Scotchbond Universal Adhesive from 3M ESPE has been honoured with a prestigious 2012 Red Dot Design Award.
Created with ease of use in mind, the product was recognised for its flip-top vial delivery system, which allows for convenient one-handed operation.
The Red Dot Design Awards are considered one of the world’s most distinguished design competitions setting the trend for manufacturers globally. Around 1,800 companies and designers from 58 countries competed for the 2012 awards.
An international jury of design experts evaluate entries based on criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality, self-explanatory quality and ecological soundness.
At 3M ESPE we recognise that design can have a significant impact on the value of a product, said Sophie Singh, Product Manager. That’s why when we create a new product, we work in collaboration with our customers and look beyond clinical performance to elements which can influence productivity and ease of use. We are delighted that our most recent introduction to the dental adhesive range has been recognised.”
In addition to its flip-top design, Scotchbond Universal adhesive offers dentists a number of other advantages which simplify the overall dental bonding procedure. The product is a single-bottle solution that can be used in total-or self-etch modes for both direct and indirect restorations – even without additional primer.
The 3M company received a total of seven Red Dot Awards this year. Another winner within 3M’s oral care business was the Incognito™ Lite Appliance System –a low profile customised brackets lingual brace. The appliance, which sits on the underside of the teeth, is made with robotically bent wires, delivering a targeted result, designed to enhance patient comfort with a highly aesthetic solution.
3M ESPE has previously received Red Dot honours for its Elipar™ S10 LED Curing Light and Pentamix™ 3 Automatic Mixing Unit. This year’s awards reflect its continuing commitment to bringing leading-edge technology to dentistry.
For more information about Scotchbond Universal adhesive visit www.3mespe.co.uk and for information on the Incognito Lite appliance system visit www.3munitek.co.uk
^1335744000^5060^Scotchbond Universal Adhesive scoop…^Scotchbond Universal Adhesive from 3M ESPE has been honoured with a prestigious 2012 Red Dot Design Award.Created with ease of use in mind, …^
Bob Khanna gets cosmetic at Dentistry LIVE^
Bob Khanna is a leading expert in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
His pioneering ideas have become renowned within the industry and his work has become the basis of cosmetic dentistry.
With the dental industry constantly evolving, Khanna is continually developing his ideas, with his work spanning into lecturing and training.
His achievements have been vast and work has taken him around the world and now he will be speaking at Dentistry LIVE 2012.
As one of the headline speakers he will be part of the World Aesthetic Congress Track and his invaluable expertise will offer you an insight into The Face of Cosmetic Dentistry Today.
The innovative procedures will be the focus of Khanna’s lecture and you will gain the knowledge regarding surgical and aesthetics dentistry as well as non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
The opportunity to learn from this session will be invaluable and the information that will be presented will range from, dento-skeletal support, soft tissue augmentation, excessive gingvinal display and masseteric hypertrophy.
Khanna will also be using his expertise as part of the Alternative Sessions and will be holding a session, Total Facial Sculpting Masterclass.
This lecture focuses solely on non-surgical facial lifting. By attending both of Khanna’s lectures you will find them both to be vital to your on-going training.
To see Bob Khanna and many other speakers freephone 0800 371 652 or alternatively visit www.dentistrylive.co.uk to find out more.
• The Henry Schein team
He said how proud he was of his team and thanked them for all their wonderful work. He also thanked the lecturers on his course, and all the industry that supports the practice. Finally, he paid tribute to the delegates on his teaching programme and to the 700 or so delegates who are part of the network of Walpole St alumina.
Concert pianist Dr Olga Thomas, a satisfied patient, entertained for the evening.
With drinks and canapés, and good humour all round, this evening was supported by many of the great and the good in British dentistry.
^1336435200^5079^Eddie treats referring dentists to …^Dentist Eddie Scher threw a cocktail party for fellow dental professionals.In the plush surroundings of the RAC Club in Pall Mall, the Walpo…^
Dental fraud costs NHS £73.1 million in a year^
An estimated £70 million was wasted on dental fraud in a year, the government has said.
Figures published today (Tuesday) by NHS Protect, the lead on tackling and identifying crime across the health service in England, show dental fraud may have cost the NHS £73.1 million in 2009-10.
Swindles included submitting false claims for patients who did not exist, claiming for patients who did not visit the dentist and submitting claims for more expensive treatment than was delivered.
The government now claims that tthe new dental contract system it is introducing will reduce the risks of dental fraud before it becomes a problem.
It says proactively analysing data on dental contract claims will pick up irregular or suspect claim activity.
The government will work with NHS Protect to tackle the current problem of contract fraud by:
• Changing how some dental treatments are recorded to prevent fraud
• Undertaking further analysis of dental fraud to help identify weaknesses in the system
• Developing an awareness programme of dental fraud risks, including workshops with local anti-fraud staff to help spot dental fraud activity
• Moving to a new single way of working for managing all NHS dentistry services.
Health minister, Lord Howe, said: ’This shows the current dental contract system is not fit for purpose and needs to change to ensure NHS funds are protected and used to benefit patients.
‘It is totally unacceptable that some NHS dentists have abused the system for personal gain. Fraud of any kind will not be tolerated and any allegation of fraud is taken seriously.
‘We believe dentists should get paid for the quality of care they provide rather than simply for the number of treatments. That is why we are currently piloting this approach with dental practices ahead of the introduction of a new dental contract to make sure we get things right and minimise the risks of fraud.’
Chief dental officer, Barry Cockcroft, said: ‘The vast majority of dentists behave ethically and provide high quality dental care to their patients.
‘Action needs to be taken against the small minority who behave dishonestly and submit fraudulent claims. We are working closely with NHS Protect to raise awareness of fraud risks to help prevent and deter fraudulent activity.
‘I would also urge colleagues in the profession and patients to report any suspicions of fraud or corruption to NHS Protect on their confidential fraud and corruption reporting line or to their PCT.’
Dermid McCausland, NHS Protect managing director, said: ‘NHS Protect will continue to ensure that public funds are not lost to a dishonest minority of dentists. Action will be taken against those who attempt to take valuable NHS resources for personal gain.
‘As the lead organisation in tackling NHS fraud, NHS Protect will effectively coordinate investigative and intelligence resources and take swift action where suspicions of fraud are found.
‘We will also seek the recovery of any NHS funds lost through the actions of fraudsters.’
^1336435200^5080^Dental fraud costs NHS £73.1 milli…^An estimated £70 million was wasted on dental fraud in a year, the government has said.Figures published today (Tuesday) by NHS Protec…^
Dentsply materials save teeth in rural Uganda^
Patients in rural Uganda have potentially avoided extractions and kept more of their own teeth thanks to Dentsply glass ionomer materials.
The company donated materials to the Teeth for Life project organised by Dentaid and Christian Relief Uganda.
Project leader Barbara Koffman, who has been visiting Uganda since 1996 to run free dental pain relief clinics, says donations make a big difference to people with little or no access to dental care.
‘When I first went to Uganda, I found a government clinic with very little in it, just two or three forceps and a mouth mirror without a handle,’ says Barbara.
She developed a mobile clinic, staffed by volunteer dentists, hygienists and nurses to give hygiene instruction alongside clinical care.
On the most recent trip, in February and March, a small drill and the Dentsply GI material made a big difference.
‘Rather than take painful teeth out, we were able to restore them,’ says Barbara. ‘We are very grateful for any help we are given.’
The next visits to Uganda will be leaving on 1 June and 6 September. Any qualified staff wishing to volunteer to help – with partners attending as helpers – can find out more at www.dentaid.org.
^1336435200^5081^Dentsply materials save teeth in ru…^Patients in rural Uganda have potentially avoided extractions and kept more of their own teeth thanks to Dentsply glass ionomer materials.Th…^
Dental product previewed at Dentistry LIVE^
Septodont will be previewing its newest product – N’Durance Cristal – in May 2012 at the Scottish Dental Show and at Dentistry LIVE.
Further developing Septodont’s nano-dimer technology, N’Durance Cristal offers increased translucency for high-end aesthetic restorations that blend with natural teeth.
N’Durance Cristal also provides ‘soft on demand’ viscosity, compatibility with all commonly used bonding agents and superior radiopacity for easy differentiation from tooth structure.
N’Durance Cristal is easy and fast to polish thanks to its nano-hybrid optimised filler system.
Available in seven of the most popular vita shades, the single shade technique optimises chair time while the incisal shade, which mimics natural enamel translucency, adds vitality to restorations.
Clinically tested with an overall satisfaction rate of 87% (data on file), dentists can experience the benefits of N’Durance Cristal for themselves at Dentistry LIVE.
www.septodont.co.uk
01622 695520
Stand 59
^1336521600^5082^Dental product previewed at Dentist…^Septodont will be previewing its newest product – N’Durance Cristal – in May 2012 at the Scottish Dental Show and at Denti…^
Who cares about the integrity of statistics?^
Yesterday’s news story about £70 million-plus allegedly wasted on dental fraud merited closer examination of the research carried out by a new quango, NHS Protect.
Minister, Lord Howe, said it was ‘totally unacceptable that some dentists have abused the system for personal gain’.
My take is that it is totally unacceptable that some politicians and officials have abused the statistics for political gain.
Let us consider the facts. The sample size was 5,000 patients and the response rate was 84%, so far so good.
In three quarters of cases no fraud was found. A further 22% of patients gave no response or couldn’t remember which left 3%, (157 cases) in which fraud was suspected.
Suspected mark you, not proven, and the report admits that the level of proof required was ‘civil’, the balance of probabliities, not criminal, beyond reasonable doubt.
From the 157, somewhat dodgy, instances they extrapolated to the full population and came up with the figure of £70 million.
Half of the 157 were cases where the patient claimed that they did not receive the level of treatment on the FP17.
If you write to a patient sometime after the event and ask them if they received a Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3 treatment at their visit to the dentist, I would not be surprised if 78 out of the 5,000 got the answer wrong.
Yet this makes up the bulk of the £70 million.
In a further quarter of cases (43), there appears to be evidence of a split course of treatment, basically that more than one FP17 for a separate course of treatment was received within 28 days of the first.
Now the report admits that there may be good and legitimate reasons for this, which it attempts remove. However, the evidence base for this statistic is not good.
A good minister might have asked how many dentists were asked to make repayments after this excerise. Two years after the research nothing seems to have been done, excpet to blame the existing contract and smear dentists into the bargain.
It is pretty obvious that this exercise gave the answer the Department wanted, so who cares about the integrity of the statistics? The researchers at NHS Protect should.
^1336521600^5087^Who cares about the integrity of st…^Yesterday’s news story about £70 million-plus allegedly wasted on dental fraud merited closer examination of the research carried out …^
Euro dental market shows turnover increase^
The European dental market in 2011 showed an increase of 1.2% in the total turnover for all countries covered by the survey.
Sundries sales increased on average by 0.9% while total sales of equipment declined by 2.2% as shown in the 2012 European Dental Market Report, edited by ADDE, the European
Dental Trade Association, in cooperation with FIDE.
The Association of Dental Dealers of Europe (ADDE) publishes annually the results of a survey of the European dental trade market.
The 2012 edition covers the period 2007-2011 and details the 2011 results in particular.
It reveals the major trends over the past five years of the most significant areas as well.
So it indicates the overall dynamics affecting the dental market in the 14 countries surveyed.
Key findings of the 2012 report:
• The number of active dentists slightly increased by 0.8% overall, while the number of dental laboratories went down by 1.1% and the number of dental technicians decreased by 0.9%. The total number of dental hygienists grew by 1.14% reaching a total of 24,477
• The total turnover for all countries surveyed, including sundries, equipments and technical services, increased by 1.2% with a wide variety across the countries responding
• The total sales of sundries increased by 0.9% and the technical services by 1.02% while total equipment sales decreased by 2.2%.
^1336521600^5083^Euro dental market shows turnover i…^The European dental market in 2011 showed an increase of 1.2% in the total turnover for all countries covered by the survey.Sundries sales i…^
Oral pain relief for £1^
A dental charity is launching an innovative charity initiative to help improve global oral health.
Bridge2Aid is asking practices to offer their patients a chance to add £1 to their bill under its Small Change = Big Change scheme.
Every £120 raised, means that a whole village will gain access to emergency dental care – allowing people to live pain-free, and, for many, the chance to return to work to support their families.
As the money will also be put towards training local East African health workers, it means that the fundraising is not just a quick-fix but provides a long-term sustainable solution.
The vast majority of Bridge2Aid’s administration costs are covered by profits from Hope Dental Centre, run by the charity in Tanzania, which means that every £1 is going straight into programmes to provide help to people in need.
If you are interested in offering the scheme through your dental practice Bridge2Aid will send you a pack that contains all the information you need to get started including posters and a reception information stand that will help you tell your patients what you are doing.
Email [email protected] or phone 07733 102087 to order yours.
^1336521600^5085^Oral pain relief for £1^A dental charity is launching an innovative charity initiative to help improve global oral health.Bridge2Aid is asking practices to offer th…^
Henry Schein Minerva helps dentists Face the Challenge^
The highly influential James Goolnik will make a welcome appearance in the North East in July as the keynote speaker for ‘Face The Challenge 2012: Dental Innovations’ – a full day event featuring an impressive blend of practical, business and clinical presentations.
Consisting of 7 hours verifiable CPD including 2 hours covering the CORE subject of infection control, the event is designed as a thought provoking and practical occasion suitable for dentists and DCPs.
Taking place on 6 July at the Hilton, Newcastle Gateshead, at a cost of just £50 per place for dentists and £35 for DCPs, this full day event organised by Henry Schein Minerva, brings together an array of leading dental speakers and a chance to visit an extensive exhibition showcasing the latest equipment and technology innovations.
James Goolnik will speak during the event’s morning session and as a practicing dentist will deliver his realistic view on how practices can meet the challenges of recession by developing their own vision for the future. James will be followed by Brian Weatherly, President of Software of Excellence, who will provide some insightful illustrations as to how practices can analyse and monitor current performance and offers practical solutions for implementing strategies to improve business systems.
Other speakers include Dr Rob Muirhead who explores the role of technology in practice and Laura Horton who explains why she believes 90% of non-clinical dentistry should be removed from the dentist, thereby providing a higher level of customer service. As a core CPD subject infection control is always a vital topic for practices and two distinct presentations will deliver important and highly relevant information to all members of the practice team.
Places can be reserved for Face The Challenge 2012 by contacting Sue O’Rourke Tel: 029 2044 2818 or email: suzanne.o’[email protected].
Book before 31 May 2012 and every dentist reservation will receive a DCP place FREE OF CHARGE. In addition every attendee will receive a FREE copy of James Goolnik’s best-selling book; BRUSH.
^1336521600^5086^Henry Schein Minerva helps dentists…^The highly influential James Goolnik will make a welcome appearance in the North East in July as the keynote speaker for ‘Face The Challenge…^
Man who ‘changed the face of dentistry’^
Raymond Bertolotti’s wealth of experience has awarded him with praise from within the dental industry, as well as being described by some as the person ‘credited with changing the face of dentistry’.
Many across the globe have witnessed his skills as a distinguished speaker, which are on display at Dentistry LIVE 2012.
You could be rewarded with his expertise, as Raymond will be lecturing for two seminars as part of the Current Concepts track.
The possibility to receive extracts of his knowledge is an opportunity not to be missed. His first lecture, ‘Think Adhesion, Not Tooth Reduction’ focuses on how remaining dentin thickness correlates with a subsequent need for endodontic treatment.
The chance to profit from Raymond’s ideas continues in his second lecture, ‘Quest For The Best “Universal” Bonding Agent’.
A lecture that promotes the need for, technique simplification and improved dentin bond durability as well as presenting a valid case for using the best self-etching primer systems rather than etch and rinse systems.
Raymond has worked as a PhD metallurgical and ceramic engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and then as a clinical professor in biomaterials science at the University of California, as well lecturing in other educational institutes.
It is clear that Raymond’s knowledge has been built from his varied work background, which has culminated in his innovative ideas being highly regarded by his contemporaries.
To see Raymond Bertolotti and many other speakers freephone 0800 371 652 or alternatively visit www.dentistrylive.co.uk to find out more.
^1336521600^5088^Man who ‘changed the face of dentis…^Raymond Bertolotti’s wealth of experience has awarded him with praise from within the dental industry, as well as being described by s…^
Secret patient recordings are risk to dentists^
Dentists are warned that the law offers little or no protection from patients covertly recording consultations.
Patients are within their rights to record consultations and could use the information obtained to challenge their dentist’s actions.
‘Dentists would be cautioned against covertly recording patients’
The increasing use of smart phones makes it easier for patients wishing to secretly record a dental appointment and UK-wide dental defence organisation MDDUS advises dentists to keep clear, comprehensive and accurate records of consultations so they can justify their actions in court if necessary.
MDDUS dental adviser Rachael Bell said: ‘A dentist might think that a patient would require their permission to record a consultation and that any recording made covertly was illegal.’
‘However, this is not the case. When a patient seeks a consultation with a dentist, the information being processed is almost exclusively relating to the patient. Under the Data Protection Act, that data is therefore personal to the patient. By recording it, that patient is merely viewed as processing their own data.’
It is likely that any recording would be covered by section 36 of the Data Protection Act which states that: ‘Personal data processed by an individual only for the purposes of that individual’s personal, family or household affairs (including recreational purposes) are exempt from the data protection principles.’
Rachael added: ‘In essence, the patient can do what they wish with it. Even if obtained covertly, courts may view the recording, if relevant to the case, as admissible. Dentists are warned that the accuracy of their records could be challenged if they do not match the recording of any consultation.
‘Any covert recording would seem inherently intrusive and a breach of trust in a patient-dentist relationship. You would expect sympathy for a dentist whose privacy had been invaded. However, the law views the matter differently.’
Privacy law under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights is only enforceable against public bodies and therefore also offers no protection to the dentist.
So what about turning the tables and recording patient consultations?
She said: ‘Whilst the GDC has offered no specific guidance on the subject, the GMC’s Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients is clear that consent must be obtained for any recording of a patient’s consultation.
‘The only caveat to this is where covert recoding is deemed necessary for child protection issues. In this case, it would be advisable to seek advice from MDDUS to ensure law enforcement prior to any recording being made.
‘Any audio or visual recording of a patient’s consultation would be deemed to be part of the patient’s record and so needs to be treated with the same level of confidentiality as a written record. The record would also be covered by the same rules on retention and secure storage as a written or computerised record.
‘It is likely that the GDC would reflect the GMC’s view on this matter and therefore dentists would be cautioned against covertly recording patients. Instead, we would all do well to foster open and honest discussions with our patients in order to avoid them feeling it necessary to go undercover.’
For full details of the GMC guidance, click on the link http://bit.ly/Iqlcc4
^1336521600^5089^Secret patient recordings are risk …^Dentists are warned that the law offers little or no protection from patients covertly recording consultations. Patients are within the…^
Stars of silver screen light up dental film festival^
Some of the biggest names in cinematic history starred at the first evening event of the 2012 BDA Film Festival last Thursday (3 May).
The festival, Dentists in the movies, drew on the more than 100 films made during the past century, including documentaries, romances, horror films and comedies, which have featured portrayals of dentists.
The evening featured the oldest known British film about dentistry, which celebrates its centenary this year.
Came the Dawn was made in 1912 for pioneering dentist George Cunningham, who took it to an international dental meeting to encourage his colleagues to promote preventive dentistry, particularly amongst children.
The film shows two girls visiting the dentist, as well as boy scouts making their own ‘chewsticks’, toothbrushes made from twigs.
Two further short documentaries followed covering ‘toothbrush drill’ and the visit of the mobile dental clinic. The evening then turned to comedy with hilarious helpings from Charlie Chaplin, W C Fields, Laurel & Hardy and Monty Python.
The audience, which was made up of dentists and members of the public, was also treated to a unique performance of Extracts, a dance/drama performance in the BDA’s Museum.
The piece was choreographed by Jemma Bicknell, a postgraduate student at Roehampton University, and provided an alternative interpretation of a visit to the dentist.
The evening also saw a performance by the Marylebone Rock Choir to welcome attendees.
The festival continues into the second half of May with three evenings coupling archive films and a feature film.
The main feature on Wednesday 16 May will be the 1960 comedy Dentist in the Chair starring Bob Monkhouse, while later that week Friday 18 May will see a screening of the 1989 romantic comedy Eversmile New Jersey starring Daniel Day Lewis.
The festival concludes on Tuesday 22 May with a screening of the 2001 comedy Novocaine, which stars Steve Martin.
The event on 18 May is part of the Museums at Night event.
The BDA Museum will be open from 5pm and will be holding art activities in which visitors will be invited to participate.
All film screenings begin at 6.15pm.
Attendance is free, but those intending to attend are asked to reserve their place by emailing [email protected].
^1336521600^5091^Stars of silver screen light up den…^Some of the biggest names in cinematic history starred at the first evening event of the 2012 BDA Film Festival last Thursday (3 May).The fe…^
Dentists urge caution over NHS ‘fraud’ stats ^
The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that figures published by NHS Protect must be examined carefully to establish which are and aren’t fraud.
The statistics in the Dental Contractor Loss Analysis Exercise were released yesterday.
The BDA, on its website, says that ‘NHS Protect has taken a very small sample and from that suggests that dental fraud may have cost the NHS £73.1 million in 2009-10, the year to which the figures relate’.
But the Association has urged caution in interpreting the figures, warning that they are not as straightforward as they may seem and will be studying the findings carefully to ensure they are properly interpreted.
Dr John Milne, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: ‘Fraud takes money away from patient care and is indefensible. The BDA supports the counter-fraud activities undertaken by the NHS to detect and eradicate any such activity.
‘But these figures will need to be looked at carefully and understood to ensure that the cases of fraud are distinguished from cases where a course of treatment has been staged for legitimate reasons. It cannot be assumed that treatment that has been planned in a phased way, or had to be restarted during what was intended to be a single course, is fraudulent; that simply isn’t the case. There are clinical factors that can explain both scenarios.
‘A number of issues have arisen with the workings of NHS dentistry since the introduction of flawed contractual arrangements in 2006. Those arrangements have proved unpopular with patients and dentists alike. A new contract is now being piloted. The BDA supports this development, which it hopes will address the many problems the current contract has created.’
Comment from the Department of Health has focused on the importance of replacing the current dental contract with new arrangements and the importance of taking action against the very small number of dentists who commit fraudulent activity.
^1336521600^5090^Dentists urge caution over NHS ‘fra…^The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that figures published by NHS Protect must be examined carefully to establish which are and …^
Dentistry focus: The power of referrals^
There are clear benefits to dental practitioners and their patients in working with recognised experts at referral clinics, especially if the relationship between the two clinics is managed effectively.
The London Smile Clinic orthodontic referral service for both adults and teenagers, allows patients of other dental practices to benefit from the latest treatments and techniques.
To provide examples of advances in orthodontic treatments, the clinic is holding open evenings to demonstrate to dental practitioners just what is on offer.
These free-to-attend events showcase the spectacular results that can be achieved with minimally invasive and lifestyle-friendly orthodontic techniques, and account for 1.5 hours of certified CPD for those who attend.
At the most recent open evening, the London Smile Clinic’s in-house specialist orthodontist, Dr Preet Bhogal, gave a presentation entitled, ‘Orthodontic Innovations: Simplifying Interdisciplinary Treatments,’ outlined possibilities and limitations of orthodontic treatment.
The presentation stressed the importance of listening to the patient’s concerns in their own words before going on to discuss multi-disciplinary treatments.
Factors that should be taken into account when referring patients include skeletal, soft tissue and dental features.
Efficient collection of information such as x-rays and photographs can assist with diagnosis, allowing practitioners to consider all factors and plan the most appropriate treatment.
Orthodontic treatments can yield a range of benefits, including improved aesthetics and wellbeing. A better smile can increase self-confidence, self-esteem and quality of life.
But Dr Bhogal stressed the importance of thorough planning and discussion of all treatment options. Patients should be informed of what can be achieved, and whether they require combined orthodontic, periodontal and restorative care.
As a result, Dr Bhogal believes a referral clinic should operate as an extension of the referring practice, with the two groups working together as a team to achieve the optimum outcome for patients. All parties involved should be kept fully informed at every stage of a patient’s treatment.
Communication can benefit from, for example, before and after photographs to accompany each procedure, and by providing the referring clinic with models to send to their ceramist. The referring clinic should also sign off any treatment before braces are removed.
Dr Bhogal went on to discuss the Incognito Appliance, a custom-made, cast gold appliance, which is fixed behind teeth where it is barely visible. The device consists of customised brackets and wires and is manufactured using the latest rapid 3D prototyping machines.
One common misconception is that adult teeth are slower than children’s teeth to move into the desired position. While a lack of growth in older patients may restrict certain types of movement, the Incognito appliance is capable, comfortable and well tolerated by people of all ages.
An increase in recent years in the demand for lingual and orthodontic braces has led to great advances in treatment and enabled specialist orthodontists to offer a huge variety of options for their patients, which often completely avoid invasive surgery.
Effective and predictable dental treatment is becoming quicker and more manageable than patients – or some GDPs – expect.
For more information on The London Smile Clinic, email Claire at [email protected] or call 020 725 52559.
www.londonsmile.co.uk/refer
^1336608000^5092^Dentistry focus: The power of refer…^There are clear benefits to dental practitioners and their patients in working with recognised experts at referral clinics, especially if th…^
Sort teeth before dating, survey says^
A smile is the first thing they notice about the opposite sex.
That’s according to a new survey in which 69% of people chose not to date someone because of their bad teeth.
In total, 57% of respondents labelled missing teeth as a turn off with stained teeth were an upset for nearly one in five people (18%).
At the other end of the spectrum, only two per cent of people thought fillings were the least desirable feature, with braces only putting off 6%.
Opinions were also sought on cracked teeth, uneven teeth and receding gums, problems that put off a combined total of roughly one in five (18%) people.
The survey, which questioned more than 1,000 people, was conducted by oral health charity the British Dental Health Foundation ahead of National Smile Month, the UK’s largest oral health campaign.
According to chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, the findings do not come as a great surprise.
Dr Carter said: ‘Images portrayed in the media of celebrities have lead to a society where image and the way we look is an important facet of daily life. Young people particularly associate celebrities with attractiveness, achievement and affluence, so it is only natural they will seek to mimic what they see on TV and in print.
‘Whether it’s the way we dress, do our hair or invest time in dieting, image is a large driving force behind today’s culture.
‘The same holds true for teeth. Celebrity smiles can be particularly endearing, so it is little wonder survey results indicate missing and stained teeth are the least desirable oral health issues for the way you look.’
National Smile Month, taking place from 20 May to 20 June, is the ideal opportunity for people to find out more about what good oral health how to obtain it and how to keep it.
Over the 36 years of the campaign, there have been major advances in oral health, particularly when it comes to missing teeth.
The proportion of the population with no natural teeth in England, Northern Ireland and Wales has fallen from as high as 37% in 1978 to 6% in 2009. The number of adults with 21 or more natural teeth has risen to 86% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from as low as 68% in 1978 in Northern Ireland.
Dr Carter added: ‘It is great to see oral health in the country improving over the years of the campaign has evolved, but there are still improvements to be made. By taking responsibility for your oral health, your teeth and your mouth, it’s clear from the survey desirability can improve too.’
^1336608000^5094^Sort teeth before dating, survey sa…^A smile is the first thing they notice about the opposite sex.That’s according to a new survey in which 69% of people chose not to date some…^
Robbins flies the US flag at Dentistry LIVE^
Bill Robbins is a previous president of the American Board of General Dentistry and currently a Diplomate of the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry, as well as being on the American Board of General Dentistry.
Due to his strong place in the dental industry Bill’s session at Dentistry LIVE in the Current Concepts track is a lecture that will be of great importance to the development of any dentist.
The focal point of the session will be Bill’s demonstration on how to dynamically transform the periodontium to ensure the most aesthetic restorative result, including topics such as root coverage, crown lengthening, forced eruption and orthodontic intrusion.
For those of you who have read Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry – A Contemporary Approach, you will be aware of Bill’s contribution to the co-authored textbook.
Bill’s skills as a writer and lecturer will surely be reflected at this years Dentistry LIVE.
His career ranges from maintaining a full-time practice to being a clinical professor in the Department of General Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio Dental School.
Bill has also published more than 80 articles, abstracts and chapters on a varied range of dental subjects.
He is considered to be an essential part to the training of any dentist, which is why he has lectured all over the world and his seminar for Dentistry LIVE will be of the same high standard that he is renowned for.
To see Bill Robbins and many other speakers freephone 0800 371 652 or visit www.dentistrylive.co.uk to find out more.
^1336608000^5093^Robbins flies the US flag at Dentis…^Bill Robbins is a previous president of the American Board of General Dentistry and currently a Diplomate of the Federal Services Board of G…^
Dentists welcome innovative implant guiding tool ^
A dental implant supplier has been named the UK’s exclusive distributor of an innovative implant guiding tool that makes implant dentistry more efficient and cost-effective.
Implantium is the sole supplier of the Innovative Implant Technology (IIT) Implant Guiding System, a user-friendly device that eliminates the need to make individual drilling guides for each patient.
The IIT Implant Guiding System can be used with any dental implant system on the market, and helps to ensure correct implant location and optimal implant diameter during placement, meaning placing implants becomes easier, quicker, and more precise.
One dentist already using the IIT Implant Guiding System is Allan Pirie, clinical director of the Clifton Dental Clinic in Glasgow, who said: ‘I have been using the system for nearly two years and found that it gives reliably more accurate placement. It has also saved a small fortune in lab fees for surgical guides.”
Similarly, Andrew Shelley, a specialist in prosthodontics from Manchester, commented: ‘The IIT Implant Guiding System is very useful. It gives you the exact point of initial penetration for your osteotomy, which conventional surgical guides do not.’
For further information about Implantium, contact 0845 0176 262, email [email protected], or visit www.implantium.co.uk.
^1336694400^5095^Dentists welcome innovative implant…^A dental implant supplier has been named the UK’s exclusive distributor of an innovative implant guiding tool that makes implant denti…^
Real-world approach to full mouth rehabilitation^
Full Mouth Rehabilitation Using Direct Composite and Adhesive Dentistry takes place on Wednesday 16 May.
Every practice has 5-15% of patients who are missing multiple teeth and need full mouth rehabilitation but cannot afford it.
This practical lecture will offer a more real world approach to implementing occlusal principles and treating these patients using direct composite, and adhesive dentistry.
This fast pace course will cover, techniques for implementing occlusal therapy for full mouth composite restorations, as well step by step clinical techniques for performing a direct full mouth composite rehabilitation, without post-operative sensitivity, and many clinical cases.
Course content
• Learn a practical technique to treat large cases in multiple stages, making it affordable to almost every patient
• Learning techniques for proper adhesion and full composite rehabilitations
• Understand how to record patients’ unique aesthetic perspective and goals and how to blend it with our own
• How to implement occlusal treatment into an overall oral treatment
• When to use a semi-adjustable articulator and why it has great importance
• How to educate patients about occlusal disease, for excellent treatment acceptance
About the speakers
Dr Jose-Luis Ruiz has published several research and clinical articles.
He is director of the Los Angeles Institute of Esthetic Dentistry and Course Director of numerous CE Courses at the University of Southern California (USC). He is also associate instructor at Dr Gordon Christensen PCC in Utah. He has been in full time private practice in the Studio District of Los Angeles for 20 years.
Edward Lynch has been Head of Warwick Dentistry since 2010. In April 2010, he was elected the most influential person in UK dentistry, was awarded the UK outstanding achievement Dentistry award in 2011 and has held the position of professor of restorative dentistry and gerodontology of the Queen’s University Belfast as well as consultant in restorative dentistry to the Royal Hospitals from 2000-2010.
Prior to 2000, he was also consultant in Restorative Dentistry (Hon) in Bart’s and the Royal London Hospital where he worked for 20 years.
He is a GDC-registered specialist in endodontics, prosthodontics and restorative dentistry as well as being a BUPA specialist in oral surgery.
For more, click here.
Factfile
Date: Wednesday 16 May
Location: Medical Teaching Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
Speaker: Dr Jose-Luis Ruiz, DDS, FAGD and Edward Lynch, Head of Warwick Dentistry
Fee: £149 (Discount for practice staff, current Warwick Dentistry students and staff, Warwick Dentistry alumni: £99)
^1336694400^5099^Real-world approach to full mouth r…^Full Mouth Rehabilitation Using Direct Composite and Adhesive Dentistry takes place on Wednesday 16 May.Every practice has 5-15% of patients…^
Dental X-rays halted for child asylum seekers^
The UK Border Agency has been forced to suspend a dental X-ray pilot scheme to determine the age of child asylum seekers and has sought advice on the legalities of the scheme.
The Home Office announced its plans just 24 hours before it was due to begin at the end of March and has since been heavily criticised by health professionals.
Now an MP has demanded the pilot be dropped saying it was ‘unethical, an uncertain science and crude’ and was systemic of how particular groups are treated.
Government wants to see if the x-rays would be a useful tool in establishing the ages of asylum seekers, who are treated differently if they are under 18. The move comes three years after the previous Labour government dropped plans to introduce such checks.
Questions over legalities have already been raised with some lawyers claiming to x-ray children in such circumstances might constitute assault.
Wigan Labour MP Lisa Nandy said: ‘The UK Border Agency has a responsibility, not only in a welfare capacity but a moral and legal duty and there is significant levels of opinion that this is wrong. Government may say it is voluntary but there is no real meaningful voluntary consent
as people are desperate to prove they are who they say they are and how old they are.’
Ms Nandy also said dental x-rays were not a definitive science and can be two or three years out either side of a person’s actual age.
‘There is also a significant body of medical opinion and experience that says malnutrition and trauma can make a difference on skeletal make-up of a person, which includes their teeth,’ she added.
‘From a child protection, health and ethical point of view I have serious concerns about this and I will be pursuing it in Parliament and I hope the scheme is never re-started. Not only is it unethical but also harmful to expose someone to radiation for reasons other than medical purposes. This
has no medical benefit.’
In response to questioning from Ms Nandy, immigration minister Damian Green said no discussions have taken place with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the issue.
He added: ‘The UK Border Agency has engaged with the Department for Education and the Department of Health. Agency officials have also met with representatives of the National Research Ethics Service. The agency has received correspondence from the chief medical officer, the British Dental Association and the Children’s Commissioner for England. The agency
has sought legal advice on the legality of the trial.’
But he also said: At any stage of the process, right up until the X-ray is taken, the individual can change their mind and no adverse inference would be drawn from a decision not to take part. The whole process would be entirely voluntary.’
The UK’s children’s commissioners previously also condemned the plans.
A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: ‘While discussions are ongoing, we have paused the trial.
‘The trial’s aim was to improve the age assessment process and would operate on a voluntary basis. Determining age is vital to ensure that both adults and children receive age-appropriate services.’
Children’s minister Sarah Tether added: ‘I can confirm that no x-rays have taken place and that the trial has stopped. Discussions are currently taking place with the National Research Ethics Service.’
The pilot was planning to involve volunteers who are assessed as adults by Croydon council but maintain they are under 18. They would have had the dental X-ray at Guy’s hospital, London.