Oral-B has released the dates for their next series of Up To Date seminars.  Each of these popular evening sessions will be comprised of two 45-minute lectures.

Prof Nicola West will be exploring clinical strategies to prevent and manage dental erosion. She will unveil the aetiology, susceptibility and impact of erosive toothwear as well as giving advice on preventative management and when to refer. (pictured below)

Dr Phil Ower will be reviewing the aetiology and classification of gingival recession, showing how to manage recession defects for different groups of patients and giving guidance on when it is appropriate to refer patients and what specialist care may be appropriate. (picture below)

Clinical dental professionals are invited to attend this complimentary CPD accredited evening event at one of seven locations:

London -3^rd November 2016 – Hilton Hotel (Watford)

Edinburgh - 14^th November 2016 – Houston Hotel

Bristol – 21^st November 2016 – Aztec Hotel

Birmingham - 20^th February 2017 – St Johns Hotel (Solihull)

Leeds - 9^th March 2017 – Village Hotel (North)

Manchester – 27^th April 2017 – Copthorne Hotel

Newcastle - 4^th May 2017 – Hilton Hotel (Gateshead)

As well as two and a half hours of verifiable CPD every delegate is invited to enjoy a complimentary meal at the beginning of the evening.  Registration and buffet is from 5.45pm with the first lecture starting at 6.30pm.  The evening will finish at 9.00pm.

Spaces at these events are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.  If you would like to attend register online at www.dentalcare.co.uk/uptodateseminars.

For enquiries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0870 2421850.

GSK is leading a campaign to raise awareness among dentists, DCPs and patients about two common conditions – erosive tooth wear and Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH).

Over ¾ of British adults - 77% exhibit signs of tooth wear and moderate tooth wear has increased¹. It can lead to changes in tooth shape, yellowing of teeth and translucency at the tooth edge. You can now download the BEWE app for a comprehensive guide to erosive tooth wear diagnosis and condition management.

The optimised fluoride formulation of Pronamel® strengthens your patients’ demineralised enamel to help protect against the effects of erosive tooth wear². 

DH is characterised by short, sharp pain in response to stimuli and needs to be diagnosed differentially. 41.9% of adults have experienced it³ and, according to the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ), over 70% of sufferers consider the sensations to take pleasure out of eating and drinking⁴.

Sensodyne® Repair and Protect combines NovaMin® technology and sodium fluoride in a single formulation, which creates an even harder hydroxyapatite-like layer over the exposed dentine and within the exposed dentine tubules^{2, 5-7}, providing sustained protection and relief.

For more information on these conditions and other CPD materials, visit: https://www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk/

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

CHGBI/CHSEN/0023/16

References:

1.        Disease and related disorders – a report from the Adult Dental Health Survey 2009, The Information Centre for health and social care, 2011

2.        Fowler C et al J Clin Dent 2006; 17(4): 100 - 105

3.        Addy M. Int Dent J 2002; 52: 367-375.

4.        GSK Data on File RH02026

5.        Greenspan DC et al. J Clin Dent 2010; 21: 61-65.

6.        La Torre G and Greenspan DC. J Clin Dent 2010; 21(Spec Iss): 72-76.

7.        Earl JS et al. J Clin Dent 2011; 22(3): 62-67(A). 

In April 2016 GSK, the manufacturer of Corsodyl®, Poligrip®, Sensodyne® and Pronamel®, launched four free certified CPD modules. Each provides 1.5 hours of verifiable CPD and so far over 2000 modules have been completed, meaning GSK has provided over 3000 hours of free, verifiable CPD to DHCPs across the country.

The modules focus on a range of topics including gum disease and the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), the effects of tooth loss and dentures for patients, the mode of action of NovaMin® in Sensodyne® Repair & Protect and the Basic Erosive Wear Examination. All modules can be completed remotely at a pace that suits the user. There is a selection of multiple-choice questions at the end of each module and, upon answering the questions correctly, the user is issued a certificate for completing the CPD module. 

GSK sees delivering quality education and CPD as a core part of its mission and strives to continuously meet the needs of DHCPs through online learning as well as face to face lectures.

Access to all modules, as well as information on GSK products, is available at www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk

-ENDS-

Product Information

Corsodyl Mint Mouthwash

Active Ingredient: Chlorhexidine digluconate. Indications: Plaque inhibition; gingivitis; maintenance

of oral hygiene; post periodontal surgery or treatment; aphthous ulceration; oral candida. Legal Category: GSL. Licence Holder: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK) Trading Limited, Brentford, TW8 9GS, U.K.

Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications and method of use can be found at:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/21648

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

CHGBI/CHGOC/0036/16

The SOLID Retainer System – it stands for Single-visit Orthodontic Lingual and Invisible Dual Retainer System – is an all-new concept in orthodontic retention. 

In a bid to prevent post-alignment relapse, SOLID combines an invisible fixed-lingual retainer with a removable acrylic retainer, which means clinicians can place two different types of retainer in only one appointment.

And even better, SOLID has revolutionised retainer placement so dentists can now place this retainer WITH the orthodontic fixed brackets still in place on the teeth, thus ensuring zero tooth movement before or after the traditional bracket de-bond process.

The system also satisfies advice from members of both the British Orthodontic Society and American Association of Orthodontics who recommend provision of fixed-lingual and removable retention for more security in limiting the potential of orthodontic relapse.

Created by Dr Thomas Sealey, the Cfast SOLID Retention System is a hybrid-designed retainer that utilises fibre-reinforced composite technology and modern bonding techniques to create a virtually invisible fixed lingual retainer, that’s complemented by a traditional removable acrylic retainer.

Thomas explains: ‘I developed the SOLID retainer to be placed before brackets are removed to ensure absolutely no tooth movement can occur from your final and perfect end positioning. The SOLID retainer can also be used after clear positioner orthodontics. In this scenario, once you have achieved the correct alignment of your final positioner, you can simply send the last 3D-printed model to Cfast and they will make you the SOLID retainer – you don’t even need to see the patient for an impression.

‘Without having to remove orthodontic brackets, you can place and polish a SOLID retainer in less than 10 minutes.’

He adds: ‘Cfast SOLID is not only the fastest placed invisible dual-retainer system in the world, it also provides a second removable Essix retainer – this spare retainer is also a great sales point for the patient as new retainers can usually cost them around £100.

‘The SOLID invisible retainers are kept at least 1.5mm from the incisal edge and from the gum level to ensure ease of cleaning. In the past, the final cosmetic result was often spoiled with visible wire retainers or ceramic retainers that made the lower teeth look twice as thick as they should. SOLID is discreet, easy to clean, totally smooth and requires no additional cost to the dentist or patient. As the “ortho-dentist” has evolved to provide short-term tooth alignment for the cosmetically focused patient, so orthodontic retention has evolved to meet the needs of the modern patient in the form of SOLID.’

• For more about SOLID, visit www.cfastresults.com/how-does-it-work/solid-retainer/, call 0844 209 7035 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GSK, manufacturers of Sensodyne®, invite you to join their webinar event – ‘How can we measure the true patient impact of sensitive teeth?’ on Thursday 10^th November from 6pm.

The presentation will be delivered by Professor Peter Robinson and is based on insights from the development of the ground-breaking Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ).

To register for the webinar online visit https://engage.vevent.com/rt/gskevents/index.jsp?seid=1119     NOW!

As many as 1 in 3 patients may be suffering from Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH).¹ Research using the DHEQ amongst over 900 people highlighted the impacts that patients with the condition may experience:²

·         70% consider the sensations to take the pleasure out of eating and drinking*

·         59% try to avoid pain by biting food into small pieces*

·         32% think that having sensitive teeth makes them feel old*

Find out more about the impacts on your patients with Dentine Hypersensitivity by joining the webinar. Register online now to ensure your place –

visit https://engage.vevent.com/rt/gskevents/index.jsp?seid=1119.

*pooled analysis of 7 clinical studies involving 905 participants aged 18-65 (mean 39.7 years) in Canada, Europe and USA before treatment. All participants who gave the ratings of 5, 6 or 7 (agree a little, agree, strongly agree) on a 7-point impact scale were considered to have the impact in question.

References:

1.      Addy M Int Dent J 2002; 52: 367-375

2.      GSK data on file, RH02026

Denplan, the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist, is celebrating another successful award win, after winning ‘Best Dental Benefits Provider’ for the seventh consecutive year at the 2016 Health Insurance Awards.

Held on Thursday 13 October at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, the Health Insurance Awards gathered together around 900 industry leaders in the health insurance and protection industry to recognise the achievements of exceptional individuals, providers, and intermediaries across a range of categories.

At the glamorous black tie event, guests celebrated the best achievements in the industry and were treated to a champagne reception and three course meal. They were entertained throughout the evening by popular prime-time TV presenter Stephen Mulhearn.

Pam Whelan, Head of Corporate at Denplan, is in centre right with a pink flower dress on holding the prestigious award

Head of Corporate at Denplan, Pam Whelan, said: “We’re over the moon and extremely proud to win the award for Best Dental Benefits Provider for the 7th year in a row. The fact that these awards are won thanks to the votes from intermediaries means a great deal to us, and we would like to thank everyone that voted again for us this year.  It’s important that we don’t get complacent so we are always looking for fresh inspiration in order to continually develop new and innovative ways to enhance our services for the employee benefit market. We are also keen to continue our success in the future and achieve an eighth award so will continue to work hard to support our much valued intermediaries and clients throughout the year.”

For more information about Denplan’s range of corporate plans, please call 01962 828 008 or go to www.denplan.co.uk/companies

Last weekend marked the return of the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) annual showcase.

And for those interested in reviewing how best to boost efficiencies and the profit of their practice with the help of practice management system solutions, then a visit to Systems for Dentists on stand J34 proved time very well spent.

As one of the longest established practice management system design specialists in the UK, the enterprising company offered an exciting forum for Dentists looking to gain an in depth insight into their latest technologies and innovations.

Not only was it an opportunity to meet personally with members of their team, but for many, it proved the perfect forum in which to get hands on with the latest developments in practice management system solutions.

And in addition to getting close up and personal with all that was new from the latest version of their flagship system software, to the benefits it stands to offer, the dynamic team of developers were certainly looking to inspire and impress with everything exceptional about the latest interfaces and functionality on offer this year.

As beyond all that was practical and leading edge about their carefully designed practice management solutions, the backdrop of stand J34 at BDIA also provided all the knowledge visiting Dentists needed to increase their practice bottom line through the help of their V6 Practice Management System.

And for those dental practices who managed to attend, taking valuable time out of their busy day, the BDIA Dental Showcase presented a great platform once again to meet alongside over 350 leading dental companies and to provide the perfect setting to re-ignite a shared passion for the UK Dental market.

Ranging from global brands to industry newcomers, Dentists were presented with one of the widest selections of industry related products and innovations demonstrated under one roof in the UK this autumn.

As a well-respected and credible arena for providing the opportunity for dentistry teams to immerse in the present and future of our industry, the BDIA Showcase 2016 was certainly a great arena in which to explore new innovations, and to discover everything brilliant about Systems for Dentists practice management system design.

As ever, Systems for Dentists were just one exhibitor who relished the opportunity to exhibit to showcase their portfolio. And with a genuine care for speaking to practitioners about how they could look to partner with them to drive up profits and further streamline their practice management efficiencies.

And for those Dentists looking to review how practice management could make a valuable difference to their practice moving forward, not only that, but to keep pace with the industry and to catch up with friends and associates, they were sure to fuel not only their knowledge of practice management system benefits, thanks to the help of Systems for Dentists experts, but also a love of all that makes the UK dentistry market so special!

Systems for Dentists will return to exhibit at BDIA 2017 live from stand I60 at The NEC to present and showcase all that’s new and exciting as they continue to shape and develop their practice management system technologies for the benefit of the UK dental market.

For further information, contact:

Nathan Ross at Systems for Dentists on 0845 643 2828

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

BDIA Dental Showcase has again delivered a show worthy of its reputation as the premier event on the dental industry calendar.

With many exhibitors reporting excellent on-stand sales, visitor figures for this year’s Showcase have also shown that the dental industry is in good health with practices and practitioners happy to apply many of the technological advances they have discovered at BDIA Dental Showcase 2016. 

Michael Cann, President of the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) and Managing Director of Septodont, is delighted with the numbers of visitors that they have seen at this year’s show and said, “Our stand this year has focused on our new online CPD training that will allow practices to be compliant with the 2013 Sharps Legislation using our new needle-stick injury prevention devices, which has had a very good response from visitors.”

Sonia Tracey, Vice President of the BDIA and Managing Director of W&H, commented, “The visitors we have seen at our stand this year have done their homework before coming to the show, which makes our work so much better as we can offer them more detailed information and products that are useful back in their practice.  This has also allowed us to spend quality time with them to ensure they get all the information they need.  We couldn’t have asked for better.”

Charlie Fuller, Sales and Marketing Manager at OralB, is very happy with year’s Showcase, saying “BDIA Dental Showcase is an incredible event for us.  It gives us one-to-one time with practitioners who work with our products and who will be advising patients on which of our products will work best for them.”

Alun Dabner, Brand Manager of Colgate, said “We have had an excellent show this year with visitor and sales figures at our stand looking really healthy.  Our on-stand lectures have been very well attended which has fitted in really well with our education focus for the show.”

With the announcement that next year’s show will be organised under the auspices of the Mark Allen Group and George Warman Publications, 2017 will certainly be a very exciting year to look forward to.

Related news story on GDPUK - https://www.gdpuk.com/news/latest-news/2352-showcase-event-sold-by-bdia

According to Delivering Better Oral Health, daily effective plaque removal is more important to periodontal health than tooth scaling and polishing by the clinical team.¹ As a dental professional, you are in a position to recommend a good daily oral care routine.

Recommend the Corsodyl® Daily range to support your work and help keep patients’ gums healthy. The range includes:

-          Corsodyl® Daily mouthwashes

-          Corsodyl® Daily toothbrushes

-          Corsodyl® Daily Expanding Floss

-          Corsodyl® Daily Gentle Tape

For further support, order your Gum Care Pack today for patient and expert educational materials. Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk to order your pack.

Reference: 1. Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention. Third edition. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/367563/DBOHv32014OCTMainDocument_3.pdf. Accessed on 20/07/2016.

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

At the end of 2015, there were 41,095 dentists registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) – a small increase from the previous year.[i] Despite these growing numbers there is evidence to suggest that some practices are struggling to recruit associates. This is particularly true for those offering NHS services.

One of the reasons behind this is a shortcoming of dentists with Performer Numbers, which means there is an undersupply of licensed candidates available to work in the NHS. Obtaining a Performer Number can be somewhat of a long winded and drawn out process with a lot of paperwork involved.

Because the process can be time-consuming and practices are often on a tight schedule, employers can sometimes end up just requesting applicants that already have a Performer Number. As a result, some dentists end up getting overlooked and practices miss out on taking on a promising individual that could have been an asset to the business. Smaller, more rural practices on the other hand are much more likely to offer a job to someone without a Performer Number due to lack of choice. As I’ve seen many times before, though, these practices run the risk of an employee handing in their resignation shortly after receiving their Performer Number to pursue a job in the city.

Because UK dentists automatically graduate with a Performer Number after the completion of their foundation training, there are no restrictions as they enter the world of employment – unless they leave the UK for 12 months, in which case their number is often archived and they are back to square one. In contrast, some foreign applicants have to pass the overseas registration exam (ORE) before they can register with the GDC, apply for their Performer Number and take on jobs. For some, this process can take up to two years and leaves a number of dentists without a job and practices without great applicants.

The other possible reason why practices occasionally struggle to find suitable staff despite a superabundance of dentists is that too many applicants either require mentorship or don’t have enough experience. At the end of the day practices have UDAs that must be completed and if a dentist with little experience cannot meet their allocated target, the practice will end up with a UDA deficit. In my experience, NHS practices also tend to prefer dentists with UK experience and knowledge of the NHS and UDA systems.

Then there is the matter of dentists that are looking to specialise somewhere down the line. It can be difficult for a general practice to take on someone who has ambition to become a specialist, because they are either going to leave or request that they go part-time to practise elsewhere. As such, some businesses are reluctant to take on such individuals, which in turn means they are required to consider applicants that might actually be less suitable for the vacancy.

And that’s not to mention the impact that competition has upon the recruitment process, not just from an associates perspective but also from an employers. To attract the best dentists in the profession, practices are now offering what is known as a golden hello – a one off payment of anywhere between £1,000 and £10,000 to entice them into joining the practice. This is usually tied in with a clause so that if they leave within the first 24 months of their contract, they’ll be required to pay that money back.

We have also noticed a rise in the price being offered to dentists per UDA, which is also likely to attract a high calibre of ambitious dentists. Before, the going rate was £10 per unit in most cities and towns. In an effort to make contracts more appealing to top tier candidates, however, some practices are now offering £10.50 to £11.00 per UDA – and that number could well creep up over the coming months. The other popular financial incentive is to offer commission for referring a patient to the hygienist.

A tactic used by larger, more established practices is to offer more clinical freedom to associates looking for a less regimented work environment. From what I’ve seen, the practices that tend to be most successful are usually those that are more forward thinking in their approach with staff. This includes allowing staff to have more flexibility in their working hours to attend training and to continue with their studies.

It is also important to remember to be forthcoming with applicants about the patients that are on the books, for instance, the ratio of private to NHS, demographics and so on. This can help to give them an idea of what it would be like working for the practice.

With so many factors to take into consideration, recruiting an associate is no easy feat. For that reason it can be prudent to enlist the services of a specialist agency such as Dental Elite. With the right help and expertise, the profession can operate at its full potential.

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

Back in April this year All Med Pro teamed up with Hiscox Insurance to provide indemnity cover for Dental Professionals across the UK.

With indemnity costs on the rise and the well-publicised issues around discretionary indemnity and in particular the payment of claims we believe our offering provides a true alternative to the medical defence organisations. 

We are exhibiting at this year’s BDIA Dental Showcase at the London Excel on the 6-8 October. We will be located at stand C70 in a red route master bus. Our aim together with Hiscox Insurance is to offer support to Dental Professionals throughout their career and we invite you to join us and discuss your indemnity requirements.

Just one of the ways we have assisted our clients is by partnering up with a specialist provider of verifiable CPD - for dentists by dentists. This provides online CPD, resource library and access to training courses.

For Dentists who are claim free premiums start at £1,642.00* including insurance premium tax. We can also assist those who may have had claims, refused cover or GDC enquiries. The policy with Hiscox includes the following:

·        Up to £10,000,000 limit of indemnity

·        Run-off cover

·        Reputation protection

·        Good Samaritan acts

·        Data protection cover 

·        Loss of documents cover

·        Contract certainty 

·        12 month interest free direct debit for the medical negligence cover

We can also provide indemnity cover for hygienists, therapists, technicians and dental nurses.

#getonthebus

For further information click here - www.allmedpro.co.uk

*This does not include the cost of medico legal expenses and CPD. 

Latest offers from MC Dental below. Click on the images for further information.

Handpiece repair also available from the team at MC Repairs.

This October the FGDP(UK) is undertaking an ambitious initiative called the ‘Mass Observation’ project. Subtitled ‘Your profession, Your experiences, Your opinions’ the project aims to capture a snapshot of the dental profession in 2016. 

Everyone in dentistry, from receptionists to practice owners, is invited to submit their experiences about one particular day working in dentistry. The official Mass Observation Day is Wednesday 12th October but people can choose to talk about any day in the week of the 10th to the 16th October. 

Although a small amount of demographic data will be gathered all submissions are anonymous, enabling people to be as candid as possible. The two main questions are deliberately very open: 
 

• What did you do today? 
• What are your thoughts on the profession? 

Within the parameters of those two questions people can write whatever they want, providing they do not breech patient confidentiality. 

The main anticipated outcome from the project is a wealth of anecdotal evidence about dentistry in 2016, and what those involved in the practice of dentistry think about the profession. Whatever themes emerge will be examined in a report to be produced as part of the FGDP(UK)’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2017. 

Dean of the FGDP(UK) Dr Mick Horton said: 
“This project was inspired by the Mass Observation Project that ran for nearly three decades from 1937. Ordinary people shared snapshots of their lives, and in doing so created an invaluable treasure trove of social history. The FGDP(UK) now wants to create something similar to help us celebrate general dental practice during our 25th anniversary next year. 

We want the whole profession to get involved, not just Faculty members. Dentistry is a wonderful and diverse profession, full of people with fascinating experiences and strong views to share. We want to hear from them all.” 

 

To take part visit www.massobservation.org.uk

People will have until the 31st October to submit their contributions. 

 

UK dental practices are being offered the unique opportunity to take part in a charity auction to win a brand new A-dec Performer dental operating unit. This chair has been donated by Adec and SPS Dental in support of the charity Bridge2Aid.  It’s your opportunity to win a top class chair for a very reasonable price – and for all the money to go towards an amazing cause. And as part of this great opportunity SPS have offered to deliver and install the chair for no cost to anywhere in the mainland UK

You can make a bid today on this fantasic A-dec Performer chair by visiting the Bridge2Aid charity ebay auction site -  www.bridge2aid.org/charity-auction

A-dec are long term partners in the work of Bridge2Aid and SPS Dental are now joining them as another piece of the important support structure for the charity.  Bridge2Aid works to free communities in the developing world from chronic pain by teaching vital new skills to rural health workers.  Over 70% of the world has no access to any form of safe treatment for oral diseases and infections.  People are abandoned to agony for months and years.  They face life-threatening infections and pain that is so severe that they cannot work, go to school or feed their families.  Bridge2Aid’s unique solution is providing intensive practical training to existing health workers in emergency dental skills to treat and educate.  The support of companies such as A-dec and SPS Dental is vital in carrying out this work.

A-dec are the world’s leading manufacturer of dental operating units, with over 30 years experience supplying to the UK high street practices, NHS centres, educational facilities and HM Armed Forces.  A-dec Dental UK has been a major supporter of Bridge2Aid for over a decade.  A-dec have also helped Bridge2Aid to equip and design the fee paying ‘Hope Dental Centre’ in Tanzania which raises additional funds to help get rural communities out of pain.

In addition to the amazing fundraising and project support that A-dec give to Bridge2Aid they also regularly host training & interview sessions and other large meetings at the four A-dec showrooms across the UK. In 2016 A-dec will once again host the Bridge2Aid team on their stand (I20) at BDIA Showcase 2016.

A-dec are supported in the UK by an extended distribution network, of which SPS Dental form a key part, SPS Dental have over 50 years’ experience as a specialist provider of dental equipment and dental surgery design. Providing its services to both the public and private sectors SPS are a proud supporter to the A-dec brand in the South East of England. SPS Dental has an enviable reputation as a highly regarded and respected company that provides its clientele with the very best in advice and service. Chris Knight’s drive and dedication is a pivotal part of the success of the partnership that has been built between A-dec and SPS over the years.  

Visit stand I30 at the BDIA Showcase to find out more from the SPS team and see the chair that is being auctioned.  

Join Planmeca and special guests on stand E70 and experience how easy it is to embrace digital dentistry within your practice!

Planmeca are hosting a series of 1 hour workshops taking you on a ‘same day digital dentistry’ journey starting with renowned dental business consultant Chris Barrow. Chris will present a look into the future of the ‘Connected Digital Dental Practice’ and talk about the benefits of integrating digital dentistry within your practice. This session will be followed by the Nordic Institute of Dental Education (NIDE) who will present a hands-on  ‘CAD/CAM for dental clinics’ session, utilising Planmeca’s chairside digital impression system; PlanFITTM, and giving each delegate the opportunity to scan design and manufacture their very own restoration guided by the digital experts from Planmeca and NIDE.

Closing the workshop will be Ivoclar Vivadent, who will provide an overview of the process of staining, glazing and characterisation of your restorations, plus the material choices available and the aesthetic results achieved.

If you’re interested in digital dentistry then make Planmeca your no.1 destination at this year’s dental showcase.

For more information and to secure your place on one of the 16 workshops, please call us Freephone 0800 5200 330 or visit www.planmeca.com for more information.

“38% of 12 year olds have signs of tooth wear.”*¹ You can help!

According to the Children’s Dental Health Survey 2013 “up to 57% of 5 year olds and up to 38% of 12 year olds have signs of tooth surface loss on the incisors.”*¹ Now that your young patients are going back to school, their lunchboxes may include acidic fruits, fruit juices and fizzy drinks which can lead to enamel softening and tooth wear. The enamel of their adult teeth has to last the rest of their life. And once enamel is gone it’s gone for good.

How can you protect your young patients’ enamel?  

Pronamel® for Children toothpaste has been developed with dental experts to help provide daily protection from the effects of erosive tooth wear and decay.

-          Optimised fluoride formulation with 1450 ppm fluoride to help re-harden acid-softened enamel

-          Low abrasivity to be gentle on softened enamel

-          Neutral pH and SLS free

The online CPD module, developed by GSK, gives you the opportunity to find out more about how to identify tooth wear using the BEWE tool. Simply visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk to complete the module today!

Pronamel® has worked with leading dental experts in the field of tooth wear to develop a range of products specifically designed to help protect against the effects of erosive tooth wear,² such as Pronamel® for Children.

Recommend Pronamel® for Children to provide daily protection against erosive tooth wear and decay.

References:

1. Children’s Dental Health Survey 2013. Report 2: Dental Disease and Damage in Children England, Wales and Northern Ireland. March 2015. Health & Social Care Information Centre.
2. Final Minutes from the Expert Panel Meeting to Discuss Toothwear/Erosion

in Children. GSK Data on File. 2007

*Refers to the lingual surface of the incisor only

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

CHGBI/CHPRO/0038/15c

On Monday 22 August, Denplan welcomed Chief Dental Officer for England, Sara Hurley, and Andrew Taylor, her Dental Programme Manager, to the company’s head office in Winchester. The aim of the meeting was to explore areas of mutual interest between the private and public sectors. There was acknowledgment that engagement between the two sectors centres on common patient-centred goals – not least that of offering more patient choice, and improving the long term oral health of patients in the UK.

Henry Clover, Denplan’s Chief Dental Officer said: “We were delighted to welcome Sara and Andrew to our offices, where we were able to explain Denplan’s business model and the range of support services we offer to 6,500 member dentists nationwide. We see this as the start of a conversation on potential areas of collaboration and information sharing.”

One area of discussion was the Denplan Excel certification programme, developed over 15 years ago for dentists to help support clinical governance, professional regulation and excellence in patient care and communication. The Denplan Excel programme was also UKAS accredited in January this year. Denplan explained that they would be open to future discussions with the GDC regarding continuing assurance plans, and with the CQC, to discuss the potential value of clinical service accreditation and peer review schemes. These could be useful information sources to support their inspection programmes and to help continue driving up standards in dentistry.

Henry also shared some data recently published in the British Dental Journal which demonstrated that worsening oral health correlates with worsening general health. This was derived from over 37,000 patients who had received a Denplan PreViser Patient Assessment (DEPPA)¹. The research provided further evidence for the association between high-risk lifestyle factors such as smoking and heavy drinking and poor oral health outcomes in an area of common interest in all sectors of primary care.

There were also discussions around the array of tailor–made practice training sessions that Denplan runs for practices and their dental teams – over 450 sessions per year.  Denplan Academy training covers areas such as complaint handling, legal and ethical issues and GDC standards, preparing for CQC inspections, and caring for patients with dementia to name a few.

Henry said: “It was generally agreed that any initiatives and training that improves practice efficiency and in turn improves oral health outcomes, would serve the profession well to be explored on a wider scale.”

Sara also outlined the case for a national programme to improve dental health through better co-ordinated care and empowering communities to implement their own sustainable oral health initiatives.  She will be launching the concept of “Smile 4 Life” at the Health and Care Innovation Expo next month; national support for existing community based projects, a hub for sharing best practices across Local Government Authority areas and ensuring that local oral health initiatives are complemented by innovative commissioning approaches within local NHS England Commissioning Teams and supported by the profession. 

The initial focus is “Early Years/under 5’s” with the aim to provide opportunities for families and  children to establish good oral health habits as a daily norm, be it nursery school or at home.  With encouragement and ease of access to dental care professionals, first check-up by age 1 and opportunity to continue to visit the dental team regularly for age–appropriate preventive advice, together with help to ensure problems are identified early, the prospect of a generation of children free from decay becomes increasingly real. 

Keen to expand the concept of Smile 4 Life beyond childhood, Sara also touched on an ambition for a wide-ranging programme for oral health reform – with a focus on improvements for the oral health of the over 65’s, the 16-24 age group, the homeless, the ageing well (typically aged 35-55) and those aged 85 plus – a population expected to double between 2010 and 2030. She also expressed her determination that the dental profession work together to lead and achieve the required changes.

Henry commented: “Denplan will continue to support such prevention strategies that recognise that good dental health in childhood is vital, not only for lifelong oral wellbeing, but for good overall long term general health. This is ever more so important now, given the lack of an oral health focus in the government’s recently published obesity strategy.” 

^[1] http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v221/n2/full/sj.bdj.2016.525.html British Dental Journal 221, 65 - 69 (2016) Published online: 22 July 2016 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.525

About Henry Clover

Henry Clover joined the Professional Services team of Denplan in 1998, having worked as a dentist for 17 years looking after patients’ oral health in his own practice. He now holds the position of Director of Dental Policy at Simplyhealth and is also Chief Dental Officer at Denplan. Henry playing a vital role in Simplyhealth’s Leadership Team and is at the forefront of private dentistry liaising with more than 6,500 member dentists.

About Denplan

Denplan is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist, with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 1.7 million registered patients. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years and today the company is owned by Simplyhealth. Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to budget for their private dental care by spreading the cost through a fixed monthly fee. We support regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

For further information visit www.denplan.co.uk. For oral health tips and advice visit www.myteeth.co.uk. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223 
 

• Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only
• Company Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes 
   

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme and Denplan Training, plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

Following the unveiling of the Government’s long-anticipated Childhood Obesity Strategy, the UK’s leading dental payment plan provider, Denplan, has criticised the plan for overlooking oral health.

“The strategy shows small steps in the right direction but has ultimately been widely slammed by campaigners as being ‘weak’ and ‘watered down’,” says Henry Clover, Chief Dental Officer at Denplan. “Not only does the strategy omit the desired restriction on junk food advertising and multibuy promotions, it was also hugely disappointing to see that childhood tooth decay was only referenced once in the entire report. Although the strategy focuses on obesity, the knock-on effects of implementing tougher sugar restrictions on manufacturers and retailers could only have been positive for our children’s dental health too.”

The strategy fails in the eyes of many health experts, campaigners, and MPs to fully tackle the issue of unhealthy eating habits and does not impose tough enough restrictions on manufacturers and retailers.

Central to the Strategy is the Government’s ‘challenge’ to manufacturers and retailers to voluntarily reduce the sugar content of produce popular with children by 20 percent by 2020, with a five percent reduction in the first year. George Osborne’s already-announced sugar tax on soft drinks was also referenced in the plan, but the expected restrictions on junk food advertising during peak family TV shows and bans on supermarket cut-price promotions on unhealthy foods were ignored.

“It’s fair to say that the long-anticipated Childhood Obesity Strategy was expected to be a lot more robust,” says Henry. “Asking manufacturers and retailers to reduce sugar content on a voluntary basis may not achieve what is needed to both reduce childhood obesity and tooth decay. Far too many children experience tooth decay, and it remains the single most common reason for five to nine year olds in England to be admitted to hospital, with many of those children needing multiple tooth extractions under general anaesthetic.” [1]

About Denplan

Denplan is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist, with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 1.7 million registered patients. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years and today the company is owned by Simplyhealth. Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to budget for their private dental care by spreading the cost through a fixed monthly fee. We support regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

For further information visit www.denplan.co.uk. For oral health tips and advice visit www.myteeth.co.uk. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223

• Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only
• Company Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme and Denplan Training, plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

For more information about Denplan:

Sara Elliott

Denplan Press Office

Tel: 01962 828 194

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Following the recent announcement that the US government is withdrawing its recommendation to floss from its dietary guidelines, based on the lack of definitive scientific studies to prove its effectiveness on gum disease and tooth decay, Denplan has shared its response.

“When talking about evidence and studies, it’s important to distinguish between the terms ‘flossing’ and ‘cleaning between teeth’,” says Henry Clover, Chief Dental Officer at Denplan. “Floss, whether it’s tape or string, is only one of the methods to clean between teeth and some studies have shown that traditional floss is not always effective for some people. This is partly due to patients not always being able to use the floss correctly and the fact that a thin piece of floss might only remove a proportion of plaque and food particles between teeth. There is, however, strong evidence* to show that other methods of cleaning between teeth, such as interdental brushes, are highly effective in removing plaque and helping to prevent or treat gum disease.

“Tooth brushing only reaches around 70 percent of tooth surfaces, so if you’re not regularly removing plaque from in between your teeth, there will be bacteria building up and potentially causing problems. This includes an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

“It’s vitally important that patients don’t misinterpret the US government’s recent withdrawal of the recommendation to floss as a message that they only need to brush their teeth, and never clean in between them. We would strongly urge patients to follow an evidence-based approach continue to clean between their teeth, as advised by their dental team, using whatever method work best for them, be it floss, interdental brushes or waterpiks.”

*Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19820738

                 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19138177

About Henry Clover

Henry Clover joined the Professional Services team of Denplan in 1998, having worked as a dentist for 17 years looking after patients’ oral health in his own practice. He now holds the position of Director of Dental Policy at Simplyhealth and is also Chief Dental Officer at Denplan. Henry playing a vital role in Simplyhealth’s Leadership Team and is at the forefront of private dentistry liaising with more than 6,500 member dentists.

About Denplan

Denplan is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist, with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 1.7 million registered patients. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years and today the company is owned by Simplyhealth. Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to budget for their private dental care by spreading the cost through a fixed monthly fee. We support regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

For further information visit www.denplan.co.uk. For oral health tips and advice visit www.myteeth.co.uk. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223

• Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only
• Company Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme and Denplan Training, plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

For more information about Denplan:

Sara Elliott

Denplan Press Office

Tel: 01962 828 194

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

Did you know that AllMedPro can assist you with any of the following products and services?

• Medical Indemnity Insurance (individuals and vicarious entity cover)
• Practice Insurance (buildings, contents, public & employers liability)
• Practice Overheads / Locum Cover
• Online Dental CPD & Document Resource Library
• Pressure Vessel Inspection Cover
• Property Owners Insurance (buy-to-let, holiday home, unoccupied)
• Home Insurance
• Hands & Eyes Insurance
• Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
• Dental Laboratories (including products liability)
• Aesthetics Medical Indemnity Insurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Travel Insurance

We can also refer you to one of our specialist partner firms for:

• Financial Advice
• Legal Services
• Accountancy Services
• Practice Sales
• Patient Payment Plans

Just pick up the phone and give us a call to discuss any other insurance requirements you may have on 01793 820100

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

Riz Akhtar, Co- Founder of dental specialists RA Accountants, has begun training for the marathon of his life - a seven-day, 250km footrace across the Atacama Desert in an aim to raise charitable funds for Bridge2Aid.

Taking place from 2-8 October this year, the 4deserts Atacama Crossing Challenge is a 250km race which crosses Atacama Desert, around San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Riz will face 6-stages in seven days with almost four Marathons in four days, then 74 km and a final stage of 11 km.

As one of the few deserts on Earth that doesn’t receive any rain, Atacama is a plateau in South America, covering a 600-mile (1,000 km) strip of land on the Pacific coast of South America, west of the beautiful Andes Mountains. Whilst the desert has an awe-inspiring and unique landscape of salt lakes, volcanoes, lava flows and sand dunes, it is fifty-times dryer than Death Valley. He will have to endure unpredictable terrain, harsh climate and an altitude that averages at 2,500 meters (8,000 feet).

The one-week challenge is self-supported, which means he will have to carry his clothes, sleeping bag, mandatory equipment, medical/safety kit and seven days’ worth of food in his backpack whilst journeying across the desert.

Noting his decision on Bridge2Aid as the chosen charity Riz, he said,

“I have always admired the work that Bridge2Aid have done through the years and it is remarkable how they have made a huge impact on individuals especially through the act of educating and training.”

Bridge2Aid aims to free communities in the developing world from chronic pain by teaching vital new skills to rural health workers. Over 70% of the world has no access to any form of safe treatment for oral diseases and infections. People are abandoned to agony for months and years. They face life-threatening infections and pain that is so severe that they cannot work, go to school or feed their families. The charity’s aim is to provide a unique solution by providing intensive practical training to existing in emergency dental skills to treat and educate. 

Not a newbie to marathons, Riz previously completed the six day and six stage 250km 4Deserts Gobi challenge run across China’s eastern province of Xinjiang last year, in line with the launch of RA Accountants charity RA Foundation.

Stay updated with Riz’ progress and journey in October by searching #RAforB2A on Twitter and Facebook. For more information or to sponsor Riz Akhtar on his 4Deserts Atacama October challenge visit:

http://www.justgiving.com/RAforB2A

www.raaccountants.com

Systems for Dentists, leading UK dental practice management software specialists are breaking new ground as the first dental practice management software company to gain accreditation in Scotland for use of their Wireless Signature Pad technology in Scotland as a replacement of the paper GP17pr form.

The enterprising company are delighted to offer the solution to their rapidly expanding client base.

The accreditation allows Systems for Dentists to release the product for live use to dental practices from today, the 28^th of July 2016. That’s fantastic news for Dentists in Scotland who will now officially be able to use the technology to capture patient signatures electronically as acceptable evidence of a patient’s status for payment toward NHS treatment, willingness to have treatment and confirmation that they have received dental treatment under the NHS in Scotland.

Ryszard Jurowski Managing Director said today:

“We have been involved in this innovation from the very beginning, having assisted with the piloting of electronic signatures for this function. Many of our clients have been excited about finally being free of copious amount of paper, costly and time-consuming filing processes; which with our system, they can now replace with an efficient, robust and secure solution. I am delighted to be able to offer our clients this extra service, and look forward to hearing more success stories from our current and future clients.”

In addition to their Wireless Signature Pad, Systems for Dentists offer a fully featured and agile dental practice management system, which offers clients the benefits of reducing administration times, providing the perfect operational platform to assist accurate claiming of NHS Dental charges and increase dental practice productivity.

For further information contact:

Nathan Ross at Systems for Dentists

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Direct line; 0845 643 2828

The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) has produced a post-Brexit manifesto, ‘Shaping the Future,’ which sets out the industry’s views on how government should positively influence the future for oral health, dentistry and the dental industry.

BDIA Policy and Public Affairs Director, Edmund Proffitt, comments, “There is a window of opportunity for the dental industry to share its positive vision for the future with key politicians, civil servants and decision makers. If Government can build the right regulatory environment and provide targeted investment in oral health it can make a significant contribution to protecting the UK’s oral health for years to come”.

‘Shaping the Future’ concentrates on six key areas:

-          Creating a favourable business environment

-          Investment in the nation’s oral health

-          Protecting patients

-          Investment in the NHS

-          Building a better future

-          Championing innovation

‘Shaping the Future’ is being circulated to key opinion formers within Government, political parties and the Government departments, as well senior civil servants, the NHS and other key opinion formers.

The document can be viewed here. 

BioHorizons is proud to announce that, Ken O’Brien, General Manager for the UK & Ireland, has raised over £3,200 by cycling from Malin Head ? Ireland’s most northerly point ? to Mizen Head in the south, in support of DKMS, an international charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer.

Ken’s fiancée’s father sadly passed away from mantle cell non Hodgkin Lymphoma. His bravery spurred Ken on to raise awareness of blood cancer and to increase understanding of the need for stem cell donors On average, 72 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every day in the UK. What’s more, 2,000 people per year need a donor and only 50% of them will find a suitable match. If you can, please spread the message about stem cell donation among your colleagues, friends and families.

To make a donation, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Phelim-Shields. Ken, his fiancée Roisin Shields and DKMS would like to thank everyone for their kind support and donations. For further information, please visit www.dkms.org.uk or www.biohorizons.com. 

Denplan encourages families to Brush-Up this summer

For a second year, Denplan is running ‘The Big Summer Brush-Up’ to encourage families to make the most of the summer holidays to visit the dentist and spend time practising brushing techniques with their children. The national PR campaign is running for two months throughout July and August and Denplan is encouraging member practices to take part. This year, the PR campaign also features the inspiring Katie Piper, who will act as the campaign’s celebrity Mum ambassador.

A survey of parents of children aged 1-11 from Denplan, has revealed that almost a third (30%) of parents think that it is acceptable for a child to have experienced tooth decay before they have reached their teenage years[1].

According to the survey many parents try a multitude of methods to help their children manage their oral health effectively. However, 30% of parents surveyed stated that they think it is acceptable for a child to develop tooth decay due to the difficulty in controlling how effectively they clean their teeth on a daily basis.

Difficulties regulating children’s sugar consumption was also cited as a reason why many parents now accept tooth decay. Over a quarter (26%) of parents surveyed admit this with a further 29% of parents surveyed believing that potentially painful oral health conditions, such as tooth decay, are pre-determined by a family history of oral health complaints and weak teeth.

Worryingly, more than 1 in 10 parents (14%) claim that they think that decay in children’s teeth is acceptable as all children will inevitably lose their milk teeth as they develop.

These statistics come as the government announced plans to introduce a sugar tax on the soft drinks industry, due to come into effect by 2018. Denplan’s research suggests that the tax could be warmly welcomed by parents with almost half (45%) of parents surveyed claiming that they believe that tooth decay can be prevented by limiting the amount of sugar in a child's diet. A further 40% of parents believe that tooth decay can be prevented by ensuring that children regularly see their dentist for a check-up. Despite this, when asked what actions they take to prevent their child developing decay just 1 in 5 (18%) of parents said that they take their child to see the dentist once a year as soon as their first tooth appears.

Henry Clover, Chief Dental Officer at Denplan comments: “As the poor state of children’s oral health continues to dominate the headlines, and dental caries continues to be one of the most common chronic (but also largely preventable) diseases in UK children, Denplan will continue to champion improvements in children’s oral health. 

“Whilst parents have the best of intentions with their children’s dental health, the research shows that it can be hard for parents to keep up good habits amongst a backdrop of hidden sugars in our food and drinks and children’s reluctance to follow a good oral health routine. Denplan’s Big Summer Brush-Up campaign, along with the accompanying materials Denplan has produced has been created to help practices support and guide families on their oral healthcare.  Providing the right advice and encouragement from an early age or even from when a child’s first tooth appears, could make a lifetime of difference when it comes to their oral health.”

Denplan’s ‘Little Book of Healthy Smiles’ has been produced, containing handy advice from dentists and tips on how to enthuse unwilling children to brush up on cleaning teeth, written for parents by parents. For further information and downloadable content such as a brushing chart and the Little Book of Healthy Smiles visit www.bigsummerbrushup.co.uk.

The Campbell Academy Directors – Colin Campbell and Andrew Legg

The first two members of the faculty to introduce are myself Colin Campbell and Andrew Legg.

Andrew has worked with me at the practice for the past four and a half years and has been an inspiration and an exceptional clinician providing superb treatment for our patients. He has embarked on a teaching career previously with Tipton Training and other independent providers and is now my Co-Director at The Campbell Academy. He has placed and restored thousands of dental implants from the most straightforward cases to the most complex and has a gentle skill of teaching which I have seen rarely in anyone else.

For my own part, my practice is limited to surgical implant dentistry. I am a Specialist in Oral Surgery with considerable experience within the ITI and the Leadership of the ITI within the UK. I have placed in the region of 4,000 dental implants and have restored approximately 1,000. I have been teaching in implant dentistry since 2000.

I have been the architect and designer of many implant courses previously for other organisations and now The Campbell Academy takes a considerable amount of my time in providing implant and dental education the way I think it should be done.

Michael Bornstein

I have blogged about Michael Bornstein on many occasions and Michael already teaches on The Campbell Academy CBCT course where he has generally been fantastically accepted as he was when he provided an ITI Study Club and Master Class for us in 2014.

It is a delight that Michael has agreed to come back to discuss imaging in implant dentistry and medical conditions and he will provide an exceptional level of teaching for people entering into implant dentistry, the like of which they would only usually get at Congresses in implant dentistry.

Colin Burns

Colin Burns and I have known each other for a considerable period of time having grown up in the same town in Scotland and we went to the same school. We also went to the same dental school although Colin was a few years ahead of me and then our paths crossed again on a course on implant dentistry some years ago.

Colin and I sat together on the Leadership Team of the ITI UK & Ireland Section where Colin is still the Study Club Co-Ordinator and he has an MSc in Implant Dentistry from the University of Warwick specialising in surface technology.

Colin is a fantastic clinician and a compassionate provider whose teaching skills are second to none. He has the ability to pass on concepts and ideas in a non-threatening, caring way and is a huge asset to The Campbell Academy. It is a huge privilege for us to work with him over the coming years.

Neil Poyser

Neil Poyser is one of our clinicians at The Campbell Clinic. Neil is a Consultant Restorative Dentist who will be providing the vast majority of the restorative component of The Year Implant Course. He has been placing and restoring implants for well over a decade from straightforward cases to huge complex cases in his head and neck service at Queens Medical Centre.

Chris Barrow

We will not overlook the need to be able to source and secure patients within your practice environment and to this end we have brought in one of the best known names in marketing in dentistry, Chris Barrow.

Chris has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 22 years. His main focus now is on 7connections, a privately-owned company that provides coaching and mentorship in independent dentistry and also provides Lifecycle Marketing training and support services to clients.

Beatriz Sanchez

Beatriz is one of our dentists at the practice who is soon to finish her MSc in implant dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire. We feel it adds a great balance and roundness to the course to have younger speakers and younger members of the faculty.

For more information please contact:

0115 9823 919

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www.campbellacademy.co.uk

In May we launched the 2017 Year Implant Course. I guess it’s interesting that we get the opportunity to talk about ‘features and benefits’ which is real sales talk in an Alec Baldwin style. I guess though, if you want a list of features and benefits they are here and if you want to talk to us then our details are below.

What the course is:

1. A high quality introduction to straightforward implant dentistry provided by people with a passion for education.

2. An interactive, fluid, movable programme which responds to the needs of individuals to let them reach their greatest potential after one year.

3. A course which encourages online collaboration and discussion between delegates in between course modules to learn as much as possible.

4. A course which is heaped full of hands on and practical elements to get you better at basic surgical skills and into implant placement as soon as possible.

5. A course which is inextricably linked to mentoring and has a long term view of the five years it takes to become a fifty implants per year practitioner.

6. A course which is linked into a programme of more advanced courses afterwards, a mentoring scheme and contact with a group of people who want you to be better at implant dentistry and want you to provide ethical, honest, high quality implant dentistry for your patients.

7. The course is 12 days of lectures, discussion, practicals, thought provoking interaction, live hands on surgery on patients prepared by you and us and demonstrations.

What the course isn’t:

1. It’s not quick.

2. It’s not cheap.

3. It doesn’t tell you that after one year you will be able to place as many implants as you want on as many people as you want safely without any difficulties.

4. It’s not stack ‘em high and price ‘em low – it’s restricted to twelve people.

5. It’s not one guy talking at you all the time; it’s a host of individual high quality lecturers with different perspectives.

6. It’s not multi system, it’s based around the Straumann Dental Implant System. We strongly believe that if we teach you more than one system it may confuse you and you may have difficulty picking things up.

7. It’s not in London.

For more information please contact:

0115 9823 919

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

www.campbellacademy.co.uk

The Year Implant Course is our blue ribbon course that is the top of the tree for us (at the present time). Our aim is to take ethical and competent dental practitioners and guide them on a path of development in implant dentistry to safely and confidently place fifty implants per year, year on year.

There is a pathway required to get to this, both in academic study and practical application and we hope to be able to set people on the right path after one year but not lose them in the crown afterwards. We keep in touch though various courses, activities and events which will see the vast majority of attendees though to the goal listed above.

Ours is not a short term, intensive, quick fix to get you into implant dentistry. If you’re looking for that you can find it in hundreds of different places and spend your money there. Ours is a course for grown up people who are open to discussion and development, who are thirsty to learn and have their patients best interests at heart. People who ‘graduate’ from this course will do well in implant dentistry, both spiritually and economically in the years to come.

Ours is not a programme that is set in stone, it’s small group teaching and we take on board the individual requirements. Ours is course where you continually discuss and share cases and experiences on our online discussion forum. We have a Spotify play list for the course.

You will likely make friends on the course that you will stay in contact with for many years to come and share the implant journey going forwards, certainly we hope you’ll do the same with us at The Campbell Academy.

Incidentally we would like you to bring your existing friends too – if you book as a pair your get 10% off and if you book as a four you get 20% off. People who know each other on courses are much more relaxed and learn better.

To download our NEW digital The Year Implant brochure please visit our website and  share this with anyone who might fit the profile of someone who wants to learn and be part of the next generation of implant dentists in the UK.

For more information or to book a place please contact:

0115 9823919    

 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.           www.campbellacademy.co.uk 

Now is the perfect time to take part in the NHS Confidence Monitor, organised by Practice Plan, offering all dental professionals the opportunity to communicate their views on the future of NHS dentistry.

Have you ever wondered what effect your responses to the survey may have on the future of dentistry? The truth is that the significance of having your say has never been plainer, with the GDC now taking notice of respondents’ confidence levels in NHS dentistry.

At a GDC meeting in June, it was duly noted on the agenda that, as a result of the Monitor’s results thus far, the GDC needs to consider the evidence of stress among dental professionals, the implications of this on morale among the profession and how the GDC should respond to these trends.*   

With this kind of proactive response from such a powerful governing body, it is more important than ever before that all dental team members – irrespective of whether they work in the NHS or private sector – have their say.

Commenting on the survey, dentist Judith Husband, a participant of Practice Plan’s Insights Panel, which meets to discuss each survey’s results, and a member of the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee, said: ‘As the first of its kind in the UK and leading the way in informing the dental team, it is wonderful that we are now in a position to use the data gathered to offer advice on a continuing basis, helping everyone working in dental practice to rise above any perceived challenges and improve the situation for professionals and patients alike.’

To take part in the latest NHS Confidence Monitor and share your thoughts, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PracticePlanNHSConfidenceMonitor4 before the closing date of 31st July 2016. The survey should take approximately three minutes of your time.

For detailed results from the last three surveys, visit www.nhsdentistryinsights.co.uk. Here you can also access the discussions from our previous Insights Panel, made up of key opinion leaders and experts from the dental profession who explore and debate the significance of the survey results and their implications for the future of the NHS.

* For full details visit http://bit.ly/29be2vS (see page 12, item 62).

In 2015 the dental implant market slowed to an overall growth of around 4% across the four biggest implant companies. The market appears to be consolidating at present and there are several possible reasons for this:-

1.     The level of litigation and fitness to practice cases has risen exponentially over recent years resulting in many practitioners treading with increasing caution over the treatment they provide.

2.    The implant market is forever being diluted by the number of companies selling implants. 

3.    Delegates on implant courses are leaving courses and not continuing the journey into surgery in practice. Industry figures quote up to 90% of surgical course delegates not going any further in placing implants in practice.

The philosophy at The Campbell Academy is to set delegates on a 5 year pathway to competency in implant dentistry. We have set a target of 90% of our delegates continuing to place implants after they have left one of our courses. Whether it be the three day Live Skills introduction course or our Year Implant course we have the infrastructure to support delegates as they develop their implant careers.

We work with Straumann, one of the biggest and most researched implant manufacturers in the world. Incidentally they experienced 10%+ growth in 2015, outperforming the other big companies! They provide amazing support to both The Academy and our course delegates and are instrumental in getting new implant dentists set up in their own practices.

Alongside our implant partners, Straumann, we have been instrumental in the formation of The Straumann Clinical Mentoring scheme. All our delegates will automatically feed into this scheme and be linked with a local mentor who will continue the journey they start with The Campbell Academy.

The philosophy and infrastructure that we have in place at The Campbell Academy will mean that a slowdown in implant growth is less likely to affect delegates who have set off on the right track from the outset.

For more information or to book a place please contact:

0115 9823919

 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.           www.campbellacademy.co.uk

Up to 86% of patients are affected by food becoming trapped under their dentures.¹ This can lead to discomfort and can cause bad breath.

Results have shown that Poligrip® denture fixatives have the ability to seal out food particles helping to reduce gum irritation² and lead to increased levels of confidence, comfort and chewing efficiency.³

The Poligrip® range of fixatives include:

• Poligrip® Flavour Free Fixative Cream

• Poligrip® Ultra Denture Cream  

For further information on Poligrip® and dentures, why not complete the Poligrip® distance learner module and earn up to 1.5 hours of CPD. Simply visit            www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk today!

-ENDS-

References: 1. Data on file, GSK, Canadian Quality of Life Study, 2005. 2. GSK Data on File. Murphy et al, 2012. 3. GSK Data on File. Durocher et al, 2008

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

CHGBI/CHPOLG/0018/16

ESCARCEL, a recent pan-European study, amongst 3,187 subjects aged 18-35, concluded that 1 in 3 young adults suffer from tooth wear.¹ In a survey of 200 dental professionals completed in 2013, 84% said they see signs of erosive tooth wear on a weekly basis and 86% felt the condition is on the rise.² This emphasises how common erosive tooth wear is throughout the population.

To help raise awareness of the risk factors for tooth wear associated with eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks found in today’s diet, Pronamel® are offering dental professionals access to a specially developed online module. Topics include identifying signs of tooth wear, condition management advice, the use of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination tool (BEWE) and the role of Pronamel® in protection from the effects of acidic diets.

The Pronamel® online CPD module is available in an easy to use format which is free of charge. Available 24 hours a day, you can access this module whenever is convenient. Completion of the module can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD.

In addition, it provides information on the Pronamel® range and how it can help protect patients from the effects of erosive tooth wear.

Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk/pronamelcpd1 to complete the module now!

References:

1. Bartlett DW et al. J Dent 2013; 41: 1007-1013

2. GSK Data on File, 2013

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies

GSK, manufacturers of Corsodyl® have launched a new distance learner for dental professionals on the topic of gum disease.

According to the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit, maintaining periodontal health and preventing periodontitis should be based on;¹ detecting periodontitis early using the Basic Periodontitis Examination (BPE) and managing the factors that expose patients to a greater risk of the disease, e.g. smoking, diabetes and medications.

The 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey found that only 17% of dentate adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland had very healthy periodontal tissue and no periodontal disease.² This confirms a need for continued patient education regarding gum health.

The Corsodyl® distance learner module provides training on periodontal disease, the BPE, and patient management to treat and prevent the condition. It is suitable for the whole dental team to use and is available 24 hours a day. On top of this, there is no time limit to complete this module and completion of the module can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD.

Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk to complete the module now!

*which can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD

References:

1. Delivering Better Oral Health. An evidence-based toolkit for prevention. 3rd edition. The Department of Health, 2009

2. Executive summary: Adult Dental Health Survey 2009. The Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2011 (Ed I O’Sullivan)

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

Product Information

Corsodyl Mint Mouthwash, Corsodyl Original Mouthwash, Corsodyl 0.2% Mouthwash (Alcohol Free)

Active Ingredient: Chlorhexidine digluconate Indications: Plaque inhibition; gingivitis; maintenance of oral hygiene; post periodontal surgery or treatment; aphthous ulceration; oral candida.  Legal category: GSL. Licence Holder: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Brentford, TW8 9GS, U.K.

Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications and method of use can be found at:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/21648

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/21647

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/23034

For Dentists looking to review their practice management system options at the British Dental Conference this year, it will have been refreshing to meet with a team who were at hand to demonstrate exactly why their flagship system software could make a real and sustainable long term difference to the Practice bottom line.

And it’s no surprise that given their personal, helpful approach and backed by such solid industry knowledge and expertise, founded by a dentist in the 1980’s, that the trained specialists on their stand created a buzz of excitement at the 3 day show.

Driven by a clear and deep understanding of what Dental Practices need from a leading edge intuitive practice management system, their development insight, achieved over nearly thirty years proved a winning hit with visitor interest from far and wide.

Developed on an iterative cycle of research, build, test, launch and review and predicated against totally listening to what Dentists need from the support of a robust and innovative dental practice management system, V6 Dental Practice Management Software presented those interested with a truly integrated and agile solution.

Featuring cutting edge modules, functionality and systems benefits that ranged from go paperless solutions to 24/7 real time online appointment booking, up to the minute management information, and data integrity and security and on-line system back up,  V6 offered everything needed to succeed operationally and streamline practice management.

And it was the company’s aim at the conference that their valued clients and those visitors interested in their system should not only benefit from information on the very latest in leading edge software developments and unparalleled systems support. Not only that, but they were also given the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience with the very latest available in practise management innovations and technology advances.

And the beckon of a truly unique and supported user and customer experience  wasn’t the only reason why increasing numbers of visitors to the conference chose to take a closer look at Systems for Dentists; The appeal of their Dental Practice Management software was made more attractive by the offer of a fully integrated package of features included within the price, coupled with time, money and efficiency savings end even the option to go paperless, making paper signatures almost a thing of the past with the companies introduction to their peripherals range of Wireless Signature Pads.

As a credible and trusted brand, and with almost thirty years’ experience in systems software development and a profound knowledge of the UK dental software market, dentists looking to make a positive change to their practice management in 2016 could be confident that Systems for Dentists could provide what they needed.

And beyond their exciting range of software solutions and feature rich product options, visitors also discovered an unparalleled level of customer service second to none, ensuring exceptional levels of client support and making the process of transferring to a new system if required both effortless and operationally seamless.

Systems for Dentists offered a warm welcome to visitors who dropped on to their stand at the British Dental Conference, 26-28 May 2016.

For further information contact:

Nathan Ross at Systems for Dentists on

Direct line: 0845 643 2828

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

The current state of children’s oral health in the UK has once again been making the headlines this week.  Whilst Denplan welcomes the news from Public Health England that the number of five year olds with tooth decay has dropped to its lowest level in almost a decade, there is still much greater effort needed to install better prevention strategies in order to eradicate this entirely preventable dental disease in the child population.

Commenting on the PHE survey results, Henry Clover, Chief Dental Officer at Denplan said: “Although the figures show that the number of five year olds with tooth decay has dropped from 31% in 2008 down to less than 25%, this still represents a quarter of the country’s five years olds suffering from an entirely preventable disease. Focusing on comparing data to previous years is not that helpful and the government, working with the profession, must not shy away from seeking to tackle this problem head on. 

“The current NHS contract makes it more difficult for dentists to care for children with the worst dental health, a key factor in the need to reform the system introduced in 2006. Any new contract, must put prevention strategies at the forefront and recognise that good dental health in childhood is vital, not only for lifelong oral wellbeing, but for good overall health.

“Denplan believes that a dental health assessment should happen by the age of one to prevent early onset of disease. Denplan’s research conducted with YouGov revealed that only one in five parents of children aged 18 or under (19%) said they first took their child to the dentist before 12 months of age¹.”

The PHE statistics also revealed that in some areas, such as the North West, a third of five year olds (33.4%) are suffering from tooth decay, compared to only a fifth (20.1%) in the South East.

“This inequality in children’s oral health demonstrates there is still a huge regional variation, with areas of higher levels of deprivation tending to have higher levels of tooth decay.  Investment must continue to be targeted to areas where access to dental services is low to improve provision and inequalities. The development of more multi-skilled dental teams could also help provide more effective and economical outcomes in helping treat children with more extensive oral health needs. Therapists, hygienists and dental nurses could also play a crucial role in this.”

Last but not least, Denplan believes there is still a lot of work to be done to engender more preventative behaviours amongst the public as a further report this week² revealed that four in ten people fail to brush their teeth at least once a day.

Henry Clover concluded: “Dentists and their practice teams can also play their part by taking responsibility for improving oral health in their own communities by engaging with local authorities, schools, early years and other health services and helping to raise awareness of the links between oral health and overall health. The training of other health and care professionals such as midwives, school nurses, social workers and care home workers will also help ensure oral health messages are more widely disseminated, thereby helping to engender more preventive behaviours amongst the public.”

Sources:

¹ Denplan/YouGov Survey. Total sample size was 5,152 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11^th-20^th January 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

^{2 http://www.which.co.uk/news/2016/05/40-dont-use-a-toothbrush-at-least-once-a-day-441471/ (Accessed on the 11th May 2016)}

About Denplan

Denplan Limited is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist owned by Simplyhealth; with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 1.7 million customers. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years. Today, Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to spread the cost of their private dental care through a fixed monthly fee. Denplan supports regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223         www.denplan.co.uk

·         Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only

·         Corporate Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Certification Programme and Denplan Training.  Plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

For more information about Denplan:

Rebecca Hutton

Denplan Press Office

Tel: 01962 829 179

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

Follow us @denplandentists on Twitter and at linkedin.com/company/denplan-for-dentists

Free CPD opportunity*: Caring for your patients with dentures

By 2050 our global population of those aged 60 years or older is expected to more than double to two billion people.¹ Statistics reveal the older you are the more likely you are to be edentulous.²

Research shows that denture patients are using a mix of up to 14 different methods to clean their dentures ranging from soap and water to bleach.³ In one study only 12% of subjects had clean dentures.?

To provide further insight for dental professionals GSK, manufacturers of Poligrip®, have launched a distance learner module. The module content examines the impact of an ageing population, the effects of tooth loss and dentures for patients and the role of denture fixatives and cleansers.

The module is available online for access at the convenience of the dental team member and is free to complete. Completion can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards verifiable CPD.

Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk to complete the module now! 

*which can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD

References:

1. UNFPA & HelpAge International, 2012
2. Oral health and function – a report from the Adult Dental Health Survey 2009. The Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2011 (Ed. I O’Sullivan).
3. GSK Data on File, 2014. Multinational diary study denture cleaning
4. Dikbas I et al. Int J Prosthodont 2006; 19 (3): 194-298

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

PFM Dental group announces the addition of PFM Dental Legal to its comprehensive range of specialist services for dentists. The new legal services firm, headed by dental sector specialist solicitor, Stephen Knowles, brings the whole sales and purchases process under one roof.

PFM Dental’s Practice Sales director, Martyn Bradshaw, says: “We are delighted to be able to offer in-house legal services to our clients and expect PFM Dental Legal to reduce significantly the time it takes to transact the sale and purchase of a dental practice.”

PFM Dental, one of the leading specialist services providers exclusively for dentists includes practice sales and valuations, Chartered Accountancy, Chartered Financial Planning (such as pensions and wealth management) and now legal services.

Stephen Knowles, who has more than 10 years’ experience in the dental sector, says: “Developing a law firm with one of the UK’s leading practice sales agents is a fantastic opportunity. We expect to work closely with the practice sales team at PFM Dental to ensure transaction times are reduced and clients get great value as well as unmatched technical expertise.”

PFM Dental’s popular, ‘Retirement Planning’ and ‘Buying a Practice seminars' which begin a countrywide tour in Leeds on 18 May, will feature the new legal team in addition to presentations on topics such as practice valuations and Lifetime Allowance pension issues.

For more information about PFM Dental services and to book seminar places go to: http://pfmdental.co.uk

Interview with Dr Milad Shadrooh “The Singing Dentist” featured on the TV show Good Morning Britain after developing methods to encourage children to brush their teeth more effectively. Dr Shadrooh has his own YouTube channel where he posts new songs aimed at young children but which parody contemporay hits with which the kids and their parents are familiar. We asked his opinion of the new Sonicare for Kids Connected – a new sonictoothbrush with features Bluetooth® wireless technology and an interactive app* which are designed to help motivate children to brush more effectively and independently.

• What are the current issues surrounding children’s dental health which need addressing?

The current issues include a lack of awareness of correct brushing habits and lack of awareness of dietary aspects which both lead to tooth decay

• What do parents tell you are their greatest struggles getting their children to brush their teeth?

Actually getting the kids in to the bathroom to do their teeth, and if they do, getting them to clean for long enough and brushing properly.

• How can we encourage kids to brush effectively and for long enough?

We have to try to make brushing fun… as much as it can be! Rewarding kids can be a good way, having a cool toothbrush would help and to ensure they clean for the right amount of time, you could use timers, sing songs, play tunes or use a visual aid which is entertaining for them to watch, whilst helping them adopt the correct brushing techniques. 

• What do you think of Sonicare for Kids Connected?

I like the concept, it ticks a lot of the boxes... it’s a nice and cool sonic brush so I'm sure kids would like it, having an associated app is great as most kids have access to smart phones or tablets and the videos make the brushing experience more fun for them.

• How do you think kids will react to Sparkly the app character?

I think it will be nice for the younger kids, having a catchy name like ‘Sparkly’ helps, as parents can use that to encourage the kids to brush so they "help Sparkly".  This turns the experience of brushing into more of a game or fun-time process as opposed to a chore.  If that can help establish the brushing habit early on, then hopefully that habit will stay with them for their adult life.

• Do you think kids will be excited and motivated by the connectivity and gamification aspects of the new product?

Kids love games and visuals, especially tablets and phones so I think the connectivity is a great idea, anything to get them excited about brushing is a good thing and it's all about getting that habit instilled into them from an early age.

• What do you think parents’ reactions will be to the new brush?

I think parents will like the brush, it looks nice and is bright and is something for the kids to get excited about. Add to that the app side and the connectivity of it and I think parents will see the advantages and the potential for it to excite their kids so that they brush better.  Also, most adults have electric brushes nowadays and our children always want to copy us so having their own special sonic brush has got to improve kids with their brushing compliance. 

• As a dentist why do you think using a sonic toothbrush will be more effective than a manual brush?

I recommend electric brushes because of their ease of use and improved plaque removal when used correctly. I prefer the sonic technology because of the feeling of the brush and the way it leaves the teeth feeling clean and polished. Also, it is much quieter and sleeker to use. Using a manual brush correctly is difficult for those with dexterity issues, whether it is due to age or other factors, so anything that makes that process easier and more effective has to be recommended.

• Would you like your children to use Sonicare for Kids?  What does your daughter think of the product?

My daughter likes the app as she is crazy about anything bubbly and colourful on the smart phone. The app has the feel of the other apps aimed at children's learning so it fits in well. My wife and I both use the Sonicare and my daughter likes to copy us with hers but being only 2 years old, she finds the sonic vibrations a little tickly and she giggles all the way through brushing at the moment, but it has made brushing fun and she sometimes reminds me it’s time to "brush teethies"... Sonicare for Kids is something I will definitely continue to use and recommend to patients.

Dr Milad Shadrooh makes his next appearance on This Morning on Friday 6^th May 2016. His YouTube channel can be found here. 

For more information about Sonicare for Kids Connected please visit www.philips-tsp.co.uk or call 0800 0567 222.

When patients hear the news that they need dentures, everything else you tell them is often unheard.¹ At least 32% of patients don’t know what questions to ask their dentist when getting their new denture fitted.²*

To help support your patients on their denture journey, we have created the Poligrip® Partner Programme in conjunction with dental professionals.

Ask your GSK representative today for further information on the Poligrip® range and Partner Programme.

The Poligrip® range

The Poligrip® range includes:

-          Poligrip® Overnight Whitening Daily Cleanser

-          Poligrip® 3 Minute Daily Cleanser

-          Poligrip® Ultra Fixative Cream

-          Poligrip® Flavour Free Fixative Cream

Recommend the Poligrip® range to help your patients with dentures eat, speak and smile with confidence.

For additional support GSK have developed a distance learner module on the topic of “Caring for Patients with Dentures”. The module has been designed to provide you with an insight into the patient experience of dentures as well as supporting you when providing practical advice.

For further information on the Poligrip® range and to complete the distance learner module visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk. What’s more, completion of the module can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD!

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies

References:

1. Kessels RPC. J R Soc Med 2003;96:219-222
2. Data on file, GSK. RH02678, December 2014

*Based on a survey of 1748 denture wearers in four countries

CHGBI/CHPOLG/0017/16

This year the GSK Consumer Healthcare team will be visiting the BDA conference to showcase Sensodyne® and Pronamel®.

New Sensodyne® Repair & Protect – now with stronger repair⁺, offers sensitivity sufferers the benefit of both advanced NovaMin® technology with sodium fluoride in a single formulation. The immediate availability of sodium fluoride when brushing allows for greater* fluoride uptake into the hydroxyapatite-like layer formed by NovaMin®, over exposed dentine.¹ 

Pronamel® toothpaste has an optimised fluoride formulation to help minerals penetrate deep into the tooth surface, actively strengthening and re-hardening acid-weakened enamel.^2-5 Pronamel® toothpaste delivers more fluoride deeper into enamel than other fluoride toothpaste² helping to protect patients enamel from the effects of erosive tooth wear.

Visit stand B03 to try Sensodyne® Repair & Protect and Pronamel® toothpaste for yourself in our tasting station. The stand will also feature an interactive lecture revealing the truth about patients with dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear.

GSK are pleased to be sponsoring two presentations at BDA

“Burden of Oral Diseases in Ageing Populations and links with General Health” - Georgios Tsakos

Thursday 26^th May, 14:30 – 15:30

The presentation will review the epidemiological evidence on the burden of older adults and highlight the issues around the impact on quality of life.

“How to Manage and Prevent Patient Tooth Wear Caused by Dietary Acids” – Rupert Austin

Friday 27^th May, 11:45 – 12:45

The presentation will cover the clinical signs and symptoms of erosive tooth wear and dentine hypersensitivity as well as revealing the latest science on prevention and diagnosis of tooth wear and hypersensitivity.

Reference: 1. GSK Data on File, 142234. 2. Edwards MI et al. Correlation of Enamel Surface Rehardening and Fluoride Uptake – DSIMS imaging. Presented at IADR, September 2006. 3. Fowler C et al. J Clin Dent. 2006; 17(4): 100-105. 4. Hara AT et al. Caries Res 2009; 43: 57-63. 5. Barlow AP et al. J Clin Dent. 2009; 20(6): 192-198.

⁺Vs. previous formulation. Forms a protective layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth. Brush twice a day for lasting sensitivity protection.

*Compared to previous formula with sodium monofluorophosphate

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

CHGBI/CHSENO/0048/16b

The 4 venues for Talking Points in Dentistry 2016 are booking up fast so make sure you reserve your free place now!

Open to all members of the practice team, Talking Points in Dentistry takes place in 4 venues across the UK during May. Attending this event can contribute up to 2.5 hours of verifiable CPD and you will be awarded a certificate following the lecture.

Book now – visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk

This year there will be 2 lecture sessions, delivered by industry experts, with content tailored for specific practice roles.

For dentists, hygienists and therapists – “The personal and social impact of dentine hypersensitivity”.

For dental nurses, practice managers and other team members – “Dealing with nervous patients”

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis so make sure you book up now! Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk

Dentistry show saw the launch of Euro Dental Depot with great success. (www.EuroDentalDepot.eu) Euro Dental Depot is a new concept in supply and communication within the UK Dental market.

It is a “members only” Ecommerce company supported by numerous Dental manufacturing companies and their product lines. The traditional method of realising a profit has been turned on its head allowing reduced pricing of products available on the site. The website also has a platform whereby members can communicate with colleagues, share clinical experiences, review courses, promote courses, share material experiences or even post job vacancies you have available. Registration is free using your GDC number and members must be registered to have access to the benefits the site has to offer.

The Dentistry show was used as a platform to register members. The stock of products along with details of participating companies will be introduced to the site when material stocks arrive in the UK early May, to ensure prompt delivery.

The Euro Dental Depot ecommerce company is also shortly launching into a further five European countries. So support Euro Dental Depot and join the site today.

www.EuroDentalDepot.eu

Providing an educational pathway that guides GDPs through a recommended sequence of courses but also affords flexibility with multiple entry points for dentists with prior educational and clinical experience. IAS Academy is pleased to announce the next course dates.

IAS Inman Aligner Hands-on Course:

• Birmingham – 3^rd June 2016
• Belfast – 4^th June 2016
• Manchester – 22^nd July 2016
• London – 23^rd September 2016
• London – 18^th November 2016

IAS Clear Aligner Hands-on Course:

• London – 20^th May 2016
• London – 19^th August 2016

IAS Fixed Introductory Hands-On Course:

• London – 17^th-18^th June 2016
• London – 11^th-12^th November 2016

IAS Fixed Conversion Course:

• Manchester – 24^th June 2016
• London – 4^th November 2016

IAS Photography Hands-on Course:

• London – 24^th September 2016

IAS Advanced Ortho-Restorative Course:

• London – 15^th July 2016

IAS Advanced Programme:

• London – November 2016 – November 2017

Overseen by Clinical Director Professor Ross Hobson and taught by globally renowned dental professionals, IAS trainers share their extensive knowledge and expertise.

All training and follow-up support is designed to ensure professionals develop the competency and confidence to deliver safe and effective treatment to a wide range of patients.

To discover how IAS Academy could help you grow your practice, book your place on one of the above courses or for more information, contact the team today.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses,

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

Denplan has announced that it will be rolling out its new hygiene payment plan nationwide from today. This follows a successful trial that has been running in Scotland since January 2015. Hygiene Plan is a simple non-insurance based payment plan that can be used in mixed, private or NHS practices. Denplan’s Hygiene Plan will support dental practices that would like to increase their income from private hygiene treatment. It’s also an easy way for patients to spread the cost of their dental hygiene treatments with a hygienist at a practice.

Chris Mackenzie, customer and product strategy manager at Denplan commented: “By using hygiene plan, practices can eliminate unwanted white space from the diary, generate additional income and fully utilise experienced hygienists, therapists and treatment co-ordinators to create and deliver hygiene programmes for patients.

“Hygiene Plan will help patients enjoy that ‘just cleaned’ feeling without having to worry about the cost, and includes the provision of preventive dental advice.  Practices can enjoy the benefit of a more regular private hygiene income with patients that are likely to attend more regularly*.”

The plan is priced for practices with a patient administration fee of £1 per patient per month and can be used to:

·         Attract new patients to a practice with an attractively priced entry level plan

·         Provide NHS patients with additional hygiene treatment at their request when not currently available on the NHS

·         Provide patients who would like additional hygiene treatments with a cost effective programme to improve the appearance of their teeth and smile

·         Support patients undergoing periodontal treatment

·         Provide patients with a full hygiene maintenance programme following implant therapy

·         Create a regular oral cancer screening programme in practice, which could be further supported with Oral Health Advice and underpinned with an evidence-based risk screening using a DEPPA assessment (Denplan PreViser Patient Assessment tool)

·         Support patients who are trying to give up smoking to improve their oral health. In fact BDA research in 2015 showed private practices are supporting more smoking cessation activities than their NHS colleagues. This is in part due to private practices being able to budget time, staff training and meet the significant expected demand practices think they will face**

Denplan has also set up a dedicated customer service telephone number for Hygiene Plan patients.

Further information about Hygiene Plan is available at www.denplan.co.uk/dentists/hygiene

Sources:

* Payment plan patients are the most likely to visit their dentist at least every six months (92%) compared to

private patients who pay as they go (50%). Source: Denplan/YouGov Survey, January 2016. Online survey

of 5,152 UK adults. All respondents who are regular attenders that pay privately, who have a dental payment

plan or pay fee per-item: 822.

** https://www.bda.org/dentists/education/sgh/Documents/Smoking%20cessation%20in%20NHS%20

dentistry%20V2.pdf

About Denplan

Denplan Limited is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist owned by Simplyhealth; with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 2 million customers. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years. Today, Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to spread the cost of their private dental care through a fixed monthly fee. Denplan supports regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223

www.denplan.co.uk

·         Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover

·         Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only

·         Corporate Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Certification Programme and Denplan Training.  Plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

For more information about Denplan:

Rebecca Hutton

Denplan Press Office

Tel: 01962 829 179

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

Follow us @denplandentists on Twitter and at linkedin.com/company/denplan-for-dentists

Dental teams should screen for diabetes and offer dietary advice in the global battle to control the onslaught of the disease.

World Health Day is on Thursday (7 April) and this year’s campaign focuses on the growing epidemic of the disease, looking at the causes, the costs and the need for prevention.

Some 350 million people around the world have diabetes and this figure is set to more than double in the next 20 years.

In a bid to halt the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes, in particular, Amanda Gallie, president–elect of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), is suggesting dental practices could – and, therefore, should – expand their health remit to include blood glucose testing, diet and wellbeing advice and motivating patients to better health habits, thereby minimising the risk of diabetes.

She said: ‘Preventive health care lies at the very heart of the role of the dental profession and, in primary care, we are better placed than most health providers to alert patients to the early signs of health-threatening behaviours as we see patients so regularly.

‘Offering in-practice screening for diabetes, in the form of blood glucose testing, not only adds value to the patient’s dental experience but also acts as a key marker regarding risk for pre-diabetics and can be a catalyst to discussions about the importance of good dental hygiene and other preventive measures.

‘When we consider the current financial restraints within the NHS – and the seemingly unstoppable increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes – the role of dentistry has never been so important in an overall health care. The government should consider funding these diabetes tests as an investment in the future health of a nation because, with regular screening, and education about preventive measures we can draw attention to this disease and keep the associated health risks at bay.’

Fiona Sandom, president of the BADT added: ‘Effective health promotion and prevention of oral disease, including supporting general health improvement activities around diet and nutrition, are key parts of what dental therapists do. Day in day out, they deliver oral health care that's evidence based while offering education about the risks of poor diet, and the dangers of smoking and excessive alcohol intake to patients, for example. As many of our members work closely with the public on a daily basis, they are in an excellent position to talk to people about their wellbeing and help them make healthy choices.’

This year, Philip Preshaw, professor of Periodontology and consultant in restorative dentistry at Newcastle University, is the keynote speaker at the BADT’s annual conference – From Cradle to Grey: Developing 21st century strategies for age-related oral care – taking place in Manchester on 23 and 24 September.

He will be addressing the clinical challenges presented by diabetic patients, will look at how the disease increases the risk for periodontitis and will offer an insight into the links between periodontal disease, diabetes and heart disease.

For more information, visit www.badt.org.uk

For more on World Heath Day, visit http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/

For more information, visit www.badt.org.uk or contact Julie Bissett on 079 39 89 09 72 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Last week, a group of Dental Industry Leaders from the UK went on a fact finding trip with Bridge2Aid in Tanzania.

The group visited Kasamwa in Geita District where a Bridge2Aid team was training and treating. They met with the Site Clinical Lead, an experienced dentist with several trips under his belt who is leading the clinical team on this programme. Bridge2Aid’s sustainable model of training first attracted him and has kept him firmly committed ever since. The training team had already registered 99 patients for the morning, with more arriving as word spread.  Among the first to arrive that day was an 86 year old man who had started walking before dawn for 4 hours to reach the clinic, having been in pain for 2 years.

The visitors spent several hours touring the clinic and talking to volunteers, Health Workers (the trainees), and the local government dentist.  They viewed the treatment in progress, all performed today by the Health Workers, all of whom have passed the 9 day course, and coached by the training dentists who started work with them just last week. They saw the sterilisation processes used and taught to the Health Workers, and heard an oral health education talk given to the group of waiting patients by one of the Health Workers, a key component of Bridge2Aid’s programme.

The visitors gave us these reflections on the day:

Patrick Allen – Henry Schein Dental

 “The passion and dedication of the volunteers was incredible and meeting people who have been on 6+ programmes and who clearly will be back again was inspiring. …[this is] a special programme which is clearly creating lasting and sustainable change”

Alison Speak - Director Oasis

“Although I’d been on a B2A training day in the UK , to see, first hand , just what an impact the programme is having was very emotional. Everything I observed today (commitment of volunteers, skills of the  clinical officers in training, organisation and admin skills of the employed local staff) confirmed to me that the approach B2A have taken will effect lasting change.”

 Jason Newington – FMC

“An amazing and humbling day watching the Bridge2aid volunteers at work. To see the life changing effect their work has on the lives of the local people who have suffered for so long with pain, was truly incredible. Bridge2aid are simply making a massive difference to the community and its clear that the years of hard work and persistence by the team and volunteers has paid off”.

 Bob Newsome – Dentisan

“I witnessed great teamwork in play today, between indigenous Tanzanian Clinical Officers and Dental Volunteers from the UK- in less than ideal conditions the rhythm of work and the camaraderie established was a delight and pleasure to see”

Steve Booth – Straumann

“Today was truly an inspiring day in several ways. 

 “The patients, some clearly in pain and discomfort, were themselves immensely patient and grateful for the treatment they had or were about to receive. For a patient to have chronic dental pain and to be able to relieve it must have a dramatic effect on the quality of their lives. 

“The team spirit, respect and closeness of the volunteers was clear to see. The way they supported each other and the Clinical Officers was amazing. How they run such an efficient clinic in such an environment is astonishing and clearly a testament to the quality of the people and the process you have put in place.

 “To see all six clinical officers today taking charge of all of the clinical work shows what can be achieved with the right mindset and people. A truly inspiring day in so many ways.”

Note for editors

For further information please contact Paul Tasman at Bridge2Aid, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07796 951855

This year GSK Consumer Healthcare, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, will be visiting the Dentistry Show and will be showcasing leading oral care brands, Sensodyne® and Pronamel®.

GSK will be revealing the New Sensodyne® Repair & Protect - now with stronger repair*, which offers sensitivity sufferers the benefit of both advanced NovaMin® technology with sodium fluoride in a single formulation. With twice daily brushing Sensodyne® Repair & Protect can create an even harder reparative hydroxyapatite-like layer* over the exposed dentine.^1-4

Pronamel® has an optimised fluoride formulation to help minerals penetrate deep into the tooth surface, actively strengthening and re-hardening acid-weakened enamel.?^-8 Visit stand G40 to find out further information on how Pronamel® can help protect your patients’ enamel from the effects of erosive tooth wear.

This year GSK will be sponsoring not one but two presentations! Visit the Dental Hygiene Theatre at 14:45 on Friday 22^nd April where Ali Lowe will be presenting “The hygienist’s role in prevention”. The second presentation is due to be revealed shortly!

Feel free to ask any of the GSK team about how Sensodyne® and Pronamel® products can help improve your patients’ oral health.

To request sample of GSK products for your patients visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies

References: 1. Parkinson et al. J Clin Dent 2011; 22(3): 74-81. 2. GSK Data on File. ML498. 3. GSK Data on File. ML584. 4. GSK Data on File. ML589. 5. Edwards MI et al. Correlation of Enamel Surface Rehardening and Fluoride Uptake – DSIMS imaging. Presented at IADR. September 2006. 6. Fowler C et al. J Clin Dent, 2006; 17(4): 100-105. 7. Hara AT et al. Caries Res 2009; 43: 57-63. 8. Barlow P et al. J Clin Dent. 2009; 20(6): 192-198.

*Vs. previous formulation. Forms a protective layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth. Brush twice a day for lasting sensitivity protection.

The 2016 Talking Points in Dentistry lecture series, presented by the Sensodyne® brand, offers tailored sessions for different team members to maximise relevance for the whole dental team.

“The personal and social impact of dentine hypersensitivity”

Lecture one: for dentist, hygienists and therapists 

Professor Peter Robinson BDS MSc PhD FRACDS FDSRCS FHEA FFPH – is Head of School and Professor of Dental Public Health at the School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol.  Professor Robinson’s research interests include the evaluation of oral health care and the impact of oral conditions on everyday life.

Lecture title - Measuring the effect of dentine hypersensitivity on everyday life

Professor Barry Gibson BSc MMedSci PhD – Professor in Medical Sociology and Head of Academic Unit of Dental Public Health. His research interests include medical sociology and oral health related quality of life. Professor Gibson was involved in the development of an OHQoL measure for assessing the impacts of dentine hypersensitivity.

Lecture title - The changing meaning of dentine hypersensitivity: understanding the social dynamics of the concept

 “Dealing with nervous patients”

Lecture two- for dental nurses and other practice staff

Professor Tim Newton – Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry at King’s College London Dental Institute. Professor Newton has worked in the behavioural sciences in relation to dentistry for over 20 years and his particular interests include the management of dental anxiety.

Lecture title - Psychological approaches to dental anxiety: A proportionate approach

Brid Hendron – Brid has worked in general practice for many years and has a specialist interest in relaxing nervous, anxious and phobic patients. Many practitioners have enlisted her help communicating with patients and she lectures extensively throughout the UK.

Lecture title - “Be not afraid” - practical tips on caring for anxious patients

This year’s venues include:  

5^th May                                                Hastings Europa                      Belfast

12^th May                                              Watford Colosseum                Watford

17^th May                                              GSK House Brentford              London           

19^th May                                              ICC Birmingham                     Birmingham

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! – VISIT http://talkingpoints2016.eventbrite.com

Not able to make it to a venue?

This year a special bitesize video of the speaker’s lectures will also be available shortly after the event at www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you at the 31^st year of Talking Points in Dentistry! 

By 2050, 22% of the global population will be aged over 60.¹ This increase in the elderly population may present a greater stress on your dental practice and the need for specialist oral health products.

This year the GSK Consumer Healthcare team will be at DTS to showcase one of the UK’s leading denture brands, Poligrip®. Visit stand 630 to find out more about the Poligrip® range of cleansers and fixatives and understand how they can help make your patients’ denture experience more comfortable. 

The stand will feature additional materials to help support your patients in adapting to life with their new dentures and the Poligrip® team will be on hand to answer your questions.

GSK sponsored lecture – “Implants are great, but we still need dentures”

Visit the DTS Education Forum for a GSK sponsored lecture session on “Implants are great, but we still need dentures”. The lecturer, Tim Friel, has been a fully qualified Clinical Senior Lecturer for 28 years. He has a clinical interest in all aspects of fixed and removable prosthodontics and dental care of older people with special care requirements – all which will become evident in his presentation.

Visit the DTS Lecture Theatre[SS1]  on Friday 22^nd April at 12:45 for this unmissable opportunity!

-ENDS-

Reference:

1. UNFPA & HelpAge International, 2012

The third NHS Confidence Monitor has revealed that 70% of survey participants would not recommend dentistry as a profession to a family member or friend.

To reflect the profession’s growing interest in the NHS Confidence Monitor, this latest survey was launched to enable all members of the dental team to share their thoughts, providing a deeper and wider understanding of the whole profession’s perception of NHS dentistry. With 590 participants, it is the most comprehensive survey in the series thus far and makes it clear that all dental team members feel similarly to those dentists who answered the questions posed by the previous survey in the summer of 2015.

As before, the survey monitored the profession’s confidence in:

•               The future of NHS dentistry as a whole

•               Future career prospects

•               Remuneration levels

•               Getting the balance of treatment versus prevention within the NHS right

•               The ability of the team to work effectively within the NHS

•               Whether patients will be happy with level of care provided.

In addition, the survey was extended to explore two new issues: whether respondents would feel happy encouraging a family member or friend to pursue a career in dentistry, and their proposed age of retirement to gauge the possibility of a staffing crisis in the future.

When considered as a whole, the NHS Confidence Monitor indicates that an overwhelming majority of dental professionals are lacking confidence in many aspects of NHS dentistry.

Speaking about the results, Judith Husband, a dentist who participated in the second Insights Panel meeting and who sits on the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee, commented: ‘I was unsurprised but nonetheless sad to learn that confidence levels are so low among dental team members across the board. We need to look at these figures within the general landscape of dentistry, so not only how the NHS contract is affecting the profession, but also regulations, the role of the GDC, and the levels of patient complaints. All of that can make practising NHS dentistry a daunting prospect, to say the least.’

Looking at the results in greater detail, it was further revealed that dentists’ desired age of retirement ranges significantly, with an average of 60 years old.

In relation to this outcome, Andrew Lockhart-Mirams, co-founder of Lockharts Solicitors and a member of the Insights Panel, said: ‘We are seeing a greater number of dentists considering their retirement plans earlier than ever before. 60 may not seem a young age to retire, but certainly the number of people who, broadly speaking, have said to me that they are retiring four or five years earlier than they had anticipated is growing. The age has come down, without any doubt at all.’

The results of the latest survey will shortly be presented to an ‘Insights Panel’ made up of key opinion leaders and experts from the dental profession who will explore and debate their significance and implications for the future of NHS dentistry. The panel’s findings will then be shared with dental professionals throughout the UK.

For detailed results from this and the last two surveys, as well as to gain access to the discussions from our previous Insights Panel meetings and interviews with our panel members, visit www.nhsdentistryinsights.co.uk

This Friday 18th our NHS Dentistry Insights Panel are meeting to discuss the results of our latest NHS Confidence Monitor survey. The panel consists of 6 KOL's and dentists, including Eddie Crouch, Judith Husband and David Houston. If you'd like us to pose your question on NHS dentistry to our esteemed group, please post them here and we will feed back their answers after the event.

You can view the latest results of the confidence monitor here http://www.nhsdentistryinsights.co.uk

Notes:

The NHS Confidence Monitor is an independently verified survey commissioned by Practice Plan.

The NHS Confidence Monitor was conducted to gain insight into the confidence levels in NHS dentistry. The results will ensure Practice Plan has the most up-to-date information to provide the very best support to dentists looking to make an informed decision about the future of their practice.

The third forum of key opinion leaders will be held in March and includes Judith Husband, Eddie Crouch, Andrew Lockhart-Mirams, Sarah Franks, David Houston and Paul Worskett. Information on their thoughts will be released soon.

Practice Plan is the UK’s number one provider of practice-branded patient membership plans. They have been supporting dentists with NHS conversions for over 20 years, helping them to evaluate their options and, for those who decide to make the change, guide them through a safe and successful transition to private practice. 

If you are incorporated as a limited company or incorporation is something you are considering here’s important information about dividend tax changes in April 2016. Changes also apply if you are an associate trading as a limited company.

The majority of earnings are likely to be paid out of the company via dividends. Currently, UK dividends are paid with a notional 10 per cent tax credit; as of April 2016, the dividend tax credit is being scrapped and replaced with a tax-free dividend allowance of £5,000 per year for each shareholder. Additionally, the income tax attributable to dividends is increasing by 7.5 per cent within each income tax band, including the basic rate band – which was previously tax free.

Hayley Hudson ACA, Manager for PFM Townends LLP, says: “There are a number of beneficial reasons to incorporate as part of a tax planning scheme, however, there are many factors to consider. Incorporation should be analysed on a case-by-case basis to ensure it is indeed the best course of action.

“At PFM Townends we always proactively discuss all the advantages and disadvantages with our clients.”

For more information visit www.pfmdental.co.uk

TEXT TEETH TO 70660 TO DONATE £5

Plus your standard network rate

www.dentaid.org/get-involved/fundraise

As dental professionals, our actions are governed by our knowledge and expertise. We can even utilise these skills to improve oral health in the far reaches of the world. Spreading the preventative dentistry message and educating others on the importance of oral hygiene doesn’t have to be confined to our shores or need to involve extreme fundraising techniques such as running marathons or shaving off all our hair!

The simple but stylish Humble Brush is one tool that gives us this power for change. Ergonomic, handcrafted handles made from 100% biodegradable Moso Bamboo are combined with Nylon 6 bristles, rendering these toothbrushes just as durable as their plastic counterparts but infinitely kinder to mankind and the environment. When a Humble Brush is sold, it is matched by another toothbrush or the equivalent donated in oral care to those in need. Patients buy one and then the Humble Smile Foundation, in unison with Humble Brush, gives one.

The story of the Humble Brush is gaining momentum and generating a great deal of positive feedback. Last week Humble Brush launched their Humble Helpers campaign throughout primary schools in Ireland. This keenly received programme aims to educate children on a number of key oral health issues whilst they raise funds for their schools or another cause of their choice. As schoolchildren are actively involved with these programmes, they engage with the humanitarian objectives of the Humble Smile Foundation. In return, these children are instilled with knowledge in the value of their own oral healthcare and the hygiene regimens.

Additionally, the Humble Smile Foundation, in collaboration with volunteer group Project TEN – Be The Change, has been educating vulnerable Ethiopian communities on essential preventative dental care. Ethiopia has an estimated population of 96 million[i] but just one dentist per 1.278 million people[ii]. Many Ethiopians don’t even know what dentists or even toothbrushes are. When they find themselves needing oral care, they generally employ excruciatingly primitive and potentially life-threatening treatment methods rather than face a journey of thousands of miles to find a dental practitioner. It is in locations such as this that preventative dentistry methods are all the more crucial. 

There are so many fascinating angles attached to this otherwise innocuous dental adjunct, endorsed by over ten thousand likes on Facebook. These beautifully presented toothbrushes are also environmentally and panda-friendly. The endangered species has learned that Moso leaves grow too high up the plants, so they choose to eat the more accessible species of bamboo instead.

Global consumer trends company, Nielsen, studies over 100 countries to gain knowledge on what people watch and buy. In their online 2015 study, they found a significant rise in the percentage of respondents aged 15-20 who are willing to pay even more for products and services from companies who are committed to positive social and environmental impact. In 2015 the numbers of these consumers had risen to 72% from 55% in just one year[iii]. We are proud to say that The Humble Brush is a perfect example of a product that serves this growing market – but costs no more than a run-of-the-mill plastic toothbrush.

Purely by setting these toothbrushes on reception counters, patients will engage with its purpose and will be attracted to its contemporary look. The ethos of effecting change and providing oral health aid for those in need is layered throughout everything the Humble Smile Foundation tries to achieve. For example, a proportion of the cost of a traditional toothbrush contributes towards huge corporate marketing machines. There is no such process with the Humble Brush, there isn’t a huge marketing budget – the revenue from sales is used directly towards providing oral care for those in need.

Humble Brushes can be supplied in their ‘naked’ glory or can be personalised on minimum orders of 400. Not only does this constitute a novel talking point at reception desks but it also gives dental businesses the opportunity to distribute their brands on something their patients use every day.

By stocking the Humble Brush in your dental practice, you are not only providing a superior product that can be used on all types of dentition but also giving patients the chance to make an ethical choice.

For more information about the Humble Brush visit www.humblebrush.co.uk or to find out more about the Humble Smile Foundation’s work visit www.humblesmile.org

Follow us on Facebook, HumblebrushUK

and Twitter

@HumbleBrush

The Humble Smile Foundation, the excellent Humble Brush’s humanitarian partner, is extending its outreach by introducing the Humble Helpers Programme.

The aim of the Humble Helpers Programme is to help educate children on a number of interlinked topics, whilst providing a platform to raise much-needed funds for charitable endeavours all over the world. These funds will come straight from the profits of each Humble Brush sale – and will help make a real difference to those less fortunate!

As the Humble Smile Foundation will donate the same number of dental health adjuncts for every Humble Brush sold by its Humble Helpers, the effects of the programme will be felt far and wide.

Split into four interconnected modules, Charity, Oral Health, Healthy Eating and the Environment, the programme introduces the fundamental principle of the Humble Smile Foundation: how helping others can have a positive impact on the lives of everyone – not just in their own communities, but right across the globe. 

Participating schools will be supplied with all the necessary educational and promotional materials to help their appointed Humble Hero deliver the message to children. With their help, more people will have a reason to smile!

To find out more about the Humble Smile Foundation’s amazing work – and the popular Humble Brush – contact the team today!

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

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

Follow us on social media:

@HumbleBrush and www.facebook.com/humblebrushuk

As the winning practice of the Schülke Infection Prevention & Control Team of 2015 – which has been launched this year – MF Dental Care was pleased to accept their award at the BDIA Dental Showcase.

After collecting their well-deserved trophy and individual certificates, the thrilled team paid tribute to those who have helped them achieve this phenomenal standard of infection control.

“We are thrilled to have won this award,” said Alison McGugan, Practice Manager and Treatment Co-ordinator of MF Dental Care, “and we thank Wrights for its consistent service and excellent products.

“Having used Wrights for 20 years, the standard of its own brands has never let us down. With Fiona Anderson also always striving to ensure that we get top quality infection control products such as those from schülke at the best price, Wrights gives us the tools we need to operate at a high standard.

“With the addition of a dedicated next day delivery service and excellent support, I definitely recommend Wrights to any practice looking to take their practice to the next level.”

For a full list of products available and to find out more on how Wrights could help you, contact the team today.

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

GSK Consumer Healthcare, manufacturers of Sensodyne®, hosted a special symposium at the recent FDI conference in Bangkok, Thailand to share results from recent research into the impact of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) on patients. The research, which involved over 800 DH sufferers, highlighted how the condition impacts patients and reinforced the benefits of daily treatment.

The research used the Dentine Hypersensitivity Evaluation Questionnaire (DHEQ), a validated tool, developed through a collaboration between GSK and the University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry, in order to demonstrate the impact of DH.^1,2 Through a new pooled analysis of DHEQ data from seven clinical trials, Sensodyne® has revealed some surprising findings about how people who experience the condition will compensate, cope and alter their social activities when living with dentine hypersensitivity. The data also confirmed the clinical benefits of the continuous use of a daily sensitivity treatment.^3,4

Data presented at the symposium revealed that:^3,4

·         9 out of 10 sufferers had been experiencing the condition for longer than one year

·         70.4% of DH sufferers considered that their sensitivity takes a lot of pleasure out of eating and drinking

·         59.4% of DH sufferers try to avoid the sensations by biting food into small pieces

Importantly the research also revealed that after only 8 weeks of twice-daily treatment with desensitising toothpaste, there was a significant improvement in the impact of DH on their daily lives.^3,4

Dr Charlie Parkinson, Director of Medical Affairs, GSK Consumer Healthcare commented, “GSK are delighted to share this clinically relevant perspective of DH alongside evidence of the benefit of treatment on daily lives. We hope the findings of this research can improve management of DH and reduce the impact of the condition on people’s daily lives.”

References

1.      Boiko OV et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2010; 37(11): 973-980

2.      Baker SR et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2014; 41(1):52-9

3.      GSK Data on File RH02026

4.      Sufi F and Baker S. The subjective experience of dentine hypersensitivity – a pooled analysis. Presented at the 93^rd General Session & Exhibition of the IADR. 2015.

Sensodyne is a registered trade mark owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

Denplan’s Excel programme, an advanced quality assurance programme, developed for dentists to help support clinical governance, professional regulation and excellence in patient care and communication has been formally assessed and accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). UKAS accreditation of the Excel programme is ground-breaking because it is the first dental service world-wide to achieve such recognition.

UKAS are the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess organisations that provide certification, testing and inspection services against internationally agreed standards. UKAS accredit over 3,000 organisations worldwide throughout industry, business and commerce for this purpose.  Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates an organisation’s competence, impartiality, capability and helps underpin the credibility of performance, goods and services. The accreditation of Denplan’s Excel programme will ensure that patients continue to receive high standards and quality of care in dentistry, which is supportive of current NHS and overall government healthcare objectives.

Henry Clover, Deputy Chief Dental Officer at Denplan, responsible for leading Denplan through the accreditation process commented:  “We are thrilled that fifteen years after the launch of the Excel programme, heralding the arrival of a unique quality assurance programme in UK dentistry, it has now been granted UKAS accreditation.  This is the culmination of an enormous amount of work to demonstrate that all aspects of the Excel programme conform to the ISO 17065 standard for bodies certifying products, processes and services.

“UKAS accreditation of the Denplan Excel programme is recognition that Denplan has the necessary competence, combined with robust procedures and operations in place to assess the wide range of clinical, governance, legal and regulatory tasks that dental practices have to perform. This will continue to ensure that high standards in patient care and communication are met by Denplan’s Excel dentists. 

“We believe that this accolade will also place all Excel dentists in a favourable position, as the GDC (General Dental Council) moves towards introducing a revalidation scheme (now known as ‘continuing assurance’) and regulators like the CQC also recognising the potential value of clinical service accreditation and peer review schemes as information sources to support its inspections*.”

Paul Stennett, Chief Executive of UKAS commented: “Congratulations to everyone at Denplan on becoming the world’s first dental service to achieve UKAS accreditation.  Confidence in the quality of a number of diverse health and social care services is already underpinned by UKAS accreditation, from imaging services and medical laboratories, to physiological services and care home inspections.  Accreditation of the Denplan Excel programme represents a natural extension of that confidence into the dental care sector, providing assurance to commissioners, providers and patients alike.”

Accreditation will be monitored through annual surveillance visits, with a full re-assessment every four years. Denplan Excel dentists will now be allowed to use the UKAS symbol alongside the Excel logo and Denplan will be supplying practices with a new Excel plaque free of charge.

Excel dentists also gain free access to Denplan’s market-leading patient communication and assessment tool, DEPPA. This is an evidence-based assessment which allows dentists to produce a colour coded report to present to patients which can help aid understanding and communication regarding their oral health and future risk of dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear and oral cancer. Further information about Denplan Excel and DEPPA can be found at www.denplan.co.uk/excel. 

*Source: http://www.ukas.com/news/cqc-recognition-of-ukas-healthcare-accreditation-schemes/

About Denplan

Denplan Limited is the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist owned by Simplyhealth; with more than 6,500 member dentists nationwide caring for approximately 1.7 million Denplan registered patients. Established in 1986 by two dentists who pioneered the concept of dental payment plans, Denplan has been at the heart of dental care for nearly 30 years. Today, Denplan has a wide range of dental plans for adults and children, enabling patients to spread the cost of their private dental care through a fixed monthly fee. Denplan supports regular attendance and preventive care, reducing the need for clinical intervention and helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Patient enquiries telephone: 0800 401 402   Dentist enquiries telephone: 0800 328 3223

www.denplan.co.uk

• Denplan Care: all routine and restorative care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Essentials: routine care only + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Plans for Children: routine and other agreed care + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Membership Plan: registered with the dentist + worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover
• Denplan Emergency: worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover only
• Corporate Dental Plans: company funded, voluntary and flexible benefit schemes

Denplan also provides a range of professional services for its member dentists and their practice teams, including the Denplan Quality Programme, Denplan Excel Certification Programme and Denplan Training.  Plus regulatory advice, business and marketing consultancy services and networking opportunities.

For more information about Denplan:

Rebecca Hutton

Denplan Press Office

Tel: 01962 829 179

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

About Simplyhealth

We have been helping people with their health for over 140 years. Our roots are in the hospital funds set up during the Victorian era to help working people save for their medical care, and we still follow mutual values today. With no shareholders, our profits go back into supporting our customers and healthcare charitable causes, donating over £1 million each year. Last year, we donated £1.4 million.

In 2011, we acquired Denplan Limited, the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist. Simplyhealth has 1,391 employees based across our offices in Andover, Manchester, Leeds and Denplan in Winchester. We serve our 3.5 million customers through cash plans, dental plans, Denplan and pet health plans. Simplyhealth has Independent Living Centres which provide daily living and mobility products, including powerchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs, in Andover, Bristol, Burnham, Droitwich, Kenilworth, Leeds, Northfield, Norwich, Sutton Coldfield, Telford, Willenhall and Wolverhampton.

Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

For further information:

http://newsroom.simplyhealth.co.uk/

Caroline Newton, Public Relations and Social Media Manager 0344 579 2274

Laura Miller, Media Relations Officer 0344 579 2266

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

Follow us on Twitter @SimplyhealthUK and at Facebook.com/SimplyhealthUK

About UKAS

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the National Accreditation Body (NAB) for the UK.  Its role is to assess evaluating organisations to international standards.  UKAS operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).  UKAS accreditation involves assessment of certification, inspection, testing and calibration services.  For further information about UKAS visit: www.ukas.com.

All media enquiries should be directed to Phil Russell in the UKAS press office: E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. T: 020 7689 5155

Details of the forthcoming GDC hearing are available at:

https://www.gdc-uk.org/Membersofpublic/Hearings/Charges%202015/TAHIR%2018-22%20Jan%202016%20Smithfield%204%20(FINAL).pdf

Further details of the BDIA’s CSIDI activity can be found at:

http://www.bdia.org.uk/device-reporting.html

The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) is a non-profit making organisation which means that any surplus funds generated from its activities are ploughed back into dentistry either directly or by supporting and working with other professional dental bodies.

For more information please contact Edmund Proffitt on 01494 781183 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

“Having previously attempted to sell with another agent, I made the decision to advertise through Dental Elite,” says Patricia Webley who recently sold her practice.

“Within a very short time of the advert going live, I had two interested parties – one of whom viewed the practice and offered the full asking price within days.

“All in all the process took eight months to achieve completion and I am very happy with the services provided by Dental Elite.

“As my point of contact throughout the negotiations, Leah Turner ensured that all the necessary administrative requirements proceeded smoothly.

“What’s more, she liaised between both parties to make sure agreement on all issues were swiftly resolved.

“She also recommended a dental-specific solicitor who proved to be very helpful.

“I would be very happy to recommend Leah Turner and Dental Elite to anybody wishing to buy or sell a practice.”

To find out how Dental Elite can help you sell your practice, contact the team today.

For more information and to find out how Dental Elite can value
and assist your practice sale visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01788 545 900

Ryszard Jurowski is Managing Director at Systems for Dentists, a contributing author and life-long system development guru with a clear and transparent interest in shaping the future of systems management efficiencies and capability for the benefit of the UK dentistry industry.

And if progressing the vision for the development of your Practice, future proofing practice management through systems capability, increasing productivity, eradicating wastage, improving workflows and optimising financial and manpower resources in 2016 is on your agenda, then read on, as you’ll be excited by the latest thinking for streamlining your Practice as a means of improving your bottom line in the coming year.

Of course, you will have a capable Practice Manager in post. Faithful, trustworthy – and without doubt, a can’t do without right hand help and more than worthy of their weight in gold as they oversee your brilliant Practice team, navigate and keep on an even keel the smooth ebb and flow of Practice operations, deal with the hum drum of patient appointment demands whilst balancing all operational aspects of your business - not to mention staff resourcing and payroll needs.

All the while of course, you maintain the strategic helicopter view of your Practice, keep growth and commercial development on track against the underpinning vision and business model you set on course when you founded and invested in your Practice. And of course, all this, whilst still balancing the demands of a busy surgery treatment timetable and nurturing the complex demands of the plethora of patients in your care.

As a successful professional in the dentistry field, moving at a dynamic pace on a daily basis, balancing the needs of work and life can often mean that there is little to no time for thinking of ways to further develop and contemplate how to increase your bottom line and drive up even greater efficiencies for your Practice.

But that’s really where taking essential time out this New Year to consider the benefits of investing in proven and well developed practice management software based on solid development foundations can make a real and sustainable long term difference to the bottom line and future success of your business.

And where software development teams in the industry are taking a real lead and getting things right are where technical expertise and profound industry knowledge backed by years of dental market understanding - often a minimum of at least 2-3 decades, are being used to deliver in a technological lead. And it’s by and large where a common sense approach meets powerful technological solutions to drive up practice management efficiencies are adding real value added and delivering time and money savings on the bottom line to the industry.

And the companies who are getting it right are delivering efficiencies at the touch of a button not only via the robust and tested software interfaces they provide to users (and even the most efficient of Practice Managers are inclined to agree)  but also through the useful functionality of their systems features. Consider for instance the powerful applications practice management systems on the market are offering to streamline Dental Practices; real time online appointments, SMS reminders, patient imaging, periodontal charting, clinical notes recording, on line backups, postcode lookups, to name but a few….

And that’s not all, you’ll find with careful research that to generate time and money savings and eliminate the paper mountains created by the mandatory paper chase still inherent in many practices, the creation and capture of digital signatures will be a radical and welcome solution accessible in the marketplace from those software developers who are leading the way in creating the paperless office.

To summarise, taking time out  in 2016, maybe even over part of one sacred forthcoming weekend day to reflect on how you can further streamline your Practice in the new year by identifying and investing in improved practice management systems capability could in fact be time very well spent out of your valuable “me” or family time on the home front.

As a word of advice, factor in systems developed by a generation or family business with a longstanding background of Dentists if you can find it, as for sure, they will understand what practitioners truly need and have thought carefully within their product development processes of the systems requirements that will be needed to pivot your Practice forward. Not only that, but they will have developed solutions to improve your patient experience, ensure staff have at their fingertips the automated support they need to eradicate unnecessary manual processes and data recording, and provide automated interventions, in fact they’ll have thought about everything to assist them work at optimum levels and in doing so enrich your staff and patient’s experience.

Systems for Dentists, established for nearly thirty years in the market and provide proven practice management systems solutions.

Contact Nathan Ross on 0845 643 2828 for further assistance and a warm and professional welcome.