Over the past couple of decades there has been a rapid rise in the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth. This has led to an increase in the development of implants and with more than 500 available on the market the choice is vast[1].

The large numbers of implants available come in all shapes and sizes with considerable variations in the material used, the morphology of the implant, the type of abutment connection and the surface characteristics¹.

From a chemical point of view, they are currently being manufactured from three groups: metals, ceramics and polymers. These are commonly divided by biocompatibility based on the type of biological response they elicit in the long-term interaction with the host tissue. These include biotolerant (stainless steel, chromium-cobalt alloy), bioinert (titanium, carbon) and bioactive (hydroxylapatite, ceramic oxidized aluminium)[2]^,[3].

Titanium remains the material of choice, as it offers no allergic and immunological reactions and no neoplasm formation. Bone grows along the titanium oxide surface, which is formed immediately (9-10 seconds) after contact with air or tissue fluid and can reach a thickness of 2-10nm in one second. This stable surface is biocompatible and provides high corrosion resistance, high passivity and resistance to chemical attack^3,[4].

Implants also vary in design. The majority of modern root form dental implants are threaded, although the thread pitch or profile can differ significantly between manufactures. Threads play an important role in primary stability and long-term success of dental implants. The micro-thread, for example, features small threads around the neck, which engage the dense cortical bone better and distribute occlusal loads more optimally[5].

Surface properties of the implant can also greatly influence the longevity and function of the implant-supported prosthesis[6]. Rough implant surfaces result in better osseointegration than smooth surfaces, though smooth surfaces seem to have a reduced risk of future bone resorption³.

Surface design is one factor along with length, diameter and shape that affects the contact area; this consequently impacts on stability and the ability of the prosthetic to withstand force. The maximal load is proportional to the total bone-implant contact surface, although the ideal fixture size remains to be determined. However, the dimension of implants should be congruent with the bone available at the surgical site and the treatment plan².

Implant dentistry is an evolving science with new materials and designs continually being introduced. Working with a laboratory that uses the latest technology and research to create high-quality implants is essential.

Sparkle Dental Labs is one such laboratory that continues to invest in research, development and the latest state-of-the-art technology. The wide range of outstanding implants includes those from the most popular brands, which are all crafted by experienced, highly skilled UK technicians. The high quality materials complement the expert craftsmanship and with full traceability for every item, you are guaranteed first class products every time.

Implantology continues to advance, and by working with a leading lab, dental professionals can liaise with expert technicians to ensure the best implant is chosen for every case, aiding integration and optimising success.

For more details about Sparkle Dental Labs, please call 0800 138 6255, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:

www.sparkledentallabs.com

Whatever you have planned for your retirement, there are many elements you need to put in place before you can enjoy your well deserved time off. Ensuring you have in place the most suitable pension scheme for you is just one of the necessary steps. With many options available, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of each, as well as your eligibility.

A welcome change for many pension holders came in the shape of the Pension Reform in April 2015, which increased flexibility and access to funds from the age of 55.

There is no limit on the amount permitted to be taken from pension pots once the policy-holder has reached this milestone age. However, only a quarter of these funds are tax-free so managing the other 75% needs serious consideration. Any amount removed from the pot beyond the first tax-free-quarter, will be added to other incomes and taxed at the relevant tax band rate – which could mean 45% for some professionals.

If the 25% tax-free lump sum is taken from the pot, there are several ways to make the most of the remaining 75%:

• Purchasing an annuity – providing a guaranteed income for life.
• Implement flexible retirement income/flexi-access drawdown – the 75% is invested in funds constituting a regular taxable income (as with an annuity). However, this option involves risk as income is relative to the performance of these investments and is therefore not guaranteed.
• Take small cash sums – treating the pension pot like a savings account. However, there is little protection for yourself or dependants and three quarters of each sum is subject to a tax deduction and possible additional administration charges and limits.
• Take the whole pot as cash –this option doesn’t offer the pension holder or any dependents a secure income for life, however, and there is also a risk of running out of money too quickly.
• Mix all of the above options – the best combination can be determined by retirement age, income objectives, health, size of the pension pot and dependants.

It’s important to consider all options carefully – depending on your personal circumstances your priorities may vary from someone else’s. Best thing to do before you decide? Get professional advice on keeping investments high and deductions low.

Specialist medical and dental accountants Lansdell & Rose offer business advice alongside regular tax planning and financial accounting. Visit www.lansdellrose.co.uk or call 020 7376 9333.

Offer patients a comprehensive treatment solution with the Inman Aligner and ClearSmile Aligners. Designed to be predictable, simple and affordable, both the Inman Aligner and ClearSmile Aligners produce fantastic results every time.
 

Combined cases can also be produced from one set of impressions by sending to the ClearSmile lab. You will receive the Inman Aligner produced by a certified Inman Aligner lab and the ClearSmile Aligners in the same package, all built on the same digital arch evaluation.

Become a certified user of Inman Aligner and ClearSmile Aligners by attending one of IAS Academy’s hands-on or online courses. All aspects of treatment are covered from case evaluation to fitting and retention, so that you will be able to handle simple to moderate cases immediately.

Come and learn from leading clinicians and instructors in the field, as well as benefitting from case assessment and mentoring via online support. IAS Academy offers dentists a complete orthodontic training pathway from simple to complex systems, so you can be assured every aspect will be covered comprehensively.

Find out more today – build loyalty, attract new patients and ensure continued profitability of your practice by offering Inman Aligner and ClearSmile Aligners.

For information on the IAS Academy, visit www.iasortho.com or call 0845 366 5477.

There are already a number of world records that have been set in the dental sector. From the most people brushing their teeth together in one place (an astonishing 13,380 in total), to an elephant who received the largest ever dental caps (held in place with more dental adhesive than was used in the whole of Canada in a year!), to a vast array of individuals who have lifted and pulled inadvisably heavy objects with their teeth.

But as remarkable as these examples are, it is doubtful they will have a lasting, positive impact on the profession. That is why what happened in Târgu Mure?, Romania on May 16^th of this year is so important. At around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, over 1,500 people gathered in a municipal park and partook in the largest oral hygiene lesson in the world. Admittedly, the sixteenth largest city in Romania may seem like a somewhat innocuous setting for such an event to take place – but what it achieved was an incredibly encouraging step in the right direction in terms of raising awareness for the importance of effective oral healthcare.

As we are all aware, one of the biggest challenges faced by dental professionals today is the lack of understanding and effective education amongst patients, especially children. This makes both treatment in the practice and preventative homecare more difficult to achieve.

But by making oral health education fun and different, it may be possible to eliminate this difficulty altogether. Encouraging people to take part in something like a world record can be incredibly motivating. The chances are that they will be able to take away not only memories of an enjoyable day, but some useful information that will benefit them and their oral health in the future as well.

That is why the lesson in Târgu Mure? was such an effective one – and marked a significant attempt to help people understand the importance of maintaining their own oral health. Participants were led by Dr Ana Stevanovic for 30 minutes of brushing, flossing and learning all about the best methods of keeping teeth clean and healthy, with high-quality, everyday products that make doing so simple.

The event was proudly supported by leading oral hygiene expert, Curaprox. By providing participants with oral health care kits containing a number of its own excellent products, Curaprox showed its passion for providing patients with the tools and knowledge to improve their oral health.

The onus is now on UK dental professionals to replicate the success of the innovative Romanian oral hygiene event in an attempt to improve oral health in this country – perhaps then it won’t be long before the record set in Târgu Mure? will be broken, here in the UK.  

For more information please call 01480 862084, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or visit www.curaprox.co.uk

The NobelProcera^® Full-contour Zirconia (FCZ) Implant Crown offers strength, flexibility, aesthetics and function with no cement in sight.

The FCZ Implant Crown is specifically designed for Conical Connection implants; it is s resilient enough for use in the posterior region and is ideal for molars. Its full-contour nature means there is no need for veneering.

Created with biocompatible materials to ensure maximum stability in the areas it matters most, the FCZ Implant Crown allows you to increase the number of high quality screw-retained restorations you place.

You can also use the FCZ with the innovative Angulated Screw Channel (ASC) abutment and Omnigrip^TM tooling for ultimate flexibility of placement and restoration.

What’s more, delivering natural-looking tooth colour with eight shades available, the FCZ Crown is easily adjustable without concerns of discoloration for highly aesthetic outcomes every time.

Predictable and flexible, the NobelProcera FCZ Implant Crown is designed to support Nobel Biocare’s Conical Connection imapltns and is an addition to the extensive range of components designed for outstanding results. Contact Nobel Biocare today to find out more about its innovative restoration solutions.  

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

As small business owners, dentists encounter key business decisions daily, from day-to-day accounting to making difficult legal or financial changes. Just being able to balance all these aspects alongside the day-to-day provision of excellent healthcare can seem like an impossible task, especially for those without a formal business education or background.

Fortunately the 4dentists group is ready and waiting to help. With expects across a range of business specialities, the 4dentists group has all the elements needed to help remove some of the stresses of running a modern dental practice – making an impossible task achievable.

Across all its areas of expertise – legal, financial, accountancy, training, consultancy, insurance and setting up, buying and selling practices – the specialists at the 4dentists group are highly experienced and mindful of dentists' needs.

Don’t let running a dental practice become an impossible task, turn to the experts at the 4dentists group for professional, reliable guidance and advice.

For more information please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754 DENTIST. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.4dentistsgroup.com

CAP City Dental is a leading dental practice in Cannon Street, London run by Dr George Druttman, a highly skilled general and cosmetic dentist with specialist training in reconstructive dentistry. Last year Dr Druttman and practice manager, Egle Joel signed up to Zesty. Here they speak of their experience:

“As our clinic is based in the City of London and most of the patients are occupied in a busy office environment, we felt that the Zesty online booking service would be a unique and extremely convenient service for busy city professionals.

“From positive feedback our patients have provided we have learnt that the huge advantage of Zesty is the ability to book an appointment online, without making any phone calls. Patients find the system user-friendly and searching for a suitable dentist based in a convenient location is easy.

“We have been using Zesty for a year now; we gained our first booking in March 2014. It has been an exciting journey because as well as providing the modern facility of online booking to enhance our services, we have also enjoyed a surge of new patients particularly since Zesty began advertising the system at underground stations.

“We would definitely recommend Zesty to other practices because we feel happy and well supported with a truly wonderful service.”

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. visit www.zesty.co.uk or call 0203 771 7799 for more details

Dr. Gareth Hargreaves from Victoria Street Dental Practice in Cheshire was among the very first professionals to complete the hands-on training for the ClearSmile Brace, delivered by IAS Academy.

“I was already providing the Inman Aligner so the ClearSmile Brace was a logical step to offer a fixed system that would allow well-controlled 3D tooth movement, whilst maintaining all the same diagnostic and treatment planning principles I knew.

“I like the IAS Academy’s approach as it is firmly based upon correct diagnosis, treatment planning and informed consent, and the good support available offers peace of mind in an area of dentistry that is not without its detractors and increasing litigation.

“I thought the content, format and quality of the training course were all good. I left confident with my new skills and only weeks later, I am looking to bond up and start two cases in practice.

“I hope the ClearSmile Brace will provide more variation and interest to my working day, whilst giving patients the opportunity to achieve better smile aesthetics in a conservative way without needing to attend another practice.

“I would certainly recommend the ClearSmile Brace and training course from IAS Academy to other GDPs.”

For information on the IAS Academy, visit www.iasortho.com or call 0845 366 5477

Luc and Patrick Rutten are dental laboratory partners and dental technician educators from Belgium. They have been impressed with the Angulated Screw Channel® (ASC) concept from Nobel Biocare.

“The new ASC abutment has changed the way we work,” they say. “The titanium interface is more predictable than the old zirconia connection we used to rely on.

“The ability to offer a cement-free retention option is very important. Lots of dentists prefer screw-retained restorations because of the hazards of cement remnants and the complexity of cementing.

 “The ASC concept definitely gives us a competitive advantage.”

The ASC abutment and accompanying Omnigrip™ tooling offer new opportunities for the restoration of implants in the aesthetic zone.  The abutment can be placed at an angle of up to 25 degrees anywhere in a 360-degree radius, providing enhanced access even when working in limited space. With no cement necessary, there is also no risk of irritation to the gingival tissue.

For predictable and highly effective implant restorations in more cases, discover the ASC abutment and Omnigrip tooling from Nobel Biocare.

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

Combining sophisticated technology with simple user interactions, the CS 8100 imaging system pushes the boundaries of panoramic imaging.

Brought to you by Carestream Dental, the intuitive CS 8100 features automated processes to enable a smooth and efficient workflow. Images produced are crystal clear with minimal spinal column shadows for accurate and reliable diagnostics.

Its compact design provides versatile installation possibilities and it can be adjusted to suit patients of all heights, shapes and sizes, enabling image acquisition in just 10 seconds.

Connecting to your network vie Ethernet, the CS 8100 excels both on its own and when integrated within your existing practice management software, enhancing the image sharing and communications processes with patients and other team members.

Giving you even more peace of mind, the team at Carestream Dental are committed to the eXceed customer service programme, ensuring you have easy access to all the information and support you could need, whenever you need it.

Discover the CS 8100 panoramic imaging system from Carestream Dental today.

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

For the latest information and news from Carestream Dental, make sure you are connected via Twitter and Facebook!

Follow us @CarestreamDentl and like our Carestream Dental Facebook page to be among the first to hear about new products, exciting competitions and the latest research designed to streamline your daily practices and help you grow your business.

Our social media platforms also share a variety of fresh ideas to help you make the most of your digital technologies. Plus, you have the perfect opportunity to reach us should you ever need any extra advice or support.

Providing an array of leading digital imaging solutions and practice management software, the team at Carestream Dental are committed to delivering only exceptional standards of customer service. Through our dedication to eXceed, the business programme ensuring excellent service, we constantly strive to make sure you receive all the help and support you need, when you need it.

So if you don’t already, follow us today!

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

When we offer endodontic treatment to patients it helps if they are, at least, a little bit anxious. I don’t want them to be scared, but it is important for them to be concerned about, firstly, the condition of their teeth and, secondly, about the proposed treatment.

Similarly, in cosmetic dentistry, we need our patients to be a little bit vain, because if they weren’t, they wouldn’t want the treatment in the first place. Of course, in both of these cases, there has to be a balance. It would be incredibly unhelpful for us, as clinicians, to have an utterly terrified patient, or one that is so dysmorphic that their expectations have become unreasonable.

What we are looking for, therefore, is a sense of equilibrium. Not too much, but just enough. My family’s motto has always been même dans la modération être modérée – or, ‘even in moderation be moderate.’ I remember this idea being embodied by my aunt, who has not long ago turned 92. She always (somewhat ironically) insisted that she did not want to live for a long time – she just wanted to live healthily. She made grand pronouncements in the kitchen about what we should and should not eat and it turns out that she was probably right about a lot of things. She understood how to live in moderation and she knew the relationship between healthy eating and healthy living and that’s why she has just had a cookbook published.

Of course, food is an important consideration when we’re thinking about health. I recently read an article about how experts expect that by 2020 more liver transplants will be due to over-eating rather than alcoholism.[1] Indeed, by the same year, experts fear that at least a third of people in the UK will also be obese. As we all know, obesity can lead to any number of further health complications, including heart disease and diabetes.[2]

We are fortunate in our profession to be able to help with these concerns – we are all aware of the links between oral health and periodontal disease with both heart disease and diabetes and, as a result, we can be at the very forefront of necessary preventative treatments. And as we do so, we are in the perfect position to be able to help promote a moderate lifestyle and thus potentially extend lives healthily.     

We can apply this idea to all aspects of our lives – not just in health care and dietary considerations – and by doing so we can enjoy longer, happier and healthier lives. It can help us be better clinicians and, in turn, make us better patients.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk

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

Dental professionals are familiar with the sights; sounds and smells of the practice but these can be the catalyst for fear in some patients. Hearing the sound of the drill can evoke the perception of pain, the smell of cleaning solutions may bring back negative thoughts and the clinical environment, instruments or the sight of the chair can terrify some people.

National surveys reveal that around 36% of patients experience moderate dental anxiety and 12% of adults were classified as having extreme dental anxiety.[1] There is not always a clear-cut reason for dental phobia but many patients explain that they have been scarred by a previous traumatic experience.[2] Others are afraid of the unknown and many have simply inherited dental fear by association from their peers or parents.

The most common fear among patients is pain.[3] A phobia of needles is also reported by thousands of men and woman and the thought of having an oral injection understandably exacerbates their anxiety. A significant number of patients become anxious when they feel out of control, confined or helpless. Some people are terrified of not being able to breathe or swallow, have a fear of gagging or vomiting and others cannot cope with hands or instruments in their mouth or near their face.

Any practitioner will be aware that anxious patients need understanding and empathy, a level of support that makes them feel as comfortable and relaxed without prying into their inhibitions. It is important talk reassuringly to the patient whilst respecting their wishes. It’s critical to take plenty of time to explain every detail, maintain eye contact and encourage them to take deep breaths to calm down.

Even when fearful patients attend for a check up, they have made a terrific effort to be there. They may not be able to respond to your questions or feel like making small talk but you can put them at ease by being kind, gentle, patient and most importantly, non-judgemental. If the patient has severe dental or oral health problems due to neglect it may be ideal to break the diagnosis down and explain it in stages to avoid increased anxiety.

If the diagnosis is complex, you might need to refer the patient to a specialist practice, but you will need to be confident that they have the ability and empathy to treat anxious patients. London Smile Clinic is a referral practice with a team of specialist dental practitioners that are experienced in treating nervous patients. It is a centre of excellence with exceptionally high standards of dentistry and offer orthodontic, implantology and periodontal treatments as well as cosmetic dentistry. The dental team strive to make patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible and take the time to be gentle and understanding.

On facing their fears, patient can often feel surprised at how well they have been able to cope. Practitioners can boost their confidence by praising them and assuring them that they will look forward to their next visit, which will hopefully be less worrying.

For more information, please contact 020 7255 2559 or
visit www.londonsmile.co.uk/refer

The issue of waiting times is a common problem for dental practices. Although we may not be able to be give all of our patients what they want, all of the time, we can strive to ensure that waiting times are not at an unacceptable level.

Having to wait for an appointment is often the reason behind a patient choosing to go private, rather than have treatment through the NHS. A recent report in The Telegraph looked at claims that NHS doctors may be driving up waiting times in order to attract more private patients.[1] Controversial and unethical, definitely, and – just like in dentistry – paying to jump the queue does not guarantee a better standard of care.

However, the fact remains that when a dental patient is choosing where to have their treatment, waiting time could be a big part of that decision. Patients not only have high expectations, but they are savvy and organised. They may call you directly, or use online forums to find out the information they need. Loyalty to one’s dentist is an alien concept to many, particularly with a more itinerant population, and convenience is often King.

Being in control of your waiting times is the key to providing consistently excellent customer service. To be a successful, thriving practice in this competitive environment, customer service needs to be impeccable from the minute a patient makes contact. If a patient does not feel valued, they may not return even if the treatment was successful:  if you go to a restaurant and are served fantastic food by a bad waiter, the poor service is what will stay with you. Also, people have busy lives. If you schedule a follow-up months into the future, something more urgent may come up at a later date. Many are reluctant to book an appointment too far in advance, because they are unsure about their upcoming commitments and do not want the hassle of having to change it.

Having ‘acceptable’ or ‘reasonable’ waiting times means treatment plans have more chance of being completed. It also gives you the chance to develop a dialogue with patients and build on positive communication. You can give people oral healthcare tips and discuss how they have been working at home when you see them often enough; this also encourages trust, particularly if they want to discuss an issue that has been troubling them. If you are able to give an accurate timescale for their treatment, this is great for compliance.

A streamlined approach to waiting times will reduce stress for everyone who works at your practice; there will be less unhappy patients to deal with for one! To set reasonable waiting times as standard, you have to be ruthlessly efficient about how you organise appointments. Online booking platforms are fantastic tools for achieving this: for example, Zesty lets you upload only the appointments you want to fill, for your patients to browse and book. This allows you to keep your daily and weekly workload at manageable levels and gives you space for emergencies and routine follow-ups. Online booking will take some pressure off your reception staff too, so they can deal with people who come into the practice to arrange their care. Your elderly patients may prefer to discuss their needs in person, for example. As part of your ongoing commitment to excellent customer service and treating every patient with respect, you should give them this option. Online booking is a not quite a virtual reception area, more it is a conduit that will enhance what you already offer.

So many people still approach a visit to the dentist with negativity; they are worried about painful and/or lengthy treatment, are unsure about what they are entitled to on the NHS or how to get a good deal from a private practitioner. On top of all this, there is frustration about having to wait for an appointment and then being offered one that is inconvenient. Reducing wait times will help you work towards a more streamlined approach to your customer service. When this is improved, this will certainly go part of the way towards allaying your patients’ common fears and strengthening the relationship that you have with them. Look for tools that can help you set reasonable waiting times: they allow people to get actively involved in making decisions about their care and get the most out of their dentist, which, ultimately is what we should all be aiming for.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. visit www.zesty.co.uk or call 0203 287 5416.

The Company

At Wimbledon Clinics we were the first multidisciplinary clinic providing sports medicine and othopaedics in London and the South of England. Our team of orthopaedic consultants specialise in back and neck, foot and ankle, hip and groin, knee, and shoulder pain and we offer a range of solutions and options for treatment. Our goal is to provide exceptional care that focuses on the patient’s need by providing a strong non-operative care pathway alongside surgical excellence when required. Our patients know that they will not be over-treated or operated upon without appropriate trial of non-operatvie care.

The Challenge

We initially approached 7Connections as we were looking to attract new patients, and improve efficiency across the clinic. Our biggest challenge was that the principles were generating 60% of the turnover and we wanted to attract increased numbers of patients for the other specialties to even out the figures. Therefore the focus was on establishing a plan to generate direct referrals from marketing, additional revenue streams and recruitment of further associates.

The Solution

To do this first required restructuring our front of house and back office management processes. We started working with 7Connections, specifically with Tim Caudrelier, who has helped us immensely with the restructure of the team. This has delivered great results as the productivity and culture in the office has been significantly enriched. This has in turn had a positive impact upon the engagement of associates and the benefits can been seen across the clinic.

We also switched the vehicle from a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to a Limited company to better allow us to offer minority shares as part of our succession plan. Our finance reporting was then adapted to include monthly EBITDA and forecasting in addition to monthly budgeting, this has allowed a far greater perspective on our continuing progress.

We have also implemented a range of new internal systems, have out sourced our finances (bar day-to-day invoicing and debt collection), and are now in a position to measure and track our new marketing programme, which we have just begun rolling out. The service we received from 7Connections has facilitated the smooth nature of these transitions, and we have found that Tim has been available for calls, emails and meetings and has really gone above and beyond our expectations in the asistance he provided. What’s more, we have now also just completed our first marketing sequences with Jon Barrow and hope to see results from that very soon too.

Results

Having made the changes and followed the advice given, we have managed to get to within a few thousand of our end of year forecast, which proves how robust the changes have been. We have also vastly improved our ‘referrer nurture’ program which has seen an increase in referrals from those we engaged with.

Overall, the restructure has allowed us to trim costs and we have seen a 35% growth over the last year, the vast majority of this was for the associates not the two principle shareholders.

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

Alternatively, please visit www.7connections.com.

The marketing options available to the dental practice vary widely, with differing target audiences, messaging opportunities and costs. Private practices in particular strive to attract new patients and maintain the existing patient-base to ensure a high chair occupancy, which will help the business to thrive. Importantly, a practice wishes to minimise the limited resource that they have on marketing activities in order to maximise investment in materials and equipment and improve the clinical care that they provide to patients. Careful consideration must be given to the allocation of budget, meaning that innovative marketing solutions need to be created.

The digital age has delivered a new, more cost-effective marketing channel to the general dental practice, but it can be resource draining in other ways. Search engine optimisation (SEO), social media platform updates and advertisements on complimentary web sites have their obvious benefits, but to truly optimize the practice’s presence takes commitment. Websites and social media platforms need to be updated frequently to improve SEO and so sporadic participation will not help achieve the end goal. To put the dedication that is required in perspective, most mid-sized to larger businesses have one employee dedicated solely to the digital role.

Other popular and more traditional marketing strategies include direct mail (both paper and electronic) and print advertising. The majority of practices would not have the tools, skill or time to create these activities in-house and so would need to seek external help. A professional and thorough service would be provided, but with a fee attached and also time commitment for a briefing, alterations and sign off on the final collateral. Also, the amount spent on the activity can sometimes outweigh the results, meaning it can be a costly exercise for a smaller dental practice to pursue.

A Complimentary Innovative Solution

Principals and practice managers responsible for the marketing functions need to find innovative, economical and time-friendly solutions that are less of a drain on resources whilst still being reliable and robust. Becoming a Munroe Sutton dental practice provides a solution. With over 30 years experience of designing, organising and managing affordable dental plans, Munroe Sutton works with some of the largest and most influential companies such as CIGNA and Allianz. Listed as a preferred supplier, Munroe Sutton provides unique dental plans that save customers money. The thousands of members that seek financial savings on dental treatment are directed to Munroe Sutton’s network of high quality dental practices, offering your business free promotion to encourage new patients. What’s more, to become listed on the Munroe Sutton network costs the practice absolutely nothing. 

Rather than spending considerable time, effort and expense on trying to attract new patients, Munroe Sutton does the hard work for you and will direct patients straight to your door.

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

'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.

When it comes to efficient tracking solutions for instrument sterilisation, you need look no further than the Steritrak Instrument Tracking system from Carestream Dental.

The web-based, user-friendly programme has been designed specifically to help you meet requirements of both the CQC and HTM 01-05.

The software’s ability to gather all pertinent data and automatically generate comprehensive, industry-standard reports will simply your daily processes for maximum convenience and peace of mind. It can also be seamlessly integrated within the new CS R4+ practice management software, which offers further key features to help streamline protocols and analyse practice performance in real-time.

What’s more, Carestream Dental is dedicated to the eXceed programme for the provision exemplary customer service every time, so you can be sure to receive all the advice and support you could need.

Make instrument sterilisation easy with Steritrak from Carestream Dental.

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

The Dentistry Show and DTS welcomed an amazing 7,908* dental professionals this year, which represented nearly a 13% increase from 2014!

Visitors to the 2015 event described it as “A great team day out”, “Fantastic”, “Really enlightening” and “progressive and innovative”.

The Dentistry Show 2016 promises to build even further on this success, with yet more first-class learning and networking opportunities than ever before.

You can expect all your favourite features to return including two-day lecture programmes dedicated to each area of the profession, theatres exploring the very latest in each specialist field, world-class speakers and hours of verifiable CPD.

The extensive trade floor will also provide the perfect platform from which to source cutting-edge dental equipment, materials and products, with industry leading manufacturers and suppliers in attendance.

Held on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd of April 2016 at the Birmingham NEC, this is one event you don’t want to miss. If you only attend one dental show in 2016, make it The Dentistry Show and save the dates today!

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.

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.

Real-time data can have a huge impact on the efficacy of your practice management systems. Giving you an accurate analysis of how your practice is performing at any given time, it is the perfect tool to facility change and drive your business growth.

The latest CS R4+ practice management software from Carestream Dental now features the exciting Springboard as standard, which enables you to do just this. It has been designed to focus on key areas within your practice that demonstrate your performance with regards to chair occupancy, treatment plan uptake, appointment confirmations and efficiency of recare processes, highlighting the need for improvement wherever appropriate.

All data is displayed in easy-to-read visuals, enabling any member of the team to access the results and implement changes straight away.

The practice management software also integrates seamlessly with additional programmes to further streamline your daily processes and free up precious time for staff. These include the innovative Appointmentor Online Booking System, eSignatures module, AutoPost and Text Messaging Service.

So, to make the most of real-time data and really drive your practice growth, discover the CS R4+ practice management software with Springboard from Carestream Dental.

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

When Chris Hobley decided to sell his dental practice in Northamptonshire, he was lucky enough to have the practice valuers and finance experts at Dental Elite close by.

“I was selling because of personal health issues,” explains Chris. “Dental Elite were conveniently located for me, so I chose to work with them. Throughout the process our consultant, Alison, provided excellent and personalised sales care.

“She actually valued the practice at almost double the yield of some competitors – and we achieved Alison’s valuation!

“I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was the level of administration that was necessary for the CQC Application and the NHS paperwork but, overall, the sale took about 10 months to complete.

“My advice to professionals in the same situation would be to sell to a buyer that you like and who would be most suitable for your patients.

“I would also recommend Dental Elite; their attention throughout the sale and follow up was excellent.”

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

To help dentists considering their professional future, Practice Plan has published a new support guide about converting from NHS to private dentistry.

Available to download free of charge at nhs.practiceplan.co.uk/guidetoleavingtheNHS, ‘Your guide to leaving the NHS’ contains valuable insights and advice to help you evaluate your options if you are contemplating making the move from NHS to private practice.

Highlighting the key areas that need to be considered before making any decision, as well as presenting the answers to many of the frequently asked questions that might be weighing on your mind when contemplating a move to private practice, this is an indispensable guide.

Nigel Jones, Practice Plan’s Sales Director, commented: ‘A recent independent survey commissioned by Practice Plan indicated that many dentist are feeling less confident about the future of NHS dentistry, so we’re delighted to offer a new avenue for investigation, to help crystallise what is best for dentists, their teams and patients going forward.

‘This simple guide covers the important considerations – such as how your patient numbers and financials will stack up, what will happen to your NHS pension, how to prepare your team and how you can communicate the change to your patients – and can therefore help to build a picture of what’s possible.’

‘Your guide to leaving the NHS’ is part of the specialist and expert support and guidance available from Practice Plan’s NHS Change Support Team.

To download your free copy of this invaluable guide, simply visit nhs.practiceplan.co.uk/guidetoleavingtheNHS or to contact a member of the Practice Plan Team please call 01691 684165.

Innovation, inspiration and knowledge are key elements for the advancement and maintenance of a practitioner’s skills in dental implantology. At EuroPerio8, practitioners had the chance to hear from those at the very forefront of the profession in sessions sponsored by Nobel Biocare.

On Thursday, an outstanding line-up of leading speakers including Christer Dahlin, Iñaki Gamborena and Eric Rompen presented to a capacity crowd on ‘Hard and soft tissue parameters to support optimal aesthetics – innovative approach to materials and techniques’.

Dr Christer Dahil, Professor in Oral Surgery and Guided Tissue regeneration at the Department of Biomaerials Science, Institute for Clinical Sciences in Sweden, was the first to take to the podium. He explored the biological mechanisms that present challenges for the implant clinician, highlighting the importance of guided bone regeneration and discussing the various bone defect classifications.

Dr Iñaki Gamborena, Associate Professor at the University of Washington Dental School, was keen to highlight the importance of the soft tissue, encouraging minimally invasive techniques by exposing as little bone as possible during procedures. Favouring a graftless approach, he considered the benefits of healing abutments to improve the condition of the soft tissue before conventional abutments are placed.

Finally, Professor and Head of the Department of Periodontology / Dental Surgery at the University of Liège in Belgium, Dr Eric Rompen looked further at the interface between the soft tissue and implant. Discussing the properties and clinical evidence supporting biocompatible materials, he used case studies to demonstrate the adhesion process and warn how easily detachable the soft tissue is even when using these materials.

Throughout the inspirational session, cutting-edge products from Nobel Biocare were described which are designed specifically to enhance the clinical outcome of implant treatment. These included the Angulated Screw Channel (ASC) abutment, increasing workflow flexibility and access; PEEK healing abutments, optimising the emergence profile; and the new NobelActive® Wide Platform and NobelParellel® Conical Connection implant systems, ideal for the posterior region.

Nobel Biocare also sponsored a session on the Friday, with leading international clinicians Chadur Wadhwani, Stefan Holst and Eric Rompen once again. Entitled ‘Multi-causality of peri-implanitis – Give the bone the chance to survive’, this session explored aetiology of complex chronic infections like peri-implantitis and demonstrated factors that can facilitate bone healing.

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

Tel:     01788 575050  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Web:   www.bsdht.org.uk

Address:  Smile House, 2 East Union Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 6AJ

Not only is leading oral hygiene expert, Curaprox, providing high-quality adjunctive products for everyday use, it’s also helping break world records.

In a municipal park in Târgu Mures?, Romania, over 1,500 people gathered together on a Saturday in May. They hadn’t come for some kind of rally or protest or musical event – they’d come to learn more about better oral hygiene.

The previous record for the largest oral hygiene lesson in a single venue was set in Cairo last March, with just under 1,200 people in attendance.

That record has now been broken.

With oral health kits provided by Curaprox, containing a number of useful products, participants were led through 30 minutes of brushing, flossing and learning about proper oral health care – earning them a Guinness World Record at the end.

A fun and memorable afternoon for everyone involved, this event also marked an important milestone in oral health education that the whole team at Curaprox was proud to be able to support.

For more information please call 01480 862084, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or visit www.curaprox.co.uk

Following the success of its 2015 Bursary Awards, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) would like to announce that applications for 2016 are now open.

Each year, ADG seeks to find the most innovative and inspirational voluntary projects from young dental professionals in the UK through its annual Bursary competition. Divided into separate categories for Postgraduate and Undergraduate entries, all submissions will be judged anonymously by an expert panel, with cash prizes awarded to the winning applicants.

Orna Ni Choileain and Niall McGoldrick won the 2015 Postgraduate award. Orna says: “When I found out we won the bursary, I had the perfect mixture of shock and excitement. It feels like a great achievement to have our work setting up the 'Let's Talk About Mouth Cancer’ charity recognised by other professionals on a national level.”

The ADG’s commitment to developing the clinicians of tomorrow is epitomised by its annual awards, which give young dental professionals the opportunity to be recognised for a specific project or for their own pioneering ideas.

Amardeep Singh Dhadwal won the 2015 Undergraduate (Professionalism) gold award. He says: “I would definitely recommend other students to enter the competition next year; it is a great opportunity to discuss and consider what dentistry means to you and what you aspire to as a dental professional.”

Applications for the 2016 Bursary Awards are now open and entries can be completed using the forms available via the ADG website. If you are interested in entering, or know of someone who might be, visit the website today to find out more.

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

Taxation rules and business ownership regulations seem to be constantly changing and so keeping on top of the financial environment can seem like a never-ending task. 

Just when you think you have understood a new rule, another one is likely to be waiting for you in the Chancellor’s bag. As an owner of a dental practice, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your business, employees and own finances are organised correctly and so by spending time, often with an expert, can help to lessen the burden when the end of the financial year hits.

For the last tax year there were 21 new changes implemented by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and now with a new government in place there will no doubt be further changes lined up.  A key part of the Conservative party’s manifesto was to encourage start up businesses and to help in the success of Small and Mid-size Enterprises (SMEs). The majority of dental practices will fall in this band and practice owners are expecting new policies to be introduced to the tax system at the next budget, in July that will benefit their business and employees.

The popular saying of “fail to plan, plan to fail” has never been so true than when applied to tax affairs. Any tax adviser or business accountant with sufficient experience will advise to keep abreast of the tax environment and to plan ahead. Maintaining your records to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date will save a lot of stress at the end of the financial year and minimise those few weeks of scrambling around for information.

Another way to stay in control is by consulting a professional. For example, an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) can direct on how to maximise your income but minimise your tax payments well in advance of the deadline.  They are dedicated to spending time to understand the financial environment and then to advise on what changes you can make to your affairs to best serve you and your business. At money4dentists there is a team of highly experienced and professional IFAs that are dedicated to the dental industry, meaning that they are not only professionally qualified, but also highly knowledgeable about the intricacies of owning and running a dental practice.

With a firm understanding of today’s financial market and over 50 years of experience, money4dentists have a proven track record within this sector. They spend time to understand your professional and personal goals and to then advise on how best to achieve them.  Keep in control, plan ahead and disperse the stress; contact money4dentists today to see how they can help.

For more information please call 0845 345 5060, 0754 DENTIST, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.money4dentists.com

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.

Fissure sealants are a great way of reducing dental decay,[i] especially in high-risk children.[ii]

Clinpro Sealant from 3M ESPE is the first fissure sealant to feature colour changing technology,[iii] designed to make your life easy when it comes to application. Using the direct delivery syringe for simple application, Clinpro sealant is pink until exposed to light when its turns opaque white.

Clinpro sealant also contains and releases fluoride and is proven to deliver the long-lasting protection against caries[iv] that applying fissure sealants have been shown to deliver.[v]

Keep decay at bay with Clinpro sealant from 3M ESPE.

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

3M, ESPE and Clinpro are trademarks of the 3M Company.

Becoming a successful dentist can unlock many benefits, such as financial freedom and more spare time to share with family and friends. At Tipton Training dentists have to opportunity to learn more and become more experienced in different fields of their dentistry career.

Tipton Training has been sharing its wisdom with dentists for over 25 years now, during this time many dentists have taken the opportunity to take on The Restorative Course. One of the recent delegates to take this course was award-winning Anna Stokes, who believes doing so was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“I qualified with BDS (hons) in 1999 from Sheffield Dental School and have worked as an associate in NHS general practices for 16 years. I have friends who have completed Tipton Training courses and they were all excelling in their careers, so last year I decided to register for the Restorative Course,” explains Anna.

“Over the years, I have noticed an increased interest in cosmetic work. Patients are also very keen to keep their teeth - and frequently presented worn and broken teeth that had no obvious cause. I was finding managing these heavily restored, ageing dentitions more and more challenging.

“Also, I was wanting to offer a wider range of treatments to my patients by means of private options - but I was wanting to ensure that I had the necessary skill set to plan and provide an excellent standard of work.”

Anna goes on to say that The Restorative Course has increased her confidence and reinforced her ambition to go into private practice. She has particular praise for the training academy’s founder, Professor Paul Tipton.

“I must praise the whole Tipton Training team because the teaching, advice and support you receive is excellent. In particular, Paul’s passion for dentistry is infectious and his ability to communicate his extensive knowledge on occlusion and practical dentistry is invaluable. He gives you lots of tips that are transferable to both NHS and private dentistry,” adds Anna.

“Since completing the course my confidence, standards, diagnostic skills, communication skills and practical skills have improved immensely.”

“I have become interested in TMD diagnosis and management, a condition that is common and frequently misdiagnosed and I am wanting to expand my knowledge further in this area. I enjoyed The Restorative Course so much that I decided to enrol on The Phantom Head Course, as I felt they complemented each other. So far, I have certainly found it extremely useful.”

In Anna’s opinion, dentistry can be a stressful and isolating job, but also satisfying and rewarding if held to high standards. She believes Tipton Training courses help dentists do this.

“We are under more pressure to provide care to an extremely high standard, so we have to invest in ourselves to improve our skills and knowledge. This is why I cannot recommend Tipton Training courses enough, I believe they should be a prerequisite for every dentist. I certainly wish that I had done them years ago.”

The Restorative Course is a is a step-by-step programme in the form of practical sessions, lectures and demonstrations - delivering the foundation for private dentistry. The course will take delegates through the theoretical, scientific and engineering principles behind restorative dentistry - a perfect balance of 60% theoretical and 40% practical.

This course is available in London and Manchester. The course starts in October 2015, to register for The Restorative Course, please visit www.tiptontraining.co.uk or call +44 (0)161 348 7848 to book a place.

Speaking at EuroPerio8 on Thursday June 4^th, Dr Amit Patel and Donna Schembri explored the concept of ‘Seeing the Unseen’ - Utilising Fluorescent Technology for Optimal Periodontal Care.

With the two speakers covering the subjects of diagnosis, communication and the treatment of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, the message was clear: innovation changes products and progress changes behaviours.

Studies have shown that 40 - 80% of information is forgotten immediately by patients[i]. Donna therefore noted that if you want your patients to be better informed about periodontal disease, you need to find better ways to enhance their understanding. By replacing dental jargon with emotive wording and replacing negative and daunting connotations of treatment with positivity, this has the potential to empower and motivate your patients - increasing your chance of success and improving overall patient care.

With comfort and increased effectiveness at the forefront of innovation, Donna and Amit firmly believe that by using the right technology and products you can minimise the presence of plaque on teeth and dental implants: achieving the ultimate goal of tooth loss prevention.

Using photos and videos for examples, the fluorescence protocol was put to the test with demonstrations of how pioneering products can be utilised to treat and maintain periodontal disease effectively. Both speakers also highlighted the need for

continued focus on educating patients about the differences between supragingival cleaning, subgingival cleaning, root planning, use of medication and x-ray and follow up treatment. They need to be informed of the benefits of prophylaxis as well; those being tartar removal, aesthetics and fresher breath.

Examples of cutting-edge products mentioned included Acteon’s Newtron P5xs ultrasonic generator, the Air n Go easy airpolisher and the Soprocare - which utilises state of the art photonics technologies. With products like these, patients can reap the benefits of accurate detection, quick visual follow up, comfort, oral hygiene education and complete removal of plaque and stains with minimally invasive treatment.

As the question and answering session post lecture depicted, the main concerns highlighted among professionals included patient’s lack of understanding. “It is a relationship,” Dr Amit Patel explained, “Give them the tools to do it themselves and lead them in the right direction.”

It would seem then that the answer to better patient care is twofold: improve patient understanding and rapport to empower patients to look after themselves and utilise technology to see better and treat faster.

On Saturday June 6^th, Ziv Mazor examined the concept of Minimal Invasive Surgery Utilizing Piezo Surgical Device - Optimizing Biological and Functional Outcome in the Posterior Maxilla, once again sponsored by Acteon.

In order to explore invasive surgery, Mazor first identified potential obstacles that can occur during treatment.

He noted that implant placement in the atrophic posterior maxilla often causes complications due to the quality and volume of the bone that is available. With the height and width of the residual ridge being affected by post-extraction resorption patterns, physical trauma, periodontal disease and pneumatisation of the sinus, he highlighted that longer and wider implants are needed to enhance long-term survival.

Research points towards infected sockets being the most common cause of post-extraction complications, with a study showing a percentage of 48.7. Bleeding sockets came second with 41% and retained roots caused 10.3% of problems[ii].

Recent innovation in this area highlights that trauma to the tissues and the underling bone can be eliminated, minimising both the procedure time and post-operative complications.

With sinus lifts and osteotome techniques often being associated with higher morbidity rates and complication risks, technological advances are a revelation in achieving a reduced risk and high standard of patient care.

Mazor went on to suggest that with the use of reliable, powerful and simple products such as Piezotome® ultrasonic surgery unit from Acteon, there are fewer complications and emphasis can be instead placed on the application of autologous growth factors. By utilising the sinus lift balloon technique, patients can also benefit from the reduction of risk to damage of the Schneiderian membrane. An example of this product is the Sinus Lift Kit by Acteon, which offers the practitioner a straightforward and safe answer to the sinus lift operation.

The point of this lecture was clear: in reducing complications with the aid of innovative technology, ultimate function of patient dentition can be reached in a shorter time period and risk-free way.

Thus there is a noticeable change in the direction of periodontology. The products that are being developed are innovative and effective not just because of what they can do for professionals, but also for how they engage and empower the patient.

For more information on products available email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 01603 227019 or visit www.acteongroup.com

Converting treatment plans into booked appointments is an area where many dental professionals struggle. This can often be to do with the concept of selling to a patient but there are a few ways to help with that.

If you don't feel comfortable discussing finances and costs with patients, you may be able to utilise the role of the treatment coordinator within your practice. If you have someone who is exceptionally good at talking to patients in a calm and friendly manner, you can provide the clinical information about the proposed treatment while they work alongside you to answer patient queries. They can discuss fees, explain the extra benefits like enhanced quality of life, and help to convert the treatment plan into a booked appointment.

Follow it up

In many cases, the patient will want to go home with their treatment plan and discuss it with a spouse or other family member and/or friends. In this respect, you need to ensure that the information you have provided is full and clear, perhaps with advice for extra research from reliable online sources if they feel it is required.

If a patient leaves the practice without booking their treatment, follow-ups are key. It is important not to see this as 'hassling', and more of a gentle prompt instead. This could be a great job for a friendly member of the team to take on board, spending one morning each week contacting patients who haven't taken up their treatment plans, just to touch base and see if they have any questions that need answering to help them to make a decision.

Helping hand

For this to be effective, it is essential that you and your team are aware of what treatment plans are still outstanding. In a dental environment it can be difficult to keep on top of open treatment plans when you have patients arriving, phone calls to attend to, and everything else that comes with the day-to-day running of the practice.

In this respect, some practice management systems have built-in functionality that can help you and your staff see the plans that need following up. The CS R4+ practice management software from Carestream Dental can help you do all of this and more with its built-in features that use real time data to benefit your practice in numerous ways. This will allow you and your team to get a list of the patients without appointments, enabling you to contact them and discuss further questions they may have and try to book them in.

Turning treatment plans into booked appointments is not a concept that all dental professionals find easy or natural, but employing these tools and techniques can help boost your conversion rates and, importantly, your profits.

For more information on CS Solutions or any other products or services available from Carestream Dental,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proud partner of the British Society of Periodontology (BSP), PerioChip® was among the Gold Sponsors of EuroPerio 8 and delighted delegates with an array of first class speakers and educational content.

Prior to the exhibition, the professional team looked forward to extolling the advantages of PerioChip®. EuroPerio 8 was a fantastic place for PerioChip® to raise awareness amongst the dental community about gum disease and its potential links to systemic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The speakers taking to the stage at the show included: Professor Eli Machtei, Professor Arie J Van Winkelhoff and Dr Rajan Nansi.

Professor Machtei of the Rambam School of Dentistry in Israel is Clinical Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel). His session, Guided Tissue Regeneration: When to use it, focused on periodontal regeneration and looked at how far the profession has progressed and what future research is needed in order to improve our clinical outcomes. He asked what the limitations are, and where should dentists complete or refrain from completing guided tissue regeneration.

Professor Arie J Van Winklehoff of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands is Co-owner of Laboral Diagnostics en Laboral International, a service in the field of clinical microbiology for dental professionals. His session, When should we use systemic antimicrobials? discussed the rationale behind using these drugs in treating periodontitis. It considered the recent World Health Organisation recommendations surrounding the over-prescription of antimicrobial medicines and encouraged a more evidence-based approach to the prescription of antibiotics for periodontitis.

Dr Rajan Nansi, Chair of Early Careers Group, BSP UK also spoke at the event and his session, Management of periodontitis in practice: Practical concepts, aimed to discuss the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy and explore the use of adjunctive locally applied antimicrobials in periodontal treatment.

Delegates at EuroPerio 8 could see that PerioChip® is passionate about supporting, educating and communicating with the dental community to highlight the importance of keeping gums healthy, and treating gum disease effectively without the risk associated with using antibiotics.

This is where the advantages of this wafer thin biodegradable insert really come into their own. By using PerioChip® you can ensure that harmful bacteria are eliminated for up to 10 days^[i] and, for on-going therapy, PerioChip® suppresses the growth of bacterial flora in the treated site for up to 11 weeks, giving the all-important time needed for gum reattachment and stabilisation of the periodontium[ii].

If you missed out on attending EuroPerio 8 and want to learn more about PerioChip® email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0800 013 2333 today!

Summary of product link;

http://www.old.health.gov.il/units/pharmacy/trufot/alonim/PerioChip_dr_1337488974840.pdf

Abbreviated Prescribing Information

PerioChip^® 2.5mg Dental Insert (Chlorhexidine digluconate)

For full prescribing information, including side effects, precautions and contraindications, see Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Presentation: Dental insert: bullet shaped orange brown containing Chlorhexidine digluconate 2.5mg.

Indications: PerioChip^® is an adjunctive antimicrobial treatment for moderate to severe chronic periodontal disease in adults with pocketing, combined with Root Surface Debridement (RSD). Not indicated in children and adolescents.

Dosage and Administration: One PerioChip^® is inserted into a periodontal pocket with a probing pocket depth of ?5mm. Retreatment with PerioChip^® following mechanical plaque removal at 3 month intervals may provide additional benefit if pocket depth remains ?5mm. For details see SmPC. Removal is unnecessary as PerioChip^® biodegrades.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to Chlorhexidine digluconate or excipients.

Precautions: Allergic reactions have occurred but are rare.

Interactions: Avoid nystatin: antagonistic of Chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic agents present in some toothpastes and with dietary sucrose, but there is no significant impact on the efficacy of PerioChip^®.

Undesirable effects: During the first few days after insertion, transient pain or discomfort of gums or teeth; redness and/or swelling of the gums.

Overdose: Not reported

Pregnancy/ Lactation: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted, so weigh expected benefits against possible foetal risks: caution in nursing mothers (see SmPC).

NHS list price: £207.20

Legal category: P, Product Licence Number: PL 14017/0035

MA holder: Full prescribing information is available on request from Dexcel Pharma Ltd, 7 Sopwith Way, Drayton Fields Industrial Estate, Daventry, Northants, NN11 8PB.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Adverse events should also be reported to:

Dexcel Pharma Ltd on 01748 828784

If you thinking of selling your dental practice, you need not look any further than Dental Elite.

“Dental Elite was recommended to me,” says Paul Robinson who recently sold his practice to a corporate company. “And I was pleased with the service they offered. The representative that worked with me was very good, very approachable and highly knowledgeable.

“The sale only took nine months and, while there was much work to do, Dental Elite managed it all efficiently.

“I would recommend their services to other practitioners who are ready to sell.”

As the second largest specialist practice sales agency in the country, Dental Elite is in the perfect position to help you when the time comes to sale your practice. By offering practical and honest advice, they can ensure the entire procedure goes smoothly, from the initial business valuation to the transition process.

If you are seeking professional guidance, don’t delay in getting in contact with the friendly, efficient team at Dental Elite.

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

The Dental Update Study Day was this year held at The Dentistry Show, providing added value to all delegates.

A speaker line-up consisting of some of the finest members of the Dental Update Editorial Board delivered the full-day programme, informing and enthusing delegates throughout.

Professor Trevor Burke, Professor Crispian Scully, Professor Avijit Banerjee and Professor Jonathan Sandler each shared their extensive experience and expertise in their chosen fields.

It was clear that all those in attendance shared the same thirst for knowledge and passion for clinical excellence, each making the most of the speakers before them. Delegates also had the opportunity to visit The Dentistry Show during breaks, where they had access to the latest products and innovations in the profession, as well as further education and CPD.

We would also like to congratulate Professor Burke on winning the Outstanding Achievement Award 2015 during The Dental Awards on Friday evening – a highly deserved accolade to add to your existing achievements!

To enjoy some of the most remarkable speaker line-ups, make sure you don’t miss future Dental Update Study Days!

Anthony and Sue Inman, Principal Dentist and Practice Manager of Beechwood Dental in Bournemouth, were among the 7,908* delegates attending The Dentistry Show 2015.

“This year, we saw another huge increase in the quality and variety of CPD available throughout the two days, as well as many more trade stands among the exhibition.

“In particular, we were keen to find out more about the various orthodontic systems and facial aesthetic training courses available, as well as new marketing ideas and effective use of media. We were delighted to find everything we wanted and a whole lot more!

“The key benefits of The Dentistry Show for us is the easy to reach location and the opportunity to network and share ideas with like-minded people.

“We would highly recommend The Dentistry Show to anyone looking to enhance their practice – we have already saved the dates in our diary for next year.”

Free to attend for the whole team, The Dentistry Show offers a wealth of information, advice and inspiration for all. Make sure you don’t miss out in 2016!

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.

Carestream Dental has announced the appointment of Lisa Ashby as President of the global company.

Having fulfilled a wide variety of leadership roles throughout her career, Lisa brings with her more than 26 years of corporate business expertise. She has extensive experience in all aspects including management, marketing, sales and operations, and has worked with a large product portfolio ranging from laboratory diagnostics to surgical devices and critical care solutions.

Carestream Dental’s commitment to excellent customer service and product innovation ensures it remains at the forefront of the dental profession. To find out about the cutting-edge solutions and services available, contact the team today.

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

A great piece of technology - The CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental enables acquisition of high-resolution, true-colour 2D and 3D images.

Utilising state-of-the-start technology, the scanner is designed to significantly enhance diagnostics and treatment planning for a more accurate and efficient process.

The lightweight portable handpiece also features an innovative light guidance system to aid positioning in the mouth.

Tom Lamont is the Principle Dentist at The Lamont Clinic in Glasgow, and has been using the CS 3500 intraoral scanner for around 6 months.

“Carestream Dental arranged for me to visit a very experienced user of the CS 3500 a few months ago so that I could learn from one of the best and see exactly how the scanner could be used effectively in practice.

“Since then, I have really enjoyed using the CS 3500 – it is a great piece of technology that’s very cost-effective.”

To discover the CS 3500 intraoral scanner for yourself and find out more about Carestream Dental’s commitment to excellent customer service, contact the team today.

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

With greatest pleasure, Wright Health Group announces the appointment of Ahmed Zaher as Head of Marketing for Wrights UK.

With 18 years of dental industry and clinical experience, both in the UK and abroad, Ahmed has always been interested in orthodontics, restorative, prosthetics and surgical dentistry.

After becoming a Bachelor of Dental Surgery spent five years working as a general dental practitioner before holding roles in customer service, training, sales and marketing; this led him up to the position of Head of Marketing for The Dental Directory.

In the last few years Ahmed has added to his accomplishments, gaining a Diploma in Strategic Sales and Marketing, an Advanced Diploma in Management Studies as well acquiring an MBA (Master of Business Administration).

 “I look forward to working with Wrights,” says Ahmed “I am excited about the opportunity to be part of such a longstanding successful team and fast growing business.”

Wrights Health Group has 100 years of experience and is the UK’s oldest established full dental supplier.

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

If you are interested in reinforcing your existing orthodontic knowledge with the use of effective appliances and excellent educational support, the ClearSmile Brace Conversion Course will be perfect for you.

Provided by the IAS Academy, the course will introduce you to a different type of educational pathway. Focused on taking GDPs from simple to more complex orthodontic solutions, the conversion course is ideal for any professional looking to provide their patients with an effective, minimally invasive anterior orthodontic alternative. Though, what really sets the IAS Academy training courses apart is the emphasis on providing a safe, ethical and supported programme of study with an ongoing educational continuum.

Delivered by highly respected speakers, including Dr. Anoop Maini and Dr. Nick Simon, the course will ensure attendees learn everything they need to invest in a successful future of Anterior Alignment Orthodontics (AAO).

To find out more, or to book onto the next ClearSmile Brace Conversion Course, contact the friendly team at the IAS Academy today.

For more information on the ClearSmile Brace and upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 0845 366 5477

UK Horizons 2015

Following the success of the last seven years, Dental Protection is pleased to present another series of the popular Horizons evening roadshows taking place in England and Wales in September 2015. Dental Protection’s senior advisers will present a lively and interactive session. This whole team event is designed to provide a wealth of information which can help you to practise more safely and manage your own risks more effectively. The presentations will cover:

•Where do the main problems come from?
•How can these problems be anticipated and managed?
•What do practitioners get wrong most often, and why?
•What are the key clinical records that need to be kept and why?
•What are the key consent issues and pitfalls?

The full programme can be downloaded here.

Dates and locations
The roadshows will take place in four cities across the UK:

Newcastle – Monday 7^th September, Copthorne Hotel
Sheffield – Tuesday 8^th September, Hilton Sheffield Hotel
Cardiff – Wednesday 9^th September, Copthorne Hotel
London – Thursday 10^th September, Cavendish Conference Centre

Early Bird

Be an early bird and book your place before the 31 July* to save £10 on your ticket (£30 for members and £50 for non-members). All DPL Xtra practice members will be eligible for the early bird rate, which means the whole team can attend for just £30 each.

To book your tickets email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +44(0) 207 399 2914.

*Booking forms must be received by the Dental protection team before 31 July 2015 to be eligible for the early bird rate

2.5 hours of verifiable CPD will be awarded for attending one of these sessions. 

Full event information, including timings can be found on our website www.dentalprotection.org

With more and more patients having access to smartphones and emails, it makes sense to extend your paperless system directly to your patient's mobile device. Patient Links gives your practice it's very own patient portal, allowing your patients to fill out medical history forms and patient questionnaires on their mobile phones, tablets or desktop computers.

Forms are automatically emailed to patients, allowing them to securely fill them out online prior or post appointment. Not only does this give your patients a more connected experience, it also means less hassle getting forms filled at reception.

Once the online forms are back in your practice management system they can be verified and signed by the patient using a digital signature pad. Patient Links further allows you to use your own choice of tablet (iOS orAndroid) for form filling at the practice, in case there are patients that don't have access to a mobile device.

iSmile's powerful reporting system allows you to display data from patient feedback forms in a range of formats so you can analyse trends across different time periods to see how your business's customer service is improving.

Give iSmile a call today on 0845 468 1287 for more information or visit www.ismiledental.co.uk

Next week, 9^th July at 7pm The Implant Hub will launch the first of its Google Hangouts, starting with expert marketing coach, Mark Oborn.

Offered free to all, the Google hangout will explore the relationship between seeking a transaction versus a relationship, and why you need to make sure you choose the right one. Issues that will be covered include:

1. The distinct difference between a product and service, and why it is vital you understand this when helping patients to replace missing teeth.

2. The different ways of marketing a product and service, and why getting it wrong in restorative dentistry can be catastrophic.

This hangout is ideal for anyone responsible for, or interested in, attracting patients with missing teeth to a dental practice, as well as any dental professional seeking to help more local people with their oral health.

Speaking about his involvement in this exciting new aspect of The Implant Hub, Mark said: ‘

’ "One of my values in business is to be genuinely helpful. It's not about making money or increasing sales, that happens as an outcome of genuinely caring and providing an excellent service to people that need it. Working with The Implant Hub is a first-class example of how this is being put into action by BioHorizons. It's an opportunity for implant dentists to learn, to develop and to grow their own skills and their practice. It's an absolute pleasure to work with an organisation that shares my value of being genuinely helpful...so, how much are YOU ready to learn?"

In addition to Mark's hangout, future activities for The Implant Hub members will include LIVE Q&As and hangouts with all coaches, including:

·         Chris Barrow, Business Coach, LIVE Question and Answers – 27^th July, 6pm

·         Dr Nav Ropra, Inspirational Coach, LIVE Questions and Answers – 5^th August, 7.30pm

·         Google Hangout with Chris Barrow – 7^th September, 6pm

·         Mark Oborn, Marketing Coach, LIVE Questions and Answers – 13^th October, 6pm

·         Google Hangout with Dr Nav Ropra  - 4^th November, 7.30pm

The Implant Hub is a unique and exciting new online resource for dentists looking to grow their dental implant business.

Simply visit www.theimplanthub.com for exclusive support and advice in implant dentistry through articles and blogs to Google Hangouts, as well as LIVE Q&As from our three top coaches: Chris Barrow (Business Coach), Mark Oborn (Marketing Coach) and Dr Nav Ropra (Inspirational Coach).

For more information and to register for Mark's FREE hangout, please visit http://theimplanthub.com/webinar-registration/

In June 2015 Bridge2Aid sent two teams of UK dental volunteers to deliver emergency dental training in two new parts of rural Tanzania.

June also saw Bridge2Aid complete their 71^st training programme, meaning that they have now trained 369 rural health workers in emergency dental care. This sustainable model means that once the UK volunteers have left the country the health workers are able to continue treating their local communities for years to come.

The first area where training was delivered was Morogoro which is one of the poorest and most densely populated parts of Tanzania.  Most of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers who rely heavily on the surrounding forests for timber, medicinal plants and fuel. The other location was Pangani in the north-east of the country, bordered by Kenya and the Indian Ocean.

There is a desperate need to tackle oral disease, infection and chronic pain in communities throughout the developing world – to enable people to work, attend school and care for their families.  Bridge2Aid works hard to deliver the necessary skills in these communities so that local people are able to function free from pain, and avoid the risk of preventable infections and diseases.

If you would like to get involved, either by volunteering or donating to help fund this vital training, please visit Bridge2Aid’s website here www.bridge2aid.org

Mike Cann, Managing Director of Septodont Limited, has been elected President of the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA).

Mike, who has 30 years of experience in the industry, comments, “I am delighted to have been elected as the new President of the BDIA and look forward to working closely with my fellow Councillors and the staff and members of the Association to build on the strong leadership that the organisation provides.”

He adds, “I am particularly keen to encourage everyone involved in dentistry to maximise the benefit derived from attending the UK’s premier dental event, BDIA Dental Showcase, and to ensure that the Association is leading the industry from the front, while delivering the best possible services and initiatives for all our members”.

Mike was elected at the BDIA’s recent AGM held at Danesfield House, Marlow and takes over from outgoing President, Terry Porter. Sonia Tracey, Managing Director of W & H UK was appointed as Vice- President, and Peter Gowers, Managing Director of Panadent, was re-elected as the Association’s Honorary Treasurer.

‘We aim to source as much as possible from The Dental Directory’

Bethan Holding, Senior Nurse at Station Dental Practice in Leyland says:

“We have been using The Dental Directory for a few months now. Competitive pricing and the personal touch was a big attraction for us. Our rep, Rebecca, comes in to see us often and it's no trouble to arrange an extra visit.

“We buy all our consumables from The Dental Directory and we aim to source as much as possible from them in the future.

“I order using the website, which remembers our prices and favourites, for quick and easy ordering, saving us time and money. Delivery is pretty quick and the quality has been great so far. I would absolutely recommend The Dental Directory to other practices.”

For more information, contact The Dental Directory on 0800 585 586 or visit http://www.dental-directory.co.uk

The digital workflow has brought with it a great many advantages to modern dentistry including enhanced communications between practice and lab.

CS Solutions from Carestream Dental offers all of these benefits, as practices using the innovative system are able to send you more comprehensive and accurate instructions for any and all work requested.

You’ll simply receive an open STL file from your client containing all the information you need within minutes of them sending it. This means you can even discuss a case while the patient is still in the dental chair, ensuring enhanced collaboration for exceptional treatment outcomes.

What’s more, it costs you nothing to work with practices operating with CS Solutions – you needn’t purchase any new software or pay for any upgrades at any time. You simply need any open CAD or CAD/CAM system in place, and that’s it!

So regardless of the complexity of a case, you and your clients can trust CS Solutions to help you achieve the very best results for every patient.

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

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

Each year, ADG seeks to find the most innovative and inspirational voluntary projects from young dental professionals in the UK through its annual Bursary competition. Divided into separate categories for Postgraduate and Undergraduate entries, all submissions will be judged anonymously by an expert panel, with prizes awarded to the winning applicants.

The ADG’s commitment to developing the clinicians of tomorrow is epitomised by its annual awards, which give young dental professionals the opportunity to be recognised for a specific project or for their own pioneering ideas.

Applications for the 2016 Bursary Award are now open and entries can be completed using the forms available via the ADG website. If you are interested in entering, or know of someone who might be, visit the website today to find out more.

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

Dental Elite are experienced dental recruiters who work solely with the dental profession to help practices find the most suitable individuals to engage in locum or permanent positions.

With the aim of providing an efficient and effective service to all clients, Dental Elite hopes to become a natural ‘first port of call’ for all your recruitment needs.

Dental Elite offers professional advice on contracts of employment or contracts for services (for self employed staff) and can help with any aspect of recruitment.

For advice and guidance on helping your practice grow from strength to strength, contact the experienced team of consultants at Dental Elite today.

For more information and to find out how Dental Elite can help to recruit the most suitable members of your dental team 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

This year’s Dentistry Show reflected the enhanced public appetite for facial aesthetic treatments in its innovative Facial Aesthetics Theatre.

Here delegates were treated to lectures and sessions on a huge array of topics all relating to the provision of facial aesthetics and delivered by leading practitioners in the field.

Over the two days, the theatre hosted a number of renowned speakers including: Janine Revill, Director of Cosmetic Insure; Dr John Quinn; Andrew Hansford, International Trainer in Dermapen; Dr Michelle Lyners; Roy Cowley, Managing Director of 3D-lipo Ltd; Dr Nadine Skipp; Dr Bob Khanna; and Dr Rikin Parekh.
 

Delegates gained invaluable insights into this expanding and fruitful market throughout the two-day educational programme, as well as practical hints and tips on modern materials and issues such as insurance.
 

Next year, the Facial Aesthetics Theatre will be returning to The Dentistry Show and promises another full schedule of top class speakers. Be sure to take note of the dates today so you don’t miss out!
 

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2016 – Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd April – NEC in Birmingham. For more information please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5269 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The CS 8100 OPG unit from Carestream Dental offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Designed to produce the highest quality images in the shortest amount of time, the CS 8100 delivers crystal clear, optimally exposed images in seconds.

Dr Robert Watson of Dollar Street Dental uses the CS8100 in his practice, he says:

“Our new CS81003D has really transformed the way we diagnose and treat our patients. 

“We are a general practice with a special interest in implants and endodontics. Both procedures are transformed by having the ability to view the proposed treatment in a 3D image. There is no steep learning curve when using the machine and the huge benefits are instantly available for both clinician and patients. Well done Carestream for bringing quality panoral and CT scanning to the general practitioner at a cost that makes sense.”

If you are looking to advance your treatment workflows with cutting-edge imaging technologies, contact Carestream Dental today.

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

Seventy-two per cent of dentists believe that NHS dentistry will not be fit for purpose in 10 years’ time – that’s according to a poll carried out by Practice Plan at the British Dental Conference and Exhibition in Manchester. 

Adding some fun to election day on 7th May, but asking some serious questions about dentistry and the future of the NHS, the poll also reveals that the majority of dentists (66%) do not think that, going forward, NHS dentistry will be able to provide the right balance of treatment versus prevention.  Furthermore, while a third (33%) of dentists thought the Conservatives could be trusted with NHS dentistry, a similar number (29%) felt that none of the political parties could be depended upon with this aspect of state-funded healthcare.

With 62% of respondents working in a practice offering either predominantly NHS or mixed treatment, these figures offer significant insight into dentists’ views on the NHS.   The poll also revealed that if they were in David Cameron’s shoes, the majority would support NHS dentistry through increased spending, closely followed by wanting to change the current contract. These feelings were further reinforced by respondents’ finding a lack of time and the potential financial repercussions of the UDA banding system the greatest challenges they face in the present climate.

In addition, with cosmetic treatment considered by dentists to the biggest influence in dentistry at the moment, expanding beyond NHS care seems a distinct possibility for those who have not already done so.

Speaking about the poll, Nairn Wilson, President of the BDA, said: ‘It was great to see dentists being given the opportunity on the 7^th May not only to vote in the general election but also to indicate how they feel about dentistry and the NHS.’

Nigel Jones, Practice Plan’s Sales Director, commented: ‘Since the election, we have struggled to gain any concrete understanding of what the future holds for NHS dentistry since, it is sad to say, David Cameron overlooked its significance in his first post-election speech, which was all about the NHS.

‘Dentists have been promised much in the past in terms of providing the very best care for patients and fair remuneration within the NHS, and the Conservative party needs to let them know where they now stand with it. Otherwise, who is to say how many more dentists would be concerned that NHS dentistry won’t be fit for purpose – if Practice Plan were to ask the same questions in 12 months’ time?’

Over 130 people completed Practice Plan’s poll at BDA. The aim of the poll was to provide a snapshot of perceptions about the future of dentistry alongside the general election. 

Practice valuers and finance experts at Dental Elite are now offering new online CQC Application Support, so you never have to worry about filling in difficult CQC applications again.
 

This service is now available for purchase to anyone – not just for those with transactions being financed or sold by Dental Elite – and what’s better, after a small administration fee, all proceeds will be generously donated to one of the participating dental charities, including Bridge2Aid and the BDA Benevolent Fund. For current clients, this service is completely free but Dental Elite will still make a donation of £150 to the client’s dental charity of choice.
 

With a team that is proud to have over a hundred years of experience in the dental sector, Dental Elite is in an ideal position to help professionals in all aspects of selling their practice. By partnering with a number of different charities, they can make sure this help is extended to the entire dental community.
 

To discover what else Dental Elite can do for you, contact their friendly 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

Delegates at EuroPerio 8 could see first hand that PerioChip® is passionate about supporting, educating and communicating with the dental community to highlight the importance of keeping gums healthy, and treating periodontitis effectively without the risk associated with using antibiotics.
 

By using PerioChip® you can ensure that harmful bacteria in and around the gingiva are eliminated for up to 10 daysⁱ and, for on-going therapy, PerioChip® suppresses the growth of bacterial flora in the treated site for up to 11 weeks, giving the all-important time needed for gum reattachment and stabilisation of the periodontiumⁱⁱ.
 

EuroPerio 8 was a fantastic venue for PerioChip® to raise awareness amongst the dental community about gum disease the links to systemic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The speakers taking to the stage at the show to share their knowledge included: Professor Eli Machtei, Professor Arie J Van Winkelhoff and Dr Rajan Nansi, and attendees were wowed by their passion and expertise for the subject.
 

If you missed out on attending EuroPerio 8 and want to learn more about PerioChip® email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0800 013 2333 today!
 

Converting treatment plans into booked appointments is an area where many dental professionals struggle, but this needn't be the case anymore.
 

Some practice management systems have built-in functionality that can help you and your staff see the plans that need following up. The CS 

R4+ practice management software from Carestream Dental can help you do all of this and more with its built-in features that use real time data to benefit your practice in numerous ways.
 

This will allow you and your team to get a list of the patients without appointments enabling you to contact them and discuss further questions they may have and try to book them in.
 

For more information speak to the friendly team at Carestream Dental today.
 

For more information on CS Solutions or any other products or services available from Carestream Dental,

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

Nearly 15 million people in Britain wear removable dentures[i], and with an increasingly aging population, the number of people requiring prostheses is likely to rise. But how much care do your patients take keeping their dentures clean? Do they require more information about how to look after them and why it’s so important for them to do so?

A recent study found that the vast majority of patients assessed (84%) had very poor levels of denture hygiene[ii]. This was attributed to the lack of hygiene instructions given by dental professionals, as after clinician led patient education, denture cleanliness index (DCI) scores increased significantly².

Currently there is no clearly defined or regularly used standard or scoring system for determining denture hygiene in the UK. Therefore, the researchers devised the DCI scoring system prior to the audit, which ranges from 0-4. Additional studies are required to refine, test and evaluate the classification, however it could help dental professionals in the future to determine denture hygiene status of patients and highlight any areas of concern².

Compared to dental care, denture hygiene has received little attention, yet neglecting to look after prostheses can significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing oral infections and systemic diseases[iii]^,[iv].

Dentures offer a reservoir for microorganisms to thrive and it is well documented that patients wearing partial sets are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and dental decay of the teeth directly adjacent to the dentures[v].

Several studies have shown that plaque biofilm accumulates on the internal surface of dentures and certain pathogens may even preferentially colonise on prostheses over oral soft tissues^3,[vi]. Acting as a reservoir for bacteria and fungal microorganisms, these pathogens are involved not only in the appearance of local infections like denture stomatitis, but also systemic diseases such as endocarditis, pneumonia and respiratory track infections³.

Problems can also arise if there are any surface defects or other flaws in the denture which are either inherent and due to the fabrication process or acquired due to general use. These can cause imperfections and roughness, which increases the surface area on which bacteria can adhere and potentially colonise[vii].

Furthermore, if the finish is rough it can make cleaning the prosthesis and mechanical removal of the microorganisms difficult, as well as causing discoloration of the denture base materials. The irregularities on the surface can provide niches in which microorganisms are protected from oral hygiene measures, thus allowing the entrapped microbial cells to attach irreversibly to the prosthesis⁷.

Working with a laboratory, such as Sparkle Dental Labs, that complies with all of the current standards and regulations, uses the very best materials and creates dentures that fit perfectly is essential. The renowned company are able to offer complete traceability on every item and all dentures are fitted to duplicate models to ensure ultimate precision and patient comfort.

In the future the DCI scoring system could be used to help practitioners to identify patients suffering from poor denture hygiene. However, in the mean time dental professionals are encouraged to continue to fit quality dentures and offer patients oral healthcare advice.

For more details about Sparkle Dental Labs, please call 0800 138 6255, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:

www.sparkledentallabs.com

Many dental professionals find themselves in the position of having created a great treatment plan for a patient, incorporating everything they need and want, only to find that uptake of the plan never quite happens. The problem doesn't lie in the concept itself; it's more about letting that patient leave the practice without booking their appointment for the treatment.

So why is this happening? Many dentists feel uncomfortable with the notion of 'selling', not wanting to appear pushy or overbearing when it comes to getting patients to make a commitment to treatment. In this respect, it's all about changing the way you think about these scenarios. It is not unethical to want your patients to accept the dental work that they need, in fact it is quite the opposite.

Get some help

You've probably heard the term 'treatment coordinator' being used an awful lot in recent times. This is a fairly new role that has been created for dental practices to employ someone who will help the dentist convert treatment plans into paying patients. If you don't feel comfortable discussing finances and costs with patients, you may be able to use the role of the treatment coordinator within your practice. This doesn't necessarily require hiring a new member of staff, rather it could provide an excellent incentive to promote an existing team member and expand their role. If you have someone who is exceptionally good at talking to patients in a calm and friendly manner, you can provide the clinical information about the proposed treatment while they work alongside you to answer patient queries, discuss fees, explain the extra benefits like quality of life, and help convert the treatment plan into a booked appointment.

This can leave you to do the dentistry that you enjoy and are confident with, while providing the chance for another team member to find variety within their role through promotion. This can aid team motivation, especially when they see treatments plan conversion rates increasing and more patients booking in for the dentistry you all really want to provide.

Follow it up

In many cases, the patient will want to go home with their treatment plan and discuss it with a spouse or other family member and/or friends. In this respect, you need to ensure that the information you have provided is full and clear, perhaps with advice for extra research from good online sources if they feel it is required. Your lines of communication need to be very open to ensure patients feel comfortable contacting you and can do so in a simple manner. This will help to build up a trusting relationship with the patients before the treatment begins, as they know they will then be looked after during and after their appointments.

If a patient leaves the practice without booking their treatment, follow-ups are key. It is important not to see this as 'hassling', and more of a friendly prompt instead. Again, communication and tone is vital here, you don't want the patient to feel pestered, you want them to feel cared for. This could be a great job for a friendly member of the team to take on board, spending one morning each week contacting patients who haven't taken up their treatment plans, just to touch base and see if they have any questions that need answering to help them to make a decision. Being helpful at all stages can really boost the relationship they have with the practice and sometimes it's just a little extra reassurance that is needed.

Helping hand

All of this is great as long as you and your team are aware of what treatment plans are still outstanding. In a dental environment it can be difficult to keep on top of open treatment plans when you have patients arriving, phone calls to attend to, and everything else that comes with the day-to-day running of the practice. If the task has been delegated to another team member it is especially important that they have easy access to the most up-to-date information about each patient and their current situation in terms of treatment.

In this respect, some practice management systems have built-in functionality that can help you and your staff see the plans that need following up. The CS R4+ practice management software from Carestream Dental can help you do all of this and more with its built-in features that use real time data to benefit your practice in numerous ways. This will allow you and your team to get a list of the patients without appointments enabling you to contact them and discuss further questions they may have and try to book them in.

Turning treatment plans into booked appointments is not a concept that all dental professionals find easy or natural but employing these tools and techniques can help boost your conversion rates and, importantly, your profits.

For more information on CS Solutions or any other products or services available from Carestream Dental,

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

It won’t be news to you that stress can damage the dentition in the form of attrition, but did you know that statistics indicate that one in three workers experience post-holiday blues? It makes sense that this can then exacerbate bruxism.

If a patient presents with pain and/or tooth wear that can be attributed to bruxism and they tell you that they are stressed, it is a good idea to let them know that making a few simple lifestyle changes can be of significant benefit, including:

• Doing something relaxing before bed, such as yoga, reading or having a bath

• Learning to brush effectively yet gently with a relatively soft toothbrush and a toothpaste low in abrasivity.

Further, prescribing muscle relaxants and the use of a suitable mouthguard, such as a Michigan splint, may prove useful. Such splints help to protect the teeth against bruxism and reduce TMJ pain by encouraging the patient’s mandible to assume the most comfortable and reproducible position. The overall aim with such a guard is to protect against any damage that may be caused by a habitual grinding pattern and to break the cyclical habit, if at all possible.

In addition, recommending care from a physiotherapist or osteopath with specialist knowledge of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might be appropriate to prevent further damage.

The London Tooth Wear Centre^® offers an evidence-based and comprehensive approach to managing tooth wear.

To request advice, make a referral or for further information on the work of the London Tooth Wear Centre®, please visit www.toothwear.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7486 7180.

The pubic perception of dentistry is not a flattering one. Recent new stories in the national press only serve to highlight this. The problem is that we don’t tell people what we do.

We don’t inform and educate the public around the benefits to their general health of taking care of their oral health. All too often they think that all we do is fix holes and extract teeth and apply expensive crowns; but of course we do much more and we should be shouting about it.

A perfect example of this is in the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. There are clear, established links that reveal how the treatment of one can positively affect the other, but when was the last time you took the time to share this with a diabetic patient?

Recently, I met Dr Leticia Casanova, a Spanish Dentist who trained as a periodontist at New York University and has a PhD in Medicine, studying the connection between diabetes and periodontal disease, so she has a particularly relevant perspective. Dr Casanova recently published an article in the BDJ entitled, Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: A Two-Way Relationship.[i] The article says that if you can control people’s periodontal disease, you can actually see a genuine reduction in their diabetic condition.   

A measure of how well a diabetic is coping is in their glycated haemoglobin levels and this is recorded as a percentage. Every drop of 1% reduces the risk of heart disease and damage considerably. The article explains that being diabetic leads to an increased risk of developing periodontitis and that having periodontitis can also affect the body’s glycaemic index (in people with or without diabetes). So if you control somebody’s periodontitis, through delivering first class periodontal treatment, and then measure their glycated haemoglobin, it is possible to see a drop of up to a half per cent and this will really make a difference to their life.

The article from Dr Casanova effectively shows the interrelationship between the two problems and explains how we can deliver dental treatment that positively affects systemic disease. This leads back to my initial point, that we don't highlight the positives that we do for our patients enough. If general dentists were seen to take a more active lead in the medical conditions of their patients, maybe this would raise the profession in the eyes of the public?

The prevalence of diabetes is phenomenal, and periodontitis is three times more likely to affect those who suffer, and a lot of diabetics become edentulous, effecting how they eat – and this is not to mention the already well established links between gum disease and heart disease. So, if through making changes in our approach we are able get a patient’s diabetes better under control, we would be performing a far greater public service.

We should therefore take every opportunity to play a bigger role in our patients’ general well being. Not just in performing oral cancer scans, which are vital and we should all already be doing, but maybe through routinely measuring blood pressure, iron and sugar levels too, so that people will begin to see us not just as people who fix holes, but as doctors that can help with a medical condition.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk

Denplan has partnered with Aon Employee Benefits, the UK health and benefits business of Aon plc, to offer its member dentists a simple pension auto-enrolment solution for their dental practices called ‘Littleblue’.  The law on workplace pensions has changed, with all employers now legally required to automatically enrol certain staff into a pension scheme and make contributions. 

Although many dental practices won’t have reached their auto-enrolment staging date yet (the date at which an employer’s auto-enrolment responsibilities come into effect), it is important that practices are aware of the new regulations and start to prepare for the changes now. Aon’s auto-enrolment solution “Littleblue” will be able to support practices with a step by step pension solution which can significantly ease the burden of complying with the new pension regulations.

Henry Clover, Deputy Chief Dental Officer at Denplan said: “We believe there are many dental practices that are not yet aware of how the law on workplace pensions has changed, or if they do know about the new regulations, they may not have started preparing for auto-enrolment yet. We are working closely with Aon to inform our members about the pension changes and how this could impact their practice. We are also encouraging them to start preparing for auto-enrolment at least six months before their staging date.  We believe Aon’s Littleblue auto-enrolment solution will save our members time and effort and give practices the tools necessary to navigate smoothly through the process. Denplan members will also benefit from a specially negotiated price during their first three years using the service.”

Clare Abrahams, head of auto-enrolment at Aon Employee Benefits, said:

“Littleblue was designed to help smaller organisations through the auto-enrolment process.  That is now approaching its climax in 2016 with staging to reach levels in the hundreds of thousands every quarter from the beginning of the year.  It is still an involved process in which the correct compliance is a key factor and small employers will welcome the streamlined approach that Littleblue offers.

“Denplan, with its thousands of member dentists across the country, is aiming to make the auto-enrolment process easier for its members by partnering with a provider. We are very pleased to be working with them and look forward to rolling Littleblue out across its member dental practices.”

Denplan and Aon are also working together to organise a number of interactive Q&A webinars for member dental practices to address any concerns or issues practices may have with regards to the new pension regulations.

At 7connections, we create collateral and systems to ensure you clear your dental marketing hurdles and win the race.

The bespoke services we offer to enhance your marketing activities and maximise your return on marketing on investment include:

• Artisan Lifecycle Marketing – an innovative, automated email marketing solution that combines exceptional software from InfusionSoft with the expertise of 7connections. Focusing on the seven key phases of lifecycle marketing, the comprehensive package could help you increase new business enquiry conversation rates from an average of 18% to 80%!

• MagicBox™ – delivers a box of pre-designed and branded marketing tools to your practice door including posters, referral cards, TV loops, social media banners and patient smile evaluations. These physical and digital solutions will help drive sales, boost referrals and increase revenue with minimal cost and hassle for you, and the 12-month planner and tracker will ensure you head in the right direction.

• Ultimate Marketing Academy – a one-year programme involving quarterly meetings and 24/7 access to the 7connections library of knowledge. You’ll receive a personalised dental marketing strategy, alongside all the skills and support you need to implement it successfully – there’s also a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results!*

For more information about 7connections please call 01647 478145,

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

visit www.7connections.com

* The 100% money-back guarantee is available if you implement the knowledge and ideas that you gain and your are not satisfied with the results at the end of the Academic year.

The second NHS Confidence Monitor - a survey designed to capture how confident the profession are in the future of NHS dentistry - is open until the end of June for dentists to take part and share their views.

So far undertaken by almost 250 dentists the survey explores the profession’s thoughts on the future of:

• 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.

Following on from first survey, conducted at the end of 2014, the second NHS Confidence Monitor will reveal how confidence levels decline and increase as new information about the contract reforms emerges. The results will help to provide insight into dentists’ perceptions of the future of NHS dentistry.

Among other findings, the first survey revealed that almost half of dental professionals working within the NHS (44%) were less confident that practising dentistry within the NHS would offer the right balance of treatment versus prevention over a 12-month period than they were a year earlier.

Commenting on the opportunities the survey presents, Eddie Crouch, Vice Chair of the British Dental Association Principal Executive Committee, said:

‘It will be very interesting to see how confidence levels in NHS dentistry have changed, particularly in light of the General Election, and I look forward to the results. I hope to see even more NHS dentists taking part in this survey so the profession has a greater insight into the possible future effect of NHS dentistry.’

As an NHS dentist, how do you feel about the future of dentistry? To have your say and help to inform your colleagues, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NHSConfidenceMonitor before the end of June. It will take just two minutes of your time to take part in this unique opportunity, while the results may inform the long-term future of many.

If you would like to see the results from the first survey, please visit www.practiceplan.co.uk/NHSDentistryInsights

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

Many modern companies in all industries offer an array of employee benefits. There are various different schemes available, from those that provide tax incentives for employees cycling to work, to others supporting child care costs. The nature of the benefits provided will depend on each team and their individual needs.

Aside from the obvious compensations to employees, these benefit schemes also offer advantages to the employer and business. Happier staff tends to increase their engagement and maximise productivity, ultimately having a positive effect on profitability.

Healthcare benefits will also help improve the health and wellbeing of staff for reduced sickness absences. These are probably one of the most cherished schemes offered, as they entitle employees to private health and dental care, with a considerable proportion of the cost covered.

But how is this relevant to you as a dental care provider?

Most dental practices are run as a business, and an increase in new patients, higher frequency footfall and busier chair occupancy is the ultimate goal from a ‘bottom-line’ perspective. By being part of these healthcare plans and working with those who offer them, patients who use the cover will come to you for their treatment. There are businesses out there that manage healthcare plans in this way, liaising with insurance companies and dental providers to provide the highest quality of dental care for those who take out cover.

Munroe Sutton has more than 3 decades of experience in designing, organising and managing dental plans that improve the affordability and accessibility of quality dental treatment. Their dental plan was created by dentists, for dentists, so is committed to providing fair compensation and supporting the patient relationship. By working with leading financial, insurance and healthcare companies, as well as the smaller local unions and trade associations, Monroe Sutton is able to promote your practice to a huge number of new patients, all at no cost to you.

Further still, Monroe Sutton believes in prompt payment for the services provided to healthcare plan patients, ensuring a reliable cash flow.

Attracting new patients is an integral aspect of your business’ success, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive to you. By getting involved with the healthcare and dental plans offered to businesses and individuals, you can not only help more people enhance their oral and general health, but also build your patient base and grow your business.

For more information please call 0808 234 3558

or visit www.munroesutton.co.uk

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 second NHS Confidence Monitor - a survey designed to capture how confident the profession are in the future of NHS dentistry - is now open for dentists to take part and share their views.

The first survey was conducted at the end of 2014 and is being repeated to monitor how confidence levels ebb and flow as new information about the contract reforms emerges and the selected prototype practices reveal their thoughts and findings on the potential new systems. The results will then help to provide a snapshot of how the profession perceives the future of NHS dentistry.

The survey explores the profession’s thoughts on the future of:

• 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.

Among other findings, the first survey revealed that 39% of the respondents asked were less confident about their career prospects within NHS dentistry over the next 12 months than they were a year ago.

Commenting on the opportunities the survey presents, Eddie Crouch, Vice Chair of the British Dental Association Principal Executive Committee, said:

‘It will be very interesting to see how confidence levels in NHS dentistry have changed, particularly in light of the General Election, and I look forward to the results. I hope to see even more NHS dentists taking part in this survey so the profession has a greater insight into the possible future effect of NHS dentistry.’

As an NHS dentist, how do you feel about the future of dentistry? To have your say and help to inform your colleagues, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NHSConfidenceMonitor

 It will take just two minutes of your time to take part in this unique opportunity, while the results may inform the long-term future of many.

If you would like to see the results from the first survey, please visit www.practiceplan.co.uk/NHSDentistryInsights

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

Practice Plan is the UK’s number one provider of practice-branded dental 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.

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.

Denplan has released its latest research (commissioned through Facts International), based on a survey asking NHS dentists* for their views on a variety of issues related to NHS dentistry.  The survey examined their opinions about the current contract as well as their knowledge of the pilots and prototypes.  Other key issues the NHS dentists were asked about included their confidence around NHS funding commitments filtering through to primary care dentistry, motivation levels for making changes to their practice situation and the impact of the Friends and Family Test. 

The key findings are summarised below:

Current NHS contract and prototypes

• Nearly half the dentists (49%) are dissatisfied with working under the current NHS contract, with only 3% very satisfied and 29% saying they are fairly satisfied
• Two thirds (65%) of dentists don’t feel very knowledgeable about the current situation regarding NHS dentistry pilots and prototypes, rating their knowledge as fair or poor
• Three quarters (76%) agree that they are frustrated that more than four years after piloting began we are still no nearer to a final model
• 57% of these frustrated dentists have decided on making changes to their practice in the next 12 months
• Only 54% are aware that the pilots will soon terminate and that a number of practices will act as prototypes for the reformed NHS contracts in England.  66% of these think that it is unlikely the prototype model will free them from the UDA system

NHS funding for primary care dentistry

• 95% of dentists are not confident that political assurances for NHS funding commitments will filter down to primary care dentistry
• 56% think that the 2006 contract’s cap on the dental budget will not be reversed
• 86% of dentists overwhelmingly agree they would like NHS England to state clearly what is and what is not available in NHS dentistry – just 2% disagreed

Impact of Friends and Family Test

• 72% have commenced using the Friends and Family Test (FFT) that was introduced in April but the majority of respondents (73%)  didn’t think the FFT would be useful for either their practice or their patients

Roger Matthews, Chief Dental Officer at Denplan commented: “It is apparent from these survey results that many NHS dentists continue to feel disillusioned and frustrated with the lack of clear direction around the NHS contract changes. There also appears to be a general lack of understanding in relation to the pilots and prototype models.  With the realisation that the NHS funding situation for primary care dentistry does not look likely to improve, it is unsurprising that many NHS dentists may be feeling uncertain as to the future viability of their practice if they stay with the NHS. The result is that a significant proportion of NHS dentists are considering a change to the way they manage and fund their practice in the foreseeable future.

“Dentists appear to also be concerned about the hours it will take their practice to compile the statistics from the now mandatory Friends and Family Test, with half saying it will take their practice between 1-4 hours a month to process the results. This could add up to the equivalent of at least 6 days a year spent away from delivering patient care.”

Matthews added: “Managing the transition from NHS to private dentistry can be a daunting prospect for many dentists, but at Denplan we have a long heritage in supporting NHS dentists in making this transition, helping to ensure they retain their practice income and continue to run a successful practice in the future.   Denplan ‘Principal only Transitions’ give dentists the option to retain NHS patients whilst benefitting from all the support and experience necessary to choose the right payment plan for them, their practice and their patients.”

Denplan is running a series of seminars throughout June, entitled “Your practice, Your Choices” which will examine the upcoming changes to  NHS contracts for dentists, how dentists might be affected and help them understand what actions they need to be considering now.  For further information and to book a place practices can visit: www.denplan.co.uk/events-and-training/your-practice-your-choices or call 0800 169 5697.

*100 dentists responded to an online survey in April and May 2015, with all respondents holding an NHS contract in England, treating over 70% of their patient base as NHS patients.  They were not part of a corporate body or a member of a payment plan provider.

Written by Luke Moore of Dental Elite

Dental practice valuations are often shrouded in mystery but they needn’t be; here we give you an insight into the process behind the numbers.

It’s true that since the introduction of business-focused stakeholders into the dental profession, as well as a more concerned credit team in lending banks; the computations behind goodwill valuations require more logic.

Demand for dental practices prior to the 2006 NHS contract and the relaxation of the Dentists Act 1985 was far more limited than in the present market. The NHS contract change installed a scarcity value in NHS contracts, restricting competition significantly. With one of the main concerns business owners previously had removed, practice values doubled if not tripled by August 2007.

Valuing a dental business is now much more of a thought-provoking process and solely using percentages of turnover as a method of calculation is no longer satisfactory.

Alternatively, EBITDA modelling can be used to provide the true operating profit of a dental practice, however, multiplication of a practice’s existing EBITDA does not serve as an accurate calculation of practice valuation either.

EBITDA or Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation, is an accounting acronym that does exactly as it says. The process of calculation involves removing all of the non-cash costs in your accounts such as depreciation and anything that a new practice owner would not continue to incur. Once the EBITDA figure has been established, this is then multiplied depending on the company, market and economic climate.

Currently, dental practices are being sold for between four and seven times their EBITDA. This can vary depending on a number of factors, however, generally the lower the perceived risk and the more sustainable the profit is (or is perceived to be) the higher the profit multiplier.

Unfortunately calculating this is not as simple as one might think and many practices are far less clear-cut. Practice A and B are radical examples, but even a small difference of £20,000 in projected EBITDA terms can be the equivalent of £140,000 in value.

It is also important to remember that your profit and loss EBITDA calculation will not be the same as the buyer’s EBITDA. This is because EBITDA and multiples rely on each other to make the valuation work, for example, five times profit and loss EBITDA might not be as attractive as a purchaser’s adjusted net income at four times. Furthermore, the EBITDA used may not always be your actual EBITDA. When analysing the valuation, it could be that the amount of money you spend on associates, materials, labs, staff and other areas is higher than what other buyers would spend. Therefore the higher valuation may come from a lower valuation multiple, multiplied by a higher projected EBITDA.

Calculating the valuation of your dental practice is not a simple procedure and a number of variables need to be taken into account. Working with trusted experts, such as Dental Elite, who can offer you the necessary advice and support is crucial.

Dental Elite is the second largest specialist practice sales agency in the country, offering a comprehensive and transparent service. The experienced and knowledgeable team can provide you with a free and non-committal valuation. Following a visit to your dental practice they will provide you with a Healthcheck Report, which demonstrates exactly how they have calculated your practice’s value and how it could be improved.

Although dental practice valuations remain as much a work of art as they are a science, understanding the process will reduce the mystery surrounding the calculations. By working with professionals who are experienced and current in dental practice valuations an accurate and transparent valuation will be achieved.

For more information and to find out how Dental Elite can help you, 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

With barbecues getting stoked up for summer, it may be a good time to help raise awareness among patients that their alcoholic drink of choice accompanying their chargrilled chicken may contribute to tooth wear.

Patients need to know that alcohol is acidic and therefore highly erosive, especially when consumed frequently, in large quantities over an extended period of time. It may also be that the high alcohol intake occasionally causes vomiting, which will exacerbate the damage to the dentition.

It’s also worth sharing with them that carbonated drinks, including sugar-free varieties, will have a similar effect on their dentition.

As well as coronal height being reduced, patients may also suffer with hypersensitivity due to the wear. In such cases, using a fluoridated mouthrinse every day at a different time to toothbrushing is an effective first line of defence. A desensitising toothpaste and/or prescription fluoride toothpaste can be helpful in alleviating sensitivity, while use of a calcium phosphate paste, applied in carriers, is an additional option if the symptoms are severe. Also, placing protective covering restorations can eliminate sensitivity and minimise further wear.

Further advice includes:

• Guiding the patient in brushing effectively yet gently with a relatively soft toothbrush and a toothpaste low in abrasivity

• Not swishing drinks around the mouth and waiting an hour after consuming an acidic drink before brushing to avoid damaging the softened enamel

• Rinsing the mouth with fluoride mouthwash or water before or after acidic drink consumption to help limit their erosive potential

• Chewing sugar-free, xylitol- or sorbitol-sweetened gum to help neutralise acid in the mouth.

The London Tooth Wear Centre^® offers an evidence-based and comprehensive approach to managing tooth wear. To request advice, make a referral or for further information on the work of the London Tooth Wear Centre^®, please visit www.toothwear.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7486 7180.

If it has become apparent to you that you need a new surgery, the refurbishment of an old one or even a whole new practice, you might be unsure about how to even begin working on this mammoth task.

The breadth of elements to consider can be intimidating from the start. There are requirements to ensure you adhere to stringent clinical welfare needs, such as with cross infection control to keep your patients and staff safe, and if you are considering building a new dental practice then there are various planning and building regulations to follow too. Many dental practices are located in beautiful historic houses, so the listed building status may also be relevant.

Making it happen

Experts in this field can work with you to understand what your practice’s vision is and then help you to plan and manage every aspect of the project. They can also advise on how to create branding that will attract new patients to your practice if you need to increase your footfall and numbers in your database.

When it comes to your team, it is remarkable, how when people work in a new and immaculate environment it motivates them to work even harder. It is not only the aesthetics that can be motivating but also the facilities available to them. The staff room is an important consideration and should be carefully thought through to optimise this opportunity.

Further still, there is the health and safety of your workforce. A development project is the ideal opportunity to maximise the latest technology and design concepts to ensure your team work in an ergonomically friendly environment – meaning healthy, motivated employees that are not plagued by musculoskeletal problems, such as repetitive strain injury.

Patient Satisfaction

One of the most challenging tasks as part of the development is managing existing patients. The new surgery and practice should ensure accessibility for all patients and create a comfortable, peaceful environment, especially for those that are more anxious of a visit to the dentist. The décor and design can assist with this, such as colours used and the layout of the surgeries and waiting room. Again, experts with decades of experience can recommend the best route to take. You also need to ensure that there is minimum patient disruption during the build or refurbishment. Good communications and awareness of progress helps keep them informed and their minds at ease.

Step-by-Step

By working with experts at Clark Dental you can be assured that after 40 years of experience they will be with you every step of the way. From initial discussions to ascertain what your vision is, to managing contractors and ensuring adherence to regulations. Clark Dental offers unique design concepts personalised to your specific requirements.

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

Hundreds of new products and technologies are released within the UK dental market every year, each having undergone extensive research and development. The goal of new innovations is to improve the clinical outcome of treatment, enhance the patient experience or streamline the practitioner’s workflow, and the best of those available in fact do all three.

The difficulty comes in attempting to remain abreast of all these advancements, but for delegates at The Dentistry Show and DTS 2015, the task was made easy. The vast exhibition of more than 400 leading trade suppliers and manufacturers brought all the very latest products, materials, technologies and services to you in one place, with the experts on hand to provide demonstrations and offer bespoke advice and guidance. Whether you were looking for advanced imaging systems, cutting-edge practice management software, proven oral health care products to recommend to patients or new CAD/CAM technology for your lab, the trade floor had something to offer you.

What’s more, the exciting new Launchpad UK highlighted the newest offerings in the dental market, following global product launches at IDS Cologne only a few weeks beforehand. More than 100 fascinating new products from over 70 leading companies were featured in the exclusive Launchpad UK guide, including innovations from the likes of 3M ESPE, Acteon, Bego, Clark Dental, DENTSPLY, Henry Schein, Ivolclar Vivadent, Kerr, Nobel Biocare, Philips, Shofu and Straumann.

Aside from the innovations available to discover and try, the exhibition was also the perfect platform from which to network with professionals in various areas of dentistry. With all members of the dental team present from dentists to dental hygienists, practice managers, dental technicians and trade suppliers, this was an ideal place to create new professional relationships and strengthen existing connections.

Gillian Greig, Principal Dentist at The Private Dental Centre commented:

“It’s my first time at the show and I’ve found it a brilliant place to see and buy products - you get some exclusive deals here. I’ve spent money and attended a few educational sessions, so it’s been a very successful day for me.”

Sofina Ahed, Dentist, added:

“I get something different out of this show every year. Last year was all about CPD, but I’m now planning to open my own practice so this year I’m sourcing new products, software and services. It’s been very useful to be able see the equipment and materials, speak to the different companies and get some good quotes.”

The trade exhibitors were also happy with the success of the event with comments including:

“We’ve pulled away from other shows, but this is an amazing show for us – we get loads of leads here. It attracts good quality delegates and allows us to show off our products and educate and engage with dental healthcare professionals.” – Dawn Woodward, National Sales Manager, Curaprox

“This is a much more friendly and approachable show than some of the others, which means delegates are relaxed and more open to buying. We’ve had a steady flow of people to the stand who are genuinely interested in what we have to offer. And we’ve made quite a few sales, so it’s been a very good show for us.” – Abigail Smith, Marketing, Coltene

This year’s trade show was so successful, in fact, that more than 100% of the 2015 event’s exhibition space has already been booked for 2016! With such figures, it is clear to see how The Dentistry Show and DTS are amongst the fastest growing dental events of the industry.

The 2016 event will be held on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd April at the NEC in Birmingham. Be a part of the most exciting show in the profession and save the dates today!

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2016 – Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd April – NEC in Birmingham. For more information please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5269 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Principal and Founder of AURA Centre of Dental Excellence and Facial Aesthetics in Kingston upon Thames, Dr Nadine Skipp asks, ‘Where to begin?’ when taking up the provision of facial aesthetics.

It’s exciting times for dentistry. We have all seen the growing interest and popularity in non-surgical cosmetic anti-ageing treatments in recent years. But how do we make the most of this in our dental practices?

There is no doubt that the provision of facial aesthetics is perfect for dental practitioners looking to expand their practice and develop their businesses. It stands to reason that dentists are particularly suited to offering this, especially when you consider the years of training and experience in facial anatomy and familiarity with various injection techniques.

Of course, many dentists recognise the enhanced opportunities available through expanding into this growing lucrative market, but do not know how to bring this into their practice. It all begins with training and building up confidence. The first thing would be to explore the entire range of treatments available, considering all the areas and fields that initially appeal to you. From Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers to Dermaroller (microneedling) and Chemical Peels, there are a wealth of options available and the more disciplines you can learn, the more likely you will be able to accommodate all your patients’ potential needs and requirements.

In any dental clinic, unless you’re performing a specific procedure all the time, it will take a while to build up your competence. Following my own initial training, a dental colleague told me that a great way to gain practical experience, increase my confidence and build upon the foundations of my education was to work for a larger provider of facial cosmetic treatments. So that’s exactly what I did. I worked part-time as a sessional non-surgical practitioner at a leading facial aesthetic clinic. It was perfect for building up my skill levels and completing a diversity of facial aesthetic treatments throughout each day.

Of course, it’s not always possible or practical to move into such an environment, especially if you already work in a demanding dental practice, but it is crucial to get as much experience early on as possible. This really helps to cement what you have learnt and build up your confidence.

Regardless of where you apply your newfound talents, the ideal starting point is to undergo the procedures yourself. After all, you can’t expect to be able to adequately explain, understand or empathise with your patients, unless you have experienced the procedures first hand. In fact, I still have my ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures prior to embarking on my very first treatments, and I regularly use these for educating patients and marketing. This has a real wow factor for my patients and builds valuable confidence in my skills.

Also essential is to ensure that every member of staff is well educated in the treatments being offered. To help with this, it is worth encouraging staff members to undergo various treatments, where appropriate, and to use the products themselves. Your practice team can be the ultimate advert for your services and this will help to increase their knowledge and familiarity with the processes. It will also allow them to provide reliable, honest advice and assurance to patients, while also promoting the excellent results on offer.

Encouraging interest in your facial aesthetics offering is all down to your marketing and the way you spread the word about the fantastic treatments you provide. Using e-shots and leaflets that detail the procedures and outcomes patients could expect, as well as offering promotions on certain treatments will help to do this. As will talking about it during routine dental appointments. It is important not to be afraid to mention these or to hesitate when suggesting a facial aesthetic treatment to your patients. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “Have you ever thought about having this done?”

Ultimately, the best way to advertise is by ensuring the provision of high quality services. Patients that are happy at your clinic will always promote you to other people, so it’s crucial to show each patient consistently high standards of care and support to encourage this right from the start. As important as any marketing technique is, a lot of the early interest comes from word of mouth. So, by nurturing existing patient relationships and with the support from your whole practice team, you can be sure to get your facial aesthetics practice off to a great start. 

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

The concept of digital dentistry is a three-legged stool. In no particular order, those legs are digital equipment, the tools used to make teeth; digital smile design, the way you treatment plan; and digital marketing, the way you get people in through the door.

I frequently speak about what is known as the ‘adoption cycle’. This is a bell-shape curved graph, and working from left to right you have ‘innovators’, ‘early adopters’, ‘late adopters’ and ‘laggards’. At the far left hand-side of the curve, you have the few people who are keen to try something new without any concrete evidence. The ‘early adopters’ are those who will try new things once some evidence of their success is made available, and the ‘late adopters’ will only jump on the bandwagon once solutions are tried, tested and refined. The ‘laggards’ tend to be those who are open to very little change, if any at all.

As a group, dentists are not brilliant at moving through the adoption cycle. The majority of dentists operate at the ‘late adoption’ stage of the curve, with the next largest group ‘early adopters’ and an ever-diminishing number of ‘laggards’. There aren’t, unfortunately, many dentists working in the ‘innovation’ phase either, although this is somewhat understandable – as trained medical professionals, they want to see clinical evidence of new products or technologies working effectively before they employ them in their own businesses. This does, however, make the process of innovation and development quite difficult in dentistry, as suppliers and manufacturers have limited options regarding who will trial their latest products.

Digital equipment

There is a growing range of dental technologies available on the dental market designed to facilitate the reproduction of natural-looking and functional dentition. Equipment has been advanced and refined over time to now produce clinical results of previously unparalleled accuracy and quality, enhancing the standard of dental treatment provided to patients, increasing their satisfaction and therefore helping businesses to grow. Technologies have also been developed to streamline the clinical and management workflows within practices, allowing more efficient daily processes for happier and more relaxed staff.

The umbrella term of ‘digital equipment’ now includes everything from milling machines to CAD/CAM software and 3D printers, but its place on the adoption cycle varies between countries. In the USA, for example, digital equipment is in the ‘early adoption’ phase, but the UK is slightly behind in the ‘innovation’ stage. This is an opportunity for the manufacturers of digital technologies in the UK and Europe to expand their market reach, and we will continue to see the arrival of more new equipment on British shores in the near future for this reason.

Digital Smile Design (DSD)

Here we start to get into the territory of Christian Coachman – a kind of ‘Photoshop on steroids’ for enhanced treatment planning. Once again, much of the developed world is currently moving into the ‘early adopters’ stage with regards to DSD, while the UK remains in the ‘innovation’ step of the curve. Deployment of the DSD concept may be somewhat slow here at the moment, but it offers huge potential for those who invest.

Digital Marketing

This embraces the lifecycle marketing concept that is now working its way through the dental arena. Following seven proven principles, digital marketing involves attracting new patients, encouraging them to return and encouraging referrals for new business from them. When considering Google, pay-per-click, adwords, search engine optimisation and effective website design, most dentists in the UK are probably towards the top of the curve, moving from ‘early’ to ‘late adopters’. Even the most cantankerous principals now widely accept that a practice website is necessary for the growth of a modern business. When you look at elements such as Facebook advertising, however, most practices will slide back down to the ‘innovation’ stage very quickly. This is a similar story when you consider CRM software, such as that available from InfusionSoft, and automated email marketing.

Don’t break a leg

It is essential for dental practices to look at all three legs of the digital stool in order to successfully adopt the concept and technologies and use them to enhance the patient service provided. This is particularly important for independent practices – corporates and large groups of practices will take more time to innovate and implement the changes needed as they have more management levels to work through. Independent, single practices have the opportunity, therefore, to get ahead of the game and distinguish themselves from the competition.

We at 7connections can provide any bespoke advice or information you might need to make sure you remain at the cutting-edge of dentistry, while also helping you optimise your business for maximum long-term success.

For more information about 7connections and the business coaching opportunities available, please call 01647 478145,

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or visit www.7connections.com

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.

Tim Bradstock-Smith from The London Smile Clinic shares his thoughts on the increasingly popular field of implant surgery and how dental referrals can help you and your practice...

Although traditional dentures still have a place, implant surgery is fast becoming an indispensible part of mainstream dentistry. Global forecasts suggest that Europe will continue to drive and dominate the area of dental implants and prosthetics until at least 2018.[1] What’s more, the current economic recovery is likely to see a further push and market expansion.

Successful restoration for an edentulous patient takes both functional and psychosocial adaptation, but their self-confidence is significantly enhanced[2]  by their resulting satisfaction with comfort, function, appearance and health. When compared to conventional complete dentures, data has provided scientific evidence of an improved quality of life after dental implant therapy.[3] Implants are much more convenient for patients and offer improved appearance, looking and feeling like natural teeth. Additionally, patients with positive self-esteem have been shown to experience significantly fewer physical health symptoms[4] and some researchers have gone so far as to suggest that the larger your smile, the longer you may live.[5] Whichever way you look at it, successful smile restoration has both physical and psychological benefits for patients.

The medical advantages of implants are that they help to prevent bone loss and actually stimulate growth to maintain the structure of the face. Also, well-maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years.

Replacing or restoring missing or damaged teeth with virtually undetectable implants can be a complex procedure. However, it can be extremely rewarding for dentists who are able to not only produce a beautiful smile, but also raise patient self-esteem and confidence.

Successful implant surgery requires considerable attention to detail, outstanding accuracy and a comprehensive set of surgical skills acquired through on-going training and experience. Specialist technology and imaging is also needed to plan and execute implant treatment meticulously, ensuring optimal placement.

One clinician or indeed one practice may not have all the technology, space or the surgical skills required to provide the scope of treatment necessary for all implant surgery, particularly if a practice already provides specialist treatment in an alternative field of dentistry. Equally the patient demographics of the area may not make it financially worthwhile to support this provision. In addition, the training and education clinicians require to place implants successfully takes a significant amount of time as well as expense and often, if this knowledge is not used regularly, it is difficult for practitioners to maintain the skills required to achieve high quality work.

Even when a clinician is qualified to undertake implant surgery, there are still cases that require more specialist surgical skills with treatment sites that require advanced preparation or enhancement before implant surgery can take place. Some cases will require socket augmentation procedures, for example, or advanced regenerative procedures such as guided bone regeneration, bone condensation, ridge splitting, particulate grafting, autogenous block grafting, sinus augmentation, connective tissue grafting and further special methods such as inferior dental nerve lateralisation and distraction osteogenesis.

However, successful implant surgery can be still be delivered by suitably experienced clinicians or specialists in a team approach.

A centre of excellence such as London Smile Clinic provides a referral service to practitioners to undertake implant procedures on their behalf. Dr Zaki Kanaan is a highly trained implantologist, who will work closely with you to form a team, ensuring the best possible results for your patients. Whether you wish to refer more complex cases to Zaki or just refer out part of the overall treatment, the team at London Smile Clinic will keep you informed throughout the procedure. The patient will then return to you for continued treatment or on-going maintenance and care. London Smile Clinic prides itself on delivering a 5 star service and first class dentistry, and referring dentists can be confident that their patients will be in safe hands.

Keeping up in an ever-advancing industry can be both expensive and problematic. Equally, patient expectations are now much more forward thinking with an increase in people wishing to undertake corrective or cosmetic procedures.[6] It is not always possible to provide all services individually but by making use of the technology, facilities and skills offered by referral practices, it is possible to extend your areas of expertise and professionalism to enhance your treatment provision. In doing so, patient satisfaction and confidence is improved and as a result, these patients will return to your practice time and time again.

For more information, please contact 020 7255 2559 or
visit www.londonsmile.co.uk/refer