Dentistry's Website

Rethink retirement age, say dentists

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:22:53 +0000

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The British Dental Association (BDA) is calling for a proposal to extend dentists working lives to the age of 68 to be abandoned by government.

The proposal is part of a raft of fundamental reforms government wishes to make to the NHS pension scheme.

Health trade unions, including the BDA, are consulting members on the acceptability of those proposals, the current iteration of which was arrived at before Christmas 2011 as the best achievable by negotiation.
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The BDA call follows a survey of more than 4,000 dentists, which found that a significant majority of practitioners (68%) did not think it was safe for practitioners up to the age of 68 to continue treating patients.

A further 14% of respondents said they were not sure whether doing so was safe or not.
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Practitioners concerns have been communicated to the Department of Health (DH) in a letter from Dr Susie Sanderson, the chair of the BDAs Executive Board. The warning echoes that expressed by other bodies representing health professionals, including the British Medical Association.
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The BDA survey also asked dentists whether they might, in principle, consider taking industrial action if they consider the proposals unacceptable.

The response to that question is being analysed and will inform a BDA Representative Body decision about the appropriateness of dentists participating in such action when the pensions proposals are finalised following further talks.
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Dr Sanderson said: 'A great deal of concern has been expressed about clinicians being asked to extend their working lives as a result of these pensions proposals.

'Dentistry, like other careers in healthcare, can be very physically demanding. The wisdom of asking dentists to extend their working lives is questionable and, as this survey shows, a cause of significant anxiety to those best-placed to judge their own ability to carry on providing care to patients.

'We are asking government to listen to these concerns and re-think this proposal.”
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Details of the proposed pension reform and what they mean are available to BDA members at: http://www.bda.org/dentists/advice/pensions/. ]]>

Online poll seeks dentists' view on economy

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:24:20 +0000

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A new survey is asking the future plans of dentists and what they view are their barriers to practice growth.

With the economy in for another difficult year in 2012, The Forum of Private Business has teamed up with Frank Taylor and Associates to find out dentists investment prospects.

The online poll also asks their views on industry red tape, spiralling costs, employment plans, skills and training and communications.

The research is being carried out as part of the Forums Get Britain Trading campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the huge importance of small firms - including many dental practices - and address the barriers preventing them from growing.

Dentists are being asked how they plan to develop their practices over the coming year - including whether they anticipate being forced to cut costs, hiring more staff, improving patient service or introducing new products and services - and also what factors they believe will help their businesses to grow.

Earlier Forum research into the cost of compliance with red tape showed that complying with regulations now costs smaller firms a total of �16.8 billion per year - with tax compliance top of the list at �5.1 billion per year and external legal consultants pocketing �5.8 billion annually - so dentists are also being surveyed on their industrys regulatory requirements and to discover how much they pay consultants.

They are also being asked to detail the main cost burdens that are preventing their businesses from growing - a further survey on costs carried out by the Forum recently revealed widespread high energy, transport and raw materials costs over the past year have impacted negatively on small businesses.

Dental practices are being surveyed about skills gaps within their profession and their training and investment plans for 2012 as well as preferred methods of contacting customers and communications issues they come up against.

The Forum and Frank Taylor Associates are currently surveying approximately 3,000 dentists throughout the UK, with the results expected to be published in February.

To take part in the survey, dentists can visit www.fpb.org/ftassociates.

For more information about Get Britain Trading and to support the campaign visit www.getbritaintrading.co.uk or call 0845 612 6266.

'As part of our Get Britain Trading campaign we want to discover the opportunities and issues across all industry sectors,' said the Forums chief executive, Phil Orford.

'Perhaps dental practices are not as readily associated with commercial activities as other businesses but they are an established profession and play an important part in the UKs economy. It is essential to understand their plans and what drives dentists to grow and innovate - as well as what holds them back.'

Andy Acton, from Frank Taylor and Associates, said: 'We want to offer all our clients added value and share the benefit of dealing with thousands of dentists on a regular basis. This survey can help us and our clients make effective plans for the future.' ]]>

Actress smashes two front teeth

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:19:27 +0000

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Actress Alex Kingston smashed her two front teeth when she collapsed following a head injury.

The former ER star was taken to hospital for emergency treatment to a horrifying wound after falling over and biting through her bottom lip.

She had collapsed after suffering a dizzy spell following an incident earlier in the day when she hit her head on a lamp post.

She told chat show host Graham Norton: 'I was jetlagged, working with comedians and I walked into a lamp post. It was a comedy moment, but I was so embarrassed because I thought I would be the butt of their jokes so I pretended I was fine and that night I started to feel really woozy and I fell flat on my face.

'I bit through my lower lip and knocked out my front teeth. It was really awful. I was doubly concussed and had to go straight to ER.' ]]>

Training in implantology

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:24:12 +0000

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The Implantology Year Course with Dr David Guy, in association with Biohorizons, comprises 10 lectures over 12 months, as well as practical sessions, and will commence in March 2012.

Offering 70 hours of verifiable CPD and requiring no experience of implantology, this course provides a very high level of training, enabling clinicians to perform implant dentistry skilfully and with confidence.

The lectures and practical sessions - allowing each delegate to treat up to 10 of their own patients under one-to-one supervision - will be held at Dr Guys practice in Cardiff.

Dr Guy achieved a distinction in his MSc in implant dentistry and holds a certificate in restorative dentistry. Dr Guy is a fellow and committee member of the British Society of Oral Implantology and is an associate fellow of the Clinical Institute of Education at Warwick Medical School.
The Implantology Year Course costs �4,000 per person and is limited to eight participants.

www.courses.guysdentalclinic.co.uk
02920 220794 ]]>

Durable chairside all-ceramic restorations

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:20:11 +0000

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Grandio Core Dual Cure is a flowable dual-curing composite, especially designed for core build-ups and the luting of root posts.

As a nanohybrid composite, Grandio Core Dual Cure also exhibitsexcellent material and handling properties.

With its physical parameters and a filler content of 77% by weight, the composite ensures durable restorations.

hanks to its flowability, Grandio Core Dual Cure settles directly at the margins of the dental hard tissue, meaning that packing of the material is not necessary. Grandio Core Dual Cure is highly radiopaque and thereby providesgood X-ray contrast to dentine.

Available in the three shades - dentine, blue and white, Grandio Core Dual Cure is supplied in the Quick Mix syringe, which prevents mixing errors. Grandio Core Dual Cure can be used with all modern enamel/dentine adhesives that are approved for dual-curing composites (Vocorecommends Futurabond DC).

www.voco.com
07500 769 613 ]]>

The nuts and bolts of ADAM

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:16:55 +0000

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The ADAM Conference, in partnership with MDDUS, is called The nuts and bolts of practice management and will take place at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on May 18 and 19.

Speakers, including Denplans Roger Matthews, business planning expert Andy McDougall from Spot On Business Planning and Jann Gardner, specialist in health care delivery and service management, will impart their wisdom on topics including customer service, performance management, financial control, making the most of human resources and developing assertiveness skills.

For members, early bird tickets start at just �64 for the Friday, �120 for the Saturday or �165 for both days. For non-members, early bird tickets cost �80 (Friday), �150 (Saturday) and �215 for both days. Tickets for the ADAM conference dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday night cost �45 and include a three-course meal and two glasses of wine. Early bird tickets are availableuntil 14 March.

www.adam-aspire.co.uk ]]>

Stress in dentistry a study

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:04:41 +0000

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It is well known that dentistry is a stressful profession, but just what causes the stress, and to what extent does it affect the rest of the team?

To this end, in late 2011 I invited dental professionals to take part in a study to determine some of the major causes of stress within the dental team; the survey also asked what effects stress had on the lives of the respondents, and what measures, if any, they took to help manage or reduce their stress.

Survey results
Of the 347 respondents, 178 were principal or associate dentists and the remaining 169 were DCPs and other members of the dental team.

Of the dentists who took part, over a third (36%) stated that they were stressed about their work during most working days, nearly a fifth (19%) felt stressed every day, over a quarter (28%) felt stressed between one and three times a week, 14% less than once a week and 2% reported never feeling stressed. The majority (58%) felt that there was no particular time of day which was more stressful.

Nearly half of dentists (48%) listed running late as being their main cause of stress, followed by patient complaints (32%), compliance (30%), money (29%) and work-life balance (26%). Other significant causes of stress included conflicts between team members (21%), dealing with phobic or anxious patients (20%) and gappy appointment books (20%).

As a comparison, results for the team as a whole demonstrated that running late was the major cause of stress (52%), with conflicts between team members showing next at 32%, followed by work-life balance at 28%.

The stress suffered by dentists appears to cause a significant incidence of physical symptoms, with nearly a half (45%) suffering from insomnia; other significant symptoms include tiredness (43%), anxiety (40%), bruxism (31%), headaches (30%) and depression (27%) amongst others. Only 15% stated they had experienced no physical symptoms from their stress.

By far, the most negative impact stress has had on the lives of the dentists taking part in the survey was on their motivation, with 63% of respondents being affected, and on personal or family relationships (60%), while 40% stated that relationships with work colleagues have also suffered.

Nearly a third (32%) felt that their levels of concentration were reduced and, significantly, 17% felt that stress had affected their clinical standards. Only 10% of respondents felt that stress had had no negative impact on their lives.

Popular stress management tools for dentists include sport, with nearly half (49%) using this as one of their main method of stress reduction, while over a third (36%) found alcohol to be useful and 29% used reading. Techniques such as deep breathing, self-hypnosis, meditation and yoga are also popular, again being used by nearly half (45%) of respondents. Other methods used included watching television (29%) and taking medication (10%), while talking to friends and family, social networking, music, gardening and changing jobs were given as some alternatives.

Root causes
The survey demonstrates that, despite the useful techniques employed to manage it, stress is still having a significant negative impact on the health and motivation of individuals within the dental team. The key to making a difference here has to be by addressing the root cause, and the main causes of stress for the majority of the team are shown to be produced by internal factors within the practice such as running late and conflicts between team members. These are things that are within our power to change, through improved training and communication.

If your current working practices are causing stress within your team, then it is time to look at how things can be improved, and to discuss options and possible solutions. When you consider just how much that stress could be affecting your teams motivation, clinical standards and physical health, and translate that into the effects on your practices efficiency and profitability, can you really afford not to take action?

At the very least, this survey shows that stress is a very real problem for the majority of the dental team - and that does mean for your practice, too.

The practices who survive and flourish through these times of increased bureaucracy and financial instability will be the ones who take action to do something about this; to make sure their staff are trained properly, that their appointment system is efficient and effective so the dentists do not run permanently late, that their associates are supported, that conflicts between team members are resolved quickly through good communication and that bullying is not tolerated under any circumstances.

Communication between members of the dental team has never been more important; a problem shared is not just a problem that more people have, it is an exponential increase in the creativity required to find the solution.

Make sure that 2012 is the year you decide to make a difference to the mental health of your team by making a positive effort to reduce the causes of stress, and thereby help to create a practice where both your colleagues and your patients feel respected, valued and cared for.

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• Any thughts on the survey? Get involved and post your comments on www.dentistry.co.uk.

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Dentistry finance: Some good news?

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:23:29 +0000

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In all the financial gloom and doom it is nice to hear that there can be good news in the world of banking and finance!

Banks and good news are words that are rarely nowadays used in the same sentence - but it is true, contrary to popular belief, the banks ARE actively lending to the dental profession.

There is though a BIG difference between market perception and market reality. Some out there would have us all believe the banks have simply shut up shop and indeed any flick through the pages of the Daily Mail or Daily Express would back up this view.

Market reality, however, is very different - there are now more high street banks than ever before who will lend to dentists who wish to purchase a practice.�

At last count, there are NINE Banks who understand dental practice goodwill and will lend for a new practice purchase - be it leasehold or freehold.�

Recently, Russell Abrahams, of Abrahams Dresden solicitors, had a client in London who needed finance and approached me.

Russell said: 'I felt that this could be really challenging as the dentist wasnt the youngest, needed 100% funding and the whole project was not a "sexy lend". I was sceptical!'

I was pretty sure that we could help the client - often, even if a bank says no - this doesnt mean there is nothing wrong with your proposal. You simply do not fit that banks credit criteria.

And remember there are potentially EIGHT other banks out there looking to lend. We duly delivered the finance for the client in question.

The most common question asked of me is Are the banks still lending? My answer is always a resounding YES.

In 2011, we submitted more than 210 individual dental lending proposals to the banks with overall borrowing of �101 million.

Of these, just over 93% were approved by at least one of the banks. The clients proposal quite often needs an element of tweaking to ensure it is presented in a way which will appeal to the banks; however once submitted I am confident of securing a positive outcome.��

Even if your Bank says no - this quite often means there is nothing wrong with your proposal - you simply do not fit that Banks credit criteria.

And remember there are potentially EIGHT other Banks out there looking to lend.

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Smile makeover winner's prize underway

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:47:13 +0000

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A mum-of-four who twice fought cancer and was left scarred from the experience scooped a prize of a life-changing makeover last year.

And now, 15 months later Phyllis Samuels, 53, from Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees, is in the throes of her makeover.

Phyllis was announced winner of the Dream Image North East competition last May - a campaign that was the brainchild of dentist Mike Heads and Paul Baguley, a consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon.

And thanks to the daughter who nominated her, Phyllis Samuels is now taking advantage of her fabulous prize.

Knee replacement surgery hampered Phyllis in the first few months of the makeover as she had to concentrate on the rehabilitation process which prevented her from working out at the gym, implementing her weight loss programme and delayed the start of her dental and cosmetic treatments.

'With the treatment I have received so far, it is already making a difference to my confidence and my life… It is transforming the way I think about myself and I cant wait to see the final result. Even with my limited exercise regime due to knee replacement surgery, I have already dropped a dress size and now I am even more determined to keep up the good work.'

Mike Heads, the dentist responsible for Phylliss smile makeover, said: 'The first part of Phylliss treatment was undertaken in September.

This was to adjust some of her teeth to stabilise how Phyllis bit together, without this the treatment she is undertaking could have failed or given her long-term jaw joint problems.
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At the beginning of October, once her occlusion was stabilised, one of the old and failing upper bridges was removed and a new temporary one placed in preparation for the placement of some of the dental implants.
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Towards the end of October, Phyllis underwent the first part of her dental surgery to place two conventional dental implants in her upper jaw. This went very well and Phyllis recovered very quickly from this procedure.
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The next phase of treatment then had to be delayed slightly as Phyllis underwent her facial surgery with Paul Baguley.
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Paul said: 'Phyllis had two areas of scarring on her face that really bothered her. The surgery went very well and I was able to do some skin grafts that will really help to improve the look and feel of the scarring. Once the surgery has settled down I will be seeing Phyllis again.'

With everything Phyllis has had to contend with over the years, the elements of her makeover, though complex, should seem like a walk in the park and we look forward to seeing the results of her transformation in a few months time. ]]>

Leading dentist to present webinar

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:30:35 +0000

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James Goolnik - dentist, author and leading spokesperson for Heart Your Smile - will broadcast a live webinar on 23 February at 7.30pm entitled, How Your Practice Can Survive the Recession.
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With recessionary pressures continuing to cause patients to question their need for routine dental visits and avoiding embarking on new treatments unless absolutely necessary, there is a definite feeling that there is less dentistry being done and increasing amounts of white space are appearing in appointment books.
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In this hour long webinar James Goolnik gives his personal views on the current state of dentistry and the positive actions dentists can take to beat the recession. He explores the barriers that exist to increasing treatment and gives practical suggestions of how to overcome the often negative image of dentistry portrayed by the media.
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Topics
�� Know where you are
�� The detail is in the detail
�� Its a marathon not a sprint
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James will be joined by Greg Clay, sales & marketing director of Software of Excellence, who will follow James and provide an insight into how the application of innovative technology can help dentists and practice managers make the most of their opportunities - even during the most difficult of economic times.
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Attendance at the webinar is free and attendees will qualify for one hours CPD. Each attendee will receive a signed copy of James recently published book, Brush and Software of Excellence will make a donation to the Heart Your Smile charity for every online attendee.
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To register for a place at the webinar, visit www.dentalwebinars.co.uk. ]]>

You can't touch this!

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:46:05 +0000

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The new Saraya UD9000 compact wall mountable touch-less infrared dispenser accurately dispenses Alsoft-E clinical/surgical hand disinfectant or hand soap.

Features include:
�� New compact design (152x100x290mm)
�� Lockable key operated unit
�� One button operator adjustable dispense count (clinical/surgical)
�� Simple wall mounting with double-sidedadhesive (supplied)
�� Battery operated (supplied)
�� Full 12-month manufacturers guarantee.

The unit dispenses from choice of 1.2L of Saraya hand soap or disinfectant sealed refills. The Alsoft-E 1.2L sensitive hand/skin disinfectant* allows for around 800 applications, and fully disinfects the hand in just 15 seconds. The Saraya 1.2L mild foaming hand soap* provides about 1,500 applications.

The Saraya UD9000 universal dispenser is now available through dental sundry wholesalers complete with a 1.2L soap or disinfectant pack for just �89.00**.

*Disinfectant and soap refill packs are also available separately from �12.40 **.
**All prices quoted are manufacturers recommended retail price exclusive of VAT.

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01785 714919
www.alkapharm.co.uk

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Five-star rating

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:36:41 +0000

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Reality has awarded its five-star rating to Luxatemp Star, DMGs new version of its Luxatemp bisacryl composite range for temporary crowns and bridges.

Luxatemp has received many international awards including Top provisional material 2010 from the American Dental Advisor*.

However, with the launch of new Luxatemp Star, DMG believes it has now made the best even better.

Luxatemp Star offers improved initial hardness and high values in flexural strength and fracture toughness, thereby delivering even greater stability and longevity.

In addition, the long-term colour stability has been further optimised. DMG has also designed Luxatemp Star to achieve its final hardness even faster than its predecessor - in about five minutes.

However, established valued Luxatemp characteristics such as ease of handling, colour stability and natural fluorescence remain as important as before.

*Rating by The Dental Advisor for Luxatemp-Fluorescence Vol. 27, No.1 Jan/Feb 2010.

01656 789401
www.dmg-dental.com ]]>

Core CPD the easy way in Leeds!

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:17:11 +0000

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The hugely popular CPD Essentials seminar returns in 2012, once again covering all 5 core subjects in a single day.

Due to popular demand, there are four dates for 2012, providing an opportunity for everyone to attend and for the first time ever, we are taking this first rate course to Leeds on Friday 9 March 2012! Do not miss out as CPD Essentials will be at Leeds for one day only!
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Four exceptional dental experts will be presenting educational, stimulating and relevant lectures on the 5 core subjects, providing delegates not only with their core verifiable CPD for the year, but with crucial updates in these important subjects.
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Dr Sue Boynton will take on the topics of Legal & ethical issues and Complaints handling while Dr Martin Fulford will present the topic of Disinfection and decontamination.

The last two topics, Medical emergencies and Radiography & radiation protection, will be explored by Dr Yusof Omar and Dr Jimmy Makdissi respectively.
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We will also be taking CPD Essentials to the prestigious Royal College of Physicians, London on Friday 3 February, Friday 6 July and Friday 19 October if you are unable to attend in Leeds. As Sue Boynton will only be lecturing at the Leeds venue, Dr Len DCruz will cover the topics of Legal and ethical issues and Complaints handling at the London dates. Whichever location is best for you, get booked soon as the CPD Essentials courses always sell out very quickly.
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Why not take advantage of Independent Seminars cost-saving special team rate? This rate covers attendance for one dentist and two team members and is just �625+VAT, saving you over �100! (Standard dentist rate: �355+VAT, DCP rate: �195+VAT.)
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To book your place, call 0800 371652 or visit www.independentseminars.com for more details.
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Get your years core verifiable CPD covered in a day!
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Friday 9 March
The Royal Armouries, Leeds
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Special offer for all Leeds attendees:
Dentist price: Just �199+VAT (usually �355+VAT) Quote - CPDL199
DCP price: Just �149+VAT (usually �195+VAT) Quote - CPDL149

Call 0800 371652 today - offer only valid until 10 February 2012!**Not in conjunction with any other offer, and not valid following a booking cancellation ]]>

Cocktail of fear may deter dental study

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:03:49 +0000

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A cocktail of spiralling levels of debt for dental students, uncertainty about financial support, and concerns about changing career pathways, may dissuade young candidates from a career in dentistry.

That's the warning from a new British Dental Association (BDA) report.

Student Futures warns that significant levels of debt, potentially as much as �60,000, could have a psychological effect on potential candidates.

This, it claims, will deter those who feel unable to take on such a financial burden from applying for places at dental schools.

These concerns could be exacerbated, the report warns, by other changes that make the cost of studying a dental degree difficult to assess, including likely increases to tuition fees to �9,000 as a result of 2011 government reforms and continued uncertainty about the student bursary system.

The difficulty of judgements about whether to take on uncertain levels of debt is further complicated, the report warns, because the shifting labour market into which dentists will graduate makes careers and future earnings more unpredictable than ever.

Dr Martin Nimmo, chair of the BDAs Young Dentists and Student committees, said: 'Many dental students already incur significant debts completing their studies.

'The size of these debts alone may be prohibitive to some potential candidates, whose concerns about their personal finances may be deterring them from applying for dental courses. Uncertainty about funding arrangements and career prospects make decisions about whether to apply for dental courses even harder.

'If the government is serious about its very laudable Fair Access to the Professions agenda, then it must think seriously about these issues and seek to provide certainty by finalising arrangements for NHS bursaries to ease concerns about how studies can be funded.

'It must also continue its pursuit of the reform to dental services in England that could help provide greater certainty about career prospects.'

Student Futures also calls for better links between schools and dental schools and more exposure to business and management training for dental students, as well as the maintenance of dental academic staffing levels to protect teaching standards.

The report is available on the BDA website. ]]>

Heart Your Smile- what's the point?

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:37:48 +0000

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You may have read about the launch of The Heart Your Smile campaign in October at the BDTA Dental Showcase. What is it all really about?

The goal of the campaign is to the change the publics perception of dentistry, increase attendance and reinstate the dental teams position as trusted members of the local community.

We will take this message to the public in a new fun way ONCE we have enough of the profession behind us and we have hit certain key measurements.

Doing what we have done before will just give us the same results. Using campaigns never seen in dentistry before, based on humour, powerful visuals and collective effort, we believe we can make a measurable difference.

We will be starting from the ground-up, using the dental teams of the future (the students). Our estimate is to launch the public facing campaign 12 months from now but that depends on your help!

We invite you to read the 9-point manifesto for change and start living these values with your entire teams.

We would love to help you engage in your local community and give back - few actions are more powerful than acts of kindness towards our patients and communities.

We are stakeholders in dental health which is entwined with a persons general health but have we done enough to ensure the public know this, like us, believe in us and come to us? Let's start with the patients on each or our own doorsteps.

Ten industry leaders got together to start this campaign and over the months hundreds of positive members of the industry have joined us.

So far, it has all been self-funded as we passionately believe UK dentistry is ripe for change and the time is NOW! We will be reaching out to the whole industry to help fund this campaign as it touches more people but it is not about us.

The more people overcome their fear of dentistry, see the long-term health benefits of a healthy mouth and value us as part of the local community the larger the our industry grows. Come join us, dont be left behind- the industry is changing whether you like it or not.

What we want from each member of your team:

1. Read and sign the manifesto and receive a Heart Your Smile badge in return.
2. Start engaging with other members about how you can give back to your community. It is not all about money; your time and expertise are needed.

Start spreading the word that Dentistry in the UK is changing for the better, find out more at our stand at the Dentistry Show and the BDA conference.

The Heart Your Smile movement

For more information visit:

Website: www.heartyoursmile.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/HeartYourSmile

Twitter: @heart_yoursmile

YouTube: heartyoursmile

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Amalgam ban "not feasible' in short term

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:26:18 +0000

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International professors and the chief dental officer have agreed it would not be feasible for the use of dental amalgam to be banned in the short term but phasing down was the right approach.

Speaking to a meeting of MPs and senior stakeholders from the industry at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dentistry, CDO Barry Cockcroft said there had already been a reduction in the use of amalgam in the past 20 years with a new approach to restorative techniques
and changing patterns of disease.

He said while amalgam still had a place he anticipated the decline would
continue.

Dr Cockcroft also warned the cost to the NHS of composites, not for the materials but the time taken by the dentist.

His comments come as discussions continue into the use of mercury in dental amalgam.

Environmental concerns now mean that its use could be banned by the United Nationals Environment Programme.

Professor Trevor Burke, Professor in Primary Dental Care and Hon Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham Dental School, said transition had to happen in conjunction with developing an alternative material.

He said: 'People are working night and day to find an amalgam replacement and the market for this is huge. Amalgam is still safe to use but environmental issues will hasten its demise. Posterior composites may provide performance as good as amalgam. But a true amalgam replacement is
still a few years away.'

He insisted therefore, the use of amalgam, particularly in molar fillings be kept for the time being.

He concluded: 'Introduce posterior composite for premolar teeth. Use for initial caries rather than replacement because that is where the minimally invasive nature of the technique has the best effect.'

Professor Gottfried Schmalz of the University of Regensbury, said amalgam should remain available for a least a generation and that there are alternatives but total replacement is currently not possible.

Professor Schmalz said that this time !-- !-- would allow continued improvement in oral health, and allow the improvement of the quality of alternative materials. In addition, dentists and patients could learn about alternative materials.

He told the meeting the cost of composite fillings were between 1.7 and 3.5 times more expensive than amalgam, primarily because of the increased time needed to place them.

He concluded: 'Amalgam should stay available as one treatment option at least for the next generation. The dentist and the patient, they must decide in each case what is best.'

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NHS to get �28m to improve dental access

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:18:28 +0000

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Andrew Lansley has announced extra cash for dentistry in a major government drive to increase the number of people able to access an NHS dentist.

820,000 more people have already been given access to an NHS dentist since May 2010.

Today �28 million of funding will be announced, which will bring the number of extra people now able to access an NHS dentist to one million.

The funding will be given to PCTs, who have bid for the cash to spend on expanding local services in ways that best meet their patients needs. This will include things like:

• Increasing the number of appointments with NHS dentists
• Providing care in peoples homes for people who cant travel to see an NHS dentist.

Health secretary, Andrew Lansley, said: 'Too many people still have problems getting to see an NHS dentist. Giving people back their NHS dentist is a key priority of mine so I am delighted that we have been able to find more money for dentistry because of our successful programme of efficiency savings in the NHS.

'This is a great example of how the money we are saving through better management of money, cutting bureaucracy and rooting out waste in the NHS is being reinvested in frontline services for patients.'

The extra funding is part of the governments drive to improve oral health and increase access to NHS dentists.

A key part of this is the governments commitment to replace the current dentist contract with one that supports dentists to improve oral health and increase access to services.

Alison Simpson, a dentist who runs a dental practice in Northampton said: 'This is fantastic news for people who couldnt get to see an NHS dentist before.

'We will use the money to make sure that an extra thousand people in the Northampton area will get access to NHS dental care. This means local people will have healthier teeth, and will be less likely to suffer from long-term dental problems.' ]]>

Oral health study day announced

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:18:15 +0000

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The National Oral Health Promotion Group (NOHPG) is staging a study day in June.

All Change - The Future for Oral Health Practitioners takes place on Friday 15 June at the� Friends Conference Centre, 173-177 Euston Road, London. NW1 2BJ.

Timetable
9.00am: Registration and Coffee and Trade
9.30am: Welcome - Lynette Anear - Chair, NOHPG
9.35 am: Presentation of the NOHPG Patrons Prize - Dr Tony Jenner OBE
9.45am: Setting the Scene for the Day - Dr Melanie Catleugh,
Consultant in Dental Public Health, NHS East Lancashire
10.00am: NHS Changes - The Broad Picture - Dr Sue Gregory, deputy chief dental officer for England
10.45am: New ways of working in dental teams - Dr Eric Rooney, consultant in dental public health
11.30am: Coffee and Trade
11.45am: Commissioning and Managing NHS Dental Services, Samantha Illingworth - NHS CB
and at 12.15 pm David Landes - LA Commissioning
12.45 pm: Panel “Question Time” with the mornings four Speakers
1 pm: Lunch and Trade
(1.45 pm: Annual General Meeting for NOHPG Members)
2.15pm: The future role of the Oral Health Practitioner - Dr Paul Batchelor
Consultant in Dental Public Health
3.00pm: What Works - Speakers Corner;
6 x 5 minute presentations from members on “OHP in their region”
and followed by a 10 minute Q & A Session
3.40pm: The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) :
“40 years of Campaigning including Oral Cancer Awareness Month”
Dr Nigel Carter Chief Executive - British Dental Health Foundation
4.25pm: Closing Remarks - Dr Tony Jenner OBE
4.30pm: Finish

�

To book, contact Joey Chit, Family Oral Health Promoter
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Oral Health Promotion Team
Room 131A, St Charles Center for Health & Wellbeing
Exmoor Street,
London. W10 6DZ
Tel: 020 8962 5504 Mobile: 07872 484989
Joey.Chit@clch.nhs.uk joeychit@nhs.net ]]>

Implantology course aims to inspire

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:49 +0000

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Practitioners who aspire to treat more challenging dental implant cases can further develop their skills on a series of courses this year.

The Advanced Implantology Programme is presented by Dermot McNulty at Bath Spa Dentistry.

The four modules cover surgical skills, soft tissue management, bone grafting and sinus augmentation.

Details can be found on DENTSPLY Friadents education website www.courses4implants.com.�

The programme is aimed at dentists with some experience of implantology who are ready to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Mike Coleman, of Coleman and Starkey, Trowbridge, describes how the training has helped him to develop his business: 'Implants have since become a more routine part of treatment planning in my practice. I can see that this will increase my turnover.'

Delegates are taught via a combination of lectures, practical demonstrations and hands-on workshops, live surgical procedures, as well as patient management.

Dr Alan McCarthy, of Market View Dental Practice, Sherborne, attended the Soft Tissue Management course and says: 'he content was a good mix of lectures and useful practical training on pigs heads. I came away enriched and keen to move on to the next level.'

Dermot McNulty has extensive experience in implant and aesthetic dentistry, and the treatment of complex restorative cases.

He also runs an implantology year programme at Bath Spa Dentistry, which is now in its fourth year.

Dermot is a lecturer and examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of General Dental Practice Implant Diploma Courses held in London and Leeds, and Course Director for the Implant Diploma Programme in London.

Bath Spa Dentistry is a referral centre designed specifically for the delivery of advanced restorative and implant dentistry.

2012 Dates

Surgical Skills

4 May

Soft Tissue Management

6 July

Bone Grafting

28 September

Sinus Augmentation

2 November

Booking and further information:
Course Co-ordinator, Bath Spa Training Limited, 19a James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT
Tel:�� 01225 443483 or 07760 191251�� Email:�� bathspa@ampmpa.co.uk
Fees:�� 500 per person per day.� Ten percent discount for booking all four courses.

� ]]>

TV sitcom's dental surgery in charity appeal

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:58:42 +0000

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The hit BBC sitcom, My Family, has been the unexpected source of a dental surgery for the Aloshikha Centre in Bangladesh.

The surgery equipment was leased to the BBC by the UK company, The Dental Directory, for the studios in which the series was filmed, starring Robert Lindsay as the dentist Ben Harper and Zo� Wanamaker as his wife Susan.

The comedy ended in 2011 after 10 series and the dental equipment was returned to The Dental Directory, who generously offered it to Dentaid.

An extension to provide a dental surgery at the Aloshikha 'Maria Mother and Child Health Care Clinic' was funded by the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh, but this lacked any equipment.

Of the 1,100 children enrolled in Aloshikhas pre-school programme, 30% are suffering from dental caries and 10% in constant oral pain.

Thanks to 23 Lions Clubs in the MD 105 area, sponsorship of �3500 was donated towards a Dentaid project to supply two refurbished dental surgeries which are due for shipping in February to Bangladesh.

Dentaid is grateful to The Dental Directory and to the Lions Clubs for their continuing invaluable support. ]]>

Talking aesthetics at Dentistry Live

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:29:26 +0000

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Top cosmetic dentist Dr Gertrude Huss will be one of the many high quality speakers at Dentistry Live.

Dr Gertrude Huss will be presenting an overview and update on the latest in facial aesthetics followed by a live demonstration involving the new Juvederm range!

The presentation will focus on an overview of the whole face and how you can approach treating each individual patient you see differently.

The presentation will look at the scientific background of the Juvederm range and the new Juvederm Voluma with lidocaine.

A demonstration will follow the educational lecture to allow the attendees to see upfront how to use the Juvederm range and Juvederm Voluma with lidocaine.

Dr Gertrude Huss qualified from the University of the Witwatersrand, South-Africa in 1993 and, having been awarded the Sid Setzer Gold medal award for paedodontics, she then joined a private dental practice in Johannesburg. On leaving South Africa she enrolled at the Eastman Dental Institute, University of London and successfully completed her DRDP.

In 1999, she moved to the Channel Islands where she took over a prominent established dental practice in Jersey.

Following the success and the demands of her growing cosmetic practice, it became apparent that larger and more appropriate premises were needed.� This resulted in her acquiring and creating the exclusive Hill Street Clinic in 2008.

At the Hill Street Clinic she practices both cosmetic dentistry and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. She is internationally recognized as a prominent practitioner in the non-surgical cosmetic industry.

She is frequently invited to lecture in facial aesthetics and demonstrate her work at international conferences, such as IMCAS (International Master Conference of Ageing Skin) in Paris, WAAMC (World Anti Ageing Medicine Congress) in Paris and the WAC (World Aesthetic Congress) in London.

Certain to be the most comprehensive, dynamic dental congress ever, Dentistry Live - incorporating the World Aesthetic Congress - is the one event you cannot afford to miss!

Book your place today for this unmissable event! Call 0800 371652 or visit www.dentistrylive.co.uk for more information.

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Dental web pioneers expand online business

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:35:18 +0000

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Two dental care professionals who run online CPD for nurses are expanding their business.

Sue Bagnall and Nicky Gough, graduates in primary dental care, run the website www.cpd4dentalnurses.co.uk and following feedback from their members, they have decided to run a series of lectures for all dental care professionals.

Initial dates are booked in Birmingham (12 May), Worthing (30 June) and Kent (21 July) and will provide five hours of core verifiable CPD for only �39 (including tea/coffee and a light lunch).
�
Sue said: 'This is a really exciting new venture for us and we really want to provide all DCPs the chance to attend an informative day where they can gain core CPD at an affordable price.'

Nicky added: 'We are aiming to provide an opportunity for dental nurses, dental hygienists/therapists and dental technicians to network with each other, and share experiences and views about their careers.'

�

For more information on dates and booking, email info@cpd4dentalnurses.co.uk or info@cpd4dentalhygienists.co.uk.

� ]]>

Cancer survivors face poor quality of life

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:10:49 +0000

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Up to half of all head and neck cancer survivors face a diminished quality of life, even after five years of survival.

That is according to a recent study undertaken by the University of Iowa.

It concluded that a large percentage of long-term survivors of head and neck cancer have poor oral function, resulting in persistent eating problems and long term depression.

More than half of respondents (51.6%) reported problems with eating, while on average one in four survivors still experienced speech problems who lived for five or more years.

It was a similar story when it came to a patients physical and mental health, with more than a third (36.7% and 39.3% respectively) recording low functionality after the five-year analysis.

Mouth cancer campaigners have recently estimated 6,000 people in the UK contracted the disease in 2011, and while early detection can transform survival rates to 90%, without it one in two will die.

According to Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, the study highlights the problems mouth cancer sufferers face.

Dr Carter said: 'The results of the study show the scale of the problems mouth cancer patients have to live with. The corrective surgery required to remove cancerous cells often leaves physical and emotional scars that can take years to heal.

'While all cancer patients require a great deal of care, those recovering from mouth cancer clearly suffer from the after-effects of surgery, both physically and mentally.'

While Dr Carter also suggested the results show patients need as much support from the health service as possible, a loophole in the NHS means problems may be compounded, as mouth cancer patients have no guarantee that their restorative dental treatment will be paid for by the NHS.

As a result of this loophole, campaigners are calling for the inequality to be put right in the new commissioning arrangements for NHS dental contracts to make sure that mouth cancer sufferers are exempt from dental charges.

An e-petition form, available at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22063, has been established to seek professional and public support, and is sufficient signatures are obtained it will� prompt debate of the issue in the House of Commons.

Dr Carter added: 'Supporting the e-petition will not only bring the issue into the public limelight, it will help to improve the quality of life for mouth cancer patients.' ]]>

Top dentist offers investment opportunity

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:23 +0000

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An award-winning dentist plans to expand his network of practices through crowdfunding - a first for UK dentistry.

Dr Biju Krishnan runs dentistry clinics in Londons Harley Street and Edinburgh, counting celebrities like Holly Willoughby among his patients.
�
Now the award-winning dentist plans to set up a network of VIP Smiles practices in hundreds of locations across Britain and is launching with 12 high profile dental cosmetic clinics.
And In the bid to expand his empire, Dr Krishnan is looking for financial support from hundreds of online backers.

He said: 'Dentistry in the UK has seen nothing like this until now. Crowdfunding is still in its infancy in Britain, but it is a superb way for ordinary people to invest modest sums of money in the most exciting start up businesses.
�
'With the banks struggling and stocks and shares flat, backing a new business is one of the few investments which can still deliver a handsome return.
�
'Normally it is only venture capitalists or other big money investors like the TV Dragons who can afford to take the risk, because untried businesses are looking for tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds at a time.

'Depending on the level of investment they make they could even receive these treatments for free and unlike other investments where it can often take a while to reap the rewards, with VIP Smiles you can experience benefits instantly.”

For VIP Smiles, every investor will be given an A-List card entitling them to an exclusive discounted cosmetic dental treatment price list at all VIP Smiles practices for life and a range of other benefits.

Dr Krishnan has around 12 established, independent cosmetic dental practices across the UK keen to work with the VIP Smiles programme.

Each will pay to be part of the network, with access to training, favourable deals with the biggest name dental suppliers and a pipeline of customers keen to undergo high-quality treatments endorsed by celebrities.

To take part in the VIP Smiles crowdfunding project, visit http://www.crowdcube.com/investment/vip-smiles-10506� and more information about Lubiju can be found at www.lubiju.co.uk ]]>

BDA's John Milne re-elected by dentists

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:57:04 +0000

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John Milne re-elected as Chair of General Dental Practice Committee

Dr John Milne has been re-elected as Chair of the British Dental Association (BDA) General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC).

Members of GDPC today (27 January 2012) voted to renew the mandate to lead the UKs general dental practitioners, first won by Dr Milne in 2009.

They also chose to re-elect Vice Chairs Dr Peter Hodgkinson and Dr Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen.

His election address to the Committee saw Dr Milne stress his belief in the importance of continued engagement in the development of reforms to NHS dentistry in England.

That approach, he argued, has helped to get the reform process to the stage it is at today - discrediting the UDA, clinching sustained progress on the Steele reforms and securing involvement in local professional networks - and will be crucial in making further progress.

Dr Milne also stressed the need for an intelligent, vigilant and strategic dialogue with Government, pledging to fight fights where they are necessary but work constructively to find solutions where possible. The BDA must act as a trade union, he told committee members, but remember that it is one that represents professional people.

Nonetheless, Dr Milne promised, he will not be shy about rejecting a flawed contract if that is what emerges from the piloting process, and to do so is the appropriate course of action.

Speaking after the election Dr Milne said: 'This is a crucial time for dentistry and we have a unique opportunity that we must take. I am delighted that the mandate invested in the leadership of GDPC has been renewed.

'We have made a great deal of progress towards ridding the profession in England of a flawed contract during the last three years. We will be striving hard to finish that process and deliver a better future for practitioners and patients across the country.'
]]>

Dentistry focus: Dental training programmes

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:56:37 +0000

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There was an alarming development in mid-January when students who were currently studying for 4-year (graduate entry) and 3 year (medical graduate entry) courses leading to a BDS degree or equivalent.

They were advised that their degrees may not satisfy the requirements of the relevant EC Directive on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC).

Consequently, on completion of their shortened dental degree courses it may not be possible for them to become registered as dentists by the GDC without the completion of an additional (fifth) year of approved training.
�
When a previous government was, in the face of an acute access crisis at the time, looking for ways to increase the number of dentists in the UK, one limb of its strategy was to open three new dental schools, each offering four-year graduate entry programmes, thereby bringing forwards the moment when these additional dentists would join the UK workforce and (because of the nature of VT/ Foundation Training) be available to join the NHS workforce.
�
The Directive dates back to 2005 so everyone has known of the basic five year requirement for some considerable time, and importantly, before the recent graduates and current final year students commenced their dental studies.

But it had until relatively recently been assumed that the years spent in the achievement of the previous degree could provide the 'missing' year, even if the degree was not of a related nature.

The GDC, having taken some legal advice - perhaps somewhat belatedly, it might be argued -� now believes that this assumption may be incorrect and although it has committed itself to honouring the recent registration of those who graduated from these courses in 2011, and also the registration expectations of those shortened-course graduates in 2012, this will not necessarily be the case for those currently at the earlier stages of the degree course.
�
The GDC issued a press statement which reaffirms its current position that the UKs four-year and three-year dental degree courses are robust and that they produce safe and competent graduates.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is reviewing the Directive and all interested parties are exploring mechanisms to overcome this difficulty.

Given the very real prospect of legal challenges from any students who find that their studies need to be extended, and potentially third party legal actions by the universities themselves against the GDC, the situation will remain fluid and very worrying for some time to come. ]]>

Dentists warned not to mislead public

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:21:17 +0000

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New guidance aimed at ensuring that advertising by dental professionals is clear and never misleads the public, has been issued by the General Dental Council (GDC) today.�

The guidance covers all forms of promotion of services by dental professionals in print and on the internet.

It also guides dental professionals on appropriate use of specialist titles. Specifically, dental care professionals (DCPs) must not imply they have specialist status by giving themselves a title with specialist in it.

Only those dentists who are on one of the 13 specialist lists held by the GDC may describe themselves as being a specialist, eg: orthodontists.

Under the guidance, dental professionals will be required to feature their GDC registration number in advertising their services.

Websites must contain details of a dental practices complaints procedure and information of who patients may contact if they are not satisfied with the response, eg: the relevant NHS body for NHS treatment and the Dental Complaints Service for private treatment.

The guidance also makes clear that every dental professional has a responsibility to ensure that any promotional information containing their name, in print or online, is current and accurate.

Chair of the GDC, Kevin OBrien, said: 'The duty of all dental professionals is to put their patients interests first.

'Related to advertising, this means never making claims which could mislead patients. This new guidance will help to ensure that patients basic right to clear, accurate information is protected and that dental professionals have helpful guidance to assist them with ethical advertising.'

The new guidance will take effect from 1 March 2012 and full details can be found at www.gdc-uk.org.
]]>

Halitosis the elephant in the room

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:17:50 +0000

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January's issue of Dental Hygiene & Therapy, is focusing on halitosis in The Big Issue section with four very different approaches to this most sensitive of dental conditions.

Also in the January issue (out next week):

• Reflective learning - what it is and how it can work for you
• The NEW Chillout Zone - two pages of fun facts, trivia and puzzles
• Positive hypnotic language - how this can be a powerful persuasive tool
• 30 Seconds with BADT president Bal Chana
• The BSDHT Oral Health Conference in pictures
• Hygiene in orthodontics
• Legal advice
• Yoga moves
• Xylitol and a muffin recipe
• Periodontal regeneration
• And much, much more...

To subscribe, email subscriptions@fmc.co.uk or call the team on 01923 851771.

1 year (8 issues) - �95

3 years (24 issues) - �215

5 years (40 issues) - �299

�

Follow @JulesBiscuit on Twitter and find Dental Hygiene & Therapy on Facebook.

� ]]>

New dental education centre opens

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:03:26 +0000

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Queensway Dental Clinic in Billingham has officially opened its new Education Centre after substantial investment and growth from the company throughout 2011.
�
The creation of the new Education Centre is in direct response to an increased demand for a regional training facility, which corresponded with Queensways plans to enhance its events programme, training days and postgraduate offerings.

Housed in its own building located close to the practice, the Centre can accommodate 30 delegates and is equipped to cater for a diverse range of courses and lectures.
�
The practice will work closely with several industry experts, including Warwick University with whom they will deliver courses such as the General Implant Forum and Training (GIFT) as part of the University's MSc in Implant Dentistry, as well as Nobel Biocare with Dr Ian Lane from Queensway delivering their training days in the North East.

The Clinic is also certified to deliver the National Accreditation Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) qualifications for Dental Sedation Nursing, Dental Radiography and Oral Health Education, which is open to all dental nurses across the region.
�
Numerous courses have already been confirmed for the year, including the first event, which is being held to update dentists in the region of current concepts in primary care sedation.

A Queensway lecture series will be launched later in the year, with a number of lectures running throughout 2012 on topics including oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics and periodontics.

Further training events will be announced on the Clinics website throughout the year.
�
The Education Centre follows a year of development into the clinic, which included the investment of �100,000 for a new laboratory, as well as the introduction of new treatments including periodontics, endodontics, facial aesthetics and all-on-4 same day dental implants, among other services.
�
Paul Averley, partner at Queensway Dental Clinic said: "We are thrilled to open the Education Centre, which marks the start of yet another exciting year following the considerable progress made in 2011.

'Our training days have always proved popular and we required more space to accommodate the growing demand, so the new centre was a logical step and natural expansion for the practice. We have invested �40,000 into the Centre, which will ensure we can provide the latest technology, in order to be able to teach to the highest standards.

'Not only is the new Centre a great investment and resource for the dental industry, it also reinforces our commitment to the ongoing regeneration of Billingham and the growth of the business community in the town.'
�
Queensway Dental Clinic is an award-winning practice based in Billingham, which provides comprehensive dentistry services for NHS and private patients, as well as an extensive range of cosmetic dental treatments.

The practice also treats referred patients from dental practices throughout the North East often for complex procedures including sedation for anxious patients, specialist orthodontics and specialist oral surgery.

www.queensway.co.uk

� ]]>

Dig deep for dental photos, dentists asked

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:18:35 +0000

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Dentists are being asked to dig into their archives for clinical photos.

The British Dental Health Foundation is appealing to dental practices and oral health educators across the UK to dig out and send it any archive photos to help them produce and improve the charity's range of educational resources.

Karen Coates, dental advisor for the Foundation, said: 'We are searching for any dental photography featuring your patient and their mouths.

'Any images which demonstrate a number of oral health conditions eg: gum disease, dental erosion, decay and dry mouth. In addition, we are also looking for pictures of children's and teen's mouths and teeth - our list is long but we'll really appreciate any help in which you could give us!

She added: 'Any pictures you send into us will help to produce our flip guides, posters, wallcharts, facts cards and Tell Me About range, which are seen in thousands of practices every year.

'Of course, any images we do use, we'll make sure that you're fully informed and get the credit and acknowledgement you deserve as a key source.'

If any practice can assist in collecting these clinical photographs, call Karen on 01788 539784 or email Karen@dentalhealth.org.

�

www.dentalhealth.org

� ]]>

Gift voucher offer with dental journal subscription

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:08 +0000

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Private Dentistry offers superior business and clinical articles written by some of the worlds leading dental experts as well as a behind the scenes look at life in private practice.

With every issue, the latest products and techniques will be featured, keeping you up-to-date in the ever-evolving dental world!

Furthermore, you will benefit from clinical articles, enlightening private life interviews with those succeeding in private dentistry, expert advice on how to market your practice, keep your team motivated and increase revenues, plus much, much more!

Don't miss out on the special features, some of which include:

• The annual Private Dentistry Elite 20 poll
• How I did it
• Readers top tips
• My favourite things
• As well as all the latest on the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards.

Plus, a subscription to Private Dentistry magazine will make you eligible to enter for an award yourself!

And if this is not incentive enough, when you subscribe to this indispensable guide to private practice for 3 years (3 year subscription costs �259) you will be treated to a �50 gift voucher from either John Lewis or iTunes! Take your pick!

A subscription to Private Dentistry includes 11 issues per year along with 22 verifiable CPD hours.

Subscribers also save 10% on Independent Seminars events, providing dental education at its best.

Already a subscriber?
Why not refer a friend and claim your free �50 gift voucher?

(This is applicable with a subscription for 3 years at the discounted rate of �259)

Call our customer services team today on 01923 851771 or visit www.privatedentistry.co.uk.

Quote PD50 or PD50 Ref for refer a friend, offer ends 31 March 2012.

Follow @ThePDMag on Twitter and find Private Dentistry on Facebook.
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New dental corporate will break the mould

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:43:14 +0000

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Dental business guru, Chris Barrow, and corporate owner, Dr Al Kwong Hing, are launching a new dental business corporate in March.
�
The launch of BKH Healthcare takes place at The Dentistry Show 2012 on Friday 2 March.

Chris Barrow has been a consultant to the dental profession for 16 years.

In the last 10 years, he has worked as a director at Integrated Dental Holdings and as a non-executive director of several other corporate companies.

In July 2010, he joined forces with existing corporate owner Dr Al Kwong Hing and together they have developed BKH Holdings which consists of seven branches.

Chris said: 'There are two points that will differentiate BKH Healthcare in the marketplace.

'Firstly, it is our belief that people who are existing stakeholders in a business will deliver a higher level of performance and behaviour as opposed to non-stakeholders.

'We do not want the business to be primarily owned by an investment institution and the aim of BKH Healthcare is for it to be a stakeholder-led business.

'Secondly, we are completely focused on a "win, win, win" situation which means that patients, individual team members within the business and the owners themselves all benefit from their involvement with us.
�
'The term "dental corporate" in the UK has had bad press in recent years, with overwhelming feedback from people both inside and outside of existing corporates tending towards the negative.� There seems to be a notion of putting profit before people and, in the last 15 years, corporates have been around, their reputation has been marred.

'BKH Healthcare aims to create a vibe which will mean that people will want to work for us. The idea is to be commercial but also fun, fair and exciting, creating a place where everyone can realise their full potential.
�
'It is not merely a case of suggesting that people are more important than profit, rather that people and profits have equal standing within the organisation.'

BKH Healthcare will be launched by Chris Barrow and Dr Al Kwong Hing at The Dentistry Show 2012 on Friday 2 March at 2pm, Stand B3.
�
For more information about BKH, call 0161 820 5466 or email Alan at al@bkh.co.uk, Chris at chris@bkh.co.uk or visit www.bkh.co.uk.
�
�
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Dental technician on African lab mission

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:03:40 +0000

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A clinical dental technician is off to Africa on a mission to set up a dental lab.

BACDT and denture professionals member, Mark Melbourne, of Nottinghams Melbourne Dentures is on his way to Uganda to help set up a prosthetic dental laboratory within a new dental clinic created by Christian Relief Uganda.
�
The trip has been arranged by Dentaid and Christian Relief Uganda and is the first time the charities have worked with a clinical dental technician (CDT).
�
Speaking about the trip, Mark said: 'This trip is about helping Ugandan dentists make dentures and being able to help treat patients.
�
'I hope to make 10-20 dentures while over there and leave the systems in place so they are self sufficient and can continue to provide dentures.
�
'I will also be lecturing at Malago Dental School, which just opened in late 2011, on partial denture design, to help push forward the idea of well constructed hygienic partial dentures.'
�
Mark has also put out an appeal for 'any old worn-out equipment such as teeth, waxes and so on that I can use to set up a basic prosthetic lab.

'Im taking some stuff, but the more I can take the better!'
�
Mark leaves for Uganda at the end of February, and is due to arrive there on the 24th. He will begin with orientation sessions in Kampala, the countrys capital, before travelling to Malago Dental School for a day of lecturing, followed by several days spent at rural dental clinics.
�
Mark, in conjunction with Dentaid and Christian Relief Uganda, is asking for donations of money and equipment.

Any money donated will only be used for equipment and materials, no cash will be spent on travel expenses.
�
You can donate to Mark and Christian Relief Uganda using JustGiving; just visit Marks JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/Mark-Melbourne).
�
Any donations of equipment should be sent to: Melbourne Dental, 1B Wood Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3DD.

http://dentureprofessionals.org/ ]]>

Dental company supports charity students

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:45:43 +0000

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The relationship between Henry Schein Minerva and dental charity Bridge2Aid continues to flourish as their desire to create the ultimate student elective programme got off to a fantastic start at the end of 2011.

Committed to supporting Bridge2Aid and further developing the skills of the dental students, Henry Schein Minerva provided the first four Kings College London students with grants to help fund their travel to Tanzania under Bridge2Aids pilot student elective programme.

Such generosity enabled the students to spend ten days working alongside Bridge2Aid to experience life and learn about oral healthcare services in Tanzania whilst gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities required when working in developing countries.

Part of the students project involved carrying out a Satisfaction Survey, interviewing 150 patients on the quality of service and dental treatment provided by the local health workers trained by Bridge2Aid.

Student Miriam Bouchiba commented: 'It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in the villages with the local people.

'Despite the challenges of carrying out the survey in the heat, it was motivating to discover where improvement is needed. Without the grant, I wouldnt have been able to afford this remarkable experience and Im grateful to Bridge2Aid and Henry Schein Minerva for their support.'

For more information about the next Henry Schein Minerva & Bridge2Aid student elective programme call Anna Hurst on 01622 656811.

www.henryschein.co.uk ]]>

New drive to stamp out illegal dentistry

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:44:54 +0000

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A campaign has been launched to crack down on the growing scourge of illegal dentistry across the UK.

The British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT) has created a website - www.dentureprofessionals.org - which allows consumers to find a clinical dental technician who is registered with the General Dental Council.

Unless a CDT is registered with the GDC, they are not permitted to provide dentures directly to the public.

However, there are a rising number of cases of dental technicians - as opposed to clinical dental technicians - breaching the GDCs regulations.

Dental technicians are not registered to provide dentures to consumers or work independently in a clinic.

Barrie Semp, a member of the BACDT board and owner of leading denture clinic The Smile Centre, said: 'The BACDT has become increasingly concerned about the rise in illegal dentistry and the website we have launched is aimed at helping to stamp out the problem.

'Our profession has very clear rules which state that only properly registered clinical dental technicians are able to consult patients and provide members of the public with dentures.

'Dental technicians, while qualified, are usually based in dental laboratories or, with further training, permitted to assist CDTs or dentists.'

A Devon man recently pleaded guilty to carrying out illegal dentistry practices. Stephen Sickelmore was found to be running an illegal denture fitting and supply business from his home in Dawlish following an investigation by Devon County Councils Trading Standards officers.

Roger Croad, a Devon County Council cabinet member, said: 'The law protects patients by putting a strict duty of care on dental care professionals to be suitably qualified and medically competent before they can treat a patient.'

Anyone considering using the services of a Clinical Dental Technician, should visit the BACDTs website - www.dentureprofessionals.org - and can also verify their choice of CDT by visiting the GDCs website at www.gdc-uk.org. ]]>

Excitement builds for Dentistry Live

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:53:43 +0000

-
This May, the World Aesthetic Congress is expanding to offer a world-class dental symposium thats bigger and better than any dental event seen before in the UK.

There's huge interest for Dentistry Live - and event that offers a prime opportunity to expand your knowledge alongside some of the worlds highest profile practitioners and industry experts.

There is an incredible buzz surrounding this exciting new event, and Independent Seminars is delighted to have more than 40 of the finest international speakers on board - and from all aspects of dentistry.

They include: Raymond Bertolotti, Bob Khanna, Eric Van Dooren, Bill Robbins, Stanley Malamed, Trent Smallwood, Simon Cunnington, Gary Zelesky, Jo-Anne Jones and Mhari Coxon... to name a few!

In addition to these leading speakers, Dentistry Live boasts a world-class clinical and management programme, live demonstrations, interactive hands-on sessions and a champagne reception with catering by Leiths. Dentistry Live will have more than 40 sessions to choose from including: implants, aesthetics, dental hygiene and therapy, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, dental marketing and business plus much more!

There will also be an incredible exhibition open across the two days with the world's most innovative dental companies all under one roof.

It's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the chance to source the right products and services for your practice and enjoy exclusive show offers!

We have some great ticket offers, with many practices taking advantage of the group offer: any three practice members can attend for just �1,185+VAT (standard Dentist price is �495+VAT) saving you up to �300! Also on offer, pay just �99+VAT to secure your place (The remainder of the cost will then be payable in monthly instalments. Please call for details).

Certain to be the most comprehensive, dynamic dental congress ever, Dentistry Live, incorporating the World Aesthetic Congress is the one event you cannot afford to miss!

Book your place today for this unmissable event! Call 0800 371652 or visit www.dentistrylive.co.uk for more information. ]]>

Pain-free dental tool step nearer to market

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:54:37 +0000

-
A pain-free alternative to dental fillings is being tested on human patients - and its creators reckon it could be sold on the dental market soon.

University of Missouri engineers and their research collaborators at Nanova, Inc. are one step closer to a painless way to replace fillings.

After favourable results in the lab, human clinical trials are underway on the 'plasma brush'.

Chief scientist Meng Chen says he expects human clinical trials to begin in early 2012 at the University of Tennessee's Memphis campus.

He is chief scientist for Nanova Inc., a company formed by several professors that shares a patent on the new technology with the university.

The plasma brush use chemical reactions to disinfect and clean out cavities for fillings within 30 seconds.

�The research team�
�hopes the technology
�will allow dentists and
�patients to reduce the
�number and costs of
�replacement fillings as
�well as decrease the
�need for patients to
�have teeth pulled after
�repeated fillings.

�The team believes the
�'plasma brush' could
�take some of the pain,
�noise and expense out
�of getting a filling.

�

Its developers say the plasma brush painlessly disinfects and cleans a cavity before filling a tooth in less than 30 seconds,

It uses a 'cool flame' that strengthens the bond for a longer-lasting filling, which reduces the chance of losing a tooth as the result of a filling being repeatedly replaced.

The research team hopes the plasma brush will make getting a filling a more comfortable experience.

Although the procedure is painless and relatively quiet, dentists may still need to use a drill to assist in the filling process, said Meng Chen.

Hao Li, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the MU College of Engineering, said that 200 million fillings cost Americans an estimated $50 billion a year, and he estimates that replacement fillings make up 75% of a dentist's work.

The plasma brush developers hope their invention will reduce those costs. A tooth can only support two or three fillings before it must be pulled, Li said.

Human clinical trials are expected to begin in early 2012 at the University of Tennessee-Memphis.

The researchers believe the human clinical trials will provide the data that allow Nanova to find investors and take the next steps in placing the product on the market.

If the studies go well and the FDA approves, the researchers timeline indicates the plasma brush could be available to dentists as early as the end of 2013. ]]>

How to succeed in high street dentistry

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:22:13 +0000

-
Independent Seminars, in association with The Young Dentist Foundation, introduces How to succeed in high street dentistry.

It's the first of a new series of annual events, helping you to maximise your career potential. Join various world-class, motivational speakers for what promises to be an inspirational day.

Delegates will benefit from a high quality, innovative and entertaining day specifically designed for dentists wanting to develop their skills across many areas, such as leadership skills and structuring a successful career path.

This will also be a fundamental learning curve for all those in the early stages of their career who are seeking expert advice in the profession. Independent Seminars will be presenting the best speakers in the field to ensure you gain this.

Moreover, all delegates will be invited to a fantastic graduation after party with celebratory drinks and canap�s providing the ideal opportunity to network and socialise with like-minded people!

An incredible line-up
Chairman of the event visionary dentist, Arjun Kachhala will open the show, welcoming delegates to this world-class event. The first-rate speaker line-up includes: Rahul and Bhavna Doshi, Anoup Nandra, Arun Mehra, Adam Hampson, Matthew Perkins, Mark Oborn and James Pritchard.

Topics covered will include: the simple steps to a successful, fulfilled and profitable career in dentistry, how to use social media and online marketing in a dental practice, which will include social media strategy, how to buy and set up a practice, how to structure a successful career path and to develop leadership & management skills plus much, much more!

Extra perks
• Special introductory offer: all delegates will receive one year's free membership to The Young Dentist Foundation valued at �75!

• A voucher entitling you to a free copy of The Young Dentists Handbook 2012 (which will be published in September 2012)

• Graduation after party with celebratory drinks and canap�s provided

Book your place for this must attend event now at www.independentseminars.com, www.youngdentist.co.uk or call 0800 371652.

How to succeed in High Street Dentistry
Friday 20 April 2012
St John's Hotel, Solihull
Price �149+VAT - This includes annual membership to The Young Dentist Foundation valued at �75!

Supported by:

Supporting dentists in the early stages of their careers

]]>

Dentistry focus: In the running

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:06:33 +0000

-
Enhance Dental Spa is a private practice based in Ely, Cambridgeshire, and offers general and family dentistry, all cosmetic dentistry, facial rejuvenation, adult orthodontics and implants.

Nine months ago, the practice also became an official Under Armour Performance Mouthwear provider and encouraged one of its own staff members to be the first to try out the service.

Abigail Sinclair-Lord is the practice manager of Enhance Dental and has worked there since it opened in June 2008.

'We decided to become customised Under Armour Performance Mouthwear providers after our principal Dr Lau Berraondo saw Bite Tech at a dentistry show,' she says.

'He already knew about them because hes a fan of Tottenham Hotspur and they use the performance mouthwear products.

'I think its a really good idea to bring mouthwear into the practice and offer the service to patients. Weve got a private school nearby and they play rugby and other sports. In fact, theres a lot of rugby in general in the area, as well as plenty of sports clubs and these teams hold great potential to develop the product and gain new patients.'
�
Once Enhance Dental became an authorised provider, the practice received a trial unit. Luckily, the practices head dental nurse Felicity Chivers is a keen runner and well known in the community.

'Felicity runs a lot of marathons,' says Abigail.

'Shes done the London Marathon and most recently completed the Copenhagen Marathon. It made sense to ask her to trial the performance mouthwear for us.'
�
Felicity has worked at Enhance Dental for the past two years and been running regularly for about eight years.

She says: 'It started off as a way to get fit and then I decided to enter the London Marathon. After that I got the bug! I had needed an aim, a specific goal to keep motivated, rather than just training to lose weight.'
�
For the first few years of marathon running, Felicity enjoyed the fun aspect of it as well as the fitness.

'When I very first started, I did it for charity. We used to raise money for children with leukaemia. As the years went on, I improved and I qualified as an automatic entry to the marathons, so I no longer needed to do fundraising in order to get a place.'
�
Felicity continued to improve and then completed a couple of London Marathons in good times, so she decided to try and break the 3.15 in order to qualify as an elite lady.

'Ive been chasing that goal for past five years. The closest Ive got is 3.16.35 and that was during the Australian Gold Coast Marathon. Ive got so close to my goal. I train hard, Im strict with myself and I read the relevant literature. I want to get that edge to qualify as an elite, Ill try anything with my training.'
�
Having never tried performance mouthwear before, Felicity didnt know what to expect.

She says: 'I went for this completely open minded about it but obviously Ive got that goal of the 3.15, I was prepared to try anything.'
�
Now Felicity uses a non-contact mouthpiece during her training and while running marathons.

'I started using the mouthpiece at the beginning of September 2011 and then during a race that was on the following month. Ive been wearing it ever since then for speed training, hill training - its part of the running kit now!'
�
A non-contact mouthpiece works differently to protective mouthwear. It covers the lower teeth and prevents the teeth from meeting, relaxing the jaw and preventing the release of lactic acid and the stress hormone, cortisol.
�
'Normally, during 30-35k runs, Id be clenching my jaw through fatigue,' says Felicity. 'But because Im unable to clench like that now, I dont get the soreness in my jaw. As for my muscles and recovery the next day, I have noticed a real difference, so Im going to keep wearing it and see how it goes.”
�
Less tension in the muscles is not the only benefit Felicity has noticed in her experience. “I do find that when Ive got the Under Armour mouthwear in, I focus. During the race in October I was much more focused. Ive also noticed the difference when speed training. I get very tense, going as hard as I can and, wearing the mouthpiece, Im really focused. It definitely helps.'
�
Felicity trains with a local group of runners and usually talks while she runs, as its a very social atmosphere. Her fellow runners were convinced that the mouthwear would soon put a stop to that, but, as Felicity says, 'Its really comfortable to wear. In fact, I couldnt really tell I was wearing it. I can take in my gels when running, and I can still talk with it - I do like a chat as we go! You cant see it or anything.”'
�
Felicity is a good ambassador for the performance mouthwear service for Enhance Dental. 'Shes well known in the community,” says Abigail, 'and a good person to have on board with this. Shes been in the local newspaper a lot, shes a member of a local athletics club and shes very dedicated to her running. If people are interested they can ask her.'
�

The practice is using another effective marketing technique to encourage people to try out the mouthwear. 'Weve got a special offer where the first ten people to make an order will get it at a discounted rate. Once a few people have tried them out, itll pick up from there. Theyll tell their friends, family, other athletes and work colleagues. We will market the service, but word of mouth is best.'
�
There are clubs and associations all over the UK catering for all sporting disciplines such as rugby, football, golf and athletics. With the upcoming London Olympics 2012, there has never been a better time to get involved as an Authorised Provider of Under Armour Performance Mouthwear.
�
'Were planning on getting into sports clubs and generating interest,' says Abigail. 'The products are getting more well known and a lot of famous sportsmen are using them.'
�
Speaking from an athletes point of view, Felicity has the last word, saying: 'Im definitely going to stick with Under Armour Performance Mouthwear for the future, its part of my training for the next London Marathon. Id definitely recommend trying it.'

For more information on how your patients can benefit from Under Armour Performance MouthwearTM go to www.bitetech.com, call Nuview on 01453 872266 or email armourbite@nuview-ltd.com.

� ]]>

Anonymous website posts upset dentists

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:45:42 +0000

-
The British Dental Association (BDA) has appealed to NHS Choices to consider the way that comments about dental practices posted on its site are moderated.

The appeal has been made following feedback from a number of BDA members about the way that the site allows serious but unsubstantiated allegations to be made about practitioners anonymously and the often-slow process for moderating inappropriate comments.

The BDA is also concerned that many primary care trusts appear to be retaining the editing rights for practice profiles on the website.

This is despite previous assurances that the ability to edit would be opened up to practices as the feedback functionality on the site was rolled out.

Dr John Milne, Chair of the BDAs General Dental Practice Committee, said:

“Dentists have very reasonable concerns about the way that malicious or even fictitious feedback can be given anonymously via the NHS Choices website. Were asking NHS Choices to take those concerns on board and act to ensure that this facility isnt abused and that the way the site is moderated and edited is fair and efficient.

“Feedback is extremely valuable to dental practices because it helps to drive improvements for patients and dentists therefore welcome constructive comments from their patients. But malicious unattributed comments from individuals who may not even be patients at a practice are not only unhelpful, but could also be damaging. In seeking to achieve the very laudable aim of promoting patient choice, we must be careful not to unfairly sacrifice the reputations of clinicians. The issues the BDA is raising will help to ensure that dentists are treated fairly.” ]]>

Cash incentive for tooth decay crackdown

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:17:30 +0000

-
Preventing cancer, cutting tooth decay in children and the population weighing less, are some of the challenges local councils will be able to track when they take over looking after the health and wellbeing of their residents.

That's according to health secretary, Andrew Lansley.

For the first time, public health will be measured against a framework which sets out 66 health measures so councils and the government are able to see real improvements being made and take any action needed.

From April next year, councils will be given a ring-fenced budget - a share of around �5.2 billion based on 2012/13 funding - and will be able to choose how they spend it according to the needs of their population. Those who make the most improvements will be rewarded with a cash incentive.

The results this progress will be measured against include:

• Fewer children under five will have tooth decay
• People will weigh less
• More women will breastfeed their babies
• Fewer over 65s will suffer falls
• Fewer people will smoke
• Fewer people will die from heart disease and stroke.

But public health is more than just moving more and eating well. Its also about tackling the causes of ill-health.

That is why the new measures also look at school attendance, domestic abuse, homelessness and air pollution.

Speaking at the Royal Society for Public Health, Andrew Lansley said: 'We are giving local councils the money, the power, the right expertise and information to build healthier communities. Every area of the country is different so councils will be able to decide what the most important public health concern is for them and spend the money appropriately.

'It is absolutely right that the budget and decision making sits with councils. They will be able to address all aspects that affect our wellbeing - such as school attendance, homelessness and fuel poverty - in the round.

'Using the framework we have published today, local professionals will be able to make real changes to improve health.'

The health secretary also highlighted how public health has already started to change, thanks to the Responsibility Deal.

Now, people on the high street can be reassured that artificial trans fats are not lurking in their food from many outlets such as Greggs, Costa or McDonalds.

In supermarkets, people will know a lot of the food going into their basket will have less salt in. And customers will know that when they eat out at popular high street restaurants this year over a third of meals and takeaways will have their calories labelled, helping people to opt for the healthier options.

Andrew Lansley added: 'The Responsibility Deal has led to real changes for everyone and we can now see these in our everyday life - on our high street, in our supermarkets and at work, too.

'People might not realise that these changes are down to the Responsibility Deal but we can now see that it is helping people to live healthier lives.' ]]>

Stephen Fry falls asleep at dentist

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:59:49 +0000

-
Comedian and actor Stephen Fry underwent dental surgery last Friday.

The comedian and actor had a temporary triple crown fited but is returning to his specialist this week to have a permanent replacement fitted.

In a tweet on Twitter, he wrote: 'Hell's teeth & a bucket of blood. 3 hour session at the dentist coming up. There isn't enough (anti-anxiety drug) Xanax in the world to prepare for this.'

And updating followers later in the day, he added: 'Well that went better than expected. Temporary triple crown fitted on bottom row. Real ones installed next week. Actually fell asleep.' ]]>

Give us a job, say students

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:15:49 +0000

-
Professor Franklins throwaway comment that he understands how unsettling it is for those final year students without a training place, must rank as one of the most patronising remarks of the year.

As is his advice for them to concentrate now on preparing for final examinations'. But not, apparently for work in the NHS, rather for a future of unemployment.

The news from the Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans & Directors (COPDEND) claims success in allocating 927 places among the 1,109 candidates who attended for interviews. Of the 182 (16%) with no place, 133 are on a reserve list who may get a training place. The remaining 49, the output of one UK dental school are thrown on the scrap heap.

Back in 2004, the then government announced that 185 extra dentists would be trained each year. Now that they have qualified, this government is telling 182 of them that there is no job for them in NHS dentistry. At an estimated cost of �250,000 per student, it has cost the UK taxpayer �15.4 million for each dentist joining the NHS.

To make matters worse, hidden in the story, is the fact that 97 of those who applied came from European dental schools. Unlike UK qualified dentists, those from the rest of the EU do not need to do Foundation Training to go on an NHS Performers List.

How many of these 97 displaced students trained at the UK taxpayers expense is an unknown. But it only adds to the scandal (not the success, Professor Franklin) of new-style dental foundation recruitment.

It also begs the question of why, if all dental schools in Europe have equivalence, the NHS treats UK students differently in requiring an extra year of Foundation Training from them.

We can also ask why our government does not guarantee sufficient training places for all who qualify from our universities.

Until now, we have gone along on the assumption that the different treatment, as regards Vocational and now Foundation Training is an immutable rule of the European Union (EU).

In a similar way, we have been told that Britain is not free to ban foreign doctors, dentists or nurses from working in this country if they do not speak adequate English nor if there are concerns over their medical ability.

However in a recent Daily Telegraph article, Michel Barnier, EU commissioner for the internal market, says any problems associated with foreign doctors are the responsibility of the NHS. He said it was a myth that Britain cannot ban EU doctors.

By the same logic it is presumably also a myth that EU-trained dentists are subject to different rules from those qualified here. It is time that the newly euro-sceptic partners in the coalition took some action to ensure all UK trained dentists can practise in the NHS. ]]>

2,000 Twitter followers for Henry Schein Minerva

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:48 +0000

-
Henry Schein Minerva is leading the way in dental social media and now has 2,000-plus followers on Twitter!
�
By using the social media site as an immediate and interactive tool, Henry Schein Minerva is breaking new ground for the dental industry and providing innovative ways for dental professionals to access exclusive offers.
�
Now, thanks to further collaboration with Ivoclar Vivadent another company at the forefront of the social media revolution, dentists can take advantage of three exclusive incentives which can be accessed by following @HenryScheinUK on Twitter, liking HenryScheinMinervaDental on Facebook or adding Henry Schein Minerva to their Circle on Google+ at Henry Schein UK
�
1.�� The first 250 dentist to message and 'Request a Sample' will receive a sample of Ivoclars Ivoclean.
�
2.�� Followers, Likes or Circle friends who post a picture or video or submit a written testimonial of them using Ivoclar Empress Composite will be entered into a competition to win* an Empress Direct Kit and a �100 HSM product voucher to spend on Ivoclar product. Offer closes June 30th 2012.
�
3.�� Buy a Bluephase Style curing light and receive a jumbo pack of either Tetric EvoCeram A2 Cavifil or Tetric EvoCeram A2 Syringe, FREE
�
�
*terms and conditions apply ]]>

Dental foundation recruitment hailed a hit

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:22:27 +0000

-
At the end of the first phase of nationally co-ordinated recruitment to Dental Foundation (Vocational) Training in England and Wales, 84% of candidates have already been offered places on training schemes commencing in 2012.
�
Plans for the process were agreed by a steering group comprising postgraduate deans, associate deans and members of London Deanery recruitment team, together with a BDA representative.

Recruitment was co-ordinated by the Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans & Directors (COPDEND) in partnership with London Deanery, which has considerable expertise in medical recruitment and managed the process.
�
There were 1,190 applications made online and of these, 1,145 eligible candidates, including 97 from European dental schools were invited to one of five selection centres held across England.

In November 2011, 1,109 candidates attended these assessments and interviews, which were carried out by experienced foundation trainers and training programme directors who had undergone standardised training and calibration.
�
Each applicant was asked to state a preference order for each of the 74 training schemes and offers of a place were made on the basis of ranked scores achieved and stated preferences. Those who scored highest were offered a place on the scheme they most preferred.

All 927 places were allocated within a week of offers being made and of these 45% secured their first choice, 65% were offered a place on one of their top three schemes and 84% on one of their top 10 schemes.

Individual deaneries will be allocating these successful applicants to individual training practices over the next few months.
�
Further training places are expected to become available later in the year and 133 candidates on a reserve list will be notified about these after 2012 BDS final examinations are concluded.

Future offers of a place will be made on the same meritocratic basis as in this first round, using ranked scores and applicant preferences. Dental Foundation training places are funded by the NHS and the final number of funded places available for 2012/13 has not yet been confirmed.
�
A follow-up independent quality assurance of the entire process will be carried out by the UK Advisory Board for Dental Foundation Training, to ensure the process is both transparent and fair.

COPDEND and London Deanery are also undertaking a thorough evaluation, including statistical analysis of the data from the selection centres.

Initial results demonstrate minimal variation in average scores achieved on different days and in different locations for the selection centres and confirm there was no advantage in attending on a particular day. A detailed report will be published after the completion of the 2012 process.
�
Professor Chris Franklin, chair of COPDEND said: 'I am very pleased with how well this process has gone and would like to congratulate all those who have been offered a place in the first round.

'I do understand that the uncertainty may be unsettling for those who are still waiting to hear about a training place and would encourage those at dental school to concentrate now on preparing for final examinations. In previous years, most students didnt know where they would be training until much nearer the start of the programme.' ]]>

Dentistry focus: social networking a must

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

-
Social networks are a great and easy way for you to communicate with your potential customers, says Brendon Macdonald, a socialmedia expert.

He says: 'Nowadays, the buyers set the ground rules on when and where they will engage and increasingly turn to trusted third parties for education (including via blogs, twitter and other social media).

'This means your business must develop an integrated social media strategy which identifies where potential patient conversations are happening and effectively uses various digital channels to acquire, convert and retain patients.'

'By the end of 2013 it is estimated that 90% of web browsing will be completed on mobile phones'�

Brendon Macdonald is co-founder and chief engagement officer at ApexHub and director at Interactive Dental Media.

Brendon will be giving a presentation at the Dentistry Show in March, entitled Social Media for your Business - Evolve? Or Dissolve? that aims to inform and instruct practice managers and dentists alike on how to use social media to their advantage.

Brendons message is that technology is taking over the world at an alarming rate, leaving no prisoners and social networking is a series of unavoidable stepping-stones that practice managers and dentists need to walk across to reach their full potential.

The key focus will be about understanding the social network trends that will happen in 2012.

He will discuss how practice managers can understand what a social business is and how dentists can consider what needs to be provided for a practice, having a strong presence that will filter down through their staff, enabling time saving and economical growth.

The efficiency of social media is underrated and the presentation will explore how to give social networking tasks to members of staff, forming a cohesive, balanced and organised structure that will lend itself to future marketing strategies.

Practice managers and dentists will learn about levels of product contact that can be measured within social networking and distributing positive content in their area, whilst spending the least amount of time on it.

The presentation will look to find enthusiasm on this subject, placing personalities to the correct networking contact.

Organic opportunities are becoming increasingly hard to find due to the overcrowding of social networking sites.

Finding the correct resources and tools for the practice and dentist is half the battle.� Nowadays, sponsored updates that go into news feeds need to be heavily filtered to find relevant information and it is imperative to give priority to key areas that will give maximum exposure.

The presence of the web is overwhelming in the dentistry business and the future of web traffic lies in online videos.

By the end of 2013 it is estimated that 90% of web browsing will be completed on mobile phones.� For now, with many companies trying to sell via popular trends, quality of content on site is becoming increasingly important for practice managers and dentists in order save time and raise their profile.

Brendon will show a case study during his presentation that will demonstrate how to set up an info structure through social networking to maximise marketing opportunities.

For practice managers, its about learning about the must have tools to manage their time and appearance in the industry, and for dentists, it is about understanding the trends that will happen in social networking.� For both parties, it means deciding what needs to be provided online and how to maintain this strong presence in the long term.

The key points Brendon hopes practice managers and dentists will take away are:
• What a social business is, and what the benefits are.
• What lies ahead in 2012 for social media for business.
• Finding breathing room in an overcrowded social network.
• Must have social tools for businesses to use.
• Case study of a social media campaign in a dental practice.

The Dentistry Show is at the NEC, Birmingham March 2nd and 3rd 2012.

�

For more informatio, visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5269 or email info@thedentistryshow.co.uk.

�

�

�
]]>

New oral health science website

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:36:40 +0000
-
New research in oral health emerges all the time.

Oral Health Science brought to you by Colgate, offers a convenient place to find interactive study highlights, full journal articles, audio summaries and email updates about the latest findings in oral health, all qualifying for verifiable continuing professional development (CPD).��

Studies sited on Oral Health Science are compelling and topical.

Current studies under review consider recent advances in the way we view oral care, along with the relationship to overall health.

Some of these findings demonstrate how innovative toothpaste formulations can now help your patients to prevent dental caries and improve periodontal health.

You could choose to review a comparison of toothpaste formulations or an in-depth survey of approaches to oral care, each will add to your understanding of current treatment modalities.

Each article summary you review qualifies for 0.5 hours verifiable CPD.

�

For further information and to register visit www.oralhealthscience.co.uk.

� ]]>

Private dentists 'putting patients at risk'

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:22 +0000
-
Private dentists have been accused in Parliament of putting patients at risk with unnecessary operations.

Labour MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant said many private providers were encouraging patients to have procedures they 'certainly do not need' and urged government to include dentists in any investigations into private sector cosmetic surgery.

'Will the Secretary of State add laser surgery clinics to his list, and also private dentists, many of which are encouraging patients to undergo operations they certainly do not need?'

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has asked the medical director of the NHS, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, to convene an expert group to look at the future regulation of the cosmetic service industry following the PIP breast implant scandal where implants were filled with non-medical grade
silicone intended for use in mattresses.

Mr Lansley said: 'I think their ability to meet their liabilities towards their patients should be one of the issues we look at.'

And Mr Bryant said dentists must not escape scrutiny.

Speaking in a debate on the PIP breast implants, Mr Bryant said: 'May I suggest to the Secretary of State that the problems in the cosmetic intervention industry may be far more extensive than we have known thus far? A few years ago, I had my eyes lasered. I visited five clinics, four
of which seemed to be trying to sell me an intervention rather than trying to do anything that would be in my general health interest. Will the Secretary of State add laser surgery clinics to his list, and also private dentists, many of which are encouraging patients to undergo operations
that they certainly do not need?"

Mr Lansley replied: "I will reserve my position on dentistry, because there is a very wide range and cosmetic intervention constitutes a substantial proportion of overall dentistry activity, but I will happily consider whether there is an issue to be dealt with.'

Other MPs said if firms are not indemnified against the risk of surgery or willing to accept� responsibility they should not be allowed to practise.

Mr Lansley added: 'The position we have inherited is that I have no powers in relation to the provision of private health care by private companies. The Heath and Social Care Bill provides for the establishment of Monitor as health sector regulator that will license such providers. I am not
making any judgement at this point on whether it would be appropriate for conditions to be attached to such licences in relation to the continuity of service to patients, but it is one option that we can consider.'

The British Dental Association said it supported the patients' right to choose.

A spokesperson for the BDA said: 'Dentists provide a wide range of NHS and private care. While the NHS provides what is clinically necessary, patients can access a wider range of procedures and treatment options in the private sector.

'These can include aesthetic treatments such as whitening, choices such as different types of crown and filling materials, and greater flexibility about appointments. Dentists working in the private sector are also free of the constraints of the UDA system, which means they can spend more
time with patients.

'The BDA supports dentists in providing a full range of treatments and patients' right to choose in which sector they receive care. Treatment decisions should be made by dentists and patients together. The availability of private care extends patient choice, which the BDA supports.'

In the UK, private cosmetic companies have been urged to remove implants they fitted - however, some have said it would be unaffordable and have blamed a failure of regulation. ]]>

Ofcom to veto Royal Mail price increases

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:59:01 +0000
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Massive increases to the price of posting mail in the UK will harm small business such as dental practices and hasten the demise of the Royal Mail.

In a letter to Ofcom, the not-for-profit group, the Forum of Private Business, has urged the industry regulator not to allow Royal Mail bosses to go ahead with radical reforms which could drive the price of a second class stamp by as much as 50%.

Ofcom is currently consulting on the proposals which are part of a huge shake-up planned by Royal Mail executives who say the changes will allow it to become profitable again, but could see second class stamp prices rocket from 36p to 55p.

Other proposals being considered are no-limit increases for the price of a first class stamp until 2018 which would not require Ofcom approval as per current rules.

Royal Mail, whose letter business lost �120 milion in 2011, have submitted the proposals to Ofcom who have to agree to any price revisions before they can be implemented.

But the Forum has warned the industry watchdog that agreeing to them would simply create another cost barrier to trading for small firms reliant on postal services who can ill afford further price hikes.�

'We understand that Royal Mail is currently a loss-making organisation and action needs to be taken to address this, but we believe constant price rises are not the way to tackle the issue,' said the Forums head of campaigns, Jane Bennett.

'Small businesses are regular users of the service and would be the hardest hit by any increases, and its these businesses which are already experiencing high business costs.'

]]>

Core CPD the easy way

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:55:19 +0000
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Get your years core verifiable CPD covered in a day!
�
The hugely popular CPD Essentials seminar returns in 2012, once again covering all 5 core subjects in a single day.

Due to popular demand, there are four dates for 2012, providing an opportunity for everyone to attend.

The first date for 2012 is Friday 3 February at the prestigious London location and only a few places remain! Take advantage of our fantastic January offer and save 25%!
�
Completing verifiable CPD can be a tricky task. In todays demanding and busy world, finding the time is not easy.

This year, Independent Seminars provides the answer to achieving this with the hugely popular CPD Essentials, which provides you with 7 verifiable CPD hours.
�
Four exceptional dental experts will be presenting educational, stimulating and relevant lectures on the core subjects, providing delegates not only with their core verifiable CPD for the year, but with crucial updates in these important subjects.
�
Dr Len DCruz will take on the topics of legal & ethical issues and complaints handling.
Dr Martin Fulford will present the topic of disinfection and decontamination.

The last two topics, medical emergencies and radiography & radiation protection, will be explored by Dr Yusof Omar and Dr Jimmy Makdissi respectively.
�
Plus, for the first time ever, were taking this first-rate course to Leeds on Friday 9 March. We will also have an additional two dates in London on Friday 6 July and Friday 19 October if you are unable to attend in February. Whichever location is best for you, get booked soon as the CPD Essentials courses always sell out very quickly.
�
Dentists call 0800 371 652 and quote JAN25 to benefit from our CPD January Spectacular - Receive 25% off until 23 January!*
Pay just �266+VAT usually �355+VAT!

Or why not take advantage of Independent Seminars cost-saving special team rate? This rate covers attendance for one dentist and two team members and is just �625+VAT, saving you over �100! (Standard dentist rate: �355+VAT, DCP rate: �195+VAT.)
�
*Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Visit www.independentseminars.com for more details

�

]]>

Team up for Three Peaks challenge

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:11:14 +0000
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Do you work in a great team? If so, this is the ideal event for you and your colleagues. Bridge2Aid, (B2A) the dental and community development charity working in the Mwanza region of North West Tanzania, has arranged a fantastic fundraising event for teams of three to six people.

Your team is challenged to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 12 hours.

The spectacular route is roughly 24 miles long, taking in the summits of Pen-y-ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres). That makes approximately 1,600 metres of ascent and descent.

The event takes place on Saturday 31 March and is being run for B2A by Eight Point Two, a specialised organiser of challenging events who will provide qualified instructors, marshals for the mountains, communication systems and full support.

Completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in 12 hours is no easy task and will require the right preparation, support and lots of determination. Participants should do some pre-event training - walking, of course, as well as swimming or cycling.

The cost of registration is �20 per person and teams must commit to raise at least �200 per person before the event.

Practice Plan and IDH have already entered two teams each and there have been verbal commitments from several other companies in the dental industry.

Why not enter your team to tackle the physical challenge while enjoying spectacular Yorkshire scenery - as well as raising vital funds to help Bridge2Aid's essential work in Tanzania?

For more information about the Yorkshire Three Peaks, go to www.eightpointtwo.co.uk/YorkshireThreePeaks.

To find out more about the B2A challenge and to register your team go to www.bridge2aid.org or contact Kerry at fundraising@bridge2aid.org ]]>

Satisfaction guaranteed!

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:01:59 +0000
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Oral-B power brushes purchased in dental surgeries have the same limited warranty as those purchased in retail outlets.

Providing they have a receipt for their purchase, customers can return the brush within a two year period in the unlikely event of malfunction.

P&G will either rectify the problem free of charge or provide a replacement product (naturally, at no extra cost).

Moreover, the company is so confident in its products that if the customer is dissatisfied with the performance of either their Professional Care or Triumph brushes in any way, they will refund the cost of the unit within 30 days even if theyve simply changed their mind.

Dissatisfaction based on performance is highly unlikely.� Oral-B power brushes use the independently acclaimed oscillating-rotation action, to help prevent both caries and periodontal disease.

Their efficacy at removing plaque, versus a manual toothbrush, is well documented.� Studies have shown the Precision Clean brush head to remove up to five times more plaque along the gum line versus a regular manual toothbrush.

Not only will it remove more plaque, but the flagship Triumph model also tackles the issue of compliance.

It doesnt matter how good a product is if a patient fails to use it properly.� Oral-Bs Triumph with SmartGuide contains a microchip in the handle that communicates usage information via a wireless remote display.

Brushing duration, thoroughness and pressure are all monitored.

With this level of performance, its not surprising theyre sold with a no quibble guarantee. ]]>

A well-deserved award

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:55:52 +0000
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LonDEC (London Dental Education Centre), a joint enterprise between King's College London Dental Institute and the NHS London Deanery, won a prestigious award at the 2011 Elisabeth Paice Awards for Educationalexcellence in medical and dental education.

The team was nominated as winner in the category of Best postgraduate education centre team.

The LonDEC team was honoured with the title at the awards presentation on 8 December 2011 at the De Vere Holborn Bars Hotel NHS London.

Bill Sharpling, director of LonDEC, said: The learning environment hosts core courses as well as advanced skills training. The LonDEC team works continuously in their efforts to meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs for all professions.

Professor Nairn Wilson, dean and head of the Dental Institute, said: It is hoped that LonDEC will continue to grow and develop as a groundbreaking centre of excellence.

�

Visit www.londec.co.uk/courses to see the list of courses available at LonDEC.

If you would like to contact LonDEC, email info@londec.co.uk.

Further information available at www.londec.co.uk

� ]]>

Know your patients' lifestyle, dentists told

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:19:47 +0000
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Oral health experts are supporting government calls to ensure all health professionals take the opportunity to discuss a patients lifestyle.

First outlined in the Health and Social Care Bill, a panel of government advisers has recommended all health professionals 'make every contact count', a move met by criticism in some quarters of the health sector.

With oral health greatly affected by diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits, the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) believes the move will hopefully encourage more people to consider how their lifestyle could be affecting not just their health, but also their oral health.

Previous research has shown frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can damage oral health, while studies have also demonstrated people who stay fit and healthy are 40% less likely to develop tooth-threatening gum infections that could lead to gum disease.

Mouth cancer also remains a big issue in the UK with the incidence of mouth cancer cases rising by 46 per cent since 1997.

An estimated 30,000 people will die from the disease over the next decade unless more is done to change lifestyles, especially attitudes to smoking, alcohol, diet and exercise - some of the main risk factors for mouth cancer

Chief executive of the Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, declared the charaity's support for the recommendations in order to drive oral health improvements across the UK.

Dr Carter said: 'We know people will only change their ways if they want to, but by approaching the topic of lifestyle on a regular basis, healthcare professionals will at least know they have given the patient the information needed to improve their health and wellbeing.

'Taking the time out to discuss a patients smoking habit, alcohol consumption levels or poor diet could save lives, as all of those are associated with the risk of developing mouth cancer.

'Finding out that a patient doesnt brush their teeth two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste could potentially set them on the road to developing a good routine and save them having to endure restorative or emergency work later in life.

'If the healthcare profession and particularly the dental profession discussed with their patients how their oral health could be improved, I firmly believe we would see the number of developing dental diseases fall across a period of time.' ]]>

Dentistry business: HR in dental practices

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:36:49 +0000
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To boost economic recovery, government initiatives aimed at changing areas of employment legislation and reform of the Employment Tribunal system were announced in 2011.

The government also launched the 'Red Tape Challenge' which gave the public the opportunity to identify those rules and regulations which work well and those that are an unnecessary burden.

Set out below is an overview of the key dates and developments for 2012.

January
31 January - Deadline for proposed changes to collective redundancy consultation requirements and TUPE Regulations.

February
1 February - Increase in statutory rights and limits payable:

�� The limit on the amount of a weeks pay for the purposes of calculating statutory redundancy payments and the basic award for unfair dismissal increases from �400 to �430 where the effective date of termination falls on or after 1 February;

�� The maximum basic award for unfair dismissal increases from �12,000 to �12,900;

�� The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal increases from �68,400 to �72,300;

�� The guarantee pay limit for a days pay during short-time or temporary lay off increases from �22.20 a day to �23.50 a day (subject to a maximum of 5 days or �117.50 in any 3 months).

March
6 March - Deadline for consultation in the Reform of the Employment Tribunal system. Two options are proposed:

�� Under Option 1 there are two main charging points for fees - when the claim is issued and before the hearing. The issue fee will depend on the level/nature of the claim and whether it is a single claim or a multiple claim and the fee will be between �150 - �250. The hearing fee will be between �250 - �1,250.

�� Under Option 2 there will be one main charging point, the time of issue. The fee will depend on the level/nature of the claim and what the claimant states their claim to be worth. The fee will be between �200 - �1,750 but note that the highest fee is payable if the claimant is seeking an award over �30,000.

With both options, further fees will be payable for certain specified applications.� If Option 1 is adopted it would be introduced in 2013 and Option 2 in 2014.

April
9 April - Annual increase in statutory payments:

�� Statutory sick pay increases from �81.60 to �85.85 a week;

�� The statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay prescribed rate increases from �128.73 a week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if lower) to �135.45 (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if lower).

The governments response to the consultation paper Resolving Workplace Disputes (further details can be provided) issued in January 2011 has been described as "the most radical reform to the employment law system for decades". The following changes have been confirmed for April 2012 but with no actual date as yet.

Unfair dismissal

The qualifying period for unfair dismissal will be extended from 12 months continuous employment to 2 years. The policy decision behind this proposal is to reduce the burden of employment legislation for employers and to make it easier to recruit.

There are a number of day 1 rights for which no qualifying period is necessary e.g. discrimination claims and whistleblowing.

Employment Tribunal reform
The governments view is that simplifying the Employment Tribunal system will result in fewer claims. The government intends to change the rules as follows:

�� Deposit orders will be increased from �500 to �1,000;

�� Cost awards will be increased from �10,000 to �20,000;

�� Witness statements being taken as read unless the Employment Judge directs otherwise;

�� Employment Tribunals having the power to direct the parties to bear the cost of witnesses attendance;

�� Employment Judges sitting alone in unfair dismissal cases.

There are other significant changes proposed to encourage the resolution of workplace disputes but no date has yet been announced. However, we can expect the following:

Early conciliation
It is proposed that potential claimants will be required to submit key details of their dispute to ACAS within the relevant time limit (usually 3 or 6 months). ACAS will then provide the opportunity to engage in early conciliation in an attempt to avoid Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Financial penalties for employers
Employment Judges will have the discretion to levy a financial penalty on employers who lose at the Employment Tribunal for breaching employment rights and the penalty will be payable to the Exchequer. The amount will be based on half of the total amount of the award made by the Employment Tribunal with a minimum threshold of �100 and a ceiling of �5,000. As an incentive for any penalty to be paid quickly, it will be reduced by 50% if paid within 21 days.

Mediation
The government considers that mediation is an important form of early dispute resolution and intends to embark on 'long-term reform'.

This will pilot in the employment intensive retail sector and in the creation of regional mediation networks through the provision of mediation training to representatives from SMEs.

Spring
The employment law review period of the Red Tape Challenge ended in October 2011 and the four categories considered were Compliance and enforcement, Letting people go, Managing staff and Taking people on. The review covered legislation such as the rules on collective redundancies, national minimum wage and statutory sick pay and the government response is expected in spring 2012.

October
From 1 October 2012, phased in over a four year period, all employers must automatically enrol eligible jobholders in a pension scheme (larger employers being affected before smaller employers and new businesses) using either their own qualifying pension scheme or the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

Future developments
Compromise agreements:
In November 2011, the government announced it would publish a consultation paper on the use of compromise agreements and the government will consider how to develop a standard text for these as well as guidance for their use.� It will also consider whether the law should be amended to enable existing and future claims to be compromised.

Protected conversations:
The potential� introduction of a system of 'protected conversations' is causing a lot of media interest. This would allow either party to raise any employment issue at any time (without the existence of a formal dispute) which cannot then be referred to in any subsequent Employment Tribunal proceedings. This will be subject to a consultation exercise.

Rapid Resolution scheme:
A consultation is expected on developing a scheme for low value, straightforward claims e.g holiday pay which may be assessed without the need for a hearing by legally qualified individuals.

Employment relations reform:
Also in November 2011, the government announced proposals to "reform employment relations" and will seek views about introducing "compensated no-fault dismissals" for companies with 10 or fewer employees. It will also consider making changes to its Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures or introducing supplementary guidance for small businesses.

Sickness absence:
An independent Sickness Absence review to consider how the current system could be changed to help people stay in work and to reduce costs ended in November 2011. It included proposals to set up an Independent Assessment Service to establish how an employee can be supported in a return to work after 4 weeks absence and whether the ban on pre-employment health questionnaires should be re-considered. It also proposed that fit notes should be revised to assess the employees capacity to return to work generally and not just to their own job. The government is expected to respond to the review in 2012.

Modern workplaces:
The government is yet to respond to the consultation exercise Consultation on Modern Workplaces which ended in August 2011. The delayed government response is now expected early 2012. There are four key areas considered, flexible parental leave, flexible working, the Working Time Regulations and equal pay. The proposals may require extensive changes to policies and procedures and the government response is awaited with interest.

Clearly there are significant changes in the year ahead with many challenges to be faced by employers and HR personnel.

For more information on the issues raised or to discuss how OneSG could support your business, contact Hannah Morgan, HR Manager.
Email hannahmorgan@onesg.co.uk��
Phone 01633 415436�
Website www.onesg.co.uk

� ]]>

Dentistry Awards: Cream of the crop

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:35:44 +0000
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More than 500 guests flocked to the Athena in Leicester on Friday 2 December to spend an evening of wining and dining before the ceremony itself, hosted by cutting-edge comedy magician Paul Zenon.

The Dentistry Awards has a unique format, being divided into nine regions to recognise outstanding young individuals, teams and practices across all areas of the UK.

There were three categories (Best Young Dentist, Best Team, Best Practice) for each region, as well as an overall UK winner from each category. This year saw the introduction of a new award - Best DCP - as well the Website Awards and UK Outstanding Achievement Award.

Nominations for the awards were collated earlier in the year, with a select panel of judges finalising the shortlist and winners ahead of the evening itself.

Tooth Plus
It turned out to be a massive night for Tooth Plus from Stirling. They were named Best Practice for Scotland and then picked up the overall UK accolade in the same category. Practice director Rachael Blyth said: Im speechless! We didnt expect to win at all - it was totally out of the blue! Were absolutely delighted, its so exciting to have won. The competition was really strong, we were against such high-calibre practices so to have won is just amazing. Its a huge morale boost as were only two years old.

The awards mean that even small practices like ours have something to aim for, to focus on being the best we can. Its a good exercise for the practice and the team, to stop and realise what we are doing and what more we can do.

We will definitely enter next year - probably for a different category like Best Team - and if were shortlisted we will bring everyone along. We just werent expecting to win, the night has been so good.

Dentist Abhishek Singh added: Its nice to be recognised for what we do. The awards are important because it demonstrates a level of performance and care on a national scale. Well definitely be putting the award on the wall!

The Dental Studio
It was also a hugely successful night for The Dental Studio from Colchester. They won the Best Team award for the East region as well as the UK. Principal Stephen Pitt told Dentistry magazine:

Its amazing. I cant believe we won! Weve won awards in the past, but working together as a team has helped us push things to the next level.

Winning this really brings us together as a team. Its a wonderful reward for all the teams hard work - to get this sort of accolade from a national magazine is huge! Id just like to thank my entire team. Everyone worked so hard throughout the year.

Dannick Jethwa
Another national winner was Dannick Jethwa, who picked up the Best Young Dentist award for the Midlands and the UK. He said: Although it was an individual award, I couldnt have done it without my team. This is the first time Ive won an award here and its very exciting! Anyone could have won, but I applied my best. It has inspired me to progress in dentistry and become better at all I do.

Jane Armitage
Jane Armitage, practice manager of Thompson & Thomas in Sheffield (who also won Best Team and Best Practice for the North East), claimed the prestigious UK Outstanding Achievement Award. What a night! she said. I cant believe it - Im overwhelmed! I believe in the profession. I believe in the industry. I believe in what we all do, and I think thats key.
Its brilliant that the team won an award as well. Were all delighted with that - but Im gobsmacked to have won the Outstanding Achievement!

Cranmore Dental Practice
The title of Best Practice for Northern Ireland went to Cranmore Dental Practice. Business development manager Brenda Nelson told us: Its a great platform for Northern Ireland and the dental profession. We have some great dentists working over here - award-winning dentists - and its great for us to be recognised.

The awards are a great measure of commitment to quality, community, and how you deliver service to the right standard.

Invisibrace
Invisibrace took the honours for Best Practice in the South East. Principal and owner Darsh Patel said: Were over the moon! We were in such a big category so were really chuffed to have won! Its weird and exciting all at the same time, I dont think its sunk in yet, Ill have to pinch myself!

Were newly established so its sometimes hard to convince new patients that theyre in good hands. These awards add credentials from an independent body so thats why theyre so important to us. Im going to put this award in the consultation room so all our patients can see it.

Its recognition for our hard work, no one realises that youre busting your guts, we put so much into our entry to portray what we do, so winning is a nice recognition of that!

E11even Orthodontics
Best Practice in London went to E11even Orthodontics. Clinical ortho lead Shivani Patel told us: 2011 has been an amazing year for E11even; we won at the Private Dentistry Awards, and now this, we just couldnt ask for more. Its good to know we have the right system in place. We really have to thank our referrers, patients and staff.

His colleague Anthony Lam added: We didnt expect to win as the competition is really tough. London is such a competitive region that we need something to market ourselves and set ourselves apart from the rest and these awards do just that.

Harrow Weald Dental Practice
The award for Best Team for London went to Harrow Weald Dental Practice. Principal Sundip Kalirai told us: We have a relaxed and enjoyable team and, in 10 years of practising, this is the best one - weve simply all gelled together.

Titchfield Dental Health
Titchfield Dental Health in Southampton were named Best Team in the South East. Owner Clare Chavasse was effusive in her praise for her team, saying: We are a great team and I am keen to encourage every one of them to make the best of themselves in their careers.
Earlier in the year Clares husband, who was at the ceremony with the team, collected patients when they were stuck in the snow. Clare said: Its what were all about. Its our whole philosophy - focusing on the patient and helping the team reach the top of their game. These awards focus us on what we do best for our patients.

Neel Panchal
Neel Panchal was named Best Young Dentist for London. Neel, a practising associate at Putney Dentists who is also studying for an MSc in aesthetic dentistry at Kings College London Dental Institute, said: I am quite independently driven with my masters, but my tutors are very encouraging. The work that I submitted to the judging panel was very detailed and its great that influential figures in British dentistry have appreciated my work.

I was happy just to be shortlisted, but once I turned up at the event it hit me how much I wanted the award. I could feel my heart beating when they read out the announcement.

Its great for someone to recognise my work and I am very proud, but I think this achievement is down to the standard and quality of teaching that I have received whilst studying for my postgraduate at Kings.

Lorraine Browne
Lorraine Browne, of Belmore Dental Studio in Enniskillen, was the Northern Ireland and UK winner in the inaugural Best DCP Awards.

As head dental nurse at the practice, she was nominated by the practice principal, Sinead McEnhill. Lorraine said: I dont know what to say. Its just absolutely amazing. Id just like to thanks to everyone at the practice for their support and for getting me here today. To be the first DCP to win this inaugural award makes it even better. I am very proud. I think its brilliant that DCPs are getting recognition in these awards now.

Joe McEnhill
Joe McEnhill, also of Belmore, scooped the Best Young Dentist award in Northern Ireland.
Henriette Brown of Open Dental Care was named Best DCP for London. She said: Its a great honour to win, especially as this is the first time theres been a Best DCP award at the Dentistry Awards. Its good that the work DCPs do is being recognised - if you work hard, you deserve to be rewarded, and DCPs work very hard!

Alison Thompson
Alison Thompson, principal of The Dental Barn, picked up the Best DCP award for the South East.

She told us: Im a hygienist who owns a dental practice, so Im very surprised to win. Surprised but very pleased too!

I think the awards are great. They recognise what dental professionals do and thats really important. Dentistry is a team game - you cant do it without everyone working together. Id recommend entering the awards to any DCP.

Jodie Wilberforce
he Best DCP award for the North East went to Jodie Wilberforce of Manor Dental Health. She said: Im delighted. I wasnt expecting it as there were four shortlisted in my category and region.
I came all the way from Hull. Seven of us have come - our practice only entered best DCP, so they all came for me. And we got lost on the way here!

The awards ceremony was fantastic. I have never been to anything like this before. My practices support has been amazing. This whole experience is something that I am not used to.

Arden House Dental
Arden House Dental from Cheltenham scooped the Best Website award. Dentist Ian Hazlem said: Nowadays having a practice website is vital and is the way to market your business and confirms recommendations from word of mouth. Everyone looks on the internet and we have spent a lot of time getting it right. Weve only been up and running a year so we are more than pleased.

Best Young Dentist
Scotland - Dr Jamie Newlands, The Berkeley Clinic
Northern Ireland - Dr Joe McEnhill, Belmore Dental
North West - Dr Chris Waith, Cahill Dental Care Centre Ltd
North East - Dr Jenny Kabir, Fresh Dental Smile Clinic
Midlands - Dr Dannick Jethwa, Spondon Dental Practice
East - Dr Hiten Pabari, Blue Sky Dental
London - Dr Neel Panchal, Putney Dentists
South West and Wales - Dr Mike Hughes, Graham Roy Dental Care
UK winner - Dr Dannick Jethwa, Spondon Dental Practice

Best Team
Scotland - The Eyemouth Dental Practice
Northern Ireland - Yew Tree Dental Practice
North West - Ideal Dental Care
North East - Thompson & Thomas
• St Michaels Orthodontics LTD (Highly Commended)
East - The Dental Studio
• The Smile Centre (Highly Commended)
London - Harrow Weald Dental Practice
South West and Wales - St Piran Dental Practice
South East - Titchfield Dental Health
UK Winner: The Dental Studio

Best Practice
Scotland - Tooth Plus
Northern Ireland - Cranmore Dental Practice
North West - Magicsmiles Dental Studios
North East - Thompson & Thomas
Midlands - Beacon DentalCare
East - Bancroft Dentistry
• Braintree Dental Studio (Highly Commended)
London - Elleven Orthodontics
South West and Wales - Lostwithiel Dental Surgery
South East - Invisibrace
UK Winner: Tooth Plus

Best DCP
Northern Ireland - Lorraine Browne, Belmore Dental Clinic
North East - Jodie Wilberforce, Manor Dental Health
North West - Andrea Shipton, Ideal Dental Care
London - Henriette Brown, Open Dental Care
South East - Alison Thompson, The Dental Barn
UK Winner: Lorraine Browne, Belmore Dental Clinic

UK Outstanding Achievement Award
Jane Armitage, Thompson & Thomas

Website Awards
Best Specialist Referral Website - Maple Orthodontics
Best New Website - Harley Street Dental Studio
Best Website - Arden House Dental

� ]]>

Dentists' views sought on industrial action

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:09:03 +0000
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The British Dental Association (BDA) has launched a survey of members views on the acceptability of the governments proposed changes to NHS pensions.

It is also, for the first time ever, seeking members views on the appropriateness of dentists taking industrial action if such a course of action is considered necessary.

Views are being sought ahead of a February meeting of the BDAs Representative Body which will determine whether or not members should be formally balloted on strike action.

BDA members in all four UK countries will receive a copy of the survey, accompanied by a letter from BDA chief executive, Peter Ward, next week.

It asks whether the recipient considers the proposed changes to NHS pensions acceptable, whether they might cause the dentist to bring forward their retirement date, and whether they believe it is safe for most dentists to treat patients up to the age of 68 years (the proposed new retirement date).

The survey also asks for views both on whether industrial action by dentists could ever be acceptable and whether various forms of action should be considered in response to the proposed pension reforms.

Peter Ward said: 'The government is proposing fundamental changes to the NHS pension scheme. The proposal that arrived before Christmas was the best achievable by negotiations, and the BDA, in common with other unions, promised to consult members on its acceptability.

'This survey does exactly that and it is important that all members who would be affected by the changes make their views known to ensure that their voices are heard when the BDAs Representative Body meets at the beginning of February.'

Full details of the Governments final offer on pension reform and what it would mean for dentists are available on the BDA website at www.bda.org/nhspensions.

� ]]>

Dentistry focus: Hypnosis in the practice

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:38:06 +0000
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Does this ever happen to you?...
You have patients who sit waiting for their appointment, looking scared, as though theyd like to run away. They havent been for treatment for a long time, although youve sent them reminders. They come reluctantly into the treatment room, climb stiffly into the chair and sit there looking desperate, despite your attempts at being cheerful and encouraging. You look in their mouth and find their teeth and gums in a much worse state than they need to be, since they havent been for treatment in so long.

Your heart sinks. Now youll have to give them more extensive treatment, theyll find it hard and wait even longer to come next time. The treatment takes more time than it needs to, because they ask to stop frequently, they cant stand the vibration, they cant stand the noise, theyre scared. Or they endure it stubbornly, but youre a nice person - youd rather people didnt look like you were torturing them while youre working.

...Or this?
Potential patients call the practice, encouraged perhaps by friends who are already patients and have said how nice and supportive you are. But these patients admit to being so scared that they dont feel they can make themselves come to an appointment. You explain you can offer sedation and take treatments very gradually, a little at a time. They are scared of sedation. They worry that they wont be able to drive home afterwards. Theyll need someone with them, but this is inconvenient. You politely inquire how long it is since they had dental treatment. It is more than 10 years. The only reason they are calling now is that they are in pain and their teeth look so bad they avoid smiling. If they ever do manage to turn up for an appointment, you will not look forward to that session.

The difference between a relaxed patient and a fearful patient is in their minds. Relaxed patients look ahead and imagine that you will take good care of them and they will be fine.� In their imagination, they see it all being very manageable. Fearful patients imagine the worst. Where do they get such ideas?

Bad experiences
Fears are usually acquired through bad experiences. For human beings, our relationships to other people are so important that one of the worst things that can happen is to feel let down, abandoned or mistreated by another person.� So a bad experience that is associated with any of these things makes a much more lasting impression than an experience which was painful but where we felt fairly and kindly treated.

This is what research shows about dental anxiety.� The most common origin of this fear is experience of dental treatment which was not only painful, but where the patient experienced the dental staff as unsympathetic and uncaring.1,2 This is particularly the case where the experience occurred in childhood, as children are especially vulnerable and dependent on the kindness and care of adults.

We can see how powerful the human imagination is, that experiences as a child can still terrify adults into suffering pain and unnecessary deterioration of their teeth and gums, because their imagination runs and re-runs these memories, and projects them onto the future. The Adult Dental Health Survey 2009 reported that 12% of dentate adults experience extreme dental anxiety.3

That is a lot of fear, and this does not take into account the children and teenagers who were not included in the survey.

Hypnosis works directly on the human imagination. Using carefully structured language and non-verbal cues, based on many decades of clinical experience and research, it is possible to re-direct your patients imagination to work for them, rather than against them. They dont need to have the power of their minds hooked up forever to bad experiences from the past. After all, they now have you to look after their teeth, and you are not going to be unsympathetic and uncaring. You will take good care of them, and when you use hypnosis, their imaginations can get that message, and relax.

It is possible to learn hypnosis to use in the specialised dental setting, using techniques that fit easily into the usual clinical routine, quite rapidly, and those who learn it are often surprised at how quickly their patients respond. On his first day back at work after spending two days learning dental hypnosis, dentist Andrew Lane used hypnosis with great success on two fearful patients and wrote: This included one lady who insisted that she was resistant to hypnosis and it had never worked before for her - she had come in feeling very stressed and left feeling fully relaxed and refreshed.

Learning dental hypnosis skills is positive both for your patients, and for you - it is much easier to look forward to sessions with nervous patients if you know you can take care of their fears, as well as their teeth.

References
1. Locker D, Shapiro D, Liddell A (June 1996). “Negative dental experiences and their relationship to dental anxiety”. Community Dent Health 13 (2): 86-92
2. Bernstein DA, Kleinknecht RA, Alexander LD (1979). “Antecedents of dental fear”. J Public Health Dent 39 (2): 113-24
3.� Adult Dental Health Survey 2009.� Office of National Statistics March 2011. ]]>

Favoured by dentists

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:24:23 +0000
-
Pro-Tip Turbo disposable air water syringe tips guarantee the separation of air and water.

The tips have a secure bayonet locking feature to prevent blow-off and a new high power air jet for more effective washing and drying.

Pro-Tip Turbo is favoured by dentists as well as by leading dental equipment experts with extensive knowledge of installation and maintenance of disposable air water syringe tips.

Matt Rowlingson, technical director at Clark Dental said: Clark Dental has been supplying disposable syringe tips on various dental units for the last 15 years.

'The new Pro-Tip Turbo is certainly a fantastic new development in disposable syringe tips; we have found that you dont get a drop in air or water pressure like other models before. I would certainly recommend them on our dental equipment.

�

Visit the website to claim a free-of-charge starter kit including one Pro-Tip converter and 25 Pro-Tip Turbo tips.
www.protipdental.co.uk

� ]]>

Heka Dental's intuitive design

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:18:11 +0000
-
In association with DB Dental Equipment, Heka Dental is inviting delegates to the Dentistry Show to a series of free 45-minute CPD seminars by Herluf Skovsgaard.

Herluf will present practical advice that will improve the dentists practice efficiency and ergonomic wellbeing, enabling them to work less and earn more.

Visitors to DB Dentals stand E50 will also have an opportunity to see some of Heka Dentals Unic treatment centres, which combine aesthetic beauty with ergonomic efficiency.

Available in a wide range of inspirational colours, Unic is the ultimate embodiment of feedback from patients, dentists and service engineers.

Heka Dentals intuitive design and functionality means everything is exactly where it is expected to be, making even complex clinical procedures easier, more efficient and comfortable for the patient and dental team.

Unic treatment centres can be built to individual specifications with a fully comprehensive three-year warranty.

To book a place, visit http://closerstill.circdata-solutions.co.uk/forms/TheDentistryShow-heka/intro.aspx

01484 401015
www.heka-dental.com

�

� ]]>

Smart online appointment booking

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:13:05 +0000
-
Although online appointment booking is commonplace in other areas of consumer life its appearance in the dental market is relatively recent. But although the technology itself is still being used by early adopters, Software of Excellence has already produced an online appointment system that integrates with a practices recall management to produce a software solution that provides a truly innovative and unique solution.

This new approach has been developed as a direct response to dentist feedback and features software that identifies patients due for recall on a daily basis according to defined criteria, pre-set by the practice. The software automatically sends recall messages via email or text with a link prompting the patient to access a practice-branded on-line booking facility, detailing available appointment times with the patients own clinician. The patient selects the desired appointment and the software automatically identifies the patient and reserves the appointment and updating the practices computerised appointment book in real time. Patients receive a confirmation email which can also be customised by the practice to include a map, an image of the practice and dentist, opening hours, new treatments and can even be used to promote special offers. Experienced practices can also configure the software to “smartly” select appointment times that they may traditionally find difficult to fill.

SoEs new on-line recall booking module provides an innovative and ground-breaking solution that provides more than simply a mechanism for a patient who needs an appointment. This new technology is an integral part of the recall process that works via email and on smart phones stimulating successful recall response rates, making a measurable and significant impact on the overall efficiency of a practice.

EXACT™s Online Recall Booking Module is available from Software of Excellence, call 0800 328 6227 or visit www.soeidental.com for more details. Visit us at The Dentistry Show 2012 on Stand F15. ]]>

Dental practice check up!

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:01:48 +0000
-
With practices continuing to be concerned about facing another year of economic challenges, the desire to gain a better understanding about practice performance is more compelling than ever.

In order to provide dental practices with up-to-date, relevant information about key performance levels within their practice, Software of Excellence has launched the “Best Practice Check Up” available to both customers and non-customers alike.�

The “Best Practice Check Up” is a unique, easy and complimentary service that analyses the performance of individual practices in three key aspirational areas; dental, business and personal, helping you to identify strengths, risks, weaknesses and most importantly - opportunities for growth.

Then, together with the vast range of existing data Software of Excellence is able to benchmark your practice performance.
�
Practices can take part in the Best Practice Check Up by visiting www.soebestpractice.co.uk and completing a series of brief questions. Answers will then be analysed and Software of Excellence will provide a bespoke report on your practices performance and make recommendations for improvement.

Sales and Marketing Director at Software of Excellence Greg Clay is confident about the appetite for this kind of market information: 'The more knowledge a dentist can have about their practice the better able they are to identify areas for improvement. This new initiative is designed to put knowledge into the hands of the dentists and practice managers who can make a real difference to the performance of their practice.

'Because of the depth of our overall market knowledge we are ideally positioned to understand the true potential of different types of practice and the Best Practice Check Up is a vehicle for us to share this knowledge with individual practitioners.'

To complete the “Best Practice Check-Up” questionnaire, visit www.soebestpractice.co.uk or contact Software of Excellence on 0845 123456.

� ]]>

�500 prize for dental practice heroes

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:06:37 +0000
-
The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers has announced the first ADAM Awards, sponsored by Denplan.

These will be awarded to individuals within the practice administration team who demonstrate commitment to their ever-changing roles.

Each category winner will receive a cheque for �500, an engraved award and a framed certificate, which will be presented at the ADAM conference dinner and awards ceremony in Harrogate on Saturday 19 May.

Jill Taylor, ADAM president, said: Practice managers, administrators and treatment co-ordinators play a vital role and can make a tremendous difference to the success of a dental practice. We feel that their hard work and dedication deserves to be officially recognised.

The judging panel consists of Denplans chief dental officer, Roger Matthews, Jill Taylor and ADAMs honorary vice-president, Hew Mathewson.

The deadline for entries is 14 February 2012 and an application form is available to download.

�

www.adam-aspire.co.uk

� ]]>

The nuts and bolts of ADAM

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:32:33 +0000
-
The ADAM Conference, in partnership with MDDUS, is called The nuts and bolts of practice management and will take place at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on 18-19 May.

Speakers include Denplans Roger Matthews, business planning expert Andy McDougall from Spot On Business Planning and Jann Gardner, specialist in health care delivery and service management.

They will impart their wisdom on topics including customer service, performance management, financial control, making the most of human resources and developing assertiveness skills.

For members, early bird tickets start at just �64 for the Friday, �120 for the Saturday or �165 for both days. For non-members, early bird tickets cost �80 (Friday), �150 (Saturday) and �215 for both days.

Tickets for the ADAM conference dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday night cost �45 and include a three-course meal and two glasses of wine. Early bird tickets are available until 14 March.

www.adam-aspire.co.uk ]]>

Dental practices to Face the Challenge

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:20:20 +0000
-
In an effort to help practices face the challenges of the coming year, Henry Schein Minerva has identified 12 practice building areas in which they can help practices optimise business potential.

The company has launched the Henry Schein Minerva 2012 Face the Challenge promotion.

Face the Challenge will run for the first six months of the year and gives practices, who work with Henry Schein Minerva in three practice-building areas, the opportunity to qualify for fantastic rewards.

For those who qualify in at least five areas, there is the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime worth thousands of pounds!

Henry Schein Minerva has expertise across a wide range of products and services and the breadth of this offering is reflected in the 12 practice building areas which include decontamination, education, service packages, practice management software and of course consumable products.

�So, whatever you buy from Henry�
�Schein Minerva it all counts,* enabling
�practices to enjoy the benefits of a
�fully integrated business solution that
�will help improve all-round
�performance.

�Facing the Challenge is easy, simply
�visit the website
�www.successwithhsm.co.uk, register
�and start performing.

�

�For more information about Face the
�Challenge call 08700 10 20 43 or visit
�www.successwithhsm.co.uk

�*Terms and Conditions apply

� ]]>

Dentistry Top 50 is back

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:10:11 +0000
-
The Dentistry Top 50 readers poll returns for another year - find out how to make your vote count...
�
Once again, Dentistry magazine and Dentistry.co.uk begin the year by launching our annual Top 50 poll to discover who our readers believe are the most influential people in the current UK dental sector.
�
This will be the seventh running of this immensely popular feature, which has captured the imagination of the profession since its launch in 2006.

Every year, we invite our readers and users of Dentistry.co.uk to vote for 10 people they feel are the most influential in the UK dental profession.

You may wish to vote for valued colleagues, respected academics, prominent association leaders, important political figures, astute media analysts or whoever, its entirely up to you.
�
Once all the votes are in, we count them up and then reveal the 50 people who received the most nominations.
�
Last year, you voted well-known cosmetic dentist James Goolnik, former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and principal of the much-heralded Bow Lane Dental Group, as your number one. But who will it be in 2012?
�
As in previous years, we have provided a list of suggested names you may want to consider when deciding who to vote for. This is only to help you conjure up some ideas - you are free to vote for people not mentioned on the list.
�
To view the list and to vote, visit www.Dentistry.co.uk/top50. You must nominate 10 names for your entry to be counted.
�
This poll is open to all readers of Dentistry magazine and users of Dentistry.co.uk. The deadline for all votes is Friday 9 March 2012. No votes received after this date will be counted.
�
Lifetime contribution
This year were adding a little extra spice to the Top 50 poll by also offering our readers the chance to vote for the person they feel has made the most significant lifetime contribution to UK dentistry throughout its history.
�
It can be someone still practising, retired or even no longer with us. It can also be someone you have voted for in the regular Top 50 nominations. But it must be just one name.
�
Whos it going to be? An inventor whose work drove the profession forward? A pioneering practitioner or daring visionary who was ahead of their time? A groundbreaking figure that revolutionised working practices, conditions or regulations? Or even someone whose contribution to the profession or industry you feel has not been given enough credit over the years?
�
This is just a sideline to our annual Top 50 poll, and is separate to the main event. The name of the person who receives the most votes will be revealed at the same time as our Top 50 list. ]]>

Radio 4 on the GDC just one big secret?

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:24:25 +0000
-
Last July, I wrote on this blog: The General Dental Council (GDC) is falling apart at the seams. I concluded that the GDC had lost not only the confidence of the profession, but also of its own regulator, the CHRE.

The Radio 4 programme: Face the Facts, Fit to Practise, made similar points in a broadcast today (11 January).

CHRE chief executive, Harry Cayton, outlined many of his concerns about the GDC, but said that overall they are protecting the public.

One case dealt with in some detail was that of Rotherham dentist, Mr Siddiqui who was suspended by the PCT following allegations of poor infection control practice at his surgery.

One patient told the programme that it was like a teenagers bedroom. He was not struck off but allowed to continue in practice, albeit with 21 strict conditions.

GDC chief executive, Evlynne Gilvarry, told the programme that the period of instability that was evident when she took post a year ago was over. The GDC had turned a corner and was making significant progress which would continue.

Harry Cayton has been told by the government to investigate the complaints made by former GDC chair, Alison Lockyer.

This is likely to mean more change for the GDC and probably higher retention fees for dentists as a result.

The GDC is already looking at proposals to reduce its numbers to around eight, in line with the thoughts of the CHRE.

At the same time the role of the chief executive and senior management is being enhanced.

A second point that I took from the programme is one made by Gilvarry. It was the job of the GDC, she said, to protect patients, not punish dentists.

In other words if the 21 conditions imposed allow Siddiqui to continue to see patients safely, then the GDC has fulfilled its role. It is not there to punish him for past misdeeds.

Whether dentists suspended for a few months for bringing the profession into disrepute would see that as anything other than a punishment is a moot point.

A dentist removed from the Register for not paying up at the end of last year by mistake probably does not see this as protecting the public.

My last thought was the secrecy that still surrounds the topic. The programme mentioned Alison Lockyer but could not interview her; two people who had worked on GDC committees had pseudonyms and their words spoken by actors.

Yet there has been enough evidence in healthcare generally that such secrecy is rife and damaging to the public.

Until whistleblowers can express their fears publicly, and the press including the dental press, can report these concerns, such abuses will continue. ]]>

Loyalty scheme boost for dentists

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:57:28 +0000
-
Dental electronics experts at Micro Minder have launched a maintenance rebate scheme.

For every �10 paid on time towards your maintenance fee (net of VAT), one point will be credited to an account.

Each point earned is worth �1, which can then be used to offset the cost should you need more or replacement equipment from Micro Minder.

All maintenance subscriptions paid continuously from 1 January 2008 onwards contribute to your starting balance, plus all future payments will add to the points in your loyalty scheme account.

No-claims bonus
To further reward those customers whose equipment proves reliable over the year, Micro Minder is also offering a no-claims bonus:

�• Where no site visits are required, at the end of the year customers will receive a rebate amounting to 15% of subscription fees paid

• A further rebate of 10% of subscription fees will accrue for customers who do not need to seek advice from the support line throughout the year.

This means that, in total, Micro Minder is offering a potential saving of 25% on the subscription fees you pay over the year.��

www.microminder.com

Call 0845 094 1090

]]>

January dental offer

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:47:07 +0000
-
Diamond Micro luting cement capsules are on offer during January 2012.

Available in boxes of 20 x 0.25g capsules, customers can buy 60 capsules and receive a 38% discount making them just �59.40, which is less than �1 per capsule.

Diamond Micro is a resin-reinforced, chemically curing, glass ionomer cement for permanent cementation of orthodontic appliances, crowns manufactured from alumina-only or zirconia-only cores, posts, metal inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, porcelain-fused to metal crowns, bridges on hard dental tissue andcores rebuilt with amalgam, composite or glass ionomer cements.

With a working time of two to four minutes at room temperature and a sets-in-the-mouth time of three to five minutes, these capsules are easy tohandle, have a low solubility in the mouth and high adhesion.

They also have an excellent potential for luting zirconium oxide crowns.

Call now to request a free sample.

01793 770090
www.kemdent.co.uk ]]>

Back to its roots

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:40:44 +0000
-
Astra Tech will yet again welcome 3,000 dental professionals from all over the world to the Astra Tech World Congress.

The congress will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden - the home of Astra Tech and where the journey of osseointegration began.

Peter Selley, CEO and president of Astra Tech AB, said: 25 years ago, we entered the field of implant dentistry and today we are one of the leading dental implant companies in the world. Now the time has come to welcome ourcustomers and the global dental community to us in Gothenburg.

The congress will take place 9 to 12 May 2012, and will feature an inspirational three-day scientific programme with over 100 world-renowned lecturers, complemented by workshops and product demonstrations.

0845 4500586
www.astratechworldcongress.com ]]>

New dental territory

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:37:35 +0000
-
Biohorizons has appointed three new highly experienced territory managers.

Stuart Nicholson is the new territory manager for the South West and brings marketing and sales experience. He has worked with implant dental practices and helped dental practitioners develop their own businesses.

Ted Johnson is the new territory manager for Scotland and has a BA (Hons) in business information technology gained at the University of Paisley. He worked in sales for healthcare companies CIGNA and Norwich Union Healthcare (now Aviva Health Insurance) before a six-year spell at Nobel Biocare in sales and sales management.

Roisin Shields is the new territory manager for Ireland and comes with a strong scientific background as well as dental sales experience.

Ken O'Brien, national sales director UK and Ireland, said: With their considerable experience, they will add to the excellent customer service for which Biohorizons is well known.

www.biohorizons.com ]]>

Empowering patients with Itop

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:31:01 +0000
-
Ever since Curaprox created itop (individually taught oral prevention), dental professionals have been inspired by its philosophy of educating and empowering their patients.

Itop provides a high-impact one-to-one learning experience, ensuring that clinicians make the most of their clinical equipment and interpersonal skills, instilling good oral hygiene habits for life in their patients.

After gaining global recognition at a remarkable pace, iTOP continues to help professionals enhance their patients lives by providing them with the right knowledge for life.

Professional can make a date in their diaries for one of the latest implant itop courses, a chance to achieve mastery of the current thinking around implant maintenance.� Delivered in conjunction with Astra Tech, the course is ideal for all dental health professionals.

The 2012 dates so far include:
�� 24 March - Scotland
�� 30 June - Midlands
�� 13 October - Bristol
�� 1 December - London.

01480 862084
www.curaprox.co.uk ]]>

New year, new work gear

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:25:56 +0000
-
Dental practices have a new uniform option in the form of Vitality, The Designerwear Collection, a fashionable range of work wear from Grahame Gardner Ltd.

Vitality was originally developed for the beauty market. The enhanced design elements, for example feature buttons and luxurious fabrics, have earned the collection a strong following.

James Greenlees, managing director at Grahame Gardner Ltd, said: Many dental surgeries are cultivating a very distinguished style and are looking for work wear which reflects this. Vitality has been influenced by high street styles, creating flattering and stylish garments which can withstand the practical demands of the workplace.

Two tunics are already establishing themselves as industry favourites, the P855 and the P745, both come with feature buttons and have a flattering fit.

The Vitality collection holds several styles of tunics, and a number of options for trousers, including bootcut and cropped.

0116 255 6326
www.vitalitywear.co.uk ]]>

Braemar tax loan to help you

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:17:18 +0000
-
Tax is due by 31 January 2012 for many businesses.

With Braemars popular tax loan, dentists can conserve their cash, which eases the impact on cash flow.

Braemar tax loans are available to all self-employed business professionals.

With its own in-house underwriters, Braemar provides quick decisions to all finance applications.

Braemars tax loan is simple to arrange with fixed monthly payments, and offers terms of agreement to suit the individual and free CHAPS transfer to their bank account. Consolidation of existing agreements is also considered.

In addition, for dentists considering a capital equipment purchase, Braemar can ensure they maximise their tax relief with the finance facility that best suits their circumstances.

Changes to the AIA means there may be significant tax advantages to purchasing equipment before April 2012.

Finance approval is subject to status.

www.braemarfinance.co.uk
01563 852100 ]]>

Kemdent clean up

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:02:58 +0000
-
Chairsafe alcohol-free disinfectant is available in a 500ml spray, a 200ml foam dispenser, 1L and 5L refill containers and the new range of durable and economy wipes.

Chairsafe disinfectants comply with the newly reclassified EC regulations regarding the disinfection of medical devices, and carry their CE mark with pride.

Chairsafe absorbs and penetrates into the cell wall of bacteria, fungi and the envelope of viruses.

It attacks the phospholipid membrane, altering its structure-causing disorganisation and faults.

Essential molecules begin to leak out from the cell rapidly reducing its action and destroying them.

HTM 01-05 recommends that dental chairs are cleaned between every patient to minimise the dispersal of micro-organisms.

Chairsafe products should be used for the daily disinfection of surfaces close to the patient or frequently touched surfaces, for example dental chairs, door handles and work surfaces.

www.kemdent.co.uk ]]>

App helps hygienists study on the go

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:11:35 +0000
-
The two dental hygienists who created a dental hygiene board game to aid exam studies have now designed an app with the same aim.

US dental hygienists, Karen Isbister and Carrie Clotworthy, created Pass It! last year which incorporates more than 1,000 important dental hygiene questions in a fun board game.

The aim is to prepare any dental hygiene student for exams without the boredom, study fatigue or information overload usually associated with the intense exam studying.

Now the creative duo have released an app version of the game available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

They say: 'Have you ever been in line at the grocery store, waiting at the airport, or waiting for class to start and wished you could take those few extra minutes to study? Now you can. No more bringing text books, flashcards, or notes with you to study on-the-go.

'Just like the board game, the app allows students to break away from multiple choice format and really challenge themselves by answering fill-in-the-blank questions along with true/false and 50/50.'

Students aren't the only ones who can benefit from this app.

Karen says the pair have had fellow registered dental hygienists who have tried out the app to see just how much they know now and, she says, 'you'd be surprised how much information is left behind'.

Each of the 11 subjects included in the board game are available for individual purchase for $1.99 per subject.

Not sure if it's the study tool for you? Check out the FREE sample at the Apple Store.

Go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pass-it!-dental-hygiene-edition/id490009712?mt=8 ]]>

Dentistry in spotlight at Westminster

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:38:59 +0000
-
Chief dental officer Barry Cockcroft and a senior representative from the� Office of Fair Trading are set to discuss dentistry in a seminar in thr summer.

The Westminster Health Forum is staging another keynote seminar, Dentistry 2012 - quality, access and regulation.

Joining them will be deputy Susie Sanderson, chair of the BDA's executive board, David Corless-Smith, of The Dental Law Partnership the GDC's Evlynne Gilvarry, the BDA's Dr John Milne, Dr Nick Patsias, of the Federation of London Local Dental Committees and Eric Rooney from the NHS Central Lancashire.
�
As the dental pilots come to the end of their first year, this seminar (Being held 12 July) will present an opportunity to assess their impact on the industry, implications for the dental contract, and for patients.
�
Sessions will also allow delegates to discuss the next steps for regulation, in light of continued debate surrounding the role of the Care Quality Commission, as well as the Office of Fair Tradings investigation into whether the UK dentistry market is working in the interests of consumers.

Further sessions will assess the plans for the dental contract, and look at education and continued professional development.
�
The meeting will bring key stakeholders together with policy makers from Government and Parliament, as well as representatives from the industry and regulatory bodies, and other interested parties to discuss some of the emerging issues on quality, access and oral health.
�
Including keynote presentations from the Chief Dental Officer, the British Dental Association and the Office of Fair Trading, planned sessions to focus on:

• Clinicians and the contract - a view from the dental industry
• An assessment of the dental contract - one year on from the pilot
• Dental regulation under the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission
• The OFTs study into the UK dental market, and its impact on choice, access and competition
• The future for the contract and for commissioning in dentistry
• The seminar will be chaired by Lord Colwyn, vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for and Baroness Gardner of Parkes,also a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dentistry.

The event is CPD certified and takes place on Thursday 12 July in central London.

�

To book places, use the online booking form at www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/book_event.php?eid=394.

� ]]>

Dentistry is failing older patients

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:41:40 +0000
-
Dentistry is failing elderly patients and not enough priority is being given to turning around the fortunes of their oral health.

That's according to a new report published today (10 January).

The quality and availability of oral healthcare for older adults remains an issue, and insufficient priority is being given to making improvements, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned.
�
The report says that many older adults health and wellbeing is under-served and that concerns remain about provision in the future.

It also argues that oral health is often not properly considered in wider healthcare provision and, as a result, that many patients simply dont get the care they need.

The report warns that ageing Brits means that new challenges will emerge; including a significant increase in demand for restorative dental treatment.
�
The report provides a progress check on 21 recommendations for improving oral care for older people published in a BDA report of 2003.

Just six of those recommendations have been met in full, todays report says. Amongst the challenges yet to be confronted are inadequate information about patient charge exemptions, the inability of dentists to prescribe artificial saliva except in certain circumstances, and the continued absence of a commissioning framework that properly takes account of older patients needs.
�
Todays report sets out twelve priorities for reform including the provision of free, comprehensive oral health assessments for over-60s, better integration of health and social services, and the establishment of basic standards for care with which care homes should be obliged to comply.
�
Dr Robert Kinloch, chair of the BDAs UK Healthcare Policy Group, said: 'Good oral health is as important for older adults as it for younger patients. Being able to eat, communicate and socialise confidently all depend on maintaining a healthy mouth.
�
'This report reminds us that many older adults simply arent receiving the oral healthcare they need. That is unacceptable. Although a great deal of progress has been made against the priorities highlighted by the BDA in 2003, notable challenges remain and new ones are emerging. This is a problem that wont go away. The BDA will be pushing hard for the 12 new priorities this report sets out to be addressed.'

The report, along with new research into the experience of dentists and care home workers of providing oral care to older patients, is available at www.bda.org/dentists/policy-campaigns/research/patient-care/older-people.aspx.

� ]]>

New dental model at the Peninsula

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:33:11 +0000
-
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry is to be divided between two universities as Plymouth and Exeter Universities call a halt to a 10-year partnership.

Plymouth will retain all 64 dentistry students, and Exeter will get the bigger share of medical students, with a split of 125 to 75.

The Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry keeps the Peninsula brand alive, and a new University of Exeter Medical School will be set up.

Exeter has invested �250 million in life sciences with another �150 million of investment coming over the next four years.

Existing dental students, including those entering the colleges programmes in 2012, will be taught under the terms of the current joint arrangements and will graduate with joint degrees of the two universities.

New students entering from 2013 will study for University of Exeter or Plymouth University degrees.

The two universities remain committed to working together to further the regional knowledge economy through their other existing joint ventures.

The changes are subject to the approval of the General Medical and Dental Councils, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the NHS.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor at Exeter University said: “The current partnership has worked well to get medical and dental education to its current strong position.

'But we now require a different model to respond to the challenges of the future. Our joint plan will benefit students, staff, patients and medical and dental professionals and enable us to build on the strong foundations established by PCMD. We very much look forward to working in partnership with our staff and students, healthcare trusts and other healthcare providers to train doctors for the future, for the benefit of the communities of the South-West.'

Professor Wendy Purcell,vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University said: 'This has been a highly successful partnership which as a result has seen the Peninsula Medical and Dental School outgrow the current arrangements.

'These new proposals bring new opportunities and possibilities for us to build upon our work to address health inequalities in the region, promoting social inclusion and making a real difference to the community.

'Plymouths distinctive offer will include a renewed focus on translating research into practice, growing the next generation of local doctors and dentists, and continuing to offer free dental care to up to 500 local people every day.

Liz Kay, dean of Peninsula Dental School, on sabbatical until later this month. ]]>

Dentistry business: Checking every detail

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:24:14 +0000
-
There is no denying that the process of buying and selling a dental practice involves a significant amount of paperwork and you should be wary of being caught out by the small things.

A specialist dental solicitor will guide you through the process, which will involve everything from checking associate agreements to reviewing X-ray test certificates and checking that the plans at the Land Registry accord with the practice you think you are buying.

A recent example involved a practice spread over two floors, with the upper floor including a room above a public passageway leading to a rear courtyard.

Unfortunately, the documents at the Land Registry missed off the room above the passageway. This meant that the selling dentist simply didnt have legal ownership of this room.

The dentist buying the practice understandably believed he was buying the room in question, which was being used by the practice as a surgery. However, technically speaking this was not part of the property being sold.

The situation was resolved using the rules of adverse possession (commonly known as squatters rights) and assigning these rights to this room to the buyer.

This allowed the buyer to acquire a right to use this room and a right to register a title to that room at the Land Registry.

Any unknown rights of third parties against the room were insured against with a one off payment insurance policy.

However, the claim was further complicated due to the fact that there was a passageway running beneath the room which was used by members of the public.

Clearly, the selling dentist didnt own the passageway beneath the room but consideration had to be made as to what was and what was not owned - for example, what about the beams on the underside of the room that offered it support and what rights were available to carry out repairs.

Without a full and expert check of all of the documentation associated with a practice this anomaly would not have been picked up and the buying dentist would have paid for a room that legally was not the sellers to sell! ]]>

Dental expert's award funds cancer study

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:52:53 +0000
-
A dental public health expert has been recognised for his expertise in global oral health.

Professor David Conway, clinical senior lecturer in dental public health at the University of Glasgow's dental school, was recently awarded a Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) Fellowship - the Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial International Cancer study grant and a Visiting Scientist Award by IARC.

This has enabled David to take a research attachment with the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France, for three months this summer.

HIs award-winning research, Socioeconomic Risk Factors Associated with Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer, is the largest study of its kind and flags up the socio-economic influences upon those most likely to be affected disease.

His work involves taking foward research to explore socio-economic inequalities in head and neck cancer http://www.uicc.org/fellowships/study-grants.

The UICC is aiming to gather one million signatures for the World Cancer Declaration through the campaign 'Sign now for a cancer free world'.

David urges colleagues and friends to support the declaration at www.uicc.org/declaration. ]]>

Keep it 'plain English' dentists told

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:02:12 +0000
-
Dentists are being warned to keep their communication with patients simple.

This is in the light of a new UK report which reveals that more than five million adults have a reading level below that expected of an 11-year old - which could potentially harm their oral health.

The 2011 Skills for Life Survey, published in December by the Department for Business and Innovation found that one in six (15%) of adults aged 16-65 achieved literacy skills at or below entry Level 3 - the equivalent expected by the National Curriculum of those leaving Primary School.

'Poor literacy may be a widespread problem and dentists can only act if they know they exist, but there are tell-tale signs'

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, says the profession need to make sure those who lack basic reading skills get the right information in a form that is more easily understood.

Dr Carter said: 'Millions of people in the UK suffer from poor literacy skills and this can have a troubling impact on their oral health. Regrettably, this will ultimately have an effect on a patients ability to read, understand and use oral healthcare information to make decisions and follow instructions for treatment, often leaving them wondering where to go and what to do next.

'Patients are not expected to understand medical jargon and dental professionals must consider carefully how effective their communication is verbally, online and in print.'

The British Dental Health Foundation offer a series of more than 50 easy to read information leaflets, ranging on a variety of dental topics.

Over one million leaflets were sold to dental practices and oral health educators in 2011, while a further million visited online versions on the Foundations website.

Dr Carter said: 'We have a strict policy on plain English for all our educational material. Our Tell Me About range offers easy to understand information, which avoids medical jargon and includes diagrams outlining various stages of treatment.

'Written and verified by qualified dental professionals, in an easy to understand Q&A format, they have proved immensely popular with the profession and are undoubtedly a worthwhile tool to make sure the patients leave with the right information.'�

The nationwide survey investigating literacy levels throughout the UK also found that an estimated 1.1 million adults fit into entry Level 1 - the equivalent of National Curriculum for 5-7 year-olds. This figure has increased by a third since the previous study in 2003 (from 3.4-5%).

Poor literacy may be a widespread problem but dentists can only act if they know they exist, but there are several tell-tale signs to look out for.

Patients could struggle completing forms, having problems replying to recall letters or have difficulty following written advice.

Patients with such difficulties should report them to their dentist so they can receive the information in a format that is easy to understand, giving them the best possible care.
]]>

Engaging employees good for business?

Dentistry Editorial Team — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:43:20 +0000
-
Employees can be the key factor in determining whether or not a practice sustains profitability throughout this economic downturn.

As a result, having motivated, engaged staff is incredibly important and vital to uphold.
�
A healthy balance of four key areas of the daily work routine can help to improve employee engagement. These are:

• Leadership - which transmits values and how the individual contributes, based on a system of give and take and explaining the reasons why certain decisions are made
• Giving staff a voice to discuss views and concerns either individually in one to one meetings with managers or in teams
• Line managers - empowering staff not controlling staff, good interpersonal and organisational skills, responding to personal issues
• Consistent behaviour based on trust and respect through equality, fairness and responsibility
�
Employers notice that engaged employees have more drive when it comes to their workload and performing work-related tasks.

They are more likely to take the initiative than respond in a knee-jerk fashion to outside events.

Employees with the opportunity to voice their own ideas and have these thoughts and proposals taken on board are also notably more engaged in their work.
�
Understanding employee motivation is key to gaining a high standard of employee engagement and the best way to do this is through open communication and trust.

Practice owners and managers are instrumental for ensuring that employee-employer interaction is both positive and productive.

When members of staff have issues that need to be dealt with, if they feel they are able to discuss them with the practice manager then they are more likely to find a fast resolution.
�
Any unresolved issues can have a negative impact, with repercussions potentially spreading throughout the whole practice; significantly reducing staff morale and productivity.
�
If the four key areas for employee engagement are adhered to, practice owners and their managers can expect to receive greater dedication and loyalty from employees and enjoy benefits such as fewer absences and better general conduct.

For more information please visit www.lansdellrose.co.uk or call Lansdell & Rose on 020 7376 9333.

� ]]>

Dental students train with corpses in UK first

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:40:50 +0000
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Dental students at the University of Dundee have become the first in the UK to be trained to carry out surgical dental treatment on specially embalmed bodies.

The Thiel method of embalming which has been adopted by the university leaves cadavers with more life-like properties than those embalmed in the standard way.

Bodies are donated for the purposes of teaching, training and research, and arrangements for dental students to be able to be trained using the bodies were made though the universities Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification.

Now a pilot project has been successfully carried out with third-year students in the School of Dentistry, ahead of the bodies being more widely used for dentistry teaching.

'The Thiel bodies give us an excellent and very lifelike way of training dentists before they have live patients,' said Dr Christine Hanson, associate specialist lecturing in oral surgery at Dundee, who led the pilot project.

'It is extremely difficult to give dental students an opportunity to practise in a way that gives them a realistic experience. Using simulators or mannequins, or even animal heads, does not offer the same experience and does not let them develop the kind of transferable skills that working on a body can.

'Using live patients for training also presents significant problems. What the Thiel bodies allow us to do, because they are so flexible, is give students the sort of direct experience that is of huge value to them as developing dentists.

'It is a fantastic opportunity for our students. We hope to explore a range of procedures, including the placing of dental implants, and I am convinced this will give them the sort of hands-on experience that we have never been able to offer before.'

Professor Sue Black and colleagues in the internationally renowned Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) at the University' who featured in the BBC television series 'History Cold Case' - have been at the forefront of adopting the Thiel method of embalming in Dundee.

'The Thiel method gives surgeons, dentists, students and medical researchers a more realistic method of testing techniques, practising procedures and developing new equipment and approaches,' said Professor Black.

'We are the first university in the UK to exclusively use Thiel embalming and it is an area where, working together with other colleagues in the university, we can make real breakthroughs and change the face of scientific, medical and dental research and training.

'As well as this very exciting opportunity for the dentists, we have been working with colleagues in the Universitys Institute for Academic Anaesthesia who have found particular benefits in using the bodies to examine the effects of anaesthetics administered with the aid of ultrasound imaging.'

The university has launched a major fundraising campaign to build a new morgue to support the Thiel method.

The Million For A Morgue campaign aims to raise �1 million towards the cost of the project, with the university having already committed another �1 million.

The fundraising campaign has attracted the support of leading crime writers including Val McDermid, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs.

For more on the Million For A Morgue campaign, visit www.million4amorgue.com.

]]>

Radio 4 investigates 'critical reports' of GDC

Dentistry Editorial Team — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:24:44 +0000
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A radio programme will investigate the workings of the General Dental Council (GDC) next week.

Radio 4's Face the Facts series - which looks at UK consumer and social stories - puts the spotlight on the dental regulatory body in an edition called Fitness to Practise.

The pre-publicity says: 'The organisation we count on to protect us from dangerous or incompetent dentists is having its own abilities called into question.

'There have been a series of critical reports into the way the General Dental Council deals with complaints.

'There's a backlog of work, it has had four chief executives in a little over a year and the resignation of a chair prompted the government to demand an investigation.

'So is our dental watchdog fit to practise?'

Presented by John Waite, the programme broadcasts at 12.30pm on Wednesday 11 January on BBC Radio 4. ]]>

Liquorice fights tooth decay, study reveals

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:15:11 +0000
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Scientists have pinpointed two substances in liquorice that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

In a study in ACS' Journal of Natural Products, the team says these substances may have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Stefan Gafner and his colleagues explain that the dried root of the liquorice plant is a common treatment in Chinese traditional medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients or as a flavouring.

To test whether the sweet root could combat the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, the researchers took a closer look at various substances in liquorice.

They found that two of the liquorice compounds, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were the most effective antibacterial substances.

These substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease.

One of the compounds - licoricidin - also killed a third gum disease bacterium.

The researchers say that these substances could treat or even prevent oral infections. ]]>

Private Dentistry's Elite 20: the results

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:12:41 +0000
-
Your votes for Private Dentistrys Elite 20 have been counted and verified and the results of this poll have been revealed in the January issue of Private Dentistry.
�
Private Dentistrys Elite 20 for 2012:
1. James Russell
2. Zaki Kanaan
3. Tif Qureshi
4. David Dunlop
5. Paul Tipton
6. Anoop Maini
7. Bob Khanna
8. Darren Hills
9. Ian Needleman
10. Ashok Sethi
11. Bruce Mayhew
12. James Goolnik
13. Andrew Lane
14. Gertrude Huss
15. Michael Wise
16. Tim Bradstock-Smith
17. Tony Jacobs
18. Bill Schaeffer
19. Hassan El-Nashar
20. Geoffrey Pullen

For the full write-up, see the January issue of Private Dentistry.

Thank you to all who voted.

To share your thoughts tweet to @thePDmag or email pd@fmc.co.uk.
�

Special subscription offer!
Buy a three-year subscription today and youll receive �50 worth of vouchers for iTunes or John Lewis.

To subscribe to Private Dentistry visit www.fmc.co.uk/publications/private-dentistry/ or call 0800 371652.
�
]]>

'Cosmetologist' fined for illegal tooth whitening

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:06:13 +0000
-
A Devon-based, cosmetologist has been successfully prosecuted for offering tooth whitening treatment and ordered to pay a total of �1,872.
�
Last month, Carl E!-- !--o, from Torquay, Devon, pleaded guilty at West London Magistrates Court to practising dentistry when not registered with the GDC, contrary to section 38 (1) and (2) of the Dentists Act 1984.
�
He has been fined �1,000 and ordered to pay a �15 victim surcharge. He has also been ordered to pay full costs to the GDC of �857.
�
Mr E!-- !--o, in mitigation for his actions, raised the House of Lords judgement in the case of Optident and Another v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Another (2001) UKHL 32.

However, the magistrates appeared to give this argument little or no weight when determining his sentence.
�
The Magistrates told Mr E!-- !--o: 'This is a serious offence, particularly for potential victims as you didnt have any indemnity in place for any damage you might have done to any teeth.

'In addition, should you have damaged the adult teeth, a patient only has one set. Accordingly we view this as a serious offence.'
�
Chief executive and registrar of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry, said: 'We are committed to taking action against people who offer tooth whitening unlawfully.� They are a risk to the people they treat and it is our duty act to ensure public safety.'

Tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry and only those registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) may lawfully offer it as a treatment. ]]>

Dentistry clinical: Hien Ngo says it's child's play

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:33:51 +0000
-
Pit and fissure sealant has been used both as primary and secondary preventive measures against occlusal caries.

After nearly four decades of clinical use, the pit and fissure sealant is now recognised as one of the more effective and compliance independent methods for preventing occlusal caries in children.

Epidemiological data suggests that dental caries of the pit and fissure system in permanent molars is a major issue in school-aged children and there is evidence to suggest that up to 20% of these were initiated during the eruption period.

However, older children and young adults present different patterns of caries compared to younger children, longitudinal data indicates that proximal surfaces are more susceptible to caries in older children.

At the age of 13 years, proximal caries contributes approximately 30% to the annual caries increment and it increases to 50 percent at 27 years of age respectively (Mejare, Stenlund et al. 2004).

This article discusses the concept of pre-fissure sealant to protect the occlusal surface of erupting permanent molars and proposes a novel concept of preventing proximal caries using sealant materials.
�
Site Specificity: exposed and hidden smooth surfaces
The development of white spot lesions is associated with excessive bacterial acid production and stagnant accumulation of oral biofilms over time; it is site specific with exposed smooth surfaces being the least susceptible because they are subjected to good mechanical cleansing and salivary flow.

The reverse is true with hidden smooth surfaces, as they are less accessible to mechanical cleansing and chemical protection from saliva and fluoride and are therefore more susceptible to caries. It is important to point out that in some situations, the same surface can change its risk status over time.

Example 1: a large carious white spot lesion which was formed on the proximal surface of a tooth when it was hidden could become exposed and arrested, or remineralised, with the removal of an adjacent tooth (Figure 1, below).

Example 2: the distal and mesial surfaces of a first permanent molar can be classified as exposed toward the end of the mixed dentition stage, when the second primary molar exfoliates and the second permanent molar is still unerupted. We propose that in high-risk children, these surfaces can be protected from future proximal caries prior to their returning to a hidden status upon the eruption of the second permanent molar and premolar.

These surfaces should be sealed, with a thin and hard- wearing sealant, while they are still exposed, therefore accessible for good moisture control, this principle should be extended to any smooth surfaces deemed to be at risk.

Example 3: the occlusal surface of an erupting tooth can be classified as hidden while it is covered by an operculum and inaccessible to a toothbrush. It becomes exposed after eruption and benefits from the self-cleansing effect of a functional occlusion.

A slowly erupting permanent molar usually has problems of plaque accumulating under the operculum and requires professional preventive care throughout the erupting phase (Carvalho, Thylstrup et al. 1992).
�
The prolonged period of eruption results in large areas of plaque stagnation under the operculum so that the area of demineralisation would not be limited to the pits and fissures but usually extends to an extensive area of enamel under an operculum (Figure 2, below).

There is a tremendous difference in plaque accumulation on the occlusal surface of erupting and fully erupted molars, due to the lack of functional usage (Ekstrand, Nielsen et al. 1993) and the presence of an operculum, which covers an erupting or partially erupted tooth. There is also the risk of food debris impacted in the space between the enamel and the soft tissue (Figure 3, below).

The duration of the eruption period is a further risk factor because teeth with longer eruption time tend to have more occlusal caries. For example, occlusal caries is much more prevalent in molars, which have a relatively long eruption time of 12 to 18 months, compared to premolars, with an eruption time of only a few months.

Occlusal caries in molars is usually initiated during the eruption period due to conditions conducive for plaque accumulation. In a study where children with erupting molars were provided with intensive education and professional cleaning over a period of 3 years there was a significantly lower rate of filled teeth. The authors concluded that 'our data indicate that professional care for erupting teeth on an individual basis has long term effect on occlusal surfaces' (Carvalho, Thylstrup et al. 1992). These results suggest that certain erupting teeth would benefit from temporary protection of the partially exposed surfaces.
�
'Pre-fissure sealant' procedure: controlling caries risk in erupting permanent molars
The first suggestion that an erupting tooth should be protected from occlusal caries was made by Hyatt (Hyatt 1923) when he suggested that the occlusal surface of an erupting tooth should be sealed with zinc phosphate cement as soon as possible.

However he also suggested that when the tooth is sufficiently erupted, a Class I amalgam should be placed to prevent the fissure from becoming carious. Fortunately, this concept did not gain popularity even though the eradication of enamel fissures was once again discussed by Bodecker.(Bodecker 1929)

Today, it is accepted that a preventive regimen, commencing when the first permanent teeth is erupting, is essential for overall caries prevention.

The emerging and immature enamel surface is vulnerable to caries attack and as the process of eruption is relatively lengthy.

A few preventive methods can be instituted during this period to reduce the caries risk. First, tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste performed twice daily, using a soft brush to scrub the occlusal surfaces of the emerging teeth can remove the biofilm.

Daily rinsing with 0.2% fluoride solution will further decrease the caries risk. In addition, the childs diet should be monitored to reduce frequency of sugar consumption. However, the most important risk factor to consider is the fact that the enamel under the operculum cannot be cleaned by the child or care givers due to lack of access.
�
Obtaining a dry field on a partially erupted tooth is not possible so the only material which can be used for this purpose is a fast setting, high fluoride releasing, conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC).

These materials are less sensitive to moisture and the sealants can provide additional fluoride which can be replenished from the fluoride rinses and tooth paste.(Salar, Garcia-Godoy et al. 2007) When the teeth are fully erupted, the need to place a long term sealant can be re-assessed.
�
The procedure to apply glass ionomer under the operculum is called a 'pre-fissure sealant', and is designed to provide protection during the entire eruption period of a permanent molar. The alternative is intensive professional intervention with regular recalls and repeated applications of fluoride varnish which carry higher cost and require high level of compliance.
�
The tooth to be treated was previously illustrated in Figure 3.

The material used in this case was a fast setting (90sec), high flow, high fluoride releasing glass-ionomer. It is pink in colour so the treated surface can be easily identified and monitored and the colour is a marker for the temporary 'pre-fissure sealant' treatment. When the tooth become fully exposed a decision on further treatment can be made.
�
Placement protocol
The area should be isolated using cotton rolls and high volume suction. Debris can be gently removed from under the operculum and the tooth surface treated with conditioner using a small micro-brush.

The glass-ionomer is then used to cover the entire exposed surface of the erupting tooth as well as the space under the operculum. It will now remain until the tooth becomes fully exposed. The excess material will be removed with tooth brushing after placement.
�
'Proximal sealant' procedure: a new concept
Proximal sealant is proposed as a method for preventing smooth/proximal caries based on the concept of sealing susceptible surfaces.
�
The high effectiveness of sealants in preventing caries in pits and fissures is well established by randomized clinical trials and cost-benefit analyses.

However, such preventive measures have not been tested in the prevention of smooth surfaces caries. Of all the smooth surfaces, the proximal surfaces are at highest risk for caries due to the presence of contact areas which act as areas of stagnation that are difficult to reach by toothbrush and accessible only by flossing.

In high risk children, white spot lesions on the proximal surfaces can be visible approximately 12-18 months after the establishment of the contacts in the posterior teeth.
�
Traditional approaches for preventing proximal lesions such as flossing and rinsing with fluoride usually have limited success as they rely heavily on patient compliance (Alm, Wendt et al. 2007).

More recently, treatment of proximal caries has been focused on arresting initial caries by sealing these lesions with low viscosity resins (Ekstrand, Bakhshandeh et al. 2010). Although early success has been reported, this technique requires to gain access to the proximal lesions using physical separation of the teeth.
�
An alternative method would be to seal the teeth while it is possible to gain access to the proximal smooth surfaces before the contacts with adjacent teeth are established. There are a few stages in the development of the primary and permanent dentitions which provide windows of opportunity to gain such access to specific proximal surfaces of the posterior teeth.
�
Placement protocol
An opportunity to seal the proximal surfaces of the first molars would be towards the end of the mixed dentition stage. As depicted in the case below, the premolars are fully erupted but there is relatively easy access to all proximal surfaces.

There is a white spot lesion which was formed during the time when the primary molar was present. Rubber dam isolation is applied then the exposed surfaces are cleaned using an abrasive strip. All proximal surfaces are prepared with the application of 37% phosphoric acid for 20sec then washed and dried with a triple syringe.

A hard-wearing nano-filled resin is applied as a sealant then light cured. It is important to ensure that there is no overhang of the material after placement.

Conclusions
In this article, we further extended the traditional concepts of sealants to propose a method of pre-fissure and smooth surfaces sealing, eg: the proximal surfaces of molars during windows of opportunity which present when the teeth are partially erupted and before the establishment of contacts with adjacent teeth.

Together with the established methods of caries prevention such as topical fluoride, these exciting innovations in sealant applications will contribute further to decreasing caries in children. Sealants should be reviewed regularly and be part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, which includes both population and individual risk assessment.
�
References
Alm, A., L. K. Wendt, et al. (2007). "Prevalence of approximal caries in posterior teeth in 15-year-old Swedish teenagers in relation to their caries experience at 3 years of age." Caries Res 41(5): 392-398.
Bodecker, C. F. (1929). "The eradication of enamel fissures." Dent Items Int 51: 859.
Carvalho, J. C., A. Thylstrup, et al. (1992). "Results after 3 years of non-operative occlusal caries treatment of erupting permanent first molars." Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 20(4): 187-192.
Ekstrand, K. R., L. A. Nielsen, et al. (1993). "Dental plaque and caries on permanent first molar occlusal surfaces in relation to sagittal occlusion." Scand J Dent Res 101(1): 9-15.
Mejare, I., H. Stenlund, et al. (2004). "Caries incidence and lesion progression from adolescence to young adulthood: a prospective 15-year cohort study in Sweden." Caries Res 38: 130-141.

Hien Ngo, takes to the stage to deliver an outstanding one-day seminar on the topic of minimal intervention on Friday 27 January 2012 at the Royal College of Physicians, London.

The price is �355 + VAT. For further information or to book freephone 0800 371652 or visit www.independentseminars.com.

� ]]>

Dentistry business: The 'to do' list

Dentistry Editorial Team — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:20:45 +0000
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My first exposure to the idea that my time had to be managed was back in 1978 when I heard about a book called The Time Trap, written by Alec Mackenzie and regarded by many as the first classic work on 20th-century overwhelm - and what to do about it.

I was running the admin office for a consulting actuary and, in the rapidly expanding world of small self-administered pension schemes and director pension plans, we had our work cut out managing a flood of new business enquiries.

Even Mackenzie paid homage to an earlier expert - telling the story of The Bethlehem Steel Corporation and its president, Charles Schwab, who, in the early 20th century, presented consultant Ivy Lee with an unusual challenge: Show me a way to get more things done, he asked and if it works Ill pay you anything within reason. Lee handed Schwab his instructions… Write down the things you have to do tomorrow, he read. Now number these items in order of importance.

• Make a list
• A, B, C the list
• Do the As first
• Make sure you have a long-term plan
• Have an overall mission, values, roles and goals
• Establish regular meetings and conversations in your calendar to work
�� ON your business as well as IN your business
�� (Michael Gerber - The E-Myth Revisited).

Perhaps most important of all - and yet often overlooked:
• Take an hour a day for your own peace and solitude
• Switch off the social media
• Turn off the technology
• Be alone with yourself
• Look deep inside... and ask yourself if you are happy with the person
�� you meet there.

First thing tomorrow morning, start working on number one and keep going until you finish. Then begin number two and do the same - on to number three. You may not get everything done but you will get the most important things done before you get distracted.
And so was born the daily to-do list that survives, even in electronic format, to this day.
In the late 1970s, Mackenzies seminal work was overshadowed by the success of Stephen Coveys The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People - one of the biggest selling books of all time. Covey took the daily to-do list to the next level by asking readers to arrange their rocks, stones and sand that encouraged us to set aside time to focus on the big issues that require longer term consideration than simply what we have to do today. In his later book, First Things First, Covey considerably expanded his thoughts on time management and introduced four quadrants of time:
• Important and urgent
• Urgent but not important
• Important but not urgent
• Not important and not urgent.

He went on to suggest that (in this example) quadrant three may be the most important - and yet commonly overlooked - because we are consumed with quadrants one and two. Since then, The Dave Allen Company has become the latest variation on the theme of prioritisation, creating the Getting Things Done movement and producing another wave of print media and electronic time management systems.

Ive used some form of daily to-do list since the late 1970s, evolving from a simple WH Smith page a day foolscap diary in 1978, to The Franklin Covey Planning System for many years and into electronic lists now that Ive become an Apple fanatic.

Having said that, maybe Im old fashioned but all the e-lists failed to capture my attention or satisfy my need for a tactile relationship with my time.

Electronic age
I have watched as our time has been progressively eaten away by the demands of the electronic and information age.
The latest comedy cinema trailer from Orange suggests that all movies should carry a regular break every 15 minutes so that the audience can check their social media status.
It is estimated that over 40% of those using social media in the evening are watching TV and video simultaneously.
There is none of the peace and solitude recommended by time management experts. As I approach my 60th birthday and reflect, I love the connection that social media delivers - and yet regret the intimacy of an earlier age. I watch as my clients, family, friends and colleagues drown in their responsibilities but also devote more and more time to the trivialities of social media (guilty as charged before you say so).
We are our own media channels now - and the responsibility sometimes leaves us no time to connect at the human level.

]]>

'Averages' unhelpful to dental practice sales

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:33:09 +0000
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The reporting of UK-wide dental practice sale prices as a percentage of goodwill can be fraught with difficulty.

That's according to dental practice valuer Andy Acton.

Andy, of Frank Taylor and Associates - independent dental practice valuers and sales agent to the profession, is concerned that the picture given is misleading.

He said: 'I appreciate that it is useful for all of us to have a "snapshot" of the market at any one time. However, consider four sales that we made in the last three months of 2011:

• Cornwall - 68%
• Devon - 61%
• Cambridgeshire - 133%
• North London - 122%

He said: 'This gives an average of 96%. This figure is a clear distortion of the market as none of these practices are worth anywhere near 96%.'

Andy also feels that the perception of the 'corporate takeover of dentistry, is someway wide of the mark.

He added: 'Of the last 75 sales we have completed, only four have been to corporates - just 5%. The rest have been sold to independent dentists and so the myth that the corporates are "taking over" is not valid in our experience.' ]]>

San Francisco trip is top prize in dental awards

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:48:04 +0000
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A ticket to San Francisco is the top prize in a search for the UK's most innovative dental studnet.

The 2012 BDA/Dental Defence Union (DDU)/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Awards is held annually and Dentsply will fly the winner to San Francisco in October - the venue for the 2012 American Dental Association conference - as part of an all-expenses paid trip.

In addition to this, the winners school will receive a �10,000 research grant.

The programme supports international undergraduate study and focuses on original research and accentuates the strong and continuous bond between the profession and the dental industry.

The DDU is also proud to be involved in the prestigious awards.

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, head of the DDU, said: 'The Student Clinician Awards act as a showcase for some of the best young talent in British dentistry and it is always great to see how many intelligent, hard working and talented dental students there are in the UK.

'The awards themselves provide a unique opportunity for the winning dental student and their school. The DDU is committed to undergraduate and postgraduate education, and is delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event.'
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Fourth-year students are invited to create a small presentation (in poster form) based on any topic relevant to the world of dentistry.

It should include the students own research and should be prepared with minimal input from dental school staff. The presentation should show clear, logical thinking and be delivered in a professional manner.
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Each dental school in the UK will appoint one fourth-year student to represent them in the competition.

The student whose project is judged to be best in the school will be chosen to present to a distinguished panel of judges in London on 2 February 2012 and will receive two exclusive invitations to the black tie Clinicians Awards ceremony on 3rd February, including two nights in The Royal Horseguards Hotel.
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Now in its 35th year, the BDA/DDU/Dentsply Student Clinician Programme Awards will be held at The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London in February with judging on 2 February and the awards ceremony the following day.
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The event will be a chance to celebrate not just the achievements of the student clinicians, but also Dentsplys ongoing commitment to the future of dentistry and the practitioners of tomorrow.
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For more information, please call 0800 072 3313 or visit www.dentsply.co.uk. ]]>

Dentists warned, 'don't get stung'

Dentistry Editorial Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:29:32 +0000
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Firms of professional advisors new to dentistry are encroaching on the dental market.

That's according to Nick Ledingham, chairman of the National Association of Dental Accountants and Lawyers (NASDAL).

He is advising dentists to be wary about handing over their affairs to anyone without extensive experience of working with the dental profession.
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The impact of the recession on many professional firms makes acting for dentists an attractive prospect, he says.

Unlike many other businesses which are struggling as a result of the economic climate, dentists working in the NHS, in particular, have a steady predictable income.
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He said: 'Whats happening is that many firms of accountants and lawyers in fields such as construction and the retail trade are losing clients and they are then attempting to begin acting for dentists in order to replace that lost income.

'In many cases, in order to break into the dental market they are offering to undertake work at less than cost price.'
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He urges UK dentists not to be tempted to put their faith in someone new to the market.

They may be very good at what they do, he says, but without the in depth knowledge and experience that NASDAL members have of dentists, their advice may not be sound.
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As examples of the complexities of dental business he mentions:
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• The NHS pension Scheme
• The risks of incorporation for NHS principals and associates
• The NHS contract, which is constantly evolving
• Dental practice goodwill
• Associate/performer contracts
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Ray Goodman, chairman of the NASDAL Lawyers Group, said that on a regular basis, specialist lawyers were having to unravel the mistakes made by lawyers with no experience in the dental market place.

'Dentists should be very cautious if a non-specialist lawyer is dramatically undercutting a specialist. If they are planning to complete the job in less time at a lower cost, without fully understanding the technicalities of the work they are doing, its almost certainly not in the best interests of the client,' he said. ]]>

Missed the deadline to pay the dentists' ARF?

Dentistry Editorial Team — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:20:24 +0000
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The deadline for dentists' ARF payments to the GDC was midnight on 31 December 2011 but if you have forgotten, you can still restore your name to the Register.

How do I apply for restoration?
To apply for restoration, you will need to send us a completed restoration form, pay the restoration fee, and send CPD evidence and a letter of good standing if necessary.

How much does it cost?
How much restoration costs depends on when you wish to restore your name to the Register. If you return your restoration form to us in the two months before the annual retention fee for your profession is due, you will also need to include this in your payment. This will ensure you are registered for the following registration year.
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Restoration fees
Do I need to send any evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)?
Whether you will need to send in any CPD evidence depends on how long you have been off the Register and if your cycle has ended in that time. Find out more in CPD restoration requirements.

Do I need to provide a letter of good standing?
You will need to provide a letter of good standing if you have been practising overseas during the time you have been off the Register. This should be from the relevant authority of the country or state in which you last practised.

How long will it take?
It will take up to 14 working days to restore your name to the Register, provided your form is correctly completed and you have sent any supporting documents required. Incorrect or incomplete forms cannot be processed.

I have been practising in the UK while I was off the Register, what should I do?
If you were working in the UK while your name was erased from the Register, you will need to explain the circumstances in a letter.� If this has occurred you are advised to contact your solicitor or defence organisation before submitting your application.

Can I restore my name after erasure by the professional conduct committee (PCC)?
Since 31 July 2006 when the Dentists Act 1984 was amended, the PCC has operated under two parallel legal systems. If a complaint was received by the GDC before 31 July 2006 then the case is considered under old rules; if it was received after 31 July 2006 then it is considered under new rules.

A dental professional whose name has been erased from the Register under the 'old rules' may apply for restoration to the Register 10 months after they have been erased. The applicant may also submit testimonials from persons of standing in support of the application. Under the new rules' a dental professional may apply for restoration 5 years after they have been erased.
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To assist the PCC in considering these applications, the Council's solicitor first recalls the evidence which led to the erasure. The dental professional applying to be restored to the Register may then address the committee and call witnesses in support of the application. The applicant may be represented by counsel or a solicitor at the hearing.
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Under the 'new rules' the PCC may decided to restore a practitioner's name subject to certain conditions. The committee may also decided to impose these conditions with immediate effect.

Detailscan be found at www.gdc-uk.org. ]]>