The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) Annual Conference will be opening its doors to delegates in November. In its fourteenth year, the BACD Annual Conference is, without a doubt, one of the most highly anticipated events in the professional calendar. This year focusing on ‘FAB: Function, Aesthetics, Biology’, the fully-filled, three-day event will be bringing together delegates from across the country for some of the most exceptional learning opportunities dentistry has to offer.

This includes a schedule of exclusive lectures, exciting presentations and inspiring hands-on sessions – all led by some of the profession’s leading lights. The line-up this year is better than ever and includes such names as Dr Nikos Mardas.

Nikos qualified in dentistry from Athens University and completed first a three-year postgraduate MS in periodontology and then a PhD at the Royal Dental College at the University of Aarhus in Demark.

He has experience in private practice as a specialist periodontist and has been appointed a senior lecturer at the Periodontology Unit at UCL, Eastman Dental Institute, as well as Senior Clinical Lecturer/ Honorary Consultant  in Periodontology at Bart’s & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry at the Queen Mary University London. He is also The Educational Delegate for the ITI UK & Ireland section. All combined, this means Nikos is one of the most knowledgeable periodontists working in the field today, and he will be bringing this wealth of understanding to the Academy’s Annual Conference in November.

Giving a lecture entitled Periodontal Plastic Surgery: myths and reality in gingival recession coverage, Nikos will be giving delegates an insight into the advanced concepts of modern periodontal plastic surgery. He says, “Periodontal plastic surgery refers to a great variety of procedures designed to restore form and function, and improve cosmetic disturbances around teeth and, increasingly, dental implants. Various flaps designs, soft tissue grafts and substitutes, together with micro-surgical techniques have been applied to correct different muco-gingival defects in a variety of clinical scenarios, ranging form gingival recession coverage to extraction socket management.

“My presentation will provide a summary of the evidence on the predictability of current treatment protocols for gingival recessions, utilising different techniques and biomaterials. I will be showing delegates different case examples and discussing the pros and cons of each to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of different techniques in every day clinical practice.

“I hope that delegates will be able to go back to their practice and diagnose different recession defects, understand their predictability and the difficulties encountered in their management and guide the motivated patient towards the most appropriate therapeutic approach, based on an estimation of local and systemic factors.”

With such a compelling topics, Nikos’s lecture will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the BACD’s Annual Conference and will give delegates the knowledge and insight they need to go away and improve their daily practice.

Of course, the BACD Annual Conference is not simply one of the best opportunities for dental professionals to learn more about the modern profession, it is also a chance to see what the dental industry has to offer. Delegates will be treated to a three-day trade show throughout the conference, where they can get information on the latest technology and products on offer.

What’s more, there will be plenty of time to network with like-minded colleagues at any one of the BACD’s planned social events, meaning delegates will have a chance to let down their hair and reignite their passion for beautiful dentistry in a more relaxed environment.

Make sure you book your place today to ensure you do not miss out!

The BACD Fourteenth Annual Conference 2017

‘FAB – Function, Aesthetics, Biology’

9th – 11th November 2017

The Hilton London Metropole Hotel, London

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

Delegates at this year’s BACD Annual Conference will be treated to a diverse range of exceptional educational opportunities.

Among these, and promising to be one of the event’s highlights, is the occlusion management panel, hosted by Dr Ken Harris, Dr Ian Buckle, Dr Heike Krämer, Dr Any Toy and Dr Chris Orr. “I’m looking forward to a vigorous and forthright exchange of ideas,” says Dr Harris. “Delegates will be encouraged to offer their own insights, as well as being exposed to ours.

“Occlusion plays an important role in the success of our restorative dentistry and, as the population ages, it is incumbent on today’s dental practitioners to be able to restore these gradually failing dentitions so patients can retain their own teeth.”

A long-standing fellow of the BACD and the first UK graduate of the Kois Center in Seattle, Dr Harris is known for his knowledge of the Kois approach to occlusion, one of the most popular trends in modern occlusal theory and thought – and will be bringing his considerable expertise to bear during the session.

Join delegates from all across the country for this inspirational three-day event – make sure you register your place today!

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For more information and to book your place, go to www.bacd.com

If you haven’t already booked your place at the BACD Twelfth Annual Conference, now is your last chance.

Always an exciting event, the 2015 conference looks ready to surpass previous years: world-class speakers, inspirational and exciting topics and endless networking opportunities await delegates this November.

Speakers include: Dr Serhat Köken, Dr Hatem Algraffee, Dr Oliver Harman, Dr Heike Krämer, Dr Ken Harris and more – all of whom will be delivering a diverse selection of lectures, seminars and hands-on sessions.

This educational programme has been tailored to provide a compelling overview of cosmetic dentistry and will cover isolation tips, clinical photography, BACD Accreditation advice, implantology and much more. The opportunities here for creativity and learning are infinite and simply cannot be missed.

So, if you are looking for a way to reignite your passion for beautiful dentistry, meet like-minded individuals and learn from some of the very best professionals in the industry, look no further than the BACD Annual Conference.

To book your place, contact the team today.

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For further enquiries about the BACD  and to book your place, please visit www.bacd.com

Learning from the best

As soon as one begins their training to become a dental professional, they understand this will never really have an end point during their career.  The natural skills involved in being a dentist have to be accompanied by continual education and ongoing learning to ensure that new techniques and materials are kept abreast off, resulting in the optimum care provided to patients.

Additionally, patients are becoming more aware of the treatment options available to them and consequently more demanding of the results that they receive. They know that they can choose which dentist to go to depending on the treatment that they require, and often carry out extensive research to ensure that they choose the best. There are a number of ways to differentiate yourself from the other practice down the road; one of which includes subscribing to a specialist academy. By marketing this membership to your existing and potential patients, you are showing your commitment to your education, an outstanding quality of service provision and the dedication that your patients are looking for.

Your time is valuable – choose wisely

They say nothing beats face-to-face interaction and this is most certainly true when it comes to education. The academy that you choose to join will depend on the education avenues available from them, so you need to ensure that you select the one that suits your learning needs the most. However, the choice of academies to join and their educational conferences to attend is vast and confusing. Your time is very valuable, to both you and your patients, so it is important to choose wisely.

A worthwhile academy should offer the latest in education, career support, assistance to find more patients and value for money. The larger academies in the industry will hold an annual conference that should be a high point of your yearly membership.  The most prestigious conferences offer internationally recognised experts in their field, meaning you can remain close to home, but find out about techniques and developments from all around the world. You usually watch a series of lectures and participate in hands-on workshops on a range of topics by highly regarded opinion leaders and there is the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the experts.

It’s not what you know, but who you know

Another important aspect of attending the most high profile of annual conferences is networking. At these events you can meet old and current acquaintances and catch-up on their most recent news. But, you also get to the chance to meet new peers and opinion leaders that have similar professional interests to you and can become an important mentor within your career.

It is only at some of the better conferences that you can get access to the speakers on a one-to-one basis. This allows you to seek valuable career advice from them, clinical case counsel, get suggestions on specialist courses to attend and hear their experiences with particular products and materials. This is most definitely valuable time well spent!

The most talked about conference of the year!

The most influential conference in the aesthetic dentistry calendar is no doubt the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (BACD) Annual Conference in November. As always, the 2015 event it is expected to be one of the most talked about conferences of the year! For the last 12 years, the BACD has staged professional educational conferences that have attracted the most eminent of dental professionals offering their insights into their specialist topics.

This year the conference is titled, ‘The Aesthetic Equilibrium’ and it seeks to achieve harmony between biology, science, technical aspects, aesthetics and mechanics, as well as balancing the patient’s emotional, financial and clinical needs. By using the finest national and international speakers, the BACD hopes the topics will inspire you and offer an insight on how to achieve this balance. The speakers are also very approachable and will be happy to offer advice and recommendations; a trait thought to be quite unique to this particular conference.

Further still, there will be trade representatives present to provide demonstrations and advice on the latest equipment and materials, as well as offering special offers and prices. There is something for everyone at the BACD Annual Conference, so bring along other team members to optimise the opportunity; there will be something for everyone.
 

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

The BACD is proud to announce that Dr Serhat Köken will be presenting two sessions at the 12^th Annual Conference this November.

In what is going to be an unmissable event, Dr Köken will discuss isolation techniques and tips in his two exciting lectures. Delegates will get the chance to develop essential practical skills in the art of isolation under skilled tuition during the first hands-on session. Then, in the second day’s presentation, Dr Köken will cover all clinical aspects of anterior composite from choosing the correct shades to preparation tips, layering composites, and tricks on finishing and polishing.

Commenting on the forthcoming BACD conference, Dr Köken says: “Covering all aspects of direct resin composite restorations, the lectures will be applicable to everyone. I hope that delegates benefit and learn from the sessions and come away motivated and enthused. It is a huge honour to be asked to present at the Annual Conference and I am very much looking forward to coming to London.”

Serhat will join a fantastic line up of speakers who will bring delegates the latest knowledge and techniques in cosmetic dentistry – don’t miss out book your ticket today.

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For more information and to book your place, go to www.bacd.com

The BACD Twelfth Annual Conference is fast approaching – have you booked your place yet? Entitled ‘The Aesthetic Equilibrium,’ the three-day event in November is sure to be an exciting and inspirational opportunity for delegates across the entire dental profession.

With a dynamic line-up of internationally renowned speakers, the conference will cover a wide range of pertinent topics, including isolation techniques, veneer preparations, clinical photography, BACD Accreditation advice and implant techniques.

Certainly an educational opportunity not to be missed, the BACD Annual Conference is also the ideal occasion for delegates to network with enthusiastic, like-minded professionals, attain valuable CPD and reignite their passion for beautiful, high quality dentistry.

If you haven’t booked your place for the BACD Twelfth Annual Conference yet, make sure you do it today: you certainly won’t want to miss out!

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. For further enquiries, go to www.bacd.com

When it comes to unveiling your new and exciting products, timing is key! As one of the first major dental shows of the year, The Dentistry Show 2016 will enable you to reveal your latest and greatest in style, while networking with the 8,000 plus delegates expected.

The Dentistry Show 2016 will be working alongside leading societies and associations to deliver you a high quality and high value experience, including names such as the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), British Society of Periodontology (BSP), British Endodontic Society (BES), British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) and many more.

With the support of The Product & Services and Launchpad UK Guides exhibitors receive extensive coverage leading up to the event through print and online media platforms, show guides and direct mail to delegates promoting your products and company logo.

80% of exhibitors from 2015 have already booked in for 2016 with a confirmed total of 196 stands. With a first come first serve choice on location avoid disappointment and book your place now!

Sign up now and guarantee your place at one of the biggest dental events of the year.

 

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2016 will be held on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd April, NEC in Birmingham. For further details visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk call 020 7348 5270

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

With a diverse line-up of leading speakers, the BACD Twelfth Annual Conference looks set to be another exciting and inspiring event. Delegates will be treated to some of the best education the dentistry profession has to offer, from some of the world’s most prominent experts.

Like previous years, there will be a wide range of vibrant presentations and workshops to discover, covering topics including isolation techniques, veneer preparations, crown lengthening techniques, anterior composites and BACD Accreditation processes. Discussing his own involvement at this year’s event, Dr Oliver Harman says, “My sessions this year will be looking at the use of lasers in modern dentistry. Dr Mark Cronshaw and myself want to give delegates an overview of where we are today with this impressive technology, to explore some of the theoretical ideas and how they can be applied in practical scenarios to great effect.

“It sometimes takes a little while for technologies like this to transition from one sector to another. With already established applicability in medical situations, we want to show delegates how it is now time for lasers to be integrated more in dental work.

“We will be going through the wealth of evidence and research that has been conducted on the use of lasers to explain their viability in practice – as well as exploring a number of important cases that show how lasers have contributed positively to treatment.

“I think we’re very much at that point now – we’ve reached the critical mass where research, evidence and results have culminated to show how the use of lasers in dentistry can become truly mainstream.”

Dr Harman has extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic and general aesthetic dentistry. Not only does he provide high quality treatment from his own clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, he consults for clinics in Helsinki and Saudi Arabia. In 2010 he achieved the prodigious British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Fellowship Award. 

He says, “I think the BACD is a driving force behind the legitimising of cosmetic dentistry – for both professionals and patients. I also think the BACD is at the very forefront of cosmetic dentistry – and it’s bringing together the latest concepts from across the globe and has been a world leader in a minimally invasive approach. It really emphasises how we should not just focus on UK dentistry, but look worldwide for ideas and new techniques. It’s broadening our minds.”

With such a dynamic line-up of presentations and workshops to choose from, the BACD Annual Conference is an event which simply cannot be missed. For dental professionals of all levels, the three-day event will feature something for everyone – and is a great opportunity to meet and network with like-minded, enthusiastic and friendly colleagues. Be sure not to miss out: save the dates in your diary today!

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

According to research, humans can process visual information around 60,000 times faster than text.[1] As such, the use of graphics and photos in presentations or posters can be an incredibly effective tool with which to deliver information to your audience.

This does not mean that text is superfluous. It is vital to provide context and deepen the explanation for the visual aids you decide to use. Nevertheless, text must be used sparingly. Long, compact paragraphs of it can be difficult to penetrate – especially from the distance at which most presentations or posters will be viewed. Text needs to be read and its meaning digested, and this takes time. Instead, consider using listed points and shorter sentences to expedite the process.

The type of font you use is also crucial. Avoid script-like fonts, no matter how attractive they may look. Serif fonts are far easier for the human eye to process and by using them, you can maximise the ease with which your audience can assimilate your written information.

You must also consider the colour of your font and of the background upon which you will display it. If poorly chosen, text can be difficult to read and will, most likely, be ignored. For example, harmonious colours like blues and greens are far more difficult to distinguish from one another so try to avoid using them together. Complimentary colours, on the other hand, are far clearer – yellows and purples, for example – but tend to seem a little garish and childlike. In most cases, light backgrounds and dark text work best together. They may be less striking but are, overall, the most effective. What’s more, when they are juxtaposed with good visual components, they can be unassumingly aesthetic.    

Therefore, you must also carefully choose your graphics or photos. Not only must they be eye-catching on their own, they must also compliment your text. Ensure that any photos are of high enough quality to be scaled up to a big screen if necessary. Pixelated images are simply awful to look at, as are those that are excessively blurred or out of focus.

Importantly, each image or graphic must earn its place. Unnecessary pictures undermine an otherwise effective presentation or poster, as do those that are not succinctly linked to the information you are giving. Remember to include figure numbers for each image to anchor them to your text; this way your audience will know exactly where they are required to look, and why.

Graphs and charts are similarly indispensible for conveying large amounts of data easily. Like your other images though, they must always be relevant. They must also be well labelled and easy to understand and, often, simplicity is the best way of achieving this. 

Less is more is almost certainly the way to create a concise, clear and stylish presentation or poster. Avoid crowded text and irrelevant material, garish or harmonious colours. By displaying your information in a way that is easier for your audience to understand, the more they will be able to process and remember.

These are exactly the types of considerations that entrants must keep in mind for the BACD’s inaugural Eposter Presentation. Calling on dentists who are no more than three years graduated, the Academy is excited to showcase some of the most progressive thinking in the industry through this presentation.

All accepted posters will be evaluated by an experienced committee comprised of Dr Anoop Maini, President of the BACD; Dr Donald Sloss, Chair of the BACD Credentialing Committee and Dr Simon Chard, Chair of the BACD Young Membership Committee.

They will be looking for posters that are clear, eye-catching and informative – and that concisely present a diverse range of research and clinical innovation.

The winners will be announced on the evening of Friday 13^th November, during the BACD Gala Dinner, where they will receive a variety of fantastic prizes including one year’s BACD membership and complimentary registration to next year’s Annual Conference.  

All submissions must be uploaded to the World Dental Posters website by Friday 2^nd October 2015 and entrants will receive notification of their submission no later than the end of that month.

For the opportunity to present some of your own innovative and progressive ideas to a wide and renowned audience, be sure to submit your entry for the BACD Eposter Presentation.

For more information about the BACD Eposter Presentation and for further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, go to www.bacd.com

To upload your completed posters on the World Dental Posters website, go to www.worlddentalposters.com

The BACD is proud to announce its support of the fantastic dental charity, Make A Dentist (MAD).

Committed to offering dental assistance from one of the richest countries in the world to some of the poorest, MAD is a nationwide humanitarian campaign that provides education and clinical goods for dental students in Zimbabwe.

Education is of vital importance to the BACD, whether through its prodigious accreditation system, its innovative annual conferences or regular regional meetings – keeping dental professionals up-to-date with the most cutting-edge and innovative learning opportunities available is one of its key mandates.

Which is why the BACD is making a generous donation, equivalent to a year’s full membership, to Make A Dentist, in order to support dental professionals in less fortunate countries – and extend more effective learning to those who need it most.  

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

Visit www.makeadentist.com to find out more about Make A Dentist.

'I would recommend any dental professional attend BACD's regional meetings,' says Max Atkinson, a technician at Maxim Dental Studio.
 

Max attended 'The Full Arch Implant Bridge - Immediate Placement, Loading and Aesthetics,' presented in Belfast by impassioned cosmetic dentist, Dr Douglas Lee. 

Dr Lee's objectives were to help delegates understand pre-prosthetic planning: the short-term goals, long-term considerations and treatment steps. Delivering the kind of high-quality learning and discussion that had become synonymous with the BACD, the overriding message was that brilliant, beautiful results are achievable by anyone and therefore accessible to all. 

The BACD runs a programme of year-round meetings and events all over the UK. You will not need to travel far to hear from some of the most renowned clinicians in the industry, talking on relevant issues for forward-thinking cosmetic dentists. Stimulating, inspiring and a great opportunity to increase your professional network, BACD regional meetings offer verifiable CPD. 

To find out what is happening near you, contact the BACD today. 

The BACD’s 12th Annual Conference, ‘The Aesthetic Equilibrium’, runs from 12th - 14th November at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

The BACD Annual Conference in November is prepared to welcome clinicians from across the profession as they look to learn from experts and specialists from around the world. Each year dentists and dental professionals enjoy the opportunity to hear from international, world-renowned authorities, and this year’s line-up looks set to satisfy all-comers.

Among the speakers at the conference will be Dr Howard Gluckman who will be leading a session on Implant Aesthetics and Soft Tissue Management that will cover the innovative new techniques associated with Partial Extraction Therapies (PET).

Dr Gluckman explains, “Delegates will discover all about Partial Extraction Therapies (PET) which enable the retention of the buccal plate and prevent ridge collapse during implant treatment. We will also be covering a range of soft tissue techniques that help create the ideal soft tissue harmony around implants.”

Whatever your level of experience, the BACD Annual Conference will have something for you. Book your place today and make the most of the exciting programme of lectures, panels and workshops, all presented by leading experts in their fields.

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

Cathy Jameson PhD, founder and chief visionary officer at Jameson Management, will give a presentation at the BACD Annual Conference in November, titled: ‘Success strategies for the aesthetic dental practice.’

‘Excellent management lets you provide the kind of dentistry you want to provide,” says Cathy. “Carefully developed systems that are well administered, both in clinical and business areas, will help you to be productive, profitable and will control stress.

“I will be telling attendees how every system in their practice will support the goals they set if they implement my ‘Model of Success’. Whether you are in a metropolitan area or rural practice; if you are private or NHS, this model will work for you. Join me in November to find out more.”

Cathy is proud to be a part of the BACD Annual Conference, one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar. With a reputation for world-class speakers and thought-provoking sessions, this year’s event will be no exception. Call today to book your place!

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

With opportunities to learn from some of the world’s most talented and renowned clinicians, the 12^th Annual Conference from the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is not to be missed.

With outstanding education on a vast range of topics available, attendees will also get the chance to network with like-minded professionals over a packed three days. Titled “The Aesthetic Equilibrium”, the conference aims to address challenges the modern dental professional faces, balancing all the needs of the patient as well as finding harmony between biology, science, technical aspects, aesthetics and mechanics.

Part of this year’s exiting programme is a full-day, limited availability course, “Practical Crown Lengthening Techniques”, delivered by Hatem Algraffee and Zainab Malaki.

Working out of private practices in London and Kent, Hatem dedicates his time to periodontics. Zainab is a part-time consultant at Guy’s Hospital.

“We are going to cover theory in the morning, and then the afternoon will be a practical hands-on session on animal jaws,” says Hatem. “We will show attendees how to master crown lengthening techniques, what to look for, what to avoid and also give them some cases which they can plan themselves. By the end of the day, delegates will be able to assess cases with confidence so they can apply practical knowledge to their practice.

“Some practitioners try to avoid any kind of gum involvement because they are worried about raising flaps and suturing, and we will go over all of that with them too.

“If people are interested in this topic, this session will be a good place for them to start. Zainab and I are going to provide a list of all the dos and don’ts they will need to get going, what instruments to use, what instruments to buy, the information to give patients and potential pitfalls. Our course is suitable for entry level, as well as being comprehensive and thorough.

“When I was approached about presenting, I was told that every year BACD delegates always want practical sessions and our course fits the bill perfectly. Also, if you are doing certain cosmetic work, you will need to learn how to crown lengthen and adjust teeth accordingly, to some extent.

“It will be intense, challenging yet enjoyable and attendees will really get a lot of out of it. There are only 14 places on our course and we expect them to get filled fast!”

Whether you are a student, newly qualified, a highly experienced clinician or a dental technician, the BACD Annual Conference will have something for you. Other sessions will cover minimal veneer preparation, photography, implant aesthetics and there will be a lively occlusion panel. Book your place today and enjoy three days that will help you to raise standards, refine your technique and challenge yourself in every single aspect of your work.
 

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

The BACD is renowned for delivering exceptional learning opportunities to its members and the extended dental profession through a full calendar of exciting events, exhibitions, conferences and meetings. Throughout the year dentists are invited to attend sessions and hear from key opinion leaders and professionals on all manner of topical subjects.

This June sees the BACD host The Composite Showdown at the Royal College of Physicians in London, where dentists will deliver lectures and talks covering all aspects of composite resin dentistry. The academic meeting is designed to further improve the skills of successful composite dentists through short, concentrated and extremely informative sessions.

Featuring some of the UK’s most talented composite resin clinicians, on completion of the day attendees will qualify for 7 hours of CPD.

Dr Guvinder Bhirth will be among the day’s speakers, presenting his session, Know your finish before you start, which will explore technique and insights around attaining correct morphology, achieving symmetrical line angles and adjusting width and height parameters when finishing and polishing anterior resin restorations.

Also leading a session on the day will be Dr Richard Lee. His short talk, Anterior layering and creation of anatomic features, will cover the advantages of layering, it will look at predictable techniques and go through the steps needed for reproducing correct primary, secondary and tertiary anatomy.

Edge Bonding – Effective modes of modifying incisal form for aesthetics and function is the title of a session to be delivered by Dr Tif Qureshi. This talk will look at how simple minimal-to-no-prep composite edge bonding can be used in various situations effectively and reliably.

Dr Monik Vasant will also be presenting a talk entitled, Posterior Layering and proximal anatomy techniques. Dr Vascant is a highly experienced clinician with a special interest in minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry and his talk will guide attendees through his thoughts on composite layering, covering the choice of materials, techniques and hints and tips used to manage contact points and occlusal schemes,

Last but not least, Dr Nadeem Younis will explore the importance of moisture control for direct resin composite restorations in his talk, Rubber Dam(n)! Friend or Foe? He will discuss the hurdles for the use of rubber dam, considering various techniques that will allow delegates to isolate teeth in a quick, efficient and predictable manner.

Whatever your area of interest of level of skill, the BACD Composite Showdown will have something for you. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to enhance your clinical expertise, book your place today!

The BACD’s Composite Showdown takes place on 26^th June at the Royal College of Physicians, London. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166 to find out more.

November this year sees the 12th BACD Conference play host to some of the world’s foremost dentists. Delegates will have the chance to learn from leading national and international experts across a range of specialities, as well as the opportunity to network with peers and like-minded professionals over the course of the three-day event. 

Speaking at the conference will be a number of renowned practitioners who will focus on helping clinicians achieve the optimum balance to help them become the best dentists they can. Among the presenters will be Dr Andy Toy, who will be delivering his lecture, Posterior-guided occlusion.

Andy qualified from Bristol University in 1980 and in 1982 he attended Roy Higson’s first ever occlusion course and visited the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, USA.  He has since made a life-long study of occlusion and its application to practice. In recent years he has been working with the innovative posterior-guided occlusion model. This model references an extensive anthropological evidence base, along with more recent published studies from the Faculty of Health and Sport Science in Loughborough University. Andy is also the co-author with Dr Presswood of ‘Is there such a thing as a healthy occlusion?  Lessons from history’ Primary Dental Care 2008;15(2):65-69. 

Andy says, “The whole field of occlusion is very often misunderstood and there are significant elements of the profession that ignore occlusion altogether, including many academics. This is because the evidence for the models up to this point has been so poor. But clinicians working in day-to-day practice appreciate that understanding occlusion is vitally important. What is more, as dental techniques change and evolve, and we employ less invasive dentistry, understanding occlusion becomes ever more significant. More minimally invasive dentistry is less able to resist some of the forces of occlusion, so we urgently need to understand it better.

“In my lecture I will be challenging the accepted thinking on occlusion, reviewing the evidence on some of the traditional models and presenting evidence for an updated model. Examining the various models of occlusion currently in use and critically exploring their historical evidence base, the lecture will introduce an alternative model of occlusion based on anthropological studies, along with a quick summary of the evidence to support it. Finally, the application of this new model to aspects of clinical care will be discussed, including orthodontics, prosthodontics and TMD treatment.

“The session will be aimed at all practitioners who are involved in altering people’s occlusion, especially those who work in orthodontics, restorative dentistry, or those who treat patients with jaw-joint and TMD problems. If professionals have a better understanding of the evidence surrounding occlusion, they will be able to apply their professional judgement much more successfully. This will not only immediately benefit their patients, but they will also find they have less problems further down the line with less patients returning with deteriorated dentitions or jaw-joint problems.

“Whilst I will be challenging old thinking and offering some new thoughts on the subject, I will welcome any discussions around the new approach. The development of the new methodology is always on-going and we are hoping to build a positive dialogue around this subject.”

Whatever stage of your dental career, the BACD Annual Conference will have something for you. Book your place today and enjoy three days that will help you raise standards, refine your clinical technique and achieve your aesthetic equilibrium.

The BACD’s 12^th Annual Conference runs from 12^th - 14^th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.

The ACC Liverpool played host to this year’s exciting BACD Annual Conference, and the heart of the Albert Docks offered a perfect backdrop. This year really provided for all attendance, with world-class professionals sharing their extensive knowledge and experience in various disciplines and motivating delegates to raise the standard of their dentistry.

Inspiring change

This was an all-encompassing event for all things related to aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, and delegates took away some truly valuable hints and tips. As was emphasised throughout the conference, modern cosmetic treatments are not just about creating the perfect smile through aggressive and destructive preparations. In fact, ideal aesthetic outcomes can be achieved through minimally invasive techniques simply by taking a new approach and enhancing patient communication and education.

Dr Zaki Kanaan, President of the BACD, highlighted the importance of this change in attitude towards cosmetic dentistry, when he officially opened the conference on Friday morning. He also encouraged delegates to teach patients and colleagues in a positive way, focusing on teamwork and smooth collaboration in order to improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Zaki went on to update delegates on the BACD’s progress and contribution to the on-going debates in the industry, including those regarding the GDC, CQC, NHS contracts, UDAs and tooth whitening protocols, before encouraging all present to donate to Bridge2Aid with a simple text, raising a fantastic £1,360! After thanking all sponsors, exhibitors and BACD members for their dedication and time in making the annual conference the huge success that it is, Zaki then welcomed Miles Hilton-Barber to the podium, who shared his personal story in the hope that he might inspire others to follow their dreams.

Miles went blind in his early twenties, and has since achieved some truly remarkable feats. Combining personal anecdotes, famous quotes and much humour, Miles encouraged delegates to push their limits and really see what they could do.

Educational opportunities

For those who wished to advance their clinical skills, several first-class, hands-on workshops were held on the Thursday, allowing those interested to really focus on their practical skills before the conference gained full momentum.

Presented by Dr Didier Dietschi, Dr Lee Ann Brady, Dr Rahul Doshi, and Dr Ken Harris, these sessions covered metal-free posterior restorations, anterior composites, functional aesthetics and the Kois dento-facial analyser. Each session offered the perfect opportunity for delegates to hone in on their skills and learn new techniques with leaders in each respective field.

After Zaki’s official welcome on Friday morning, the conference then hosted an array of lectures, offering an insight into a multitude of topics from clinical photography to minimally invasive techniques and digital solutions. Particular highlights of the day included Dr Christian Coachman speaking about digital smile design, who suggested that videos of the patient were important in addition to photographs, enhancing compliance enabling the whole team to better understand the full facial aesthetics for improved outcomes. He also highlighted that the ideal smile design is the first stage of treatment planning, and biology and function came next in order to ascertain whether the desired design is achievable.

Dr Didier Dietschi also attracted a full crowd, discussing direct composite application in a variety of different clinical situations. Using case presentations to illustrate his points, Dr Dietschi looked at full smile corrections in young people, minimally invasive rehabilitations and the future of composite in treating aesthetic deficiencies.

Saturday of the conference then held several more sessions, covering a wide array of topics such as preventing tooth wear, vacuum forming, accurate shade taking and the All-on-4^® treatment concept, as well as online marketing, website conversions, and practice growth. Key speakers included Dr Tif Qureshi, Mark Oborn, Tracy Stuart, Kevin Rose, Rob Whittaker, Peter Nutkins, Steve Cartin and Andy Denny, to name a few.

In addition, the BACD AGM was held, where members had the chance to offer their own ideas and opinions regarding the current and future Academy.

Recognition

For practitioners interested in achieving BACD accreditation, a dedicated workshop ran by Dr Christopher Orr and Dr Don Sloss provided the perfect platform from which to better understand the process. Delegates were able to bring along prospective cases for the group to discuss, highlighting where any pitfalls might lie when selecting cases for accreditation. The recent changes to the accreditation process involving new criteria for case 1, type 1, were also discussed in more detail.

Even more

Alongside the inspirational lectures and seven hours of vCPD available each day, the BACD Annual Conference also offered delegates the chance to source innovative products, technologies and materials from the trade exhibition. What’s more the fantastic social programme included a party held by Enlighten on the Thursday night, as well as the sell-out BACD Gala Dinner on Friday. Following the biggest turnout ever, the fun-packed evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all, with exquisite food, entertainment and dancing until the early hours.

Make sure you don’t miss out

Being a member of the BACD offers a wealth of benefits including opportunities to learn from the best international speakers, as well as regular local training and first-class education. It also provides full members direct referrals from its website, boosting your profits by increasing the numbers of patients through your door. Cosmetic dentistry is no longer about aggressive preparations for veneers and crowns – it’s about restoring natural beauty and function in a as minimally invasive way as possible. As Miles Hilton-barber said, you have to “dream big to achieve big”. Realise your dreams and those of your patients by raising the standard of your dentistry – join the BACD today.

For further information on membership of the BACD, call 0207 612 4166 or visit www.bacd.com