modern dental profession. Should these figures continue to increase at the same pace, practitioners may not only be tempted to practise elsewhere but potential students may also be put off a career in dentistry, in turn affecting the dental care available to the public.

There is no solid evidence to show the reasons behind this rise in complaints, but improved public awareness and accessibility to information will have played a huge role. Patient expectations are much higher than they once were, and without proper management of these expectations, modern society has developed somewhat of a ‘complaints culture’.

Until we understand more about the upwards trend in dental complaints however, it seems the best method of protecting yourself as a dental professional or as a whole practice, is to ensure all regulations are meticulously met.

As the GDC’s remit is ‘Protecting Patients and Regulating the Dental Team’, it would seem that robust contemporaneous note taking is absolutely paramount to make a water-tight defence in case of a negligence claim. And this means that you need an effective and convenient way of updating patient data and more specifically, documenting patient consent.

Technologies such as SafeSeen Touch are designed specifically for this reason, with protocols and treatment details already stored to aid patient communication. The tablet is compact and easily portable so it can be used throughout the practice for maximum accessibility. The device can also be used to record daily practice processes to demonstrate compliance to all CQC and GDC regulations.

Working as a modern dentist or dental care professional requires more than just good clinical skills. It is important that you and your whole team appreciate the importance of demonstrating your fitness to practise, as this can prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of a patient claim. This protection can only be achieved by following strict protocols and keeping fastidious records.

For more information, please visit www.safeseentouch.co.uk, or contact Chloe Booth on 07825 201657 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A dental laboratory website represents the single most cost-effective marketing strategy available today, providing far more substantial returns than printing brochures, placing adverts or using directories such as the Yellow Pages.

In 2005 Ross Liversidge and business partner Peter Smith set up their lab website www.precedental.co.uk with the help of Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’.

‘We set up our website just under 10 years ago now,’ says Ross. ‘At the time many of our competitors were setting up their own websites and so we wanted to “join the club” and see if we could get any business from it.

‘It’s a good tool. Any client who is thinking of using us, or changing to us from another lab will always look at our website first before they make contact. For us it’s not so much about generating new leads directly from our website alone – the dental lab business doesn’t really work like that. More it’s about making sure that when new clients do want to look for us, that we have a good professional website where they can see what we do and the services that we offer.’

For the modern dental laboratory, a website is far more than just an electronic ‘business card’, as a website will work for you around the clock, even when you’re not working yourself.

‘If you don’t have a website these days, then you really are missing a trick,’ continues Ross. ‘I really do believe it is something all labs should be doing these days as it can be a great way to showcase your work. On our own website for example we’ve included morphing “before and after” pictures, and we’ve also included some of our brochures as well as our referral forms for visitors to download.’

While establishing a professional, effective laboratory website is no easy task, it is not one you have to do on your own. Ross and Peter worked with Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ to create their website – a decision that meant they could focus their time on growing their business while they left the online marketing to the experts.

‘It was actually one of our clients who recommended Dental Focus ®. We looked at examples of their work and liked what we saw, so we got in touch with Krishan Joshi and his team and went from there,’ continues Ross. ‘Based on our initial ideas, they created a series of sample designs that they showed us, and we were then able to give feedback. They then listened to our suggestions and adjusted the design until we were completely happy. It was a very smooth process and both Peter and myself were very happy with the result.’

To get the most out of your online marketing efforts, it pays to trust the experts. By working with an experienced, established online marketing team, you can create a laboratory website that really works for your business. This website will be completely compliant with regulations set out by the GDC and ICO, and will be fully search engine optimised to help your business grow. 

For more information call 020 7183 8388, or visit www.dentalfocus.com

Patient consent is a fundamental principle of quality dental care, and it permeates all areas of treatment. Valid consent must of course be voluntary and patients must have the capacity to freely make their decision.

They must also be informed and have a thorough understanding of their dental situation and any proposed treatment. This requirement is the subject of much discussion and debate within the profession, particularly as it can be a highly subjective issue, and on a day–to-day basis is exceedingly time consuming. As a result, the patient’s right to self-determination is at the root of many problems in dental and medical ethics. Consent, or the lack of it, has become an increasingly common problem in negligence litigation, and ‘Fitness to Practise’ cases.

Indeed, the recent changes to the GDC’s Standards for Dental Professionals stands to highlight the importance of acquiring patient consent, and the process through which this should be done. An increased emphasis has been put on improving patient understanding, and documenting any conversations had with the patient about dental conditions and potential treatments.

While the concept of informed patient consent is, and always has been, an important issue in the dental profession, it often presents somewhat of a ‘grey’ area. After all, how much is enough information? And does the concept of ‘consent’ actually exist? A patient can withdraw their consent at any time during the treatment, so is consent absolute once acquired, or is it up to the dentist to demonstrate via robust note-taking? Not only does the practitioner need to inform the patient and provide proof that they did so, they then need to acquire consent with a signature based on the information delivered, to demonstrate the patient’s consent to proceed.

The most effective way to start on the road to acquiring consent is to provide a thorough outline, in a manner in which the patient can understand – an explanation of what the problem is, what treatment options are available, what the proposed treatment entails, and of course the main benefits and risks associated with the procedure(s).

Written treatment plans are paramount to the consent procedure, as is an engagement with the patient at every juncture and at every level. Tools such as animations of proposed treatments are extremely helpful, as are patient information leaflets. Inviting questions from the patient is crucial, and the fact that these questions have been asked and responded to are paramount.

In the rare (and worrying!) event that a patient requests no information, or fails to engage with their treatment plan, it is important to highlight that consent is an on-going process and that details are available to them at any time.

And following research with safeguarding professionals, it is recommended that if a patient fails to engage with a treatment plan, or give an indication to the dentist that there are any elements to their treatment that they fail to understand, that the dentist should, under no circumstances, commence treatment.

Such a situation should also be recorded accurately to show exactly what was said in order to protect the professional against potential complaints at a later date. Essentially, it is crucial that no assumptions are made and that the patient clearly understands their position.

Pricing is another area that can affect the integrity of consent, and so all possible treatment costs should be covered in detail before any procedures begin.

When treating children or patients who are unable to provide consent for themselves, the appropriate guardian or carer should be informed about treatment instead.

It is also important to record why one particular treatment was recommended over any other, making contemporaneous notes about the individual circumstances for the patient, and how this was communicated to them. 

Once all this is covered, it then becomes important to ensure accurate records are kept of every discussion. These documents should demonstrate how treatment was explained, what information was given and the indications that the patient gave to the dentist to show that they fully understood the proposed treatment plan. It is also crucial to note that consent does not just apply at a higher level of treatment planning, and the patient is required to consent every single time that the dentist lays hands on them!

Documenting thoroughly that the patient was happy to be treated at each appointment is absolutely paramount.

Despite the many uncertainties regarding this area of dentistry, it is obviously crucial that informed consent is sought for all treatment. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences for the professional, which can be detrimental to their career.

Any patient who undergoes treatment without feeling adequately informed, has the right to make a formal complaint against their practitioner. In most cases these are claims of negligence, and if they reach the GDC they often come under the ‘Fitness to Practise’ bracket.

With a 44% increase in the number of such cases brought to the attention of the GDC in the last year, it has never been so important to ensure informed consent from each and every patient.

This is where innovations such as the SafeSeen Touch are invaluable – designed specifically to ensure practices are compliant and empowered to seek full, informed patient consent, the device offers a complete compliance suite. As a compact and portable tablet, it can be used to not only provide patients with information about treatments and aid communication, but also to record consent through convenient eSignatures.

Dr Ian Hunt, Clinical and Managing Director of Maple Dental Care Ltd says:

“Indeed the GDC directives make it important to get consent and a new medical history each time we meet a patient. It is one area where we generate a lot of paperwork, so I feel the device will enable our patients to check their own details, change anything that needs updating and then sign it there and then.”

No matter how long you have been working in the dental industry, what you specialise in or how many patients you see, it is crucial that you acquire the correct patient consent every single time. Modern technologies such as the SafeSeen Touch are available to help make your life easier, so can go back to doing what you do best, and focusing on your patients.

For more information, please contact Chloe Booth on 07825 201657 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The social stigma that comes with halitosis makes it such a sensitive topic, that even dental professionals might find it hard to bring the subject up.

In a work situation, only 9% of people would tell a colleague that they had bad breath, while one in five would give subtle hints such as offering a mint. The rest would rather not talk about it, or would just avoid the person altogether .[i] In our society, bad breath isn’t something that can be candidly discussed.

Though it may feel like you’re stepping into your patients’ personal space, it’s your duty as a dentist or a dental hygienist to discuss the problem of bad breath on a professional level.

To delve further into the subject, we speak with Professor Stefan Renvert, a renowned expert on peri-implantitis, periodontitis and halitosis, with more than 100 peer-reviewed publications on these subjects.

“From my experience, most patients are not aware that they have this problem,” Professor Renvert says. “I think a lot of people fear that it’s insulting to tell someone they have bad breath. Therefore, many individuals with halitosis are not knowledgeable about it.

“This is one of the reasons why we as dental care professionals need to be informative about halitosis to our patients.”

Professor Renvert stresses that good oral hygiene is the very first thing that dental professionals need to instil in their patients. However, not everyone who practices good oral care can escape bad breath completely.

“There are some patients who, despite brushing and flossing, can’t get rid of their bad breath,” Professor Renvert says. “In which case we turn to scraping the tongue, or using rinse solutions.”

When asked how he would choose a mouth rinse to recommend, the Professor said, “I will of course only suggest something that has proven effective in literature. And there are several of those in the market today, such as Halita, UltraDEX, and CB12.”

A clinical study on the efficacy of various mouthwash brands shows that the combination of chlorhexidine and zinc in low concentrations is effective in suppressing oral gasses that produce foul mouth odours.[ii] CB12 could  therefore be recommended for the treatment and prevention of bad breath.

Despite halitosis remaining a delicate issue for many, Professor Renvert advises professionals to push whatever reservations they may have aside in order to help their patients.

“Even if you feel like you are moving into your patient’s personal space, you still need to speak up and discuss bad breath, for their best interest,” the Professor says. “When you help a patient get rid of bad breath they really feel that you improve their social interactions and quality of life. It is very rewarding to help those individuals in such a way.”

The next time you feel even the slightest bit awkward about bringing up the subject of bad breath with your patients, just think about the embarrassment their condition causes them, and how fulfilling it will be to restore their confidence with a simple and effective solution like CB12.

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

“Dental nursing is a great profession where you can do something fulfilling and worthwhile, and it’s also a career that you can build on at the same time,” says Joanne Whiteoak, a newly qualified dental nurse who has just graduated from the Genix Healthcare Apprenticeship Program.

The £250,000 project was first launched in 2011, and through the program Genix Healthcare aims to provide aspiring dental professionals with high-quality training and opportunity for employment.

For Joanne, the prospects she’s received from Genix Healthcare are invaluable, with many avenues for growth in the dental nursing profession. “There are so many different qualifications you can add on, and so many routes you can go down – you can go on to become a practice manager, for example, or a dental hygienist or therapist,” Joanne says. “Dental nursing is definitely a good start for someone who’s interested in learning and working their way up.”

Genix Healthcare plans for the apprenticeship scheme to be ongoing, with recruitment for more apprentices happening soon.

Just recently, the company also sponsored the Yorkshire and the Humber regional heat of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2013, further showing Genix Healthcare’s support for young professionals nationwide.

For additional information please call 0845 838 1122, or email

There has never been a better time to work within the dental profession. Thanks to the latest advances in tools, materials and clinical techniques, dental professionals are now able to provide a standard of dentistry unlike ever before. From the latest composite filling materials, to dental implants and short-term orthodontics, the dental profession has a great deal to offer patients and professionals alike, with the chance to create beautiful, natural-looking smiles that make a real and lasting impact on the quality of patients’ lives.

Dental conferences

One of the best ways to help you keep on top of the latest developments within dentistry is to attend the major dental conferences held throughout the year. Conferences can be a fantastic way to sample different lecturers and get a sense of where dentistry is at today. Furthermore, many conferences will also feature an exhibition element where you can talk to representatives from the major suppliers and manufacturers and see for yourself the materials and products that are now available.

As a busy dental professional it can be all too easy to become trapped in your practice ‘bubble’. However, dental conferences represent a great opportunity to escape this bubble and get a taste for what’s out there and the sorts of things that are now on offer. Whether you are a recent graduate, or you’ve been working in the profession for many years, conferences can be an excellent way to get out there, challenge your expectations and ultimately ‘raise the bar’. Not only that but you will also find conferences are a great way to network, to meet new people and maybe even make a few new friends!

Join a society

Another excellent way to help you keep on top of it all is to join a society or dental academy. No matter what your special area of interest there is an organisation out there for you – whether you are interested in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics or even cosmetic dentistry! Indeed, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is one of the most active and vibrant organisations in UK dentistry, with members of all experience levels and backgrounds in dentistry. By joining an academy such as the BACD you can be sure to stay up to date with all the latest developments within the profession, while also gaining access to high quality education and social events.

Mentorship

Beyond conferences and societies, another fantastic way to help you stay ahead of the game is to consider finding yourself a mentor, or even mentors. This doesn’t have to be any sort of formal arrangement – nor does it have to be limited to just a single colleague. In fact it can help to find mentors in a range of different fields to give you a fresh perspective on dentistry and to help you develop your skills. Again, you may find that organisations such as the BACD and others can be a fantastic resource to find mentors, or even just local colleagues with whom you can meet and share ideas.

Dentistry today is a wonderful profession with so many opportunities on offer for you to learn and grow within your career. The opportunities are out there, but as with so many things in life, the secret is knowing where to look.

For further information about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, call 0207 612 4166, fax 0207 182 7123, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.bacd.com

For many years now, Nobel Biocare has led the way in the field of dental CAD/CAM technology with its market leading system NobelProcera®. Ever since the launch of the first Procera system in 1983, Nobel Biocare has constantly pushed the boundaries in terms of materials, products, services and support. Now, with NobelProcera 2G, the company has taken another major step forward, with the launch of the brand-new NobelProcera 2G Scanner and Software to deliver an unrivalled cutting-edge CAD/CAM package.

Ease of use in every detail

The NobelProcera 2G Scanner features a number of key developments designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the scanning process. The new automated Smart Motorised Holder takes complete care of the scanning stage, allowing you to focus on the tasks that add the most value to your lab business. As the scanning process takes place, the holder continuously and automatically repositions the model to obtain optimum scan data, without the need for human interaction. This means you can trust the NobelProcera 2G System to produce the same outstanding results, time and time again, while you can allocate your time to other tasks.

Improve lab efficiency

By taking feedback from existing NobelProcera users, Nobel Biocare has expanded the successful NobelProcera platform, to make even simpler workflows, while also providing new options for the scanning of occluded and un-sectioned models. This makes the whole scanning and design process simpler and more efficient, allowing you to do more, in less time. With the new NobelProcera 2G, you can process the largest and most complex cases with ease, thanks to the combination of unique conoscopic scanning technology and the latest software updates.

Designed with the future in mind

Nobel Biocare is a company renowned for its innovation and commitment to creating cutting-edge dental solutions. As such the new NobelProcera 2G isn’t just designed with today’s challenges in mind – but tomorrow’s challenges as well. Due for launch in 2014, Nobel Biocare’s integrated digital treatment workflow* will mean that as a NobelProcera 2G owner, you will be equipped to offer additional services to your treatment partners. The new integrated workflow will mean that you can collaborate with clinicians diagnosing and planning implant surgeries via the NobelClinician™ Software so you can be involved with treatment plans before decisions are made. This innovative system will provide better implant diagnostics, reducing prosthetic challenges after implant placement to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Guaranteed quality

Once the scanning and design stages have been completed, the final stage is NobelProcera Production. Here your design will be precision engineered in a state of the art production facility with a fast turnaround and prompt delivery back to you. For your complete peace of mind, all NobelProcera frameworks and copings are covered against breakage and/or defect by Nobel Biocare’s comprehensive 5-year warranty.

Nobel Biocare has been at the forefront of CAD/CAM technology for almost 30 years. NobelProcera 2G represents the very pinnacle of what can be achieved today, combining high quality automated scanning with intuitive software and state of the art production facilities for consistently high quality results. To find out how you can grow your lab business with the NobelProcera 2G System, contact Nobel Biocare today.

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

* Available for partially edentulous patients in 2014.

Whether private or NHS, the key to keeping a practice busy is to ensure that its patients are always satisfied with the service that they receive. It’s an obvious statement, but despite this it is all too often overlooked: too many practices don’t realise that this doesn’t just relate to the clinical service they provide, but the overall experience of visiting the practice.

Though all practice staff will seek to make the patient’s time at the practice as enjoyable as possible from the moment that they enter the front door, it must be remembered that this isn’t where the patient’s experience began. For them, it starts outside of the practice, the very moment that they decide to book an appointment.

With this in mind, all practices should be making a concentrated effort to make sure that from this point onwards the patient’s interactions with the practice are both easy and enjoyable. Too many patients have to go through the gruelling inconvenience of constantly calling a practice, only to find that the line is engaged: this is annoying for any caller, regardless of whether or not they are suffering from dental pain. The practice has to make sure that they are always available when a prospective patient wants to get in contact with them.

The problem gets worse, outside of practice opening hours, there is virtually no way for a patient to get in contact with their practice to book an appointment. This is especially inconvenient as dental pain becomes more noticeable through the night. This is because not as much blood is pumped around the body due to a drop in heart rate when asleep, making the body more sensitive to pain. Many who have suffered from toothache know the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain, unable to do anything about it other than wait until 9am to start ringing around practices in the hope of finding an available appointment. After a sleepless night the last thing that they want to hear is an engaged phone line.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The introduction of online booking services is making it much easier for patients to find and book an appointment with a local dentist when they need it the most. Being able to book with a practice online means that the service is available 24/7, so if someone awakes at 3am in intense pain, they can log on to their computer immediately and book themselves an appointment for the same day. Knowing that they have an appointment booked may even help them to get some sleep!

There are a few of these services beginning to appear, such as Zesty who is now working with NHS Choices to make it even easier for patients to book a dental appointment. Practices who join Zesty are now able to directly link visitors to their profile from their NHS Choices page, not only does this make it easier for a potential patient to find and book an appointment with a dentist, it also gives the practice more exposure.

The benefits of a service such as this are numerous, for both the practice and the patient. It creates a greater online presence for the practice, giving them a chance to convey its own approach to dentistry, the treatments that it provides and is a simple way of getting its name more widely recognised. By introducing an online booking service, practices will have a wider reach when finding new patients and also be able to make sure that patients, both new and existing, are always able to book a dental appointment when they need it the most.

Making the process of booking an appointment easier for the patient drastically improves the quality of a practice’s customer service. This is especially important: providing a higher level of customer service than a competitor can be the deciding factor for a potential patient who is looking to choose the practice that is right for them.

The impact that the internet is now having upon the dental industry is undeniable, with most practices now having their own website, the industry’s migration online has been truly remarkable. The collaboration between Zesty and NHS Choices marks a new direction for this online revolution. Making NHS dentistry available simply and quickly to all will have a huge impact upon the dental industry. It allows patients to book with an NHS dentist at their convenience, making painful mornings trying to book an appointment a thing of the past.

Simply email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.zesty.co.uk or call 0203 287 5416 for more details of our Free Trial

Dr Riaz Yar and Dr Craig Barclay worked with Clark Dental to create The Square Advanced Dental Care – a dedicated specialist referral centre in Hale Barns.

Dr Yar says:

“The whole design process went very smoothly indeed. Clark Dental created some initial plans that were presented to us on 3D computer design software that really gave us a good feel for how everything would look. We were then able to provide feedback and make changes until we came up with something we were all really very happy with.

“Throughout the whole project Clark Dental’s Managing Director Richard Beal acted as our project manager, and really took a lot of stress out of the whole process. This meant my business partner Dr Craig Barclay and myself could focus our time more effectively and oversee things rather than getting ourselves caught up in every single detail. Clark Dental supplied and fitted everything in the practice from the dental units to the X-Ray equipment, and were also responsible for bringing in and managing sub-contractors as required. They literally dealt with everything and took a great burden off our shoulders. I highly recommend them!”

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.clarkdentalsurgerydesign.co.uk

Amongst the internationally renowned speakers at this year’s BSDHT Oral Health Conference will be Deborah Lyle, presenting on topics that support this year’s theme ‘looking beyond the obvious.’

Deborah will deliver a lecture on each day of the conference, first looking at the societal and social impact of an ageing population.

With a huge evidence-base now showing links between oral and systemic health, Deborah will discuss how physical limitations may affect elderly patients’ ability to look after themselves, and what oral adjuncts may help them avoid oral problems.

On the second day of the Conference, Deborah will explore the 21^st Century challenges of child and adolescent health, considering the effects of diabetes, obesity and smoking on young people. She will also look at the emerging links between HPV and oral cancer and evaluate the methods available to reduce caries and gingivitis in young patients.

Make sure you are up-to-date with Deborah Lyle at the BSDHT Oral Health Conference 2013.

For more information on the solutions available from Waterpik®, please speak to your wholesaler or visit www.waterpik.co.uk. 

The NobelReplace® Conical Connection implant system offers proven stability and outstanding aesthetics. Dr Ian Kelly says:

“NobelReplace is an excellent implant system. It is simple and easy to use, and we are able to achieve good primary stability. With the Conical Connection option we have the potential for improved gingival aesthetics and the long-term stability of marginal bone levels. The result is enhanced soft tissue management, and a healthy implant site.”

Nobel Biocare is a world leader in innovative restorative and aesthetic solutions, providing dental professionals with state-of-the-art evidence-based solutions for all indications. The NobelReplace system is the original tapered implant, and mimics the shape of a natural tooth root for high initial stability, making it ideal for immediate function. NobelReplace Conical Connection also feature Nobel Biocare’s unique oxidized TiUnite surface with patented grooves, which increases implant stability through faster bone formation and increases long-term success.

As Dr Ian Kelly concludes: “The system is highly recommended.”

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

The 2^nd International Zeiss Dental Symposium 2013 proved to be a great success, with two-days of fascinating and exclusive lectures delivered by world-class speakers and a series of educational workshops.

Dental professionals from around the world attended the event, which was held at Hotel Russell in Bloomsbury from 4th – 5th October. The aim of the event was to introduce delegates to the latest microdentistry and magnification techniques, broadening their clinical knowledge and enabling them to share their experiences with and to seek advice from expert dental professionals.

Renowned lecturers from across the world took to the stage on Friday to enlighten delegates on the ways microscopes can be used to enhance different areas of work ranging from endodontics to periodontics. The day began with a motivating lecture delivered by Professor Ivo Krejci, Ordinary Professor and Chairman of the Division of Cariology and Endodontology and President of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Geneva. His lecture ‘The Geneva Concept of Surgical Microscopes In Dentistry’ informed delegates that the microscope has transformed the way his team work and his dental students are growing up with the technology. He told delegates that it’s time to bring optical magnification into modern dentistry to treat the symptoms of transmissible infectious and incurable diseases and the next logical step is to introduce the microscope into general dentistry. He concluded that surgical microscopes are vital to achieve a high quality treatment in the field of cariology and endodontology.

The morning session finished with lectures by Dr Rino Burkhardt, who presented ‘Minimally Invasive Periodontal Surgery and Its Effect on Wound Healing’ and Dr Domenico Massironi, who spoke on ‘Microscope: 25 Years In Practice’, which looked at the impact the microscope has had on dentistry.

Dr Gilberto Debelian, began the afternoon session with his lecture ‘The Use of Surgical Microscopes in Endodontics’. Dr Tony Druttman, followed with his lecture ‘Endodontic Retreatment Techniques’, which was ensued by Dr Tomas Lang, who presented a series of case reports using footage from his own clinical work.

Each of the speakers’ lectures delved into the numerous ways dental microscopes can be used to enhance all aspects of dentistry to deliver improved clinical and treatment results. They used detailed images and footage from cases they found in their own clinical work to highlight and express the key points of their lectures.

The day concluded with a lecture by Dr Oscar von Stetten, a specialist endodontist with 14 years’ experience working with microscopes. His lecture ‘Digital Documentation’ provided delegates with an insight into the latest advice on how best to utilise a dental microscope for documenting work, which the images could then be used for teaching purposes, referral and patient communications. He informed delegates that taking images with a dental microscope has nothing in common with normal photography and should be viewed in a completely different light. He detailed some of the advantages of using a microscope to document work, which included ease of use, a live feed and the ability to take both stills and videos. He provided tips on how to use the microscope to its full advantage with good stabilisation and a perfectly balanced microscope.

Between lectures delegates were able to browse the trade exhibition to sample the latest products and seek advice from industry experts. Delegates were able to experience using Carl Zeiss microscopes in the company of knowledgeable professionals who were on hand to provide assistance and answer any questions.

The educational workshops on Saturday at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute's CPD department, provided delegates with a chance to discover how advanced magnification can improve their clinical work. Upon request, delegates were also able to receive one-on-one microscope training with an expert. Highlights of the day included Dr Gilberto Debelian delivering a hands-on experience, demonstrating how to use a surgical microscope in endodontics and Dr Massimo Mazza showing how a microscope can be used to enhance regenerative implant surgery.

Dr Jeremy Thompson of Antley Villa Dental Practice in Accrington found the two-day event extremely constructive. He said, “I found the lecture programme very useful and highly informative. The whole weekend was very well organised and the literature that was sent out beforehand was great.

“I attended because I don’t want a very expensive piece of equipment hanging on the wall and not know how to use it. I thought by seeing how others use it, it would allow me to realise the microscope’s full potential. Attending the workshops and training sessions was really fascinating. Having a guide show me how to use the microscope effectively was really revealing and helped me immensely. The symposium was a great chance to speak one on one with experts in an intimate venue. I’m really glad I came and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy a Carl Zeiss microscope or wants to learn more about how to use theirs effectively.”

All in all delegates enjoyed an insightful two-days of lectures, workshops and one-on-one training sessions, encapsulating the very best in cutting-edge technology with high quality education.

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

United Smile Centres has launched a unique marketing cooperative designed to promote dental implants and dental treatment in the UK. This new initiative will give members the chance to take advantage of the huge cost saving that can be enjoyed by sharing marketing on a national level.

Drawing on extensive experience gained in the North American market, the new marketing cooperative will place a strong emphasis on ‘same day implant solutions’ and will target those patients who may be searching for a solution to their missing or failing teeth.

By harnessing the power of combined marketing on a national scale, the project aims to boost patient awareness through adequate market saturation. All patient enquiries will then be processed at a centralised call centre, where patients will have their needs assessed before being allocated to a local practice.

United Smile Centres’ marketing cooperative represents a true revolution in dental marketing in the UK. Nothing of this scale or focus has ever been seen in the UK before, and the scheme represents a huge opportunity for implant practices keen to take part.

For more information call Philip Oag on 020 7255 0931, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 22^nd annual meeting of the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO) was recently held in Dublin, Ireland. Delegates were keen to find out more about Nobel Biocare’s three new solutions designed to improve treatment outcomes and boost productivity.

• The new NobelProcera® 2G system represents the cutting edge of CAD/CAM technology. Building on the success of the original NobelProcera, the new 2G system reduces scanning time by up to 50% and offers unrivalled prosthetic solutions from single copings to advanced full-arch implant cases.

• The industry-leading customised abutments from NobelProcera are now available for users of the 3Shape Dental System. After integrating with NobelProcera, 3Shape users can produce high-quality NobelProcera Abutments in zirconia and titanium for both Nobel Biocare and other major implant systems.

• Nobel Biocare has also established a new connection between NobelClinician™ software and OsseoCare™ Pro. This new connection, which will also be an important part of the upcoming digital treatment workflow, allows the transfer of the digital planning treatment file from NobelClinician directly into the intelligent OsseoCare Pro drill unit for free-hand surgeries or guided surgery options.

To find out more about any of these innovative new solutions, contact Nobel Biocare today.

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

Delegates impressed by Nuview’s innovative products at BDTA Dental Showcase 2013

Delegates at this year’s BDTA Dental Showcase were impressed by the innovative products displayed by Nuview. Visitors had the chance to experience the superior quality of advanced visualisation systems such as the Carl Zeiss OPMI Pico and Pro Ergo dental operating microscopes.

The name Carl Zeiss is known across the world for its high quality products. Its range of microscopes and loupes offer the highest precision, which vastly improves clinical results in all areas, not just endodontics. The OPMI Pico microscope has been ergonomically, ensuring clinicians can work with a healthy posture.

Also showcased at the event was Nuview’s range of Continu infection control solutions. Continu is a fully HTM01-05 compliant water based solution that achieves a 99.999% reduction of harmful microorganisms in under 30 seconds. The range includes surface disinfectants, instrument and equipment cleaners, as well as hand cleaning solutions.

Carl Zeiss microscopes and loupes are sold exclusively in the UK by Nuview.

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

Dental Focus ® draws the crowds at the BDTA Dental Showcase

The team from Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ proved a hit at this year’s Dental Showcase, with delegates keen to find out how to make the most of their dental website marketing.

Dental Focus ® CEO Krishan Joshi aka the Master was joined by his trusted team of marketing experts including Naz aka the Scientist, and Alfie aka the Guru.

With over 12 years’ experience in dentistry, the Dental Focus ® team are renowned for creating powerful, compliant websites that work, with many sites now featuring Google friendly blogs, fast-action mobile websites and LIVE appointment booking.

With 538 dental websites already to their name, the Dental Focus ® team pride themselves on providing trusted, reliable results to help put your dental practice well and truly on the Google map.

To find out more about how you too can make your practice website a success, contact the team from Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ today.

For more information call 020 7183 8388, or visit www.dentalfocus.com

The Dental Directory impresses delegates at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013

The UK’s largest dental dealer The Dental Directory did not disappoint at the BDTA Dental Showcase, offering a wide range of practice solutions with surgery furniture, sundries and larger pieces of clinical equipment, including digital imaging.

The stand also included an impressive display of working chair packages and a decontamination area complete with Prestige Medical washer disinfectors and autoclaves.

This year’s event also saw the launch of The Dental Directory’s brand-new “Win a Mini for 2014” promotion, run in partnership with DENTSPLY. With a deadline of 17.00 on the 20^th December 2013, delegates were excited to find out how they could be in with a chance to win one of the most desirable small cars on the market today.

The prize draw is open to Dental Professionals that are residents of Great Britain (being England, Wales and Scotland). Full terms and conditions apply, available upon request. To find out more visit: www.dental-directory.co.uk.

As the independently verified best priced dental dealer, The Dental Directory is the UK’s leading supplier of dental materials, equipment and sundries. With a range of innovative products at affordable prices, The Dental Directory stand was a fantastic showcase for the very best dental products on offer today. The Dental Directory stand also offered a haven for all delegates with complimentary refreshments in the purpose-built Hospitality Suite.

The Independently Verified Best Priced Dealer!

For more information, contact The Dental Directory on

0800 585 586, or visit www.dental-directory.co.uk

Delegates learnt with DENTSPLY at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013

DENTSPLY gave delegates at this year’s BDTA: Dental Showcase the chance to attend a series of lectures and hands on sessions presented by some of dentistry’s leading names.

Across the three-day event delegates had the chance to discover some of DENTSPLY’s innovative products and find out how they can be effectively put to use in a dental practice. The sessions proved so popular they were standing room only.

Thursday’s sessions focused on preventive treatments and were presented by Mel Prebble and members of the DENTSPLY team, including Steve Clarke of DENTSPLY’s UK Service Centre, who demonstrated the best methods of maintaining a Cavitron® ultrasonic scaling unit and its inserts.

The Friday and Saturday sessions focused on restorative and endodontic dentistry, with classes led by Dr. Ian Cline and Dr. Mike Horrocks. These gave delegates the chance to learn more about DENTSPLY’s endodontic file systems, WaveOne™ and ProTaper Next™, as well as Ceram.X nano-ceramic composite.

DENTSPLY is committed to the continual development of dental clinicians’ abilities and the popularity of this year’s sessions at the BDTA Dental Showcase affirmed how highly valued DENTSPLY’s training is by dental clinicians.

Contact us at www.dentsply.co.uk or 0800 072 3313

Earn rewards against purchases at www.dentsplyrewards.co.uk

Access webinars and products demonstrations and earn CPD at www.dentsplyacademy.co.uk

DENTSPLY impresses with ProTaper Nextä at BDTA: Dental Showcase

DENTSPLY was the talk of this year’s BDTA: Dental Showcase, with many delegates keen to find out more about its new endodontic file system, ProTaper Nextä.

Visitors to the DENTSPLY stand were impressed with the features that make ProTaper Next stand out from other endodontic files, particularly its unique swaggering movement. This motion is due to the file’s patented, off-centred, rectangular cross section which creates a larger space for the removal of debris, whilst also optimising canal tracking and reducing binding.

Delegates were also interested to learn about SDR®, the perfect companion to ProTaper Next, a Smart Dentine Replacement bulk fill material indicated for core build-up, designed to save time and successfully restore an endodontic treatment.

Members of the DENTSPLY team were on hand to discuss any questions or queries that delegates had.

Contact us at dentsply.co.uk or 0800 072 3313

Earn Rewards against purchases at dentsplyrewards.co.uk

Access webinars and product demonstrations and earn CPD at dentsplyacademy.co.uk

Win a Mini Cooper for 2014!!!

The Dental Directory, in association with DENTSPLY, is offering two lucky customers the chance to win a brand new Mini Cooper for delivery in early 2014.

Spend £250 (excl VAT) on a single order of DENTSPLY products* between the BDTA Dental Showcase (17^th October) and 5pm on the  20^th December for your chance to win. 

Simply place your order of DENTSPLY products through The Dental Directory’s:

-         Telesales team.

-         Local Business Consultant.

-         On The Dental Directory website: www.dental-directory.co.uk

Or order from your DENTSPLY Sales Representative or on the DENTSPLY Rewards Website: www.dentsplyrewards.co.uk (as long as your order is billed through The Dental Directory you will automatically be entered into the draw).

For even more chances to win a Mini Cooper, visit The Dental Directory (G22, H14/15) or DENTSPLY (G07) stands at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013.

For every £500 you spend during the BDTA Dental Showcase only, you will receive not two, but three entries for the exciting prize draw.

It could be you driving away with one of the most iconic cars ever made, so make sure you don’t miss out.

The prize draw is open to Dental Professionals that are residents of Great Britain (being England, Wales and Scotland). Full terms and conditions apply, available upon request. Competition closes at 17.00 on the 20^th December.

* Excluding anaesthetics and pharmaceuticals and Terms and Conditions on application

 The Independently Verified Best Priced Dealer!

For more information, contact The Dental Directory on

0800 585 586, or visit www.dental-directory.co.uk.

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the BACD Annual Conference – an exciting three-day event designed to offer the very best in education for all members of the dental team. This year’s Annual Conference will take place on the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th November at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel, and will include a packed lecture schedule featuring some of the most highly regarded names from across the dental profession.

On Saturday 9^th November, delegates can look forward to an extended lecture from the event’s keynote speaker Dr Galip Gurel. In his presentation, “Esthetic Dentistry in the Digital Era” Dr Gurel will investigate minimally invasive approaches in modern dentistry, and will examine how to make best use of digital technologies to improve communication between team members for the best treatment outcomes.

Introducing Dr Galip Gurel

For many years now Dr Gurel has been recognised as a leading figure in dentistry, and has a long list of honours to his name. He is the founder and the honorary President of EDAD (Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry) and he was the President of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED) in both 2011 and 2012. He is a visiting professor at three universities: New York University (USA), Marseille Dental University (France), and Istanbul Yeditepe University (Turkey). He is also author of “The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers” which was published in 2003, and has been translated into 10 different languages.

Away from his academic career, Dr Gurel also runs a private dental clinic in Istanbul, which he established in 1984. It has grown significantly over the years, and is now a large practice group employing a mix of specialists, associates and two different in-house laboratories, with a team of 34 people.

Esthetic Dentistry in the Modern Era

“In today’s dentistry, correct diagnosis followed by one of the selected treatment plans has prime importance,” says Dr Gurel. “Most of the time it necessitates a highly focussed team approach to execute the treatment. There are many different people involved in the treatment process – dentists, specialists, technicians – so it is important that there is a strong emphasis on good communication.

“Nowadays we are all living in a world surrounded by many digital technologies, and most of these technologies are being used by many of us for our daily activities and communication. In my lecture we will look at how to integrate these digital technologies in to our daily dental practice to ensure excellent communication between the patient, dentist, specialist and the laboratory in order to ensure the best end result.”

As well as exploring the use of digital technology in dentistry, Dr Gurel will also investigate the latest minimally invasive techniques, and how to incorporate them into the treatment planning process.

“A key part of my lecture will be to emphasise the importance of being minimally invasive,” continues Dr Gurel. “Even though the main goal should be excellent form and function, one should never sacrifice any extra healthy tooth tissue more than necessary. In order to reach this goal, in complex cases, specialities such as orthodontics and periodontics should definitely be a part of the treatment planning. For this reason good communication between dentist and specialist is even more important as it will ensure that the patient loses the minimum amount of natural tooth structure.”

In an expansive and wide-ranging lecture, Dr Gurel will speak at length on how technology can be used to enhance modern dental practise, and provide a better experience for the patient. As with all lectures at the BACD Annual Conference, delegates are guaranteed to come away with plenty of hints and tips that they can apply to their work the very next day.

“I hope that delegates will leave my lecture having learnt a great deal about ‘Esthetic Dentistry in the Digital Era’,” concludes Dr Gurel. “My lecture will include strategies for communicating with the patient and ways of presenting the design to the patient in 3D before the treatment even starts. We will then discuss getting the team together, and approaches for predictable, precise and repeatable tooth preparation. Finally, we will discuss how to make best use of modern CAD/CAM technologies, and how to use these technologies to best effect.

“I am really looking forward to my lecture at the BACD Annual Conference. I look forward to seeing you all there.”

This year’s BACD Annual Conference will be held on Thursday 7^th, Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th November 2013 at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For further information call 0207 612 4166, fax 0207 182 7123, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bacd.com

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major health issues of the day and the principal cause of death for communities throughout Europe[i]. According to NHS statistics[ii], chronic heart disease affects more than 2.6 million UK residents - approximately 0.6 million more men than women – and accounts for over 88,000 deaths annually, primarily from heart attacks.

CVD is a generic term encompassing a number of diseases of the circulatory system and the four main forms are coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease. Nearly half of CVD-related deaths in the European Union (EU) are due to CHD, followed closely behind by instances of stroke[iii].

Considering the widespread devastation it is causing, it is interesting to note that cardiovascular disease is largely influenced by lifestyle; with contributory factors ranging from an individual’s weight, diet and levels of physical activity to smoking habits and even stress. In effect, cardiovascular disease is - to a degree - avoidable. Further to this, research is increasingly coming to light demonstrating another link that brings control or even prevention of the disease back to the individual – oral hygiene.

A Scottish health survey[iv] has indicated an increased risk of heart disease for individuals who don’t undertake an adequate, regular oral hygiene routine. Of nearly 12,000 participants in the eight-year study, those with the poorest oral hygiene (who rarely or never brushed their teeth) were found to be up to 70% more likely to develop heart disease than others who brushed their teeth twice a day. They also had increased frequency of markers of low grade systemic inflammation. The results suggested that poor oral hygiene might increase the risk of developing CVD by means of periodontal infection.

Another study[v], a collaboration between the University of Bristol, Ireland’s Royal College of Surgeons and the State University of New York, has looked into the association between oral bacteria and heart disease. In particular, the researchers found the oral bacterium Streptococcus gordonii to be a plausible agent for CVD. Chronic oral disease, such as periodontitis, provides a pathway for the bacteria to access the bloodstream, where they can interact with platelets and induce aggregation. The study found that the S. gordonii could contribute towards unwanted blood clotting and the development of infective endocarditis.

Although heart disease remains the biggest killer in the UK, there is some good news on the horizon. The rate of deaths from coronary heart disease has been slowly but surely declining for the past three decades throughout much of Northern and Western Europe; and mortality rate following stroke is also decreasing[vi]. Heart attack related deaths in England have cut in half since 2002[vii] while public health targets, including reducing premature death from CVD by 40% by 2010, have been met[viii].

Interestingly, oral hygiene habits and oral health in the UK have likewise shown improvement in recent years; with the latest Adult Dental Health Survey establishing that 75% of adults brush their teeth at least twice daily[ix]. However, much fewer numbers use adjunctive interdental cleaning methods - just 22% floss, for example - and this could account in part for the high instances of plaque[x] which was found in two out of every three adults.

Clearly, tooth brushing along with fluoride toothpaste - although an excellent start - is not enough and it falls to the dental profession to help patients to maintain their own oral health with encouragement and advice. Patient education divides into three main aspects: which oral hygiene products are best for the individual patient to use, how to use them, and why it is so important to do so.

Most patients are aware of string floss for cleaning the interproximal spaces, but few are keen to use it and they frequently cite a lack of time or claim they forget to floss. In the majority of cases, patients struggle to use string floss properly and are more liable to give up quickly. In addition to this, research has thrown considerable doubt on the effectiveness of string flossing on reducing interproximal caries[xi] or inflammation.[xii] Perhaps it is time to give other interdental cleaning techniques a higher profile?

One method of quickly and efficiently cleaning between the teeth and below the gumline is the oral irrigator, also known as the Water Flosser. Easy to use and suitable for most patients, including those with braces or restorations, the leading Water Flosser can reduce gingivitis[xiii] and bleeding[xiv] and can help to minimise probing pocket depth[xv]. In particular, the Waterpik® Water Flosser is superior to dental floss at reducing gingival bleeding,[xvi] inflammation,[xvii] and plaque[xviii] with multiple patients including orthodontics, implants, and mild to moderate periodontitis. In fact, evidence shows that the Waterpik® Water Flosser removes up to 99.9% of plaque biofilm from any treated area of the tooth in just three seconds.[xix]

Through sound education on both the risks associated with poor oral health and the right tools for effective oral hygiene, we can help patients to prevent or control oral disease and help minimise the risk of developing or exacerbating chronic systemic disorders.

For more information on Waterpik® Water Flossers please speak to your wholesaler or visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are widely available in Boots stores and selected Lloyds Pharmacies.

In such a fast-paced modern world, change and evolution are inevitable. The dental industry is a prime example of this, with new ideas, materials and clinical techniques constantly emerging in all areas of the profession and from all over the world.

Aesthetic Orthodontics is one such field that has seen and is still experiencing significant advancement, particularly with the growing emphasis on aesthetics.

Today, limited outcome ‘aesthetic orthodontics’ involves almost invisible appliances, maximum patient comfort, and minimal preparation on the existing teeth. The Inman Aligner established itself as one such option several years ago, and it soon became renowned for its ability to promote minimally invasive dentistry.

As the UK pioneer and the world’s most experienced clinician with the Inman Aligner, Dr Tif Qureshi is proud announce that the company behind the appliance is developing and expanding.

“This is something we have been thinking about and planning for a very long time now but we always want to work with the best people,” he says. “The Inman Aligner has built a great reputation for offering one of the best short-term aesthetic orthodontic training courses available, and this provided us with an effective platform to work from.

“As anyone who has attended one of our courses will know, our instructors are not driven by the motivation to ‘sell’, and so have always been very honest and have highlighted the limitations of the appliance as well as the many benefits. Having studied these restrictions for some time, we are soon to introduce to the UK two more systems that have the ability to treat cases not suitable for the Inman Aligner.”

Using the same ethical and planning principles, the team are soon to add IAS ClearSmile Aligners and IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) to their repertoire. Both new treatment options are more than suitable for all GDPs to offer, are easy to work with and use simple mechanisms to achieve the best results. They are designed to be as discreet as possible, and offer safe and comfortable orthodontics for all. Requiring similar protocols with regards to occlusion setup and digital treatment planning, the new systems also ensure that more patients can be treated effectively with the same ethical systems.

“Both systems will incorporate our existing company philosophies and ethics,” explains Dr Qureshi. “The training for each will also be delivered in a similar format, as we believe that the better the training is, the better the treatment outcomes will be. The same essential ‘Spacewize’ software that comes with the Inman Aligner will also help enhance practitioners’s digital treatment planning with the new systems, ensuring successful results from their first case by allowing real digital anterior arch planning.”

Looking at IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox), Dr Qureshi is keen to highlight that the team are working with the best in the business to provide comprehensive training for clinicians.

“The training for IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) will be headed by the famous Dr Rick DePaul – by far and away the best instructor in short-term-orthodontics [STO] around the world. Widely attributed as the originator of STO and indirect tray systems and highly praised among the US dental community (dentaltown US is a good example), Rick is recognised for developing and perfecting the concept. Committed to ethical and thorough training, he also works with a similar teaching style to those we have already been employing, so we are delighted to be working with him. In addition, Rick has been teaching STO for over 10 years – far longer than anyone else in this field.

“As such, the training for IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) will be hands-on and will demonstrate how to use and adjust the appliance for optimal results. As with the Inman Aligner, all GPDs taking the course will also have access to on going support through the online forums, which professionals can utilise to gain any bespoke information or advice they need.”

The IAS ClearSmile training will also be supported by these online forums, which practitioners can use to post photos of their cases and seek guidance both from fellow clinicians and directly from the experts. This is particularly useful for initial cases and for those that require a more complex treatment plan.

“With all three short-term-orthodontic appliances, clinicians will be able to offer fast, safe and highly effective treatments to more patients. The Inman Aligner is probably the simplest of the appliances, but there are cases that it is not suitable for, so IAS ClearSmile and IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) are the natural progression from here. For some time we have been helping clinicians with cases using similar products, and now we are delighted to provide a fully structured service encompassing all the comprehensive training and continual support practitioners need. The real difference here is that rather than people just jumping on the band wagon of STO, the true originators of the Inman Aligner technique and the true originator of all 6 month-style systems have combined to form the best team with the most experienced teachers around. We also have Specialist Orthodontists on our forums to assist with advice on cases that are outside the remit of GDP orthodontics, and better suited for referral.”

Now incorporating all three orthodontic appliances, the overall company will soon re-brand to Intelligent Alignment Systems (IAS), from whom you will be able to source all the information, advice and guidance you could need. Demonstrating just how far the world of Aesthetic orthodontics has come, these courses are tailored specifically to your needs, whether or not you have previous training or experience in this field.

Find out how you can provide convenient, safe and effective orthodontic treatment for your patients today.

For more information on the training courses available from IAS,

please call 0845 366 5477

The concept of moving continuously along the path of personal development should be at the heart of every professional’s motivation in the work place. Keeping up-to-date with changes in industry information and refreshing key skills is vital to progress up the career ladder or remain knowledgeable of an existing position. Relying solely on expertise learnt during training or in the early stages may not be applicable to today’s working environment and could cause issues to arise.

Patients have a right to expect their dental professional to be capable of delivering high quality dental care that is current and meets industry standards. In 2002, the GDC made it a requirement for dentists to complete 250 hours of CPD during a five-year cycle and in 2008 it was made a requirement for dental care professionals to complete 150 hours during the same time frame. Despite it being a requirement, 1,947 DCPs failed to declare if they had completed the required number of hours during their first full five-year cycle of CPD[1]. These individuals will be contacted by the GDC and informed of the next steps. If they fail to comply they could risk losing their registration and their ability to practice.

No one should ever stop learning. As the practise of dentistry continuously evolves, dental professionals should make a conscious effort to develop their skills and understanding as new techniques, standards and equipment emerge. To be most effective, learning should become a natural part of a dental professional’s routine, so it is not seen as a requirement or a chore. CPD should be seen as a gratifying experience throughout which dental professionals should want to strive to achieve best practice and enhance their existing knowledge. It is a chance for dental professionals to stay stimulated, to keep pace with others in the profession and to maintain public confidence. If a dental professional stands still and does not move along the path of CPD, they will get left behind. If at any point a dental professional finds that completing the required hours of CPD has become a drag, they should consider changing their provider, because they are not reaping the full benefits that completing CPD can bring.

Starting the CPD journey has never been easier. Accessing thousands of articles, lectures, videos and webinars can now be achieved through the growing selection of online CPD providers. These e-Learning facilities have enhanced the concept of CPD through their simple to navigate websites, which have been designed to make completing CPD enjoyable for the user and to make the requirement so much more than just a ‘box-ticking’ exercise.

The flexibility these sites offer dental professionals is vast. Instead of attending timetabled lectures and reading books to log CPD hours, a dental professional can now complete their core and verifiable CPD from home, on the commute or at work when they catch five minutes during their busy schedule. This can be done by accessing the internet using their desktop PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone and logging on to their chosen provider’s website. This allows subscribers to log their hours of learning at a time convenient to them.

To log CPD and to keep track of learning, these sites offer users the ability to create a personal development plan. This allows dental professionals to plot how they will complete their CPD over the next five years. Subscribers will be able to determine their own personal goals, keep objectives in mind and ensure they achieve all CPD requirements as set by the GDC. Creating a personal development plan is unique to the individual, but there are of course three core topics that must be covered. Medical emergencies, disinfection and decontamination and radiography and radiation, are topics that a dental professional needs to complete, but when it comes to choosing what topics to study to achieve the required number of hours for verifiable CPD the list is endless. The creation of a personal development plan aids with keeping focus and helps keep documentation in order.

There are many providers of CPD out there, but one of the leaders in online learning is ProDentalCPD. Their website contains over 50 subject areas for subscribers to delve into, providing unlimited online access to CPD, including core and verifiable topics. And now they have made completing hours of verifiable CPD even easier with the launch of their new bitesize CPD bundles. These bundles gather together articles from over 2,000 authors in one accessible package, for both subscribers and non-members.

To develop your knowledge of the dental industry with ease, log on today to make ProDentalCPD your online provider of core and verifiable CPD.

To learn more, contact ProDentalCPD on 0114 282 3509, or visit

www.prodentalcpd.com

When looking to build a dental practice, many will turn to their local planning expert in order to negotiate changing the use of the building to D1. However, it is not always the case that they will be the best person for the job. The usual misconception is that because they are local they will be familiar with the planning authority and know who the ‘key players’ are. Many believe that this will benefit the project by speeding up the process of gaining planning permission. Though this can sometimes be the case, it will not always be the right choice as a non-specialist’s knowledge of D1 use buildings will be limited. The right expertise and a background in dental practices is essential when embarking on a project of this nature, so a non-specialist should not be gambled upon.

Although a specialist planner may not be familiar with the local authority, they will be very familiar with dental practices and will understand all of the requirements that a D1 use building must negotiate.

A key issue that many forget about, is that it is not just a case of getting through planning, part of the process includes getting approval from the Highway and Environmental Health Officers, who form part of the statutory consultee process. If they believe that the project may not be viable they have the right to raise an objection to the development, this can terminate the project. It is clear that although there is a lot of emphasis on planning, much attention must be paid to all statutory consultees. This will include looking at aspects such as parking and access, if you can’t fulfil these requirements you won’t have a project.

This is why it is advisable to make sure that you research all areas of the project before you start spending a lot of money. Looking at policies regarding D1 use is not an expensive task, which means that grasping a good idea of the fundamentals is possible before any serious money is spent.

It is advised that projects go through pre-consultation, especially if you are unsure if they meet all requirements. This can act as an opportunity to see how flexible the local authority will be when it comes to changing the use of the building. If you have ticked all of the boxes and you are sure that you will be granted change of use, then you may decide to go straight for a full application. However, if you are close to meeting the policies that the local authorities stipulate then it is worth going through pre-consultation. For instance, if you have four parking spaces but the local authority wants you to have five, pre-consultation will be a chance to find out if the local authority will negotiate on this aspect.

This isn’t such a concern if it can be proved that the building is in a sustainable location that has good public transport links and easy access to public parking, this may mean that you can negotiate less parking spaces on site. Obviously, this isn’t such a concern in places like central London where there are rarely parking spaces.

Every local authority will have a different core strategy or local development framework. There are also national planning policy guidelines that must be considered, but there will be certain aspects that local authorities will have as their prime considerations. One example of this is trying to gain change of use from a ground floor retail unit in a shopping centre to D1. The local authority may deem the unit to be in a primary shopping centre and will want to keep a certain percentage of the properties under A Class usage. For instance, some London boroughs insist that 75% of primary shopping parades remain as retail units. Therefore, if a Change of Use to D1 were to take the number below this percentage it would not get planning permission.

The loss of retail units is a particular concern in London, so negotiating this can be quite tricky. One way of reaching an agreement with the local authorities is to keep the frontage of the unit as partly retail, this can be done by having product displays in the front window of the practice and proving to the local authorities that you are selling to the general public as well as patients, though this still requires a change of use application to be submitted and approved.

All local authorities must work within set guidelines for determining applications, these range from 8 weeks for minor proposals to 12 weeks for major developments.  The application may take in the region of 2 weeks to register before the clock starts ticking on the determination period. An applicant should not presume that their application will be decided quickly and allow plenty of time. Pre-application advice can take up to 6 weeks depending on the Council’s workloads and are not given priority over full applications, as full applications are monitored by central government and councils (in some cases) are fined if they do not meet the deadlines.

When it comes to hiring a planning consultant, local isn’t always the best option. Though they may have a greater understanding of your local authority, they will not necessarily understand the pitfalls and unique requirements associated with gaining D1 use of a building. It is wise to seek the assistance of a specialist company like Roger Gullidge Design who has an in depth understanding of the ins and outs of designing a dental practice, which is backed up by more than 20 years of experience.

Roger Gullidge Design is a specialist design and project management consultancy specialising in the dental sector. Call 01278 784442 for more details or visit: www.rogergullidgedesign.com

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND A GDS CONTRACT

A GDS contract runs to several hundred clauses over approximately one hundred and fifty pages.  Not all of the provisions are relevant to each practice, and a contract might state ‘Reserved’ in the case of a number of the provisions. This would be the case where the contractor is an individual, and the PCT omitted provisions that apply to partnerships or dental corporations. In some contracts the PCT will omit the clauses which relate to additional and further services where there are none.

Clause 65 should contain the address of the practice, and the surgery’s normal hours should be incorporated in Clause 75, with Clauses 77 and 78 dealing with the vital issue of the number of UDAs that are allocated. It is sometimes the case that all these points, as well as others, are incorporated in a separate Schedule 5 at the end of the document. A PCT may also include specific quality standards in a Schedule 6.

There is a pro forma GDS contract, but each document is individual to both the practice and the PCT; it should never be assumed that there are no deviations from the standard form. In the case of corporate contractors, the NHS may incorporate a totally new provision, either in the main body of the agreement or one of its schedules, to the effect that a change of control within the company will require the approval of the NHS or necessitate the contract being put out to tender. The impact of European regulations on the procurement of public service contracts has been reflected in the careful review of applications by dentists for their sole provider contracts to become corporate ones, and the determination will reflect individual circumstances.

Nevertheless, there are provisions that will be unchanged and can be expected to be present in all GDS contracts. Part 1 deals with the definitions and interpretations and is useful in explaining the meaning of terms used in the document. 

Clause 12 of Part 2 is pivotal, it prevents any transfer of the performer’s rights under the GDS contract unless in accordance with the agreement. The one exception that is specifically stipulated is sub-contracting. The effect of Clause 12 is to ensure that the GDS contract cannot be used to distort competition in the provision of NHS dental services, and also to favour the existing contractor against other possible service providers.

Sub-contracting is covered in Clauses 198 – 200, essentially it is permitted where it is reasonable in the circumstances and if the sub-contractor is properly qualified. These clauses may be useful if the contract is to remain in the name of the individual but performed by his company, and may be considered as an alternative to having the contract vested in the company on incorporation. Notice must be served on the NHS in accordance with Clause 199, and it may seek a formal contract variation.

Otherwise, save for the provisions of the contract which deals with the inclusion of a new partner, the contractor named in Schedule 1 of the GDS contract is the contracting party and is unable to dispose of his rights to it or entitlements under it. The partnership provisions are the subject of a recent NHS Commissioning Board instruction to its local area teams, explaining the process and the relevance of checking the partnership’s registration with the Care Quality Commission. This has caused some consternation in the sector, engendering additional work for the CQC, and may be a question of ‘watch this space’.

For more information call Goodman Grant Soclicitors on  0113 8343705  or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goodmanlegal.co.uk

A NASDAL and ASPD MEMBER

Coming across a Dental Practices that has not been properly incorporated is a problem that is becoming increasingly common.

The erroneous incorporation of a dental practice is a ticking time bomb which can have dire consequences for the practice owner when it detonates.

Having had the ability to trade as limited companies since 2006, it wasn’t until 2009/10 that incorporated dental practices began to appear in more significant numbers. Four years later, many of these practices are now being put on the market, only to discover that they have not been incorporated correctly.

The generic name for this situation is, “Flawed Incorporation”

There are a number of mistakes that can be made in the process of incorporation. Often the reason for the practice not being incorporated properly is down to unsuitable legal advice – or in many cases a lack of any legal advice whatsoever.

One of the most common problems is that practices with an NHS contract will purport to incorporate the practice without asking the PCT permission for a new contract to be issued in the name of the limited company. This lands the practice in a situation where although it has been incorporated, the NHS contract is still in the name of the individual practitioner. There are a number of problems with this. The idea of incorporation is that the assets owned by the dentist are transferred to the limited company, however, all NHS contracts state that they can not be transferred. So, without the consent of the PCT the purported transfer of the contract is a fundamental breach, which gives the PCT the right to terminate the contract.

Another problem is that when the time comes to sell, the owner won’t be able to sell their shares in the limited company because the NHS contract (usually the biggest asset) is still in their personal name, which means that this asset still belongs to them, even if the principal may have believed that it transferred and that tax savings have been claimed on this basis since incorporation.

Another common problem is the failure to notify practice funders, usually the banks, of the proposed incorporation of the practice. The transfer of goodwill without bank approval will be a breach of the terms of the borrowing and would allow a funder to call in the loan.

One wonders how much the tax saving would be considered to be worth in that scenario?

If the incorporation is flawed, then it may well be necessary for it to be unravelled in order to sell the practice. The importance of having the very best legal advice cannot be underestimated when looking to incorporate your practice. This is why it is advisable to seek the assistance of a legal firm like GoodmanGrant, who practice exclusively in the dental industry and are able to provide a tailor made service that suits each practice’s individual needs. The experience and knowledge of a specialist is unrivalled, and their comprehension of every key detail that needs to be addressed will ensure a successful incorporation.

As if the above issues were not enough, yet another risk that a practice runs by not following a proper procedure and ensuring that the right documentation is in place is that the Inland Revenue may decide to investigate. The number of Inland Revenue investigations is on the rise and if they discover that there is no written evidence of a transfer of the assets, no mention of what should happen to the property, no valuation of goodwill they may not recognise it as a proper incorporation. This will mean that the practice will have to pay back any tax it has saved, defeating one of the principal reasons for incorporating in the first place.

Making any professional move requires the time and advice of a specialist. In order to effectively and correctly incorporate a dental practice one should make an effort to seek the assistance of a dedicated dental law firm. With a wealth of knowledge and experience that directly relates to the dental sector you can be sure that when the time comes to sell your dental practice there won’t be any unwelcome surprises!

John Grant of GoodmanGrant Lawyers for Dentists  - a NASDAL member

For more information call John Grant on 0113 8343705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goodmanlegal.co.uk

A NASDAL and ASPD MEMBER

Regulatory compliance is no easy matter, and it is a task that gets more and more difficult. Not only is there the burden of the CQC for practices based in England, but there are also other bodies such as the HSE, DoH and various local authorities. Even your practice website comes under the scrutiny of regulators, with not only the CQC and GDC taking an interest but the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) too.  

Given the depth and complexity of regulations within modern dentistry it is no wonder that many people won’t know where to start. With so many details to cover and boxes to tick it can be easy to make a mistake, or neglect something in the rush of getting to scratch.

Compliance support

Thankfully, help is out there and when it comes to dental compliance, there are a number of well established companies working within dentistry that have all the skills and experience to help pass any inspection with flying colours. There are a wide range of support services available and whatever help you need, there is something out there for you. Some companies will offer dedicated compliance help-lines to answer any queries you may have, while others can run interactive hands-on workshops at your practice to help your team familiarise themselves with assessment protocol and what might be expected on the day.

Helping you prepare

Some companies will even be able to run mock inspections where a certified assessor will visit your practice, and assess every area of regulatory compliance. Once the assessment is complete they will then compile a report, based on their findings and highlight areas of improvement in order to bring your practice in-line with the latest guidance and legislation.

Practice assessments can prove to be a great benefit to your team, and even if you’ve passed an inspection in the past, they give you peace of mind. So, when your real inspection comes around, you and your team will be less stressed, and completely confident that your practice is in the best shape possible to pass.

What to look for

There are many different compliance support companies out there, and it can be hard to distinguish between them. In the world of compliance, experience counts for a lot. Not only does experience show that a company has been working in the field for a long period of time, but it reflects the company’s ability to respond to changing regulations over the years.

The very best companies working in compliance will be able to demonstrate a proven record of success over many years, and will also work closely with regulators to ensure they are always up to date.  

In terms of practice assessments, a compliance support company should be able to cover all relevant areas, including:

• Premises and Access
• Fire precautions/procedures
• Business Continuity
• Information governance including Data Protection
• Radiography including IRR99 and IR(ME)R2000
• Infection/Decontamination including HTM 01-05 compliance
• Foreseeable medical emergencies including resuscitation, emergency drugs provision, equipment and protocols
• Training, documentation and certificates
• Waste management/disposal, documentation and storage
• Practice policies and written procedures
• Audit of clinical records and patient outcomes including quality measures
• Record keeping

Post-assessment reports should also be detailed and clearly constructed to give you all the information you need to bring your practice up to scratch. In cases where you may need further support, the best companies will advise you on relevant services and steps you can take.

Complete peace of mind

Though it has become something of a cliché in recent years, compliance really shouldn’t be seen as a ‘box-ticking’ exercise. The practice teams that deal best with compliance are those who maintain a proactive approach and who are able to draw upon a range of compliance support services when they need them most.

Almost all dental practices will need the help of a compliance support company at one point or another, but even if you don’t need one now, it can prove incredibly reassuring to know that when you do, companies such as dbg are always on hand to give you complete help and support.

Compliance isn’t easy – it’s not supposed to be – but you don’t need to face it on your own. In the busy, world of dentistry, peace of mind is absolutely priceless. By choosing to work with a dedicated compliance support company you can be sure you will be in the best position possible come inspection day.

 For more information call dbg on 01606 861 950,

Or visit www.thedbg.co.uk

*England only

Promising to educate and inspire every member of the dental profession, The Dentistry Show 2014 returns for another exciting two-days at the NEC in Birmingham.

World-class lecturers will dominate the Hygienists & Therapists Symposium by speaking on informative and motivating topics. Among them is Professor Avijit Banerjee. He is Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry at King’s College London Dental Institute at Guy’s Hospital and a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London and will speak on ‘Preventing Dentistry “MI” Way: The Team Care Approach’.

He says, “I am lecturing about the roles of dental care professionals, namely hygienists and therapists, in the care framework of minimum intervention dentistry. I will focus on identifying problems with patients through risk assessment and developing patient-centered pragmatic prevention regimes that are achievable by the patient, with the professionals' help. I will show how administration of remineralising agents and practising non-operative prevention is the key to successful long-term oral health maintenance, and how the future, developing role of the dental team must not be under-estimated.”

Avijit believes the whole team has a vital role to play in MI dentistry and that modern dental practice should not be underrated. “The whole team can take away an understanding of the term MI Dentistry and where they fit in to the MI care plan framework. I hope delegates will also garner a better appreciation of the methods used to detect and diagnose dental disease, specifically caries in this instance. In addition I will speak about risk assessment and working with the dentist, developing and appreciating the pragmatic prevention programme for the individual patient, playing to their strengths and behaviour changes.”

To end the inspirational lecture programme a panel of experts will lead a discussion on the impact of Direct Access, one year on from when the changes took place. This is an excellent chance for delegates to voice their opinions, share their thoughts and ask any questions.

Also brand new to 2014, delegates can sample the latest products and techniques in the exciting four hands-on workshops situated across the trade floor. Delegates can also seek professional advice and support from representatives of governing bodies in the Professional Hub. Throughout the whole weekend delegates can top-up their vCPD within the various lecture streams and particularly within the new and improved CORE CPD Theatre. And to round off the first day, delegates are invited to join the organisers, exhibitors and supporting organisations at Heart Your Smile’s “Circ de Sourire” – a vintage night of fun and fundraising. 

For the first time The Dentistry Show is running alongside Dental Technology Showcase at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 28^th February and Saturday 1^st March 2014. The collaboration of the two events is sure to provide excellent networking opportunities for the whole dental team.

With a great deal on offer for every member of the dental team, The Dentistry Show 2014 is cannot be missed. Registration is now open, so book your free place to attend the most highly anticipated event of the year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

For more information, and to register for your free delegate passes, please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5269 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dedicated to providing the highest quality of education to all dental hygiene, therapy and nursing students, the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy has recently introduced a brand new facility.

Sponsored and supplied by Eschmann, the Academy has installed a brand new and totally unique decontamination training suite. Much to the delight of both staff and students, the new facility will enable students to learn all the decontamination processes effectively and safely, as no instruments processed will have been used on patients, but on training (plastic) teeth only.

Experienced and qualified dental colleagues from around the local area will also be able to utilise this suite in order to meet their continual training needs, in line with GDC regulation.

Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Paul Hayes, said “The Dental Academy is, without any doubt, one of the jewels in the University’s crown. It is enormously satisfying that this new decontamination training room is available to our students and to the wider community to meet their CPD needs. We are extremely grateful to Eschmann who sponsored this facility and have been valuable partners in its creation. We are sure that what has been created here will play a significant part in preparing our students for life in primary care, and it is my great pleasure to declare this facility open.”

Professor Hayes and Peter Abrahamowicz from Eschmann then pulled the ribbon to officially open the fantastic new suite. All students, University staff and Eschmann representatives in attendance clearly shared in the excitement of the event.

Director of the Dental Academy, Dr Sara Holmes said, “All of us at the University are delighted to have such a great facility. Our courses focus on three stages of training – theory, simulation and reality – and this decontamination training suite enables us to follow these steps while keeping both our students and their patients safe.”

Of the partnership between the University and Eschmann, Clinical Director John Weld said “We have been working with Eschmann for a few years now – the support they provide has always been very good, particularly considering the volume of patients who visit the Academy.”

Sara Holmes added, “We have formed a very good relationship with Eschmann, and therefore a very powerful partnership. This is a testament to all the professionals involved in this project, and is a great credit to the team from Eschmann.”

The experts at Eschmann were equally as delighted to be involved in the project, and were pleased to have contributed to the very grassroots of dentistry. David Gibson, Marketing Manager from Eschmann says, “As the first and only one of its kind in the UK, this is a truly ground-breaking educational initiative, which we at Eschmann are delighted to be a part of. We want to help these students learn about decontamination in the right way, so that they have the practical skills to work safely and effectively in the dental industry. Although this is our first joint venture with a leading establishment, we hope it will not be the last and is a model we can look to repeat elsewhere in the UK.”

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

In the same way that a film director rarely receives as much attention as the stars of the film, the dental technician almost always performs his or her wizardry behind the scenes. The dentist takes an impression with a disposable tray, despatches it to the laboratory, and then fits the prosthetic without giving too much thought to what happens in between. 

While the patient can perhaps be forgiven for taking little interest in the creative process, the dentist’s own role is almost certainly enhanced by a greater understanding of that of the technician.

The product will generally be a crown, bridge or abutment created from an amalgam of glass and ceramic, a combination which has proven strength and longevity in the mouth and also offers a close aesthetic similarity to natural tooth enamel. Various techniques are used to build the prosthetic in liquid layers applied with a small brush, with each layer being allowed to cure before the next is applied. The ceramic formula can be varied to exactly match the shade and translucency of the contiguous teeth. 

It would be easy to regard dental technicians as the junior partners in restorative dental treatment, but this would be a false premise, as without their skills most treatments would simply not be possible. Nevertheless, in spite of their vital role, laboratories throughout the UK are expressing concern at the fall in the numbers of trainee technicians entering the profession in recent years. 

While there is no doubt that becoming a dental technician is the first step on a worthwhile and rewarding career which has a direct impact on raising the quality of other people lives, it requires highly specialised skills.

The situation is compounded by the lack of UK training institutions which offer courses in Dental Technology. Even institutions that offer courses are often not fully subscribed, and their intensity leads to a high dropout percentage; for example, 35 students enrolled on the Dental Technology course at Lambeth College in September 2011, and only 12 survived until February 2012 – a dropout rate of almost 66%.

As is frequently the case with professions requiring practical skills as well as applied theory, recent graduates often have difficulty in finding sympathetic initial work experience, and an abrupt entry into the pressurised environment of a commercial laboratory, followed by a failure to work fast enough or to a consistent standard, also leads to staff losses. When all these factors are taken together, there is a strong probability of an industry-inhibiting shortage of skilled dental technicians in the coming decade. 

In an attempt to remedy the situation, Sparkle Dental Labs Ltd has entered into an alliance with the UK Department of Education to allow its own, existing team of dedicated and experienced dental restoration and prosthetic technicians to deliver hands-on training to a new generation within a commercial laboratory environment.  It is hoped that early exposure to the deadlines and rigour of completing actual commissions, on budget and on time, will assist more students to ‘stay the course’ and build their careers in the longer term.

Dental laboratories and technicians are the beating heart of restorative dentistry, and should it miss a beat the impact on both patients and clinicians would be severe to say the least. As the number of trained technicians is threatened, Sparkle is acting in both its own and the public interest to safeguard the existing skills base and the dental and oral health of society generally. There are particularly high hopes that the growing cooperation between Sparkle laboratories and educational establishments will begin to stem the decline and underpin the future for restorative dentistry in the UK.

For any additional information please call 0800 138 6255 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:

www.sparkledentallabs.com
 

Mustafa Mohammed is the Managing Director of Sparkle Dental Labs Ltd. and Genix Healthcare. In this article he explains the vision behind turning an old warehouse in Leeds into one of the UK’s up and coming dental laboratories.

Experience the very best in reliability, comfort and style with the brand-new A-dec 400, available from Clark Dental.

The A-dec 400 is designed to deliver pure comfort for you and your patients, bringing together form and function for less complexity and more style, all at a competitive price.

The Radius-style delivery and support modules rotate quickly and easily to deliver a truly ambidextrous configuration. And when you add robust construction, contemporary styling, and the legendary reliability of the A-dec brand you have a dental unit that represents the best long-term value available on the market today.

For bespoke styling to suit your practice, you can choose between A-dec’s sleek seamless, or plush sewn upholstery options, all of which are available in a range of designer colours. You can also choose from A-dec’s three dental light offerings and factory-installed ancillaries that can be integrated into the delivery system and pre-wired for the touchpad controls.

To find out more about the brand-new A-dec 400 dental unit, contact 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

Dr Ramesh Siva worked closely with Clark Dental during the refurbishment of his practice, Albion Dental in Lewes. During the course of the project Clark Dental completely refitted two surgeries and a new decontamination room. Dr Siva says:

“When embarking on a project such as this, it’s important that the contractors you use are reliable. I decided to opt for Clark Dental, firstly because I had experience with them from my time at Bridge Dental, but also because of their name, and because they are known for the quality and reliability of their work. Quite simply I knew that I could rely on them, and they have an excellent track record of success.”

The team at Clark Dental have over 30 years’ experience providing turnkey surgery designs to dental practices across the UK. Using the latest computer aided technology, the dedicated Clark Dental team can guide and support you through every stage of your project from consultation to completion and ongoing support.

To learn more about how Clark Dental is the smart choice in surgery design, contact the Clark Dental 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

Dr Riaz Yar and Dr Craig Barclay worked with Clark Dental to create The Square Advanced Dental Care – a dedicated specialist referral centre in Hale Barns.

Dr Yar says:

“The whole design process went very smoothly indeed. Clark Dental created some initial plans that were presented to us on 3D computer design software that really gave us a good feel for how everything would look. We were then able to provide feedback and make changes until we came up with something we were all really very happy with.

“Throughout the whole project Clark Dental’s Managing Director Richard Beal acted as our project manager, and really took a lot of stress out of the whole process. This meant my business partner Dr Craig Barclay and myself could focus our time more effectively and oversee things rather than getting ourselves caught up in every single detail. Clark Dental supplied and fitted everything in the practice from the dental units to the X-Ray equipment, and were also responsible for bringing in and managing sub-contractors as required. They literally dealt with everything and took a great burden off our shoulders. I highly recommend them!”

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.clarkdentalsurgerydesign.co.uk

Eighty dentists and their partners took to the dance floor and raised £2,485 for the BDA Benevolent Fund to help their colleagues who have fallen on financial hardship.

As part of the Fund’s Be Active Campaign, a dinner dance was held at the Cardiff Village Hotel in April. It was organised by Dr Ann Rockey, Chairman of the Fund, and Dr Pam Norman, South Wales Trustee for the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

Dr Ann Rockey says, “Pam and I wanted to undertake an event for the Be Active Campaign in South Wales that would bring the branch together, as well as fundraise. Our colleague Andrew Matthews royally entertained us with an array of songs from the 40s and 50s. We had a very successful and enjoyable evening at the dinner dance. We are very grateful to all the companies and individuals that kindly sponsored the event.”

The Fund brings hope to dentists who are struggling financially by providing one-off or regular loans and grants.

The registered charity relies on donations to carry on with the vital work it does and relies on the Profession’s help.

For more information about the BDA Benevolent Fund
call 020 7486 4994, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 or visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

Alpha Omega – so much more than meets the eye

Alpha Omega is the worldwide dental organisation that promotes professional excellence through family, fraternal and Judaic values. With Chapters located across the globe, Alpha Omega represents many thousands of dentists and dental students, and welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds.

As one of the longest servicing members of the Alpha Omega London Chapter, Harris Sidelsky has been attending regular meetings for over 30 years. In September 2013, Harris will succeed Linda Greenwall as chairman of the London Chapter. Looking to the year ahead, Harris hopes to build on the excellent work done by his predecessor, and increase still further the number of activities and events Alpha Omega members can look forward to in the year to come.

“To follow Linda Greenwall is a challenge,” admits Harris. “She has built a tremendous legacy, and has been a superb chairperson. Over the last year the London Chapter has grown in its activities, its membership and its educational programmes. What we’ve managed to achieve in this past year really has been superb. The challenge then for me, and the other committee members, is to continue to build on our successes and do even more than what we’ve done in this last year.”

Providing high quality postgraduate education has always been one of the main focuses for Alpha Omega, and the programme for 2013-14 is no exception. “We have the complete lecture line-up planned already,” continues Harris. “Everything we have planned will be practically focussed and oriented, and the aim is that whatever we present, practitioners will be able to use it the very next day.

“The first lecture we have planned will be on the morality of porcelain veneers, and the marketing of cosmetic dentistry. Mervyn Druian will present on the pros and cons of porcelain veneers and Akiva Tatz will then speak what he considers to be the ethical position. Our second lecture will feature Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry. He will be discussing minimally invasive dentistry and pitfalls when making a diagnosis – when to drill, and when not to drill. It should prove fascinating. Other lectures in the series include a session on dental lasers with Elay Maden, as well as a presentation from Crispian Scully CBE on oral medicine and the issues that confront us. Our fifth lecture in the series will examine digital dentistry with Daniel Edelhoff, while our final lecture will be with Jonathan Lack, speaking on grafts in periodontics.”

As well as a highly anticipated series of evening lectures – all of which are free to Alpha Omega members – there will also be the annual Annenberg lecture day in June 2014. This year’s lecture will feature Jack Griffin. Jack is known currently as one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining speakers on the American circuit, and as Harris is keen to point out, that’s not all:

“As well as our packed lecture programme I’m really excited to announce the launch of our brand-new study clubs,” continues Harris. “For me this really embodies the whole mentoring side to our organisation. To start with, we have lined up four dentists to do practical demonstrations in their offices. Mervyn Druian will run a session on marketing and patient communication, Linda Greenwall on bleaching, Malcolm Schaller on implants and Michael Sultan on molar root canal therapy. These sessions should be really interesting and will give our younger or less experienced members the opportunity to learn from experts in their field.”

As part of its family-centred ethos, Alpha Omega holds numerous social events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to network with colleagues, make new friends, and generally have a good time! This year in particular Harris is keen to include even more social events than in previous years and has already arranged a number of exciting events in line with Jewish festivals Hanukkah, Sukkot and Purim.

“It really is an exciting programme that we’ve got lined up for the coming year, and we’re still adding more to it now,” continues Harris. “One of my main ambitions as chairman is to drive up membership and increase the amount of participation in our lecture events. I hope that by putting together a really strong and diverse programme I can re-enthuse people about Alpha Omega and the basic principles that we represent.

To me, Alpha Omega is so much more than ‘just another dental society’ – it’s not just a place you go for lectures! For me, Alpha Omega is all about family; it’s about sharing in friendship and always being ready and able to provide help and support. If I can re-enthuse members about these key principles in my time as chairman, then to me, that will be a job well done.”

For more information on the Alpha Omega London Chapter, visit www.alphaomegauk.co.uk

Many events have changed the practice of dentistry over the years, creating a highly efficient and much more comfortable visit for patients, with an increasingly more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Dentists and technicians alike have worked hard to improve various techniques and materials in their strive for excellence, aiding the continual development of the profession. Particularly within the areas of restorative and prosthetic dentistry, the industry has seen some huge advances in the last few decades.

For example, the humble crown has a fairly long history; the well known, all-porcelain ‘jacket’ crown (PJC) was first patented in 1889. As the name suggests, it consisted of rebuilding the tooth with a porcelain covering to create the restoration. Though improved over time, the PJC was used extensively well into the 1950s. [1]

The introduction of ‘porcelain-fused-to-metal’ in the1950s greatly improved the strength of crowns, with lost-wax fabricated metal copings addressing the issue of marginal fit.[2]

Many would now argue that one of the most influential developments in the history of dentistry has been the application of digital technology. Conceptualised in the 1970s by Francois Duret, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacture (CAM) has totally transformed the way both dentists and technicians approach the creation and manufacture of restorative and prosthetic devices, especially single- or duel- tooth restorations.

The enhanced and refined CAD/CAM equipment available on the dental market today, present a wide range of benefits to both dentists and technicians in their every-day working lives. The latest impression scanning equipment produces crystal clear images in either 2D or 3D, ensuring optimal consistency and predictability and offering a level of detail and accuracy that otherwise would have been well beyond reach. Dental professionals can now create restorations of a high quality that fit the patient correctly first time ­– tolerances of within ± 25 µm now ensure a perfect fit, with no space between teeth, or between tooth preparation and restoration, both of which have the potential to cause infection or decay. The lack of metal content means that x-rays can penetrate the structure allowing dentists to keep track of potential decay. Add to this improved comfort, reduced intrusion and shorter assessment times, and it isn’t difficult to see why such procedures are so popular and encourage patient satisfaction.

Modern CAD/CAM technology is also designed to improve the professionals’ workflow, as well as enhancing the patient experience. Special features such as high-angulation scanners and light guidance systems enable professionals to capture the images they need with little preparation. Mass production with individual customisations is another advantage of digital impressioning, as each restoration can be reviewed and adjusted to meet the necessary requirements in a fast and cost-efficient way.

The most effective CAD/CAM systems can then be fully integrated into the practice management software, dramatically increasing accessibility and efficiency throughout the practice or laboratory. Such programmes also facilitate communication between the dentist and technician, as impression scans and images can easily and securely be sent between the two, for truly successful collaborative cases.

With the equipment to scan, mill, design and place restorations all in one place, modern CAD/CAM technology ultimately offers dentists a choice – they can either create restorations chairside for a quick and efficient treatment process, or they can send their images straight to their technician for manufacture in the lab. This flexibility ensures all dentists can work they way that best suits them and their patient. From technicians’ points of view, the easy-to-use equipment allows them to provide a broader range of services, without excessive retraining costs.

However the CAD/CAM equipment is used, it is a highly effective way of developing the business and driving the practice or laboratory forward. Systems such as the CS Solutions from Carestream Dental, bring all the facets of scanning, designing, milling and placing restorations into one portfolio. Available as stand-alone technologies or as a fully integrated solution, the equipment will help streamline your processes and ensure your whole team works as efficiently as possible.

Compact and easy to use, the impression scanners require no trolley so are easily portable around the premises, and USB connections ensure images and data can be transferred to any computer or workstation. Ergonomic designs and simple interfaces further increase ease of use, and professionals can create superior restorations in a matter of minutes.

Only a few years ago, the idea of ‘digital dentistry’ was very much something of the future. Well that time has now come, and CAD/CAM technology is one of the most effective tools to drive both dental practices and laboratories forward. Are you a part of the revolution yet?

For more information on CS Solutions or bespoke advice on CAD/CAM technologies, please call the experts at Carestream Dental

on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

As a qualified dental professional, you will appreciate the need to continue learning throughout your career. This isn’t important just for the sake of GDC revalidation – it’s also essential to maintain clinical standards, and ensure you provide the best level of care for your patients.

No matter your CPD training requirements, it is important that you find a training provider that offers learning solutions that are flexible, and fit with your busy working schedule. Many providers will be limited in offering just one type of training, however many of the best providers will have a range of options to meet your every need.

Face-to-face options

One increasingly popular solution comes in the form of off-site training. This extremely cost-effective approach brings together dental practice teams at a central location for an intensive day of CORE CPD training. These will often include hands-on practical sessions, and can be a great way of team-building as they bring together all members of the practice to share in learning and role-play activities.

If off-site training isn’t convenient then many training providers will also offer on-site training that can take place at your practice. This can be particularly useful if you are unable to give up a whole day to training, or if it is inconvenient for your team to travel. Many practice teams find this type of training especially useful for the fact that training can be tailored directly to the practice environment. For example with Infection Control training, there might be questions or issues pertaining to your specific practice setting that the training instructor will be able to address.

Learning online

Beyond face-to-face options, one type of training that has seen a massive boom in recent years has been in the form of online learning, also known as e-learning. This is perhaps the most flexible of all training options, and lets you learn at a time and location that is convenient to you. Not only that, but many e-learning platforms will offer a wide range of learning modules which you can choose from, so you can tailor your learning to areas of particular interest to you.

As a further benefit a number of e-learning providers now offer a ‘Personal Development Plan’ (PDP) as part of their package. This allows users to tailor their CPD training like never before, improving on weaknesses, building strengths and adopting a reflective approach to learning outcomes. Not only that, but many of the best e-learning platforms will also include a CPD tracking element so you can always keep an accurate log of CPD completed, and what you yet need to do to complete your cycle.

Learning need not be a chore

To make the most of your CPD, you should always look to invest in providers that offer the very best quality of learning content. In order to ensure your learning is truly effective – that your training ‘sinks in’ – you should also consider the way your training is delivered.

While many providers will claim to offer high quality CPD content, few can claim to offer a high standard of delivery that is both informative and engaging. After all, if you aren’t engaged with your learning – if the presenter is boring, or unenthusiastic – then you won’t be getting the most you can get out of your training.

In terms of online training, you should also consider the variety of learning materials on offer. The best providers will include a diverse range of content to help you learn that will extend beyond just written articles to also encompass videos, webinars, audio recordings and other interactive elements as well.

All this goes to show us how it isn’t just the content that matters – it’s also the presentation!

Quality control

While there are certainly many different training providers out there, few offer the breadth and diversity of content that is offered by many of the most established names. By choosing a high quality learning provider with many years of experience in dentistry, you can be sure your training will be flexible, relevant, informative, and engaging. 

At dbg we really are passionate about helping you meet your CPD requirements, and continue to expand your learning throughout your career. Whether you are new to the profession, nearing retirement, or anywhere in-between, we believe we offer a comprehensive range of training courses and learning options to meet your every need. To find out more, why not give our team a call today, and find out for yourself just how we can offer you the complete training solution, and so much more besides.

For more information call dbg on 01606 861 950,

Or visit www.thedbg.co.uk

Dr Oliver Harman is now coming to the end of his two-year MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, with only a couple of weeks before the dissertation section of the course. Designed to advance practitioner’s skills in this area, the course is provided by renowned education provider Healthcare Learning: Smile-on in collaboration with the University of Manchester

The second half of the MSc course has provided everything I have come to expect. The latest modules have taught me a lot about how much I still have learn, and it has been an exciting and at times challenging journey.

Module 4 was an introduction to the research and evidence-base behind everything we do. This was completely new to me as such an area was not included in my initial training to become a dentist, and with this came my greatest challenge from the MSc course. While it was extremely interesting to delve into all the research associated with the practical work I do, it was a real eye-opener – for all the things I didn’t know! When I first qualified, I was told how things worked, shown how to do them and that’s what I did; so this was a whole new way of thinking. The test for this module was a particularly rude awakening, as I realised just how much there still was to learn. I am however very pleased to report that I did pass the module after some hard work.

Having considered myself a fairly experienced clinician, I was surprised to find sections of this course quite so challenging. That said, I think it was invaluable to go back to basics and to be able to form my own opinions directly from the evidence-base available. I experienced a different style of teaching here as well – it was clear the course instructors were training us for bigger things. This module in particular encouraged a high level of thinking and reasoning, which has already had a huge influence over the way I practice dentistry.

By the time we reached module 5, I was somewhat relieved to return to the wet-fingered dentistry I am reasonably comfortably with. In this section we looked at how to perform back fillings correctly and how to achieve highly aesthetic results.

Module 6 then covered more advanced techniques and involved a lot of implant work. This I found exceptionally useful as it forced me to go beyond the basic understanding I already had and it gave me a really good grounding in implantology, as well as covering complex restorative areas too. For the first time, I think I can now honestly say that I actually understand occlusion – if anyone can!

While I appreciate the Manchester University’s methods of teaching are not the only ones, this MSc course has been superb, especially when it came to occlusion. The course strengthened my clinical foundations, covering all types of treatments and providing practical advice for day-to-day procedures. Patient communication was an especially helpful area to go over, and covering the potential risk factors has helped strengthen my treatment plans.

I have also been thoroughly impressed with all the academics leading the course, who really know their stuff and have been fantastic instructors. A good balance between the research, hospital and general dentistry has also been presented.

Now nearing the end of the MSc, I am keen to take a much more minimally invasive approach to cases wherever possible. This has been reflected in my practice and we have started to focus on providing more advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, with enhanced treatment planning procedures. We also now have an in-house implantologist, and the MSc has certainly helped me build this relationship.

For any professionals thinking of undergoing a Masters course, I think it is important to evaluate your personal situation before you start. I have found that running a busy practice while taking on the extra workload from the MSc difficult at times, so I would say such an endeavour would be best suited to those running more established practices, or to associate dentists with fewer responsibilities. I also take my hat off to the clinicians on my course juggling a busy family life as well, particularly those with young children!

A good support system is vital when undertaking this type of course – designed to test you and develop your skills, the workload can understandably put you under pressure. I am fortunate enough to have a very understanding wife, who has stepped in to help with the daily goings-on of my practice, and I can’t thank her enough for her support. It’s all about finding the balance between your passion to learn and your current commitments.

As the old saying goes, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. To quote Socrates in Plato’s dialogues, the course has ensured that now ‘I know that I do not know’. As I come to the end of the formal training of the MSc and look towards my dissertation, I can say without a doubt that is has changed the way I practice for good. It has been an excellent course and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

To find out more about the MSc course, please call 020 7400 8989 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For many years Nobel Biocare has been at the forefront of dental CAD/CAM technology. Drawing on the groundbreaking work of Matts Andersson, we have continued to push the boundaries with our innovative NobelProcera® system – the pinnacle of what is achievable today.

By harnessing the unrivalled power of NobelProcera technology you can generate real and sustained growth for your dental laboratory business. While some laboratories may choose to invest in their own system, we also offer the option to take advantage of our NobelProcera Scan Centre Network – a group of specially selected laboratory partners based across the UK and Ireland.

This hand-picked network gives you all the flexibility of the NobelProcera system, without the need to invest heavily in your own lab-based CAD/CAM equipment. Each laboratory in our network is able to provide you with Bars, Abutments and Bridgework/Copings, created to the highest standard using our leading NobelProcera technology.

The process is simple:

• Step 1: Send your model to one of our Scan Centres, being sure to communicate any specific requirements prior to shipping.
• Step 2: The Scan Centre will then scan your model using the NobelProcera scanner. The experienced Scan Centre technicians will then design an individualised solution using NobelProcera software.
• Step 3: The design is then sent directly to one of our leading NobelProcera production facilities. There, the individualised solution will be produced according to the CAD data sent by the Scan Centre.
• Step 4: The ready-to-use solution is returned to the Scan Centre, ready for shipment.*

By taking advantage of our unique Scan Centre Network you can avail yourself of all the benefits of advanced CAD/CAM technology without the additional capital cost.

All materials used by our NobelProcera Scan Centre Network are fully biocompatible, and are tested and verified for authenticity. Our screw-retained restorations are compatible with all Nobel Biocare interfaces and we offer a choice of versatile restorative solutions available for all major implant systems. Options include:

• A selection of framework materials including high strength zirconia, and alumina for high translucency. We also offer base metal alloy cobalt chromium for a cost-effective option and titanium for a strong lightweight solution.
• IPS e.max® CAD – full-contour crown, monolithic, time-efficient, 20 shades.
• Telio® CAD – full-contour long-term acrylic temporary, 6 shades.
• A range of abutments including screw-retained and individualised options in both titanium and zirconia.
• Implant bridges in a range of materials including zirconia for high-end aesthetics and titanium for high-stress uses.
• Titanium implant bar overdentures, for fixed and removable restorations.

Whatever your restorative need, Nobel Biocare has a range of excellent tailored options designed to help you offer your customers the best and most efficient solutions available. To learn more about how you could benefit from using the NobelProcera Scan Centre Network, contact Nobel Biocare today.

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

*Screws are provided free with bars and abutments, however bar attachments are an extra cost.

Running a dental practice is by no means an easy task – there are so many different aspects to consider from staff, to regulatory compliance, to managing the accounts. As a practice owner or manager, you may feel that you have everything under control, but are you making the very most of your practice?  

Sometimes, you need someone to come in from the outside to help you realise how your practice is actually performing, particularly if that someone can offer bespoke and highly effective advice. The team at 7Connections have all the experience and expertise they need to analysis your practice, identify all your strengths and weaknesses, and then help you implement any changes necessary.

The Discovery Day is designed for just this – one of the team will come to your practice, evaluate your systems, protocols and overall business strategy, and then provide fresh ideas on what and how to enhance the practice for increased productivity, profitability and success.

Beverley Carlyle, business manager at Ballynahinch Dental Practice in Northern Ireland, recently enlisted the expertise of 7Connections partner Chris Barrow, who ran a Discovery Day with her and her team.

“I have worked with Chris in other practices in the past when I contacted him to visit the team at Ballynahinch Dental Practice,” says Beverley. “I saw him turn those practices around so I already had a lot of confidence in him as a business coach – what he does really works.

“As a practice, we were looking to increase our turnover and check how viable our business actually was, so we were keen to take part in the Discovery Day with Chris Barrow and the team from 7Connections.”

Chris visited the practice only weeks ago to led the Discovery Day, combing through each and every aspect of the business to show the team exactly how the business was performing, what areas could be improved and how.

“The Day itself covered every area we hoped it would, providing us with a fresh and far more accurate perspective of how the practice was performing. Claire, the practice principal, and myself took part in the whole day, while other members of our team such as our hygienists were also able to get involved when they were not with patients.

“It also set us up very well for the full service coaching. I had already recommended that we go ahead with this stage, and before the Discovery Day was even over, everyone in the practice was in full agreement. All the team thought Chris was great, although he wasn’t how everyone expected – he didn’t wear a suit and he was very down-to-earth and highly approachable!

“Talking about the strengths and weaknesses of your business can feel very personal, and many people can feel embarrassed about discussing such matters with people they don’t know.  I think it is so important for the team to feel comfortable with their business coach in order to really evaluate the practice, and find out where changes and improvement can and should be made. Chris and the team from 7Connections took the time to listen carefully to what each team member had to say, making everyone feel very comfortable and ensuring that we were all on an even level with each other.”

With any business coaching or support, it is of course important to make the very most of the opportunity, and as soon as possible. Beverley was delighted to find that yet again, her team was able to take practical and realistic tips from the Discovery Day, which could be put into practise straight away.

“From working with Chris this time and from my experiences of working with him in the past, I have found that improvements are made to the practice immediately. As soon as you start implementing the systems and strategies Chris suggests and helps put in place, you start seeing results. You also have very realistic expectations which is great, as Chris is very to-the-point and always says it how it is.”

For those practices thinking about working with a business coach, Beverley is keen to highlight the benefits to be enjoyed from such a venture.

“For any practices considering enlisting the extra business support, I would say don’t hesitate! The benefits you receive as a result of an unbiased analysis of your practice ensure the investment is a highly effective one. For all those practices who think they can do better but aren’t sure how much better, or how they might achieve that, I don’t think they can afford not to work with a business coach.”

“I also think there are a lot of practice owners, managers and principals out there who don’t really know or understand the current performance of their business – although many would say that they do. Sometimes you need the extra experience and the honed-in expertise of a coach to get a totally accurate picture and really understand how you and your team can improve the business.

“In addition, it is important to tailor your business strategies to meet the demands of both the industry and the local community. Unless you go to every single exhibition, show and conference, and visit every single online forum, you can’t possibly know what is happening in every aspect of dentistry. The business coaches from 7Connections do – as a team they do attend the shows and the lectures and take part in online discussions, so they can pass on that knowledge. They have also seen what works and what doesn’t, and can offer new ideas to help us enhance our business and reach our full potential.”

So if you think you could benefit form a little extra business support and advice, contact the team at 7Connections today – you might gain more than you think!

For more information about 7connections business coaching

please call 01647 478145

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

Designed For You – Protecting Patients and Safeguarding the Dental Team The SafeSeen Touch

The area of ‘compliance’ has caused much concern within the dental profession in recent years. As many of the rules and regulations have changed to meet the evolving needs of the industry, practices have been expected to not only meet the requirements, but to also demonstrate how they do so.

While this has widely led to an increased workload for principal dentists, practices of course still need to run efficiently and cost-effectively. Particularly for smaller businesses with little free space to store records, electronic management solutions can provide the answer many practice owners are looking for.

Having been involved in dentistry for more than 30 years, the Directors of SafeSeen recognised the challenges arising from the new compliance directives. They also saw that an increasingly litigious patient-base could easily lead to problems for dental professionals, should any issues surface with regards to treatment.

As a result of their extensive experience, the SafeSeen Directors developed the SafeSeen Touch – a compact tablet that acts as a complete compliance suite. Designed to enhance compliance, improve patient communication and ensure informed consent, the innovative device offers an ideal and contemporary solution for any dental practice.

Containing all the information both professionals and their patients need with regards to CQC, HR and consent regulations, the tablet can be used to show all aspects of the practice’s compliance. From infection control and prevention protocols, to the management of medicines, maintenance of equipment and clinical and staffing records, everything can be documented on the tablet. Ensuring all practice staff have access to the latest protocols and procedures can be a time-consuming task within any practice, and is often easily forgotten about during the busy day-to-day goings on. With all the details stored on the SafeSeen Touch, all team members can check queries at any point during the day with minimum hassle.

As an electronic device, it is also quick and easy to update records and all data can of course be backed up so as to enhance security and reduce the chance of losing any information.

Boasting high quality graphics and with treatment plan information readily stored, the device is also the perfect communication aid, as images and visual explanations can be used to ensure patients fully understand their proposed treatments. With a high level of comprehension comes well informed consent and patient / professional relationships are enhanced. Patients also gain an improved understanding of what is required by them in order for treatments to succeed, which encourages high patient compliance as well as informed consent. Once properly informed, patients can then sign the tablet directly, and the e-signature can be used for future convenience.

Storing a record of what exactly is shown to each patient, the device even offers protection should any patient complaints arise. When the time comes for the CQC inspection, practices can also demonstrate their compliance to all outcomes from the tablet, emphasising their organisation and attention to detail.

In addition to all this, the SafeSeen Touch helps ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the practice, incorporating programmes to help organise and manage routine tasks. While being independent to any other software manufacturers in the market, the SafeSeen Touch is compatible with any existing practice management systems, ensuring it can be easily integrated into any practice. The size and format of the tablet also means that it can be used anywhere on the premises, maximising access and flexibility for all members of the dental team.

The SafeSeen Touch is designed to ease the workload. With all records and proof of compliance in one safe place, they are easy to monitor and of course provide a great platform for all staff to work from on a daily basis, giving the principal dentist one less thing to worry about.

The SafeSeen team will even visit the practice before installing the tablet, offering a consultation of the general protocols already in place and showing how these would apply to the SafeSeen Touch. The team will also provide training for all staff so that the device can be used effectively from the moment it is set up.

So regardless of the size or speciality of your practice, this innovative tablet could make a huge difference to you and your team. Catering to all your CQC compliance, HR and patient consent needs, the SafeSeen Touch could be key to your continued success.

For more information, please contact Chloe Booth on 07825 201657 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Modern dentistry is as much a business as it is a profession dedicated to providing high standards of dental care. To maximise business potential it is only natural that you should seek to make cost savings in as many areas as possible. This may include making savings through reducing wastage, or doing things in a more time-effective way. It may also include cutting costs directly with suppliers, or raising the price of certain treatments in line with demand.

Make the most of your business services

Business services are one particular area of concern for many practices, as the cost of dealing with many different service providers can soon spiral out of control. To combat this, organisations such as dbg harness group buying power in order to negotiate substantial discounts with providers. These discounts often more than pay for the cost of membership alone, and when taken across a number of business services can make a significant impact on the practice accounts.

Credit card processing is one area in particular where dental practices can save huge amounts by joining a buying group that offers credit card processing with a lower negotiated fee. Depending on the size of your practice, the number of surgeries you run, and the level of treatments you offer, these discounts can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. Many different providers will offer discounts on credit card processing. But it does pay to shop around and find the provider offering the best discount. Over the course of a year, even a very small difference in percentage rate can make a massive difference.

Waste management is another area where significant cost savings can be made. Finding the right company to work with here can be tough, and in the ideal world waste disposal companies should be experienced specifically in dentistry, and be able to offer complete peace of mind. Thankfully, there are providers out there offering discounted rates through membership and these discounts can be applied a number of different waste disposal packages for a complete flexible solution.

Finding extra savings

Aside from credit card processing and waste management, there are many other areas in which savings can be found. Telecommunications is one example where, percentage discounts are available for dbg members, and similarly, a number of document shredding providers also offer discounts for flexible document destruction solutions. Further savings can also be made when arranging practice insurance (including locum cover), accountancy services, energy, patient plans and recruitment services.

Another avenue through which savings can be obtained is in the area of employment law. Some companies will offer template contracts and legal forms completely free of charge,  of which they can be tailored to your meet your practice’s needs. These can range from employment contract templates to legal documents covering maternity leave and even employment disputes. Services such as these don’t just provide a saving in the short term. But in the long term if a problem should arise, you can potentially save thousands of pounds by having a set of contracts that can’t be questioned in a tribunal or court of law.

Help is at hand!

As all dental professionals will know, running a successful and profitable dental practice is no easy task. With so many different contractors to organise and working relationships to manage sometimes just finding a good business service provider alone is hard, and this is without even taking into account factors such as cost.

Finding a provider that offers a range of beneficial business services could save your practice money and valuable time as well.  With a little research, and some careful planning, there are certainly many savings to be made and discounts to be had out there. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

For more information call dbg on 01606 861 950,

Or visit www.thedbg.co.uk

Your practice doesn’t need to be in great trouble in order to benefit from business support. You might think you and your team are already doing a pretty good job, staying in the black, receiving few patient complaints and providing a quality service to the local community.

While this may be the case, it is also true that a few tweaks here and there to the management system or daily protocols may enable you to provide an even better service, or enjoy a larger turnover.

A business coach works with you to streamline and improve your practice processes and help you and your team work as efficiently and productively as possible. They can also help you define your future aims and goals as a practice, ensuring you have realistic expectations and practical systems in place to help you achieve those goals in the future.

Michelle Malone is a Practice Manager at Apex Dental Studio in Elgin, Scotland. While Michelle and her team had their own ideas on how to take their practice forward, she made the decision to source some outside guidance and make sure they were on the right track from the beginning.

“Since taking on an associate last year and a local NHS practice taking on extra patients we wanted to re-evaluate our practice to make sure we were offering the best service, while of course running an effective and profitable business,” explains Michelle. “We also needed ways to attractive new patients – while we had our own ideas about what we could do, we wanted to call upon the expertise of someone who could advise us on what really would work, and identify what needed changing.

“As a result we sourced the help of a business coach. We needed someone with the skills and experience to get straight to the point, and to make sure we were headed in the right direction.

“The coach visited our practice for a day, and it was great to receive advice designed specifically for our practice and our team. I also think it was great that the team were addressed directly with any issues and praise, rather than just hearing it through me.”

A good business coach of course has both experience and skills in a wide variety of areas, from finances, to staff training and treatment coordination. As one of their main aims was to bring in new patients to grow the practice, Michelle and her team were keen to focus on their marketing strategies.

“We wanted to concentrate on how we could take the practice forward as a team and really develop the business in the long-term,” says Michelle. “We had only recently started utilising social media for marketing and we knew that we needed an up-to-date website. Our business coach was able to work from our fundamental ideas and designs, and suggest ways of making them more effective for us. He was able to offer some fantastic advice on potential marketing campaigns – particularly with regards to how long they should be run for, which treatments we should promote, where they should be run and who we should be targeting.

“During the day, Nicci, our practice owner, and myself did have some one-on-one time with the coach to go through the business strategy. In these situations, I think it is important that you work with a professional you feel comfortable with and are really able to talk to. We were lucky to work with such a person, and we did in fact cover many areas that we hadn’t planned to bring up, which was really helpful. In the end however, we focused mainly on the KIPs of the business and how to apply these successfully, as well as how to implement effective marketing strategies.

“In the afternoon, our staff had the opportunity to air any of their own questions. Everything from ethical sales to patient communications and treatment coordination was brought up, and I think it was brilliant for each member of our team to get all the answers they needed.

“Since that day, we have begun employing the new protocols and ideas put in place that day, and we found that being able to contact our coach for on-going support has been a huge benefit to us. There is hard work still to be done, but the day with an expert definitely helped set us in the right direction.”

These ‘Discovery Days’ are designed to be the starting blocks of a long and successful practice. Such services are provided by leading business consultants at 7Connections, who will come to your practice and evaluate every aspect from a professional and practical point of view, before helping you and your team implement new ideas successfully.

If you think your practice could use a little refinement in order to really thrive, a business coach might just be the answer.

For more information about 7connections business coaching

please call 01647 478145

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

I have always been passionate about dentistry and providing the very best level of care for my patients. After several years of growth, it was time for my partners and I to look for new premises for our practice, Portmore Dental. At this time the banks were unwilling to lend and we were struggling to obtain finance. One of our partners was also just about to retire, and we all felt that we really needed help with the admin side of our business.

There are just so many regulations in dentistry now. We didn’t have the time to look after CQC and all the admin work as well as doing our day-to-day dentistry. We’re all dentists and we love our jobs, but all the other stuff outside of dentistry was becoming a major burden.

Thankfully, we discovered The Dental Partnership, and their CEO Justin Stewart. The Dental Partnership came in and took over all of the admin side from the CQC to the HR. This has helped us all focus on providing high quality dentistry and growing the business while they handle all the rest. It’s been a year now, and I’ve been totally released from all the administrative burdens. It’s been a massive weight off my shoulders. When I’m finished with clinical work for the day, I’m finished with work for the day, and that’s a really good feeling.

Before we started working with The Dental Partnership we didn’t put very much effort into marketing. We were so consumed with CQC compliance and ‘ticking all the boxes’ that marketing wasn’t really on our agenda. As a result our new patient numbers were quite low, and not what we might have come to expect.

When we started working with The Dental Partnership, Justin and his team were keen to help us develop our business through marketing. The help they have provided has been invaluable. Since they started working on the practice marketing our new patient numbers have doubled!

The Dental Partnership is different to any other corporate. They don’t employ associates for a start, and they are very clear that they work with dentists as partners. This means I have a share of the practice’s profits because I am a partner. If the business does well then I will do well as well because I share in the profit.

I’m very happy we decided to work with The Dental Partnership. If I’m honest, I don’t think I would still be working in dentistry if we hadn’t taken this step. All of the ‘outside’ stuff – the admin, the legislation – it was all becoming too much for me, and I was becoming really disillusioned with my career. I want to help people with dentistry; I don’t want to push papers around all day.

By working together with The Dental Partnership we can now all focus on dentistry, and we are certainly all enjoying our work a lot more. From a personal point of view I can say it’s given me a new lease of life. I am enjoying dentistry once again and I have far more time to focus on the things that really matter.

For more information call 020 8255 2022 or visit www.tdpgroup.co.uk

About the author:

Eben Van der Walt is a Partner at Portmore Dental Practice, Weybridge, Surrey. Eben qualified from Stellenbosch University in June 2000. After relocating to the UK, he joined the Portmore Dental Practice in 2004. His special interests include Aesthetic Dentistry and Endodontics.

In the competitive world of online dental marketing, it can often be a challenge to develop a website that really stands out from the crowd. In 2010, Dr Wyman Chan of Smile Studio London decided to work with the team at Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ to create a fresh new website to attract new patients and showcase his work.

‘I’ve had my own website for over ten years,’ says Wyman. ‘But about three years ago now I decided it was time for a change. This led me to Dental Focus ® – a team of online marketing experts who work exclusively in dentistry. Having seen some of their work, I was confident that they were the right team to work with to create my new website and I had got to know their CEO Krishan Joshi over the years so I knew they were a team I could trust.’

To get the project underway, Wyman and his PR & Social Media Director Amy Cuthbertson worked with Dental Focus ® to develop concepts for the new website, while Amy also developed some unique artwork for the project.

‘The plan right from the very start was to create a very striking design that looks different to all the other dental practice websites out there,’ continues Wyman. ‘Amy also worked together with Dental Focus ® on the concept artwork and the design. Together we had a lot of input on the final website design – everything from the font and the general “look” and feel of the website to the content.

‘Once the initial design had been completed we were shown examples which we looked at and provided feedback on. Changes were then made to the design until we were all completely happy and satisfied that the website looked exactly as we wanted it to.

‘So far the feedback we’ve received has been very good indeed. Patients even come in and comment on the design – they say it looks nice, professional and elegant. They particularly like the fact that it’s so clear and easy to read.’

Though the main design of the website has now been completed, there is still much work yet to do.

’Now the website has been launched we’re working very hard to boost our Google ranking,’ says Wyman. ‘As part of our efforts to boost our Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Amy is writing blogs for our website, and we post at least five a week. We are also working closely with Dental Focus ® to develop other ideas to draw visitors to our site and so push our website up the page rankings for key search terms such as “London Tooth Whitening”. It’s hard work, but we’re getting there!’

Whether you need help with social media, SEO, or you’d like to create a brand-new website from scratch, the team at Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ have all the skills and expertise to help make your practice an online success. As Wyman concludes: ‘Dental Focus ® are very professional, very helpful – a wonderful team.’ 

For more information call 020 7183 8388, or visit www.dentalfocus.com

How much is a good dentist really worth?

Anyone who is anyone these days will know that the internet is literally teeming with online retailers all trying to ‘out do’ each other to offer the most choice and the best value possible. Even insurance is a massive area of competition on the internet now, and I am sure colleagues will be familiar with the advertising campaigns that have been run by the likes of Compare the Market, Go Compare and Confused.

While there is nothing wrong with people trying to save money where they can, the problem arises when you consider the impact that this price-driven buying culture is having on dentistry. Quite simply our profession, and the services that we offer are becoming commoditised, and our patients are being encouraged to mistake price with value and quality.

Finding the real value in dentistry

If any proof was needed of the ‘commoditisation’ of dentistry, I recently stumbled upon a newly launched website: CompareMySmile.com. As you may expect, CompareMySmile does exactly as its name suggests – it allows members of the public to compare price estimates for dental treatment in locations across the UK. So, your average Joe Public can log on, type ‘Veneers in London’ and they will then receive a list of quotes from registered practices in the area.

To most dentists, the problems with CompareMySmile would seem clear. On one level, it pampers to the misconception that good dentistry is just a numbers game. If I can do a root canal treatment for £X and you can do a root canal for £200 less, then clearly the patient will opt to have the treatment with you and not me. After all, your treatment is cheaper, so therefore one must be better value or the other a clear rip-off!

The worrying thing here is that many patients really do believe this to be the case. They don’t appreciate the value to be found in good dental treatment; nor do they understand the simple fact that not all dentists are the same, and not all dentists can provide the same standard of care.

Still plenty of work to do

As a profession, clearly we still have an awful lot more work to do. While websites such as CompareMySmile and GroupOn encourage patients to look at our work in purely financial terms, our efforts should be directed to showing patients what real value in dentistry is – that teeth are just too valuable to be treated as something that can be bought and sold.

Good dentistry is – and always will be – about forming strong professional relationships with our patients, understanding their needs and providing the very best standard of care possible. We are, at our heart, a caring profession, and if we let price become the determining factor in what we do, then that relationship will slowly start to fade.

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.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments carried out today. This simple and relatively in-expensive treatment offers a number of benefits to the patient that extend beyond just whitening teeth, as patients will find they also benefit from improved self-esteem and a desire to engage more proactively in their oral health.

A range of options

In order to make the most out of teeth whitening treatments, you should aim to stock a selection of different whitening treatments that you can offer to patients. In these highly competitive times, it is simply not good enough any more to offer just one treatment to patients or ‘whatever you have in the fridge’. This is because patients today are savvier than they’ve ever been. They want to look their best, and thanks to the rapid rise of the internet, are now more choice-conscious than ever before. As such you should aim to set your self apart from local rivals by offering a carefully selected product mix that caters for all needs and budgets – not just the high-end of the whitening spectrum.

Tray whitening

Most practices will be familiar with tray whitening. This has long been one of the most popular and effective whitening options, and there are many different manufacturers that cater for this market. Whitening gels are available both in Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide varieties and some manufacturers now also include natural ingredients in their whitening formulation in order to limit sensitivity and promote good long term oral health.

Whitening strips

Though tray whitening is perhaps the most well established whitening option, it does come with a number of drawbacks; not least the need to create custom trays for each patient, and the inconvenience (and lack of comfort) associated with wearing a tray for any length of time. To fill this gap in the market, whitening strips are an innovation that has really started to take off in the last few years. Plastic mouldable strips are coated in the optimum amount of whitening gel to safely and effectively whiten teeth.

Oral care products

To meet demand for complementary whitening solutions, it can also be useful to stock a range of whitening-related oral care products to meet expected patient demand. These products could include sonic toothbrushes or manual whitening brushes that can be combined with high quality whitening toothpastes and other such oral care products.

Product synergy

As well as considering the sorts of whitening products you are able to offer in your practice, you should also consider how the products can be used together – is there any form of synergy you can create to boost sales? How about whitening ‘gift packs’ or ‘mini makeover’ packages? What about offering whitening treatments to wedding parties? The key here is all about adding value to the ‘product’ that you sell, and then make sure your patients understand the value that is on offer.

For the complete whitening solution, WhiteWash Laboratories offers a broad range of excellent whitening solutions designed to cater for every need. These include Professional Teeth Whitening Gel, Professional Teeth Whitening Strips and a catalogue of innovative oral care products with high added value to drive sales and help your practice grow.

For more information call 0844 68 69 150, email

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

In such a fast-paced modern world, change and evolution are inevitable. The dental industry is a prime example of this, with new ideas, materials and clinical techniques constantly emerging in all areas of the profession and from all over the world.

Aesthetic Orthodontics is one such field that has seen and is still experiencing significant advancement, particularly with the growing emphasis on aesthetics.

Today, limited outcome ‘aesthetic orthodontics’ involves almost invisible appliances, maximum patient comfort, and minimal preparation on the existing teeth. The Inman Aligner established itself as one such option several years ago, and it soon became renowned for its ability to promote minimally invasive dentistry.

As the UK pioneer and the world’s most experienced clinician with the Inman Aligner, Dr Tif Qureshi is proud announce that the company behind the appliance is developing and expanding.

“This is something we have been thinking about and planning for a very long time now but we always want to work with the best people,” he says. “The Inman Aligner has built a great reputation for offering one of the best short-term aesthetic orthodontic training courses available, and this provided us with an effective platform to work from.

“As anyone who has attended one of our courses will know, our instructors are not driven by the motivation to ‘sell’, and so have always been very honest and have highlighted the limitations of the appliance as well as the many benefits. Having studied these restrictions for some time, we are soon to introduce to the UK two more systems that have the ability to treat cases not suitable for the Inman Aligner.”

Using the same ethical and planning principles, the team are soon to add IAS ClearSmile Aligners and IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) to their repertoire. Both new treatment options are more than suitable for all GDPs to offer, are easy to work with and use simple mechanisms to achieve the best results. They are designed to be as discreet as possible, and offer safe and comfortable orthodontics for all. Requiring similar protocols with regards to occlusion setup and digital treatment planning, the new systems also ensure that more patients can be treated effectively with the same ethical systems.

“Both systems will incorporate our existing company philosophies and ethics,” explains Dr Qureshi. “The training for each will also be delivered in a similar format, as we believe that the better the training is, the better the treatment outcomes will be. The same essential ‘Spacewize’ software that comes with the Inman Aligner will also help enhance practitioners’s digital treatment planning with the new systems, ensuring successful results from their first case by allowing real digital anterior arch planning.”

Looking at IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox), Dr Qureshi is keen to highlight that the team are working with the best in the business to provide comprehensive training for clinicians.

“The training for IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) will be headed by the famous Dr Rick DePaul – by far and away the best instructor in short-term-orthodontics [STO] around the world. Widely attributed as the originator of STO and indirect tray systems and highly praised among the US dental community (dentaltown US is a good example), Rick is recognised for developing and perfecting the concept. Committed to ethical and thorough training, he also works with a similar teaching style to those we have already been employing, so we are delighted to be working with him. In addition, Rick has been teaching STO for over 10 years – far longer than anyone else in this field.

“As such, the training for IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) will be hands-on and will demonstrate how to use and adjust the appliance for optimal results. As with the Inman Aligner, all GPDs taking the course will also have access to on going support through the online forums, which professionals can utilise to gain any bespoke information or advice they need.”

The IAS ClearSmile training will also be supported by these online forums, which practitioners can use to post photos of their cases and seek guidance both from fellow clinicians and directly from the experts. This is particularly useful for initial cases and for those that require a more complex treatment plan.

“With all three short-term-orthodontic appliances, clinicians will be able to offer fast, safe and highly effective treatments to more patients. The Inman Aligner is probably the simplest of the appliances, but there are cases that it is not suitable for, so IAS ClearSmile and IAS 6 Month Braces (Powerprox) are the natural progression from here. For some time we have been helping clinicians with cases using similar products, and now we are delighted to provide a fully structured service encompassing all the comprehensive training and continual support practitioners need. The real difference here is that rather than people just jumping on the band wagon of STO, the true originators of the Inman Aligner technique and the true originator of all 6 month-style systems have combined to form the best team with the most experienced teachers around. We also have Specialist Orthodontists on our forums to assist with advice on cases that are outside the remit of GDP orthodontics, and better suited for referral.”

Now incorporating all three orthodontic appliances, the overall company will soon re-brand to Intelligent Alignment Systems (IAS), from whom you will be able to source all the information, advice and guidance you could need. Demonstrating just how far the world of Aesthetic orthodontics has come, these courses are tailored specifically to your needs, whether or not you have previous training or experience in this field.

Find out how you can provide convenient, safe and effective orthodontic treatment for your patients today.

For more information on the training courses available from IAS,

please call 0845 366 5477

As one of the UK’s foremost providers of high quality verifiable CPD, ProDentalCPD allows dental professionals to benefit from using an e-learning platform consisting of over 600 modules and articles from more than 2,000 authors – many of whom are experts in their field. Users can view over 400 hours of peer-reviewed verifiable CPD (including all Core CPD) in text, video and audio formats.

ProDentalCPD has captured the attention of Dr Simon Wright, principal partner of Glencairn Practice Group and a senior lecturer in Implantology at the University of Salford. He has been using the resource for the last three years to ensure his colleagues are up-to-date with GDC registration requirements. Simon says, “It has started to become a big part of our practices. We get together as a team and work through the different modules, hundreds of journals, webinars, and quizzes.”

Learning used to be about attending lectures and seminars, but now it can be easily performed online using ProDentalCPD in a format that suits every individual and as Simon explains there really is something for everyone. “As an old fashioned dentist I have always liked the good old lectures, but ProDentalCPD seems to be able to keep my attention, and make me feel involved. There is so much material on this site is does not matter which type of learning suits you, there is something there for you.”

Simon and his staff are among hundreds of other dental professionals who have been converted to using ProDentalCPD because of the advantages it brings. With ever increasing time constraints, dental professionals find e-learning convenient and easy to use. “I know the design team have gone to a lot of effort to ensure it is easy to navigate, fulfils the requirements of the GDC, and is sympathetic towards the busy dental professional, who needs to be able to complete the modules and portfolio with the minimum of fuss. I am not sure if it is good luck or good management, but they have definitely got it right.”

Simon continues, “It fits in around us. We regularly grab five minutes here and there to read an article, or start a module, or alternatively we schedule an hour-long slot at our practice meetings to watch a webinar. We find it can be done anywhere, anytime, with whoever – just don't tell my wife!”

Dentists from across the world are using ProDentalCPD as it fits conveniently in with their busy lifestyles. And with the additional benefit of learning alongside Professor Tooth, Simon adds: “My computer has been transformed from a one-eyed beast that sucks my soul dry, into a quirky little tooth caricature wearing a gown that I can not wait to turn on and meet again. In both practices we have easily notched up hundreds of hours of verifiable CPD. The danger now is that our nursing team are beginning to out smart the dentists!”

To learn more about high-quality e-learning solutions, contact ProDentalCPD on 0114 282 3509, or visit www.prodentalcpd.com

For most people Christmas is a time of celebration, family gatherings and gift sharing, but for some dentists this particular time of year is dreaded.

The BDA Benevolent Fund works hard throughout the festive season to help dentists and their families who have hit a financial crisis, whether that’s through illness, bereavement or another event that has turned their world upside down.

Christmas has become an exceptionally hard time of year for Sarah* since the sale of her practice in 2009 resulted in an unfair suspension. Her earnings dropped from £100,000 to £18,000 when she was forced to look for work elsewhere.

She says, “After being in a practice for 20 years and classing some of the people
I treated not just as patients, but as members of the family, I was obviously very upset. My reputation was completely decimated overnight.”

After losing her job, Sarah was left struggling to pay for her three children’s education fees and the mortgage on the house. She managed to find work as a locum in a hospital, but as the savings from the sale of her practice and her credit cards were used to pay for the family’s living expenses, she realised she couldn’t continue on such a downward spiral. Sarah turned to the Fund for help in 2010. While this offered Sarah and her family a lifeline, Christmas still remains a particularly difficult time of year for her family.

She added, “Christmas has been particularly hard for us. The children used to get
a nice big Christmas present, but instead we had to sell things to be able to afford essentials. Last Christmas was a real struggle. Nobody comes round for Christmas anymore, because we can’t afford to host it. It’s my eldest son’s 21^st birthday this year as well, so we will probably put whatever we can afford into his birthday, rather than into Christmas. It’s going to be a hard one.”

Sarah admits that without the Fund’s help she may well have had their house repossessed, resulting in her family being left without a home. She added, “I’m doing all I can at the moment to pay back the Fund and if I was to win the lottery tomorrow they would get a great big lump sum. I’m really thankful for all the help they have given me.”

Please will you make a special gift this Christmas to help vulnerable dentists get through the festive period? 

To make a donation go to www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk or send a cheque to:
‘BDA Benevolent Fund’, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS.

For more information about the BDA Benevolent Fund

call 020 7486 4994, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 or visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk

All enquiries are considered in confidence.

Registered charity no. 208146

*This dentist’s name has been changed to protect their identity

DENTSPLY UK is delighted to announce that from September 2013, Olivier Collet will become the new Vice President and General Manager of its UK Dental Division.

Olivier has significant experience within the dental industry, beginning his career with a Swiss dental dealer in 1985, and moving on to join DENTSPLY Maillefer Switzerland as Interco Manager in 2000.

Olivier was promoted to Sales Director of DENTSPLY Maillefer in 2004, responsible for the worldwide Dental business. In this role he successfully created and developed a global sales network, increased sales volumes, explored diversification alternatives and prospected new Endodontic dental markets, latterly adding Surgical products to his portfolio.

Contact us at www.dentsply.co.uk or 0800 072 3313

Earn Rewards against purchases at www.dentsplyrewards.co.uk

Access webinars and product demonstrations and earn CPD at www.dentsplyacademy.co.uk

Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ has scooped an award as part of The Big Break 2013. The campaign, run by Bacs, offers prizes for companies who sign clients up to Direct Debit, and raises money for charity in the process. This year’s campaign will benefit no fewer than 100 charities and good causes, making sure they get a Big Break in 2013 too.

Krishan Joshi is CEO of Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’. He says:

‘It’s really exciting to have been awarded a prize from Bacs, and it’s testament to quality of service that we can offer. With over 500 dental practice websites to our name, we provide an excellent level of customer service and on-going support to all our customers. This prize is a great credit to our team who work extremely hard to keep our clients happy.’

Simon Reynolds, marketing manager at First Capital Cashflow adds:

‘It’s great to see clients such as Dental Focus ®, take advantage of promoting direct debit as a collection method. Clearly in this instance Dental Focus ® have been rewarded for their hard work and involvement in the Big Break campaign. Collecting fees by direct debit really is a win-win for all parties involved. The beneficiary enjoys improved cash-flow, reduced debtor days and streamlined administration, whilst the payer benefits from the convenience factor.’   

With over a decade of experience building beautiful bespoke websites for UK dental practices, the Dental Focus ® team have all the skills and experience to put your practice quite literally, on the Google map. To learn more, contact Dental Focus ® ‘Websites for your profit’ today!

For more information call 020 7183 8388, or visit www.dentalfocus.com

Nobel Biocare is dedicated to expanding the value of services offered to all its customers. As part of its on-going commitment, Nobel Biocare has developed a brand-new online store designed to make online ordering easier and more convenient than ever before.

Integrated within the Nobel Biocare website (www.nobelbiocare.com), the new digital store offers customers smarter, easier and more personal choices of the most comprehensive range of implant systems, drills, surgical components, surgery kits, and a wide range of prefabricated prosthetics, as well as everything you need for guided surgery. The online offering is also complemented by a comprehensive choice of patient education material.

Benefits of Nobel Biocare’s new online store include:

• Significantly improved speed
• Intuitive navigation, including a ‘quick buy’ function
• Personalised online product catalogue
• Convenient product filtering
• Previous orders available via purchase history
• Fast access to customer support
• Limited-time money-back guarantee for components purchased online

With over 1,700 products available, the new Nobel Biocare online store really is the perfect choice for all your needs.

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

To register for the Nobel Biocare Online Store go to:

store.nobelbiocare.co.uk

Dental students in their final year at participating universities will get the chance to showcase their talents in a nationwide Dental Surgery Skills Competition. This inaugural contest is organised by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s (RCSEd) Faculty of Dental Surgery, and sponsored by DENTSPLY.

Students who wish to participate will be invited to apply through the RCSEd website. The first 25 eligible students to register from each school will get to represent their university in the regional contests.

The regional heats will be held at Dental Schools from October to December 2013, where the students’ clinical dental skills will be judged. As a sponsor to the competition, DENTSPLY will be supplying the participants with materials they need for the skills tests such as burs, rotary endodontic files, composite material and light curing units.

The winners from each regional event will be invited to the final at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in March 2014. The final competition at the RCSEd will take the regional winners through various skill stations.

The winner of the Dental Surgery Skills Competition will receive an expenses-paid trip to America to attend the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting in February 2015, courtesy of RCSEd’s Faculty of Dental Surgery, as well as taking the accolade and pride in being the first winner to ever be named for the contest.

For more details on the competition, visit www.rcsed.ac.uk/dental-skills-comp.

Contact us at www.dentsply.co.uk or 0800 072 3313

Earn Rewards against purchases at www.dentsplyrewards.co.uk

Access webinars and product demonstrations and earn CPD at www.dentsplyacademy.co.uk

On 3rd July this year, Alliance Boots held their annual supplier conference, with all their major suppliers across the healthcare, beauty and baby industries in attendance.

Recognised as the Number 1 product for ‘Innovative Product Launch’ was CB12, acknowledged for its product uniqueness and the effectiveness of the marketing support utilised at the launch.

With ‘bad breath’ found to be in the top five most embarrassing conditions to discuss[i], CB12 provides an effective solution to eliminate both the physical and physiological effects for suffers. The winning mouth rinse formula neutralises the VSCs (Volatile Sulphur Compounds) responsible for malodorous breath, relieving suffers of symptoms for up to 12 hours.

Supplied by Meda Pharmaceuticals, the team are delighted to have faired so well against the industry giants, and would like to thank to all who helped make this possible.

To see what CB12 could do for your patients, please visit www.cb12.co.uk

Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to be involved with helping to develop dental teams to meet their full potential. Whenever I meet the most successful teams I am always amazed at the motivation, energy and remarkably high morale that these dedicated teams demonstrate. I wonder what is their big secret?  Could it be high salaries, financial bonuses, job status, a secret magic elixir, a funky pill?

The simple answer is that all of the most successful practices that I’ve worked with over the years understand the five key internal motivators of their teams. These are:

• Achievement
• Recognition of achievement
• Growth and advancement
• Responsibility
• Enjoyment of the job

They achieve this by learning together and through learning together they discover how to play together.

Learning through play

It is a strange thing about our modern society that we consider play to be the opposite of work; we are either playing, or we are working. Very often playing is considered to be unprofessional, unhelpful and unproductive – but how true is this? 

Let’s take a step back for a moment and look at some of the challenges facing dental teams today:

• CQC
• CPD Cycles
• HTM 01-05
• Compliance

These are but a few of the many different challenges that are facing the profession, and the list can often seem endless. But I wonder, what would happen if we make these challenges fun, playful and exciting? Would the whole dental team be more inclined to get involved?

Experience tells me that by focussing on delivering training and compliance in a fun, interactive and inclusive way practice teams are more likely to take in important information and are more likely to engage with the whole process. Wouldn’t this take some of the pain out of compliance and CPD?

Whole brain learning

You may have experienced in the past the type of training that uses PowerPoint and nothing else, but what does this really teach you?  How much do you really take in? The very best CPD training encompasses a concept known as ‘whole brain learning’. This may incorporate imagination, pictures, randomness – all things associated with the right side of the brain – together with logic, reasoning and analysis that is associated with the left side. This type of ‘whole brain’ learning is particularly effective and as it’s been proven to show that information is taken in faster and is retained for longer. It has also been proven that this type of learning means that knowledge is also recalled more easily.

What this shows us more than anything is that learning doesn’t have to be boring! Training providers should encourage teams to innovate, and should embrace fun with their group activities in order to not only improve learning, but also to encourage better teamwork and cooperation between team members.

At dbg we enjoy creating innovative and engaging learning environments where all viewpoints and mistakes are acknowledged and valued as a way to learn; demonstrating how to conduct reflective practice as a team. Don’t forget as GDC registered professionals it is our duty to reflect and improve on our systems, policies and practices, and the CQC wants us to demonstrate this in its Outcomes. As such there is absolutely nothing wrong with learning in an interesting and engaging way – if anything it makes us better at our jobs.

Communication is key

When it comes to training, the very best providers will always listen to the views and needs of the practice team. This is because they will understand the challenges that you face on a daily basis and will fully appreciate that each and every dental practice is different and will work in different ways. Only by listening carefully and working together with you will your training provider be able to help your team achieve its full potential.

As Brenda Ueland once said:

‘Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force.  When we really listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other. We are constantly being recreated.’

Committed to you

At dbg we are dedicated to supporting dental teams across the UK, providing complete solutions to help in every area of the practice. Crucially, our commitment to dental teams does not stop after CPD training; it continues with dedicated Practice Support Managers that want to help you and your team achieve your full potential. To find out more, contact dbg today. Membership is £330 per year, and gives you access to offers and discounts on all our services, as well as a free compliance helpline and free compliance software.

For more information call dbg on 01606 861 950,

Or visit www.thedbg.co.uk

About the author:

Claire Deegan is a Practice Support Manager at dbg, delivering training and supporting practices to become compliant. She has 20 years’ experience in dentistry and has a passion for team development and motivational speaking.

If you are looking to perform any construction work on your practice then you need to have considered Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM).  Having been introduced initially in 1994, CDM Regulations were re-introduced in 2007. It was hoped that the modified regulations would make it easier for projects to comply with health and safety responsibilities. This is not just for the sake of the builders, but also for the safety of the public. This is especially significant to anyone looking to refurbish their dental practice as more often than not, a practice will choose to remain operational through this period.

The aim of CDM Regulations is to improve the overall management and coordination of health and safety through every stage of the construction process. The goal of this is to reduce the number of both serious and fatal accidents that occur in the construction industry.

Where does CDM apply?

CDM Regulations apply to “The construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance (including cleaning which involves the use of water or an abrasive at high pressure or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), de-commissioning, demolition or dismantling of a structure”.[i]

A CDM Coordinator must be appointed by the employer if the project is going to last longer than 30 days or if it involves more than 500 person days of work. Though this sounds like a Planning Supervisor, the role of the CDM Coordinator is simply to advise and assist the employer as to how they can comply with the regulations.

It’s your responsibility

First and foremost, the sole responsibility of hiring a CDM Coordinator rests on your shoulders. CDM is a contract between the employer and the builder, it has nothing to do with your architect. An architect can advise you to sort out CDM, but if you don’t and a problem occurs because you haven’t sorted it out, it will be your problem. However, some Architectural Design Services companies, like Roger Gullidge Design will offer help during this process by suggesting possible CDM Coordinators.

Nowadays, all projects (unless very small) should be backed up by a JCT contract, which has a CDM section to make sure that you have it covered. This is a contract between the employer and the contractor. Through signing this contract you acknowledge whether or not you need CDM. If the JCT Administrator has written in to the contract that you require CDM and you choose to ignore it, there could be big problems if someone gets hurt.

The CDM Coordinator

Drawings of the project must be put together and then sent to the CDM coordinator. Once the drawings and information on the builder has been checked (part of the procedure is to check that the builder is up to date with his insurances/certifications etc.) there will be a meeting with the CDM Coordinator regarding the project. The CDM Coordinator will then fill in all of the correct government forms (they are qualified to do this) and the project can begin.

If you have employed your CDM Coordinator at the basic level he may visit the project once, though it is not law that they visit at all. If you have employed your CDM Coordinator for the top grade then they will normally be there for every meeting. If you are really safety conscious then it is advised that you go for the top grade.

A CDM Coordinator has the power to close the site down, this can be for safety reasons (builder has put up some scaffolding that may fall down etc.) or it could be closed because the contractors welfare is inadequate, i.e. it is too cold or there are not suitable facilities for them.

Be sure not to confuse a CDM Coordinator with a Health and Safety Visitor, though they may seem similar they have completely different roles. A CDM Coordinator checks the paperwork and will be present in meetings whereas a Health and Safety Visitor can visit the site unexpectedly to check your health and safety compliance. If the Health and Safety Visitor visits and discovers that you don’t have a CDM Coordinator, the project can be shut down until this is rectified

The benefits of a CDM Coordinator are clear, by helping you to make your project safer for both your contractors and the public by assessing safety, welfare and site conditions, the chances of you running into problems are significantly decreased. Though a CDM Coordinator has the authority to interfere and temporarily shut down the construction, they should not be seen as a foe. Their advice and assistance is purely there to benefit you and those who come into direct contact with the project, ensuring a safer and smoother project.

Roger Gullidge Design is a specialist design and project management consultancy specialising in the dental sector. Call 01278 784442 for more details or visit: www.rogergullidgedesign.com

James and Sonya Hamill are a husband and wife team and directors of Blueapple Dental and Implant Team, a multi-award winning dental practice in Belcoo in County Fermanagh. James is also clinical director at the practice while Sonya is Blueapple’s practice manager. The practice offers a wide range of dentistry services but has a special focus on implant dentistry.

“Our location is really important,” says Sonya. “We’re in a very remote part of Northern Ireland, in a small village on the border with the Republic of Ireland. We have a broad catchment area and patients are widely spread out, so it’s essential to run a full service.”

Freshly crowned Private Dentistry Irish Practice of the Year 2013, Sonya takes a look back at how Blueapple Dental has developed and, working with a business coach, become the practice it is today.

Sonya and James first opened the business in June 2005 and appointed a business coach three years later following their first award win. “It was the early days of the Dentistry awards,” recalls Sonya, “and James had just won the first Best Young Dentist award for the UK.”

The practice had grown rapidly, moving from one surgery to two within six months of opening. “We’d started with lots of enthusiasm and ideas and we knew that we wanted to offer our patients a fresh approach,” says Sonya. “But we didn’t have the background knowledge, skills and training in how to run and develop a business properly. We just knew that up to that point everything was going great, but we needed another person to push us further and help us go through the ceiling that we had reached.”

At that time, business coaching was practically unheard of. “It’s so familiar to everybody now, but back then coaching was new to us and certainly new in Northern Ireland,” says Sonya. “James is very quick to identify something new or to think outside the box, so when a colleague mentioned that they had taken on a business coach and how he was changing their practice, we decided to give it a try.”

The business coach began by spending a day at the practice and giving detailed feedback on what he’d seen. Since then, coaching has been a resource that they can call upon whenever they need support and advice. “I’ve learned it is crucial to have that outsider perspective,” says Sonya. “He is constantly giving us reasons to stop and think about what we’re doing. Being a husband and wife team, it is probably even more critical to have someone that can cut through where emotions might cause our vision to become impaired.”

Part of the practice vision is to enter industry awards, as Sonya explains, “An award is a pat on the back for ourselves and our team because we really are doing something special. We may be in a tiny village in a corner of South West Northern Ireland, but that doesn’t stop us from maintaining standards that you’d find among the best and brightest anywhere else in the country.”

Gaining this recognition is not only good for the practice team but also for the business itself. “One of the main reasons for entering an award is for the team; they work so hard and we are continually resetting the bar for them to go further,” Sonya says. “Awards are also useful from a marketing perspective, and it’s good to keep challenging yourself and measuring your business to ensure you’re at a high level.”

Business coaching was a significant factor in the practice’s success in being named Irish Practice of the Year. “I looked at the business differently from the day that our coach came into it,” says Sonya. “He is an influence on our decision-making all the time, even when we’re not in direct contact with him. It’s very easy to become insular - especially in a practice like ours, which is relatively remote - and it’s important that you don’t lose sight of your place within UK and Irish dentistry.”

She continues, “With that level of business expertise to call on, you are constantly pushing yourself and keeping head of the game; and it’s that influence that has driven us to where we are now. It’s nice that people in the industry feel that our approach merits an award.”

Acknowledging the competitive nature of dentistry today, why does Sonya feel that their practice won the award? “I think it’s because of our emphasis on the patients,” she says. “That’s always been our mantra: making it as good as possible for the patients. We offer a welcoming, warm, non-clinical environment, where we know who they are and what they need, and I think that has marked us out. We are willing to go that extra mile for them - something that business coaching has taught us.”

Principals who would like their practices to achieve award-winning status might like to try business-coaching services such as 7connections, led by Chris Barrow, who has seventeen years of experience as a consultant to the dental profession. Together with Tim Caudrelier and Karl Taylor-Knight, 7connections has the experience and knowledge to help improve every aspect of your business from strategic planning, finances, branding and marketing, to the patient experience, operations and compliance.

For more information about 7connections

please contact Phillippa Goodwin on 07508 184 044

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

Providing an array of solutions to organise and simplify daily tasks, Carestream Dental really can help your practice enhance productivity and long-term success.

The CS R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software is the complete package, combining every aspect needed for a thriving business. From the appointment schedule, to patient records, to patient communication and automatic reminders, the software keeps everything in one place for convenience and clarity.

For quick and efficient diagnosis, all impression images and scans can also be integrated into the Software, aiding treatment explanations to patients and optimising access to patient data for all authorised professionals throughout the practice.

Committed to eXceed – the successful business model that guarantees quality customer service – the team at Carestream Dental are also on hand to provide any additional advice or support you could need with your new software.

Streamline your business with the R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental today.

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

Compliance support when you need it most

Running a successful dental practice is no simple task. With so many regulations to meet and compliance criteria to understand, it can be a daunting task to even the most organised of practice teams.

To help make your practice life that little bit easier, at dbg we offer a wide range of compliance packages designed to provide you with valuable support and assistance when you need it most. These services include our unique Practice Assessment, as well as our CQC Interactive Workshop and our range of Risk Assessment packages that help you meet all your legal requirements.

A wealth of experience

With over 20 years experience in dentistry, at dbg we have all the skills, knowledge and experience to assist you in every area of your practice. Our compliance support team have been working closely with regulators for many years. This means we are in a unique position to give you the very best guidance and support in any matter relating to compliance.

Using our expertise and understanding of all relevant compliance issues in dentistry, we have created our innovative Member’s Area, which is free to all our members. This powerful online tool is a useful for practice managers everywhere, and can be tailored specifically to meet your practice’s needs. One of its great features is that it allows you to complete an online self-assessment in order to gain a better overview of where the practice stands in relation to full regulatory compliance. It also provides useful tips and guidance on steps that can be taken to bring your practice in line.

Peace of mind, guaranteed

At dbg we understand that compliance is no easy matter, and with the ever-increasing burden of regulation, it can be a challenge to keep on top of it all. For complete peace of mind we offer a number of carefully designed compliance support packages, including full Practice Assessments, available from as little as £695 + VAT. Each Practice Assessment is conducted by one of our certified trained assessors, who will spend the majority of the working day in your practice, checking for evidence and giving practical advice on how to bring your practice in-line with all current guidance and legislation.

If you have an inspection coming up, then a dbg Practice Assessment can be a great way to help you prepare and make sure you have all key areas covered. It can also be useful to invest in a Practice Assessment on a periodic basis to ensure your systems are in good working order and check that standards haven’t slipped.

To compliment our Practice Assessment package, we also offer our brand-new CQC Interactive Workshop that we have put together to give practice team members a better understanding of CQC regulations and what to expect. This two-hour training course is an excellent way of bringing staff members together to ask questions and work through role-play scenarios to help put minds at ease.

Packages to meet your every need

No matter what your compliance need, at dbg, we have you covered. Whether you need help with HTM 01-05, CQC, or the HSE we have a service for you. Our Radiation Protection Service for example has been designed to offer you a cost-effective means of meeting all your obligations under IRR99 and IR(ME)R2000. The service gives you access to a Radiation Protection Advisor, a Medical Physics Expert, and also provides you with an online radiation protection file to guide you through all your legal requirements. We also offer associated engineering services to help you keep all your x-ray equipment in full working order.

Beyond radiation services we also provide a selection of bespoke Risk Assessment services. These include our Legionella, Fire, and Health & Safety Risk Assessments. Each has been designed with dental practices in mind, and to guide you towards full compliance with current legislation.

With you every step of the way

To help you meet your compliance needs, our experienced team are dedicated to providing you with outstanding service and support, and are always on hand to answer questions and provide assistance when you need it most. If there are key areas of your practice that you need further help with we can also recommend products and packages to help you meet your regulatory obligations, with discounted rates for dbg members. To learn more about our complete compliance solutions, contact dbg today.

 For more information call dbg on 01606 861 950,

Or visit www.thedbg.co.uk

Some patients require a little more help and encouragement with their oral hygiene than others and we as healthcare professionals must be alert to these individuals. Patients such as those with xerostomia, or dry mouth, for example, need to be particularly vigilant with their self-care routine.

Xerostomia is not a disease of itself, but a manifestation of another problem. It is typically found in patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck, or for individuals with diseases such as Sjörgen’s Syndrome, diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Older patients will almost certainly suffer dry mouth, not because of their age, but because they are most likely to be taking prescription medication of which dry mouth is a common side effect.

Effective oral hygiene is imperative for patients with dry mouth, as they are more susceptible to periodontal disease, dental decay and infections such as oral candidiasis.

A lack of sufficient saliva can leave patients with a constant dry feeling in the mouth and throat, burning sensation on the tongue, mouth ulcers and bad breath. They experience difficulties when eating, speaking and wearing removable dentures, and can go on to develop further destructive complications such as bruxism.

There are a range of dry mouth products that patients can try such as sprays and lozenges, as well as sipping water, use of sugar-free chewing gum and certain lifestyle changes. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, smoking and chewing tobacco can all impact salivary flow and exacerbate dry mouth. Mouth breathing will also worsen the condition and patients should try to avoid acidic, spicy or sugary food and drink.

Patients with xerostomia are advised to adopt a thorough oral hygiene regime that includes interdental cleaning to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Most patients are familiar with dental floss, however compliance tends to be low and there are doubts amongst the profession as to its effectiveness against gingival inflammation and plaque control[i].

The Water Flosser is one of the most widely researched oral hygiene products available today. It operates via pressurised water flow through the tip, which disrupts and removes debris and bacteria from the targeted area. Patients with dry mouth often experience the first signs of tooth decay along the gingival margin, therefore effective cleaning of this area is critical to prevent disease. This is where the Water Flosser really comes into its own. In contrast with dental floss, the Water Flosser not only cleans between the teeth but also deep below the gingival margin, flushing out bacteria where other devices simply can’t reach.

One of the leading brands in the UK and worldwide is the Waterpik® Water Flosser. It has the backing of over 55 published clinical studies that demonstrate its oral hygiene benefits to patients, including those with braces, implants, crowns and bridges. Clinically proven superior to dental floss in the reduction of bleeding[ii] and gingivitis[iii], the Waterpik® Water Flosser also removes more plaque than dental floss from the marginal (33%)[iv], lingual (39%)^iv and facial (24%)^iv regions after just one use.

With its considerable advantages on offer, a Water Flosser is an excellent recommendation for any patient. Only through a combination of patient education and an evidence-based method of efficient plaque removal can we have confidence in the prevention of oral disease for all of our patients, whatever their age, lifestyle or level of health and wellbeing.

To learn more about the Waterpik® Water Flosser and the other products in the Waterpik® Range go to www.waterpik.co.uk.

ProDentalCPD is one of the UK’s foremost providers of high quality verifiable CPD for the whole dental team. Collaborating with more than 2,000 authors, ProDentalCPD brings members high quality courses that encompass activities such as online lectures, educational videos, webinars, articles and other interactive learning aids.

ProDentalCPD’s guiding philosophy is one of continuous improvement and a number of partnerships, such as the collaboration with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), ensure that learning resources are relevant and beneficial. Fiona Ellwood is a BADN member and senior lecturer/ adviser in oral health education and preventative programmes, and clearly supports how ProDentalCPD strives to keep abreast of new developments in dentistry.  

“ProDentalCPD is very current, for example the GDC recently brought to the fore the topic of oral cancer and in response to this, ProDentalCPD developed a learning tool on this subject, so that its members are up-to-date,” says Fiona. “ProDentalCPD looks at market need – it is more than CPD and a lot of thought goes into the construction of the learning resources and their accessibility.”

Fiona’s firm knowledge and expertise has meant that she is also a member of ProDentalCPD’s strong editorial board. “The ProDentalCPD team researches topics in depth, drawing on knowledge from a host of leading professionals from the industry,” confirms Fiona. “I also find that ProDentalCPD appeals to the whole dental sector, as it provides some real cross-sector information.”

“It’s important to be mindful of having a multidisciplinary approach to CPD and using different learning methods,” advises Fiona. “ ProDentalCPD does not just have one delivery approach and this is a huge attraction for me and those I recommend the site to, as experience has shown that a variation in learning strategies provides more opportunity for learning to occur.” 

ProDentalCPD features over 400 hours of peer-reviewed verifiable CPD (including all CORE CPD) in text, video and audio formats. “I think there is a wide selection of appropriate modules for the whole team and more,” says Fiona.

 “It is useful for me to guide others towards the site too. A lot of my work focuses on bringing out the potential in others and to help and support them – ProDentalCPD gives me the tools to do this.”  

“ProDentalCPD considers the educational aspect of CPD, looking at what members want and are required to learn, and gives members a way to evaluate their learning – it does not just hand out a certificate. With the assessments comes the opportunity to revisit any areas when incorrect answers are given and members can retake different questions, which are related to the same subject.” “Equally ProDentalCPD have taken into account the view point of the GDC in relation to the quality of CPD being provided.”

As an educationist with a very busy professional life in dentistry, Fiona relies upon tools that help her to focus and structure her learning activity. The online Personal Development Plan (PDP) is one feature of ProDentalCPD that Fiona believes will keep her and the whole team focussed. “Personally, I wouldn’t be without a PDP,” says Fiona, “it is a very effective tool to use and makes learning much more efficient. At the beginning of the next 5-year cycle, I will to turn to ProDentalCPD and I’ll be using the PDP.”

ProDental CPD gives users unlimited access to the largest online collection of verifiable CPD in the UK from some of the most renowned names in dentistry. Not only this, but every dental professional can benefit from e-learning with ProDentalCPD as the modules are tailored to dentists, nurses, hygienists, therapists, technicians, practice managers and students. For all BADN members, you may also be eligible for a discount on your membership with ProDentalCPD if you sign up via the BADN website.

To learn more about high-quality e-learning solutions, contact ProDentalCPD on 0114 282 3509, or visit www.prodentalcpd.com

Coming across a Dental Practices that has not been properly incorporated is a problem that is becoming increasingly common.

The erroneous incorporation of a dental practice is a ticking time bomb which can have dire consequences for the practice owner when it detonates.

Having had the ability to trade as limited companies since 2006, it wasn’t until 2009/10 that incorporated dental practices began to appear in more significant numbers. Four years later, many of these practices are now being put on the market, only to discover that they have not been incorporated correctly.

The generic name for this situation is, “Flawed Incorporation”

There are a number of mistakes that can be made in the process of incorporation. Often the reason for the practice not being incorporated properly is down to unsuitable legal advice – or in many cases a lack of any legal advice whatsoever.

One of the most common problems is that practices with an NHS contract will purport to incorporate the practice without asking the PCT permission for a new contract to be issued in the name of the limited company. This lands the practice in a situation where although it has been incorporated, the NHS contract is still in the name of the individual practitioner. There are a number of problems with this. The idea of incorporation is that the assets owned by the dentist are transferred to the limited company, however, all NHS contracts state that they can not be transferred. So, without the consent of the PCT the purported transfer of the contract is a fundamental breach, which gives the PCT the right to terminate the contract.

Another problem is that when the time comes to sell, the owner won’t be able to sell their shares in the limited company because the NHS contract (usually the biggest asset) is still in their personal name, which means that this asset still belongs to them, even if the principal may have believed that it transferred and that tax savings have been claimed on this basis since incorporation.

Another common problem is the failure to notify practice funders, usually the banks, of the proposed incorporation of the practice. The transfer of goodwill without bank approval will be a breach of the terms of the borrowing and would allow a funder to call in the loan.

One wonders how much the tax saving would be considered to be worth in that scenario?

If the incorporation is flawed, then it may well be necessary for it to be unravelled in order to sell the practice. The importance of having the very best legal advice cannot be underestimated when looking to incorporate your practice. This is why it is advisable to seek the assistance of a legal firm like GoodmanGrant, who practice exclusively in the dental industry and are able to provide a tailor made service that suits each practice’s individual needs. The experience and knowledge of a specialist is unrivalled, and their comprehension of every key detail that needs to be addressed will ensure a successful incorporation.

As if the above issues were not enough, yet another risk that a practice runs by not following a proper procedure and ensuring that the right documentation is in place is that the Inland Revenue may decide to investigate. The number of Inland Revenue investigations is on the rise and if they discover that there is no written evidence of a transfer of the assets, no mention of what should happen to the property, no valuation of goodwill they may not recognise it as a proper incorporation. This will mean that the practice will have to pay back any tax it has saved, defeating one of the principal reasons for incorporating in the first place.

Making any professional move requires the time and advice of a specialist. In order to effectively and correctly incorporate a dental practice one should make an effort to seek the assistance of a dedicated dental law firm. With a wealth of knowledge and experience that directly relates to the dental sector you can be sure that when the time comes to sell your dental practice there won’t be any unwelcome surprises!

John Grant of GoodmanGrant Lawyers for Dentists  - a NASDAL member

For more information call John Grant on 0113 8343705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goodmanlegal.co.uk

A NASDAL and ASPD MEMBER

The dilemma of the ‘one stop shop’

More and more we are seeing that equipment suppliers are offering building and design services to compliment the sale of their products, making them a ‘one stop shop’. Though this presents the client with an easier and sometimes more financially comfortable way of completing their project, it isn’t always the best option. On the other side of the fence, an equipment supplier offering these services may also find that if not performed properly in all areas it can cause them problems. One way of making it safer is to seek the assistance of an independent third party who can oversee the project and avoid the traps that can occur on both sides of the arrangement.

Usually the case is that dentists choose to go with the equipment supplier and their ‘one stop shop’ service because not only is it simpler, they have also formed a bond with them. The dentist may have been using them for some years and feels familiar with them because they have received a good service in the past. Although there are a number of success stories from people who have used this service, not all projects will end as favourably. To look at it bluntly, the aim of equipment suppliers is to gain the custom of a potential client, by including the other services they stand a better chance of sealing the deal. The problem with using this service is that there are a number of pitfalls that can be fallen in to.

Firstly, the services the equipment supplier provides may not be coming from the company directly; they will subcontract to other companies of their choosing. The experience and knowledge of this company can be a cause for concern and the client should make the effort to investigate who the company are and make sure that they are completely happy with using them. It is important to understand that in the event of something going wrong the client will not be able to go to the equipment supplier for support because they may well be dealing with a separate company.

Another aspect that needs to be made sure of is that you have got planning permission and building regulation approval before any work begins on the project. Unless there is someone checking, you will not know whether the subcontractor has done the work or not. By having a third party monitor this you can be sure that no work will begin before it is safe to do so.

It should go without saying that staying in control of finances is vital, but some clients can become confused because they are not organised. There are several financial categories that must be carefully watched over. The first concerns planning and building regulations, the cost of this applies to the applications and inspections associated with getting approval; this will be paid directly by the client.

The next set of fees concern construction and this will usually be paid through an existing financial arrangement with a bank. Finally, there is covering the cost of the equipment, this will often be paid on finance. Making sure that you have control of these payments is of paramount importance. The equipment supplier may speak directly with your financial supplier, but the client must seek to stay in control of this. Sometime the terms and conditions can request that the deposit is followed by 90% of the payment a certain amount of days prior to installation. The client must make sure that this 90% refers to only the equipment and not the entire project; this has happened before and will happen again. To stop this from happening you should enlist the assistance of someone who can certificate building payments to your bank or building society.

Enlisting a third part will not just benefit the client, it will also help to protect the equipment supplier. If the client isn’t happy with every aspect of the project (and this could be something that a building subcontractor has done) they may withhold an equipment payment because they are under the impression that they are only dealing with one company. If the equipment supplier handles everything under their own name, the client has the legal right to withhold payment. Therefore, it is advisable to offer the client separate companies for each aspect of the project. If offering separate companies, the best way to go about this is to have an experienced project manager oversee the activities of all companies. Companies such as Roger Gullidge Design will be able assist with this, as well as managing some of the other legal aspects of the project. One such area regards protocol should disputes occur further down the line. The advice of an experienced and knowledgeable third party will mean that informed decisions will be made and offer the best protection should and discrepancies occur.

The bottom line is that success (for both sides) when using a ‘one stop shop’ service relies on certification, separation and having someone who can organise the entire project. There are a number of pitfalls that can appear during a project and the assistance of an independent third party can plug these holes.

Roger Gullidge Design is a specialist design and project management consultancy specialising in the dental sector. Call 01278 784442 for more details or visit: www.rogergullidgedesign.com

The Dental Directory is pleased to announce that Brent Sercombe has recently joined the company as its new Head of Sales.

Brent has a comprehensive career history of success in sales operations, encompassing  Cable & Wireless and Virgin Media Business. With previous experience in corporate change, start-ups and as an entrepreneur, Brent has a real passion for managing and delivering sales success in challenging business market conditions.

Though his past experiences are not based in the dental industry, Brent sees this as a huge advantage:

“Often people from within the industry are bought in, so to bring me in has been a big move for The Dental Directory and an exciting move for me! I feel the combination of the established, traditional, loyal and trusted business brand of The Dental Directory together with my experiences of sales improvement programs is a winning combination. There is little doubt that the industry is experiencing massive change and I am relishing the challenge of leading the sales effort for the company in this period of economic uncertainty. In my short time on board, it is clear that the organisation is very customer centric and thrives on reacting quickly and efficiently to customer demand. It was one of the core reasons for my decision to join. The other… there are great people working here !

The Dental Directory is one of the UK’s largest dental dealers, complementing its range of more than 27,000 different products with an incredible commitment to customer service which includes free next day delivery. With Brent Sercombe as its new Head of Sales, The Dental Directory is confident that it can build on its reputation and continue to provide the same outstanding service and variety of products to all of its customers.

The Independently Verified Best Priced Dealer!

For more information, contact The Dental Directory on

0800 585 586, or visit www.dental-directory.co.uk

If you are looking to develop your skills and expand your treatment range, then Intelligent Alignment Systems could be just the solution you’re looking for.

The system comprises of three main components – the Inman Aligner, Clear Smile and Six Month Braces – providing a one-stop-shop for appropriate GDP orthodontics, taught and supported by the Internationally leading short-term-ortho educators.

The Inman Aligner team has joined forces with the world’s best educator for short-term fixed orthodontics, Dr. Rick De Paul, and offer ethical training with treatments planned digitally and supported through linked forums. They are also offering ‘ClearSmile’, which is a new clear aligner system that facilitates control of a case with arch planning, with training to ensure you get the best out of the system.

Exhibiting at the BDTA Dental Showcase, the team behind the Inman Aligner will be available to show you exactly what these appliances could do for you and your patients. Regardless of whether you have previous orthodontic experience, comprehensive training is available with our exclusive hands-on course, as well as online training too.

So if you want to find out more about how the Intelligent Alignment Systems could enhance your skill-set, don’t forget to visit stand Q10 at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013!
 

For more information on Intelligent Alignment Systems, visit http://www.inmanalignertraining.com or phone 0845 366 5477

On Friday 8^th November, Jason Smithson will take to the podium at the BACD’s 10^th Annual Conference. He will present on “The Dentist as Artist-Technician” – a highly anticipated lecture that will showcase just what can be achieved with the latest composite resin materials.

As with all of Jason’s lectures, delegates can expect a highly engaging presentation packed full of hints and tips that they can take away with them and apply the very next working day. He says:

“My talk will be suitable for anyone interested in cosmetic dentistry. Whether you are a student, or general practitioner – whether you are an Accredited BACD member or still working your way up to full BACD membership – there will be something for you in my lecture. Anyone who has seen any of my lectures in the past will know that hints and tips really are ‘my thing’, and I guarantee there will be something you can take away from each and every slide I put up!”

This year’s BACD Annual Conference will be held on Thursday 7^th, Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th November 2013 at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For further information call 0207 612 4166, fax 0207 182 7123, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bacd.com

Launching at this year’s BDTA Dental Showcase, the innovative SafeSeen Touch is a complete compliance suite.

The device enables you to ensure and demonstrate your practice compliance in all areas of CQC, HR and patient consent. All information you and your patients will need is stored on the device, and programmes can then be accessed and viewed in high quality graphics.

For convenience, your patients can also create a secure e-signature on the tablet for any treatment consent required in the future.

Designed to maximise your practice workflow while meeting all the regulations, the SafeSeen Touch is a compact, portable and easy-to-use tablet for use anywhere in the practice.

Created independently from any software manufacturer, the SafeSeen Touch is also compatible with any existing practice management software for ultimate flexibility.

To improve communication with your patients and ensure every aspect of your practice compliance, discover what the SafeSeen Touch could do for you, at the BDTA Dental Showcase 2013.

For more information, please contact Chloe Booth on 07825 201657 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Developed by a team of UK dentists, WhiteWash Professional Whitening Strips are mouldable strips that contain the optimum amount of whitening gel to safely and effectively whiten teeth. Each box contains a 14-day course of strips for both the upper and lower arch that provide an excellent whitening product and fantastic value to the patient.

As a practice builder WhiteWash Professional Whitening Strips are ideal, and can be used in conjunction with regular tray whitening, or as a “top up” to more advanced in-surgery whitening techniques.

Dr Ian Lane, Managing Partner of Queensway Dental Clinic, says:
 
"I have used WhiteWash for several patients now and I believe it to be a very useful introduction to dental tooth whitening. It appears to be a safe and effective alternative to the more costly tray based tooth whitening systems. I would not hesitate to recommend this product to patients and colleagues, as the much lower RRP makes it a much more viable option for many more patients wishing to have brighter looking teeth."

For more information call 0844 68 69 150, email

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

Encouraging Effective Collaboration

The Dentistry Show & DTS 2014

With the Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) running alongside The Dentistry Show 2014, there will be more opportunities for dental professionals than ever before.

As Dean of Postgraduate Dentistry at Health Education Kent, Surrey and Sussex (HEKSS), Professor Stephen Lambert Humble MBE delivered his ‘The future is bright, the future is CDT’ lecture, to a capacity audience, as part of the Aesthetic Technician Conference at The Dentistry Show earlier this year.

“We held a number of clinical sessions, including information updates for CDTs, and also had a stand. From our point of view it was a very successful event, both for information gathering, and giving advice to dental technicians about the career paths open to them and the decisions involved.

“We will of course be appearing at the combined event in 2014. For me we teach very clearly a collaborative practice message. We don’t believe that CDTs or any other member of the team should be working just in isolation.

“We firmly believe dentistry is a team activity and so by running The Dentistry Show and DTS side-by-side there will be further opportunity for HEKSS to get this message across.”

The 2014 event will be held on 28^th February and 1^st March, at the Birmingham NEC, so make sure you save the dates in your diary!

For more information please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk/dts,

call 020 7348 5269 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

United Smile Centres to feature on Channel 4’s ‘How not to get old’

United Smile Centres will feature on this Wednesday’s episode of ‘How not to get old’. The programme will be aired on Channel 4 at 8:00pm, and is billed as the ultimate consumer guide on how to keep looking younger for longer.

In this week’s episode the team at United Smile Centres will help a lady named Sahrae regain her smile with a beautiful set of permanent fixed teeth. Sahrae says:

“I can honestly say that having my smile back has changed my life for the better. I feel so much more confident and feel younger!”

At United Smile Centres we are dedicated to helping patients to regain their smiles. Using the latest dental implant techniques, we can provide beautiful fixed teeth, all in the space of a single day. Our experienced implant surgeons are recognised experts in their field and absolutely committed to changing patients’ lives, one smile at a time.

To see the life-changing impact of the ‘Fixed Teeth in a Day’ treatment for yourself, make sure you tune in to this Wednesday’s episode of ‘How not to get old’.

For more information call United Smile Centres on 0800 8 49 49 59, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.unitedsmilecentres.co.uk

Background

I completed my MSc degree and PhD at University College London in 2007. I then went back to Romania to work for a couple of years before returning to the UK in 2010 with the intention of setting up my own practice. It was then that I joined forces with my business partner Dr George Michalos, and together we set about trying to find the ideal location to set up our ideal dental practice.

When it came to the choice of location, I knew I wanted to live and work in Poole as I had lived there for 6 months a few years before while my husband was training to be a neurosurgeon. From experience then I knew I liked the location and I felt comfortable in the environment. George was also keen to work in the area so we set about looking at many different practices that were for sale before settling on our final location on the high street.

Though the practice is on the first floor, we were both very keen to move in as the price and location were great and we both saw the fantastic potential that the building had to offer. This was because in its original state the practice only had a single surgery, but it had lots of space. Our aim then was to take advantage of the space available to fit more surgeries while at the same time modernising the whole building, and adding some much needed light to the dark and out-dated design.

Neither George nor myself had a specific ‘vision’ as such for the final practice – we just knew about the space we had available and how we wanted the rooms to be set out. This was because our aim initially was to fit out two complete surgeries, with a third set up and ready for the equipment to be brought in once we had enough patients.

Getting started

Before we started with the project, very early one we decided how we wanted the rooms set out, and the walls we would need to put in to set the practice out how we wanted it. 

The main thing I remember about the original practice was just how old it was. Everything was just so dark, and the surgery that was there was spacious but very out-dated, with carpets on the floor, and very little natural light. The first thing we did then was bring in builders to set about laying out the building as we planned it. This process took about two months in total, clearing everything out, adding in the extra walls, putting in all the necessary plumbing and wiring and so forth.

While this was going on we spoke to a number of different companies to see which company could best help us modernise our practice and give us all the help and support we would needed. We spoke to a great many companies, asking them essentially ‘what can you give us?’ and ‘what can you do to help us?’

In the end we decided to work with Clark Dental, as they came highly recommended to us, and were able to meet all our needs in terms of setting up the two surgeries, plus preparing the third room for an additional surgery at a later date.

The whole process was very smooth. The team came in with plans and together we agreed on how we wanted everything laid out, and they then installed the two surgeries to our exact specifications, along with a sterilisation room and all the fittings necessary to prepare the third surgery.

We chose our equipment based on recommendation mainly, though my business partner George did visit the BDTA exhibition to get some ideas on the sorts of things that might work well in our practice, such as our superb A-Dec dental units.

One of the most useful pieces of equipment we have invested in has been the Nomad portable x-ray system. Because we were starting with two surgeries with a third to be installed in the future, we opted for the Nomad as it allows us to move it easily between surgeries, rather than having a large, bulky unit that’s fixed in one place. I must say it’s definitely been worth the investment, as it means we don’t waste patients’ time, and it also means that we don’t need another x-ray when we do finally come to use the third surgery. Overall I’ve been very impressed with the unit, and it’s been an excellent purchase.

Setbacks

As with any project of this kind I think there’s always going to be some sort of difficulty along the way, whether it be in terms of finance, planning, regulation or whatever else may spring up. In our particular case we had a major problem with the roof, which brought about significant delays to the project. The main problem that as a first floor premises, we weren’t sure if the roof was going to collapse in on us, so we needed to have full investigations carried out, both for our own peace of mind, and also in order to make sure we met the building regulations. Though this did set us back a little bit in our plan, the builders were absolutely great, and we managed to resolve the problem with as little difficulty as we could have expected.

The project complete

To fully appreciate the change that’s come over Poole Dental Practice you really need to understand just how old and dark the original building was. The practice was at least twenty or thirty years old when we bought it and in that time very little work had been done to it. Now the project is complete however it’s like working in a completely new environment! The old patients who come here are really impressed with the changes that have taken place. Before the project the space was there in the building, but it was a very dark and unfriendly place, with old paintings and a couch in the waiting room. Now it’s bright and airy. In fact it’s absolutely beautiful. The patients really are amazed by what we have achieved, and both George and I find it is a much nicer place for us to work. Everything now is so up-to-date, coming in to work is a pleasure.

Lessons learnt

Over the course of the project, we’ve learnt quite a lot. For a start you have to have a very clear mind about what you want to achieve. Unless you do this it can be very easy for your budget to start to escalate and things will soon get out of control. Before you start you should also make sure you have good references for all the contractors you use such as builders and equipment suppliers. For me this is really important, as it means you know you can rely on the people you are using to help you with your project. References really are very important!

Organisation and planning are also very important. You also need to be flexible enough to understand that sometimes, things will come up along the way that you just can’t prepare for. Our problem with the roof is one such example of this. If you find yourself in a situation like this you’ve just got to keep on going and not let these little problems hold you back.

With hard work and determination, you can achieve everything you desire for your dental practice. From my own experience with Poole Dental Practice I can definitely say all the hard work was worth it. I am now very much looking forward to opening our third surgery in the coming year!

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

As the new NHS contract is being piloted in the UK, it seems to be an apt time to consider how your practice can optimise its services to positively respond to change. At this point in time, dental professionals may look towards securing more private patients for high quality treatment. The reason for this is to align practices with key changes in national health service dentistry. Under the new NHS system, the preference towards preventative treatment and offering a minimalistic service will mean that more complex treatment will be done privately – this can expand the scope for GDPs to concentrate on more high-end, complex treatment.

Where there is a growing need for private dentistry that is dynamic, dental marketing can develop your clinical services to attract and secure new patients. Dental marketing can refine your services so that they are tailored to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment, since more NHS dentists are likely to move to the private sector and corporates have developed structures to win contract tenders.

Marketing involves a strategy that is carefully planned to get your services ahead in terms of building a brand that patients will trust and value. Although the concept of dental advertising is not something widely done in the UK, case studies from America and Canada show how practices have reaped the rewards. Our Chrysalis Dental Centres in Canada for example, generated an average of 35 contacts per day over a 6-month period through advertising campaigns. This same success story is part of United Smile Centres’ profile in the UK, where our expertise in same day dental implant solutions has been significantly promoted by effective advertising campaigns.   

If we look at United Smile Centres as an effective marketing model, there are some key approaches to advertising that you can apply to your services for a good return on investment. At the centre of all effective marketing campaigns is a good product. Working out how your treatment will be chosen over your competitor’s is fundamental to the success of your marketing campaign. United Smile Centres fulfil the criteria of having a good product by only offering ‘Fixed Teeth in a Day’, a full arch rehabilitation treatment that uses an innovative technique to remove the problem of failing teeth or dentures, replacing them with new teeth in one day.

Same day treatments grant an alternative to conventional implant surgery that can take over a year to complete, and can be both expensive and painful. For although the same day solution is not cheap, it has a high ‘value’ in relation to the impact it will have on patients’ lives. This solution builds up incomparable value for patients who are naturally time conscious. Cutting down on treatment time means that patients do not have to keep taking time off work. Same day treatments also reduce the number of surgeries needed, increase patient comfort, and optimise post-surgery aesthetics – but most of all, patients like it.

With all of this in mind, it is important to recognise your target market when planning to market a treatment. Once your target market is recognised, you can decide which ‘market segment’ you are aiming at based on factors such as age, geographical location and income – all of these considerations will help you to eliminate barriers to treatment and increase case acceptance. Essentially, your treatment needs to be marketed in a way that pushes advantages that are relevant to fears.

A carefully constructed website that caters towards inquiring patients and reflects what you do, is one form of marketing that can help overcome prospective patients’ fears. Your website is key to forming that much needed ‘proof’ of an excellent service and your online profile needs to represent you well. People are cynical, especially in the UK and the nation is cynical about adverts and dentists.  Including patient testimonials from completed cases adds legitimacy and builds the trust needed for new patients to invest. Using multimedia such as videos and photographs of happy patients will help patients to envisage the treatment. Providing useful information about the procedure could also alleviate fears and enable patients to envisage the procedure.

Having a website is not an advantage, it is a necessity. Web based marketing means your audience will instantly grow. This is an information age where endless supplies of material can be accessed online by a society that is accustomed to immediate results – 24/7. This is a blessing and a curse. Studies[1] have shown that 32% of customers will start to leave slow sites between one and five seconds. If we use this as a rough indication of your average patient’s attention span, the need to hook viewers straight in with content that is fresh, informative and engaging is key to getting them to stay on the page.

Of course advertising and a good website are but two parts of a much wider marketing strategy that you will need to consider, however the heart of your campaign will always rest on the quality of your product. In this modern time-precious world, patients have less time than ever before and so seek immediate solutions to their problems. If your marketing strategy is value driven and overcomes barriers to treatment, you can expect a return on your investment. Remember a tooth isn’t worth that much, but a smile has value.

For more information call United Smile Centres on 0800 8 49 49 59, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.unitedsmilecentres.co.uk