'Fundamental' findings in oral cancer prediction - Dentistry.co.uk

‘Fundamental’ findings in oral cancer prediction

The presence of certain proteins in pre-malignant oral lesions may predict oral cancer development, a new study reveals.

The findings, which help eliminate the guesswork in some cases, ‘are fundamental, according to lead author of the study, oral and maxillofacial pathologist Dr Kalu Ogbureke.

Dr Ogbureke, from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, explained: ‘Several years ago we discovered that three SIBLINGs – osteopontin, bone sialoprotein and dentin sialophosphoprotein – were expressed at significantly high levels in oral cancers. Following that discovery, we began to research the potential role of SIBLINGs in oral lesions before they become invasive cancers.’

SIBLINGs (Small Integrin-Binding Ligand N-linked Glycoproteins) are a family of five proteins that help mineralise bone but can also spread cancer and have been found in cancers including breast, lung, colon and prostate.

The study, published online this week in the journal Cancer, examined 60 archived surgical biopsies of pre-cancerous lesions sent to MCG for diagnosis and the patients’ subsequent health information.

Of the biopsies, 87% were positive for at least one SIBLING protein – which the researchers discovered can be good or bad, depending on the protein.

As an example, they found that the protein – dentin sialophosphoprotein – increases oral cancer risk fourfold, whereas bone sialoprotein significantly decreases the risk.

Dr Ogbureke said: ‘The proteins could be used as biomarkers to predict [the potential of a lesion to become cancerous]. That is very significant, because we would then be in a position to modify treatment for the individual patient’s need in the near future.’

Pre-cancerous oral lesions, which can develop in the cheek, tongue, gums and floor and roof of the mouth, are risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for more than 95% of all oral and pharyngeal cancers.

Treatment so far has been hindered because of clinicians’ inability to predict which lesions will become cancerous.

‘When we treat these lesions now, there’s an implied risk of under- or over-treating patients,’ Dr. Ogbureke said. ‘For example, should the entire lesion be surgically removed before we know its potential to become cancer, or should we wait and see if it becomes cancer before intervening?’

Further complicating the matter is that the severity of dysplasia, or abnormal cell growth, in a lesion can be totally unrelated to cancer risk. Some mild dysplasias can turn cancerous quickly while certain severe dysplasias can remain harmless indefinitely.

Dr Ogbureke said: ‘If we’re able to recognise these lesions early and biopsy them to determine their SIBLING profile, then oral cancer could be preventable and treatable very early.’

He now plans to design a multi-centre study that incorporates oral cancer risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, to further investigate their relationship with SIBLING protein expression.

^1266969600^2572^’Fundamental’ findings in oral canc…^The presence of certain proteins in pre-malignant oral lesions may predict oral cancer development, a new study reveals.The findings, which …^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/siblingprote.png
Hurry for tickets to the World Aesthetic Congress 2010 ^

The UK’s leading annual aesthetic dentistry event is to be held on 11-12 June at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London.

This, the ninth consecutive World Aesthetic Congress (WAC), is a unique opportunity for dentists and team members to learn from the world’s leading experts in the rewarding field of aesthetic dentistry.

To view the programme of lectures and alternative sessions visit www.independentseminars.com/wac.

Attending WAC is essential whether you’re new to aesthetic dentistry or experienced with a desire to remain at the forefront of this rewarding area.

Last year, more than 500 dentists, hygienists, technicians, team members and exhibitors benefited from the educational, networking and social opportunities that this prestigious annual event offers.

Plus, this year is set to be bigger and better than ever before, offering an unrivalled series of lectures and hands-on sessions that will earn you up to 14 verifiable CPD hours.

WAC 2010 hosts the world’s finest and most respected speakers including Corky Willhite, David Winkler, Linda Greenwall, John Cranham, Pedro Pena, Chris Orr, Komal Suri, Sia Mirfendereski and James Russell.

Over two days 34 renowned experts come together to present the key lectures on a range of aesthetic related topics of both a clinical and business nature. Delegates also have the option of attending the one-day dentist and team programme and one-day hygienist and therapist programme.

Also, don’t forget to consider the vast number of alternative sessions that you can attend in place of the key lectures.

After viewing the full programme on www.independentseminars.com/wac book your place by calling 0800 371 652. As places on the limited attendance sessions are booked on a first come, first served basis we advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Dentist standard delegate rate (Fri+Sat)               £567+vat
*Subscriber dentist 10% discount (Fri+Sat)          £510+vat
DCP (Fri)                                                            £225+vat
DCP (Sat)                                                           £225+vat
DCP (Fri+Sat)                                                     £300+vat
Special team price 1 dentist + 2 team members (Fri+Sat)  £987+vat

*10% discount for subscribers to Private Dentistry, Aesthetic Dentistry Today, Implant Dentistry Today or Endodontic Practice.

 

^1267056000^2574^Hurry for tickets to the World Aest…^The UK’s leading annual aesthetic dentistry event is to be held on 11-12 June at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London. Thi…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/WAC2010.png
Gum treatment may boost diabetics’ health^^1274227200^2782^Gum treatment may boost diabetics^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/blood-sugar-insulin.jpg
Help for dentists in face of PRSI cuts^^1267142400^2575^Help for dentists in face of PRSI c…^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/SOE-Irish.jpg
New dental group seeks spokes for its hub^

A new dental practice group in Shropshire is set to become the largest in the region.

The practice took on a firm of business consultants to help develop its brand concept and grow the business through acquisition.

Velvet Group engaged the services of The Business Company after the firm worked on its behalf to facilitate and negotiate the acquisition of its ground-breaking hub practice, The Dental Spa, last year.

Following their appointment The Business Company worked with the Shrewsbury based practice to re-engineer its offering and prepare it for expansion.

The firm is currently in the process of identifying further suitable practices for acquisition in Shropshire, mid Wales, and Hereford and Worcester that will ultimately form 10 autonomous spokes for the hub.

Mark Harris, managing director of The Business Company explains why the ‘hub and spoke’ model makes Velvet Group different.

He said: ‘Unlike other national dental practice models each practice within Velvet Group will retain its own identity whilst having the opportunity to increase its reputation and profitability through standardised clinical protocols, technical excellence and high levels of customer service set and overseen by The Dental Spa hub.

‘Individual practices will each take specialist referrals but will be able to refer more complex cases to the Referral Clinic at the hub.’

The Dental Spa is one of only a handful of practices in England to meet the standards of a small hospital and gain registration with the Care Quality Commission.

Last year, Dr Thomas Norlin was appointed as clinical director.

Dr Norlin, who qualified as a dentist in Stockholm in 1998, is widest known for his part in developing and patenting SB12, an internationally marketed product which neutralises bad breath and keeps it fresh for up to 12 hours.

After completing his training as an implantologist in Sweden in 1981 Dr Norlin built up his own practice in Gothenburg which became a Centre of Excellence for Implantology focusing on the aesthetics of the procedure, including restorative prosthodontics and surgery, as well as general dentistry.

A full member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr Norlin carries out surgical grafting procedures at The Dental Spa, including block grafts, sinus lifting and apicectomies, as well as implantology.

Dental practices interested in joining Velvet Group should contact Ellen Morley at The Business Company on 01743 762244 or email ellen@thebusinesscompany.biz.

^1267142400^2576^New dental group seeks spokes for i…^A new dental practice group in Shropshire is set to become the largest in the region.The practice took on a firm of business consultants to …^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Mark-Harris.png
Dental association in fundraising initiative^^1267401600^2577^Dental association in fundraising i…^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Benevolent-fund.jpg
‘Beer’ pressure means people drinking more^

Peer pressure to drink to excess could be all in our minds, according to a survey published for the Department of Health today.

A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 English adults suggests over one in five (22%) people who have ended up drinking more than planned put it down to peer pressure, while 39% of drinkers feel the need to make up an excuse or lie to justify refusing a drink.

However, the survey for the Department of Health’s ‘Alcohol Effects’ campaign shows this is unnecessary as it appears peer pressure hardly exists.

The poll found:
• only 1% of English adults who drink, think less of people who refuse a drink or choose to drink less than them;
• just 4% expect their friends to keep up with them when drinking
• only 2% admit to piling on the pressure for friends to drink more when they don’t want to.

The NHS recommends women do not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day (about 2 small glasses of wine), and men do not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day (about two pints of beer).

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: ‘Many of us enjoy a drink — drinking sensibly isn’t a problem, but too many are regularly drinking more than the NHS advises. This means you’re at higher risk of getting cancer or having a stroke or heart attack.

‘This survey should encourage us all that it is ok to be honest with our friends about when we’ve had enough.

‘Protecting our long-term health should be a good enough reason for anyone.’

Health and Wellbeing expert Liz Tucker said: “There is sometimes a certain amount of cajoling that goes on between friends on a night out to have an extra tipple, but people need to realise this is usually all in good jest, as this research backs up.

‘In reality, nobody really minds when a friend calls it a night if they feel they’ve had enough, or when our partner doesn’t fancy sharing a bottle at home – and we should all feel confident enough to say so.’

• Drs Graham Cope and Anwen Cope will be looking at the complex issue of alcohol and drug abuse effects upon oral health in March’s issue of Preventive Dentistry magazine.

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Dentists ‘sickest of all health professionals’^

Dentists are the sickest of all health professionals, according to the head of an NHS service aimed at helping clinicians struggling with physical or mental illnesses.

Clare Gerada, medical director of the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP) – the scheme set up a year ago to encourage doctors and dentists with addictions or mental health problems to come forward for treatment – said she believed the project had reached only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of ill dentists.

The free, confidential service for practitioners living or working in the London area was launched by the National Clinical Assessment Service amid concerns that some doctors and dentists were either struggling to access appropriate care or were suffering in silence rather than seeking proper medical help because of fears they would be stigmatised.

A report on the first year of the scheme’s operation, published last month, showed that 184 doctors or dentists had been offered an initial assessment, with 62% presenting with mental health problems, 36% addictions and 2% physical health problems. The patients were mainly doctors but also included 15 dentists and two nurses.

After 12 months, 88% of those who had reported an illicit drug addiction were abstinent and
46% who had not been working were back at work – a much higher success rate than
comparable schemes for the general population.

Dr Gerada said: ‘Lives had been transformed’ in the first year of the programme – but warned that more needed to be done to help dentists in particular.

She added: ‘Dentists on the whole are at the far end of complexity and sickness. They come to us very, very unwell, for example with severe alcohol addiction, or they might have had a fit, or with severe depression.

‘They are a much sicker group [than other health professionals]. They work in a much more isolated manner, sometimes in small teams, and they’re the boss. They don’t go to doctors and many can’t identify their GP. They might also have financial problems, or back problems, which they don’t want to disclose.’

Dr Gerada said while she believed the scheme had got through to a significant proportion of doctors with health problems in the M25 area, for dentists those that were presenting were the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

The report found that interest in the scheme among dentists had dropped off over the year. In the first quarter, dentists represented 17% of all initial assessments. This fell to 8% across the whole year.

‘Additional awareness raising among dentists was initiated as a result of this drop in attendance rates’, the report said.

Dr Gerada, who has approached the General Dental Council to try to seek more referrals, said she wanted to create ‘a whole network across whole of the country of experienced doctors who can manage sick health professionals’.

Plans are underway to launch similar schemes in Avon and Newcastle, but it is not thought that every area of the country will need one because patients are said to be willing to travel some distance for specialist help.

Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer, who came up with the idea for the service, said: ‘In any workforce, a small minority will have health problems, but the degree of denial in the medical profession is a problem not only for doctors and dentists but also potentially for patients.’

Sir Liam said the PHP had been a ‘remarkable success’ in uncovering problems that would not otherwise have been addressed. Interventions had in many cases been ‘highly effective’, he said, adding: ‘This problem was largely buried under the surface before and it was getting worse – with patients potentially being harmed. From the number of patients accessing the programme during its first year of operation, it is clear that there is a need for this highly specialised service.’

^1267401600^2579^Dentists ‘sickest of all health pro…^Dentists are the sickest of all health professionals, according to the head of an NHS service aimed at helping clinicians struggling with ph…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/addiction.png
Join pensions day of action, BDA urges dentists^

The British Dental Association (BDA) is urging dentists in England and Wales to join a public sector-wide day of action against government proposals to downgrade their pensions on 30 November.

The BDA is one of a number of professional representative bodies in the health sector whose members are not taking strike action, but is encouraging members to demonstrate opposition to the Government plans by participating in the day of action.

The BDA is asking members to participate in a number of ways:
• Members in general practice are urged to display a poster explaining to patients their unhappiness at the proposals. The poster can be downloaded from the BDA website
• Members in hospital or primary care salaried services should check with their workplace representatives for details of events to mark the day
• All members can tweet their opposition to the pensions changes using the hash tag #30nov.
• All members can supplement the campaigning work done by the BDA on their behalf by signing a Government e-petition and contacting their MP.

The poster, link to the e-petition and suggestions of useful points to make to MPs are available on the BDA website’s pensions campaign page at www.bda.org/protectNHSpensions. The site also features information about the proposals and their potential consequences for dentists.

Dr Susie Sanderson, chair of the BDA’s executive board, said: ‘Like other public sector workers, dentists’ pensions are under threat. The BDA and other unions have fought the Government hard on these proposals and some concessions have been won.

‘Nonetheless, the proposals on the table still represent a significant attack on the pensions that hardworking NHS staff contribute to during the course of their careers.

‘The BDA has not, at this stage, balloted on potential strike action on this issue. It is important that decision is not misinterpreted as a lack of concern about the proposed changes and we are therefore urging dentists to join with colleagues across the public sector and show their support for the day of action on 30 November. We need to send a clear message to government that what they are proposing is unacceptable.’

^1321833600^4629^Join pensions day of action, BDA ur…^The British Dental Association (BDA) is urging dentists in England and Wales to join a public sector-wide day of action against government p…^
Impressing clinicians^

With its low incidence of microleakage and incredible internal cavity, the new bulk-fill, flowable composite base SDR (Smart Dentine Replacement) from Dentsply has impressed clinicians using it.

Dr Roel Bester, from Treetops Dental Surgery in Norwich, said: ‘I have been using SDR and really enjoy working with it. I am now using it in all my posterior composite fillings as a base. It really fills very well, the flow is excellent and by leaving it a few seconds, I can actually see how it settles in the prepared cavity. I have not had one patient complain of post-operative sensitivity. SDR is definitely a material I would recommend to other dentists. Thanks SDR!’

SDR is now being used by over 2,000 dentists across the country, and is enjoyed by thousands more throughout the world. Contact Dentsply today to receive a free sample.

 

 

0800 072 3313
www.dentsply.co.uk

 

^1321833600^4630^Impressing clinicians^With its low incidence of microleakage and incredible internal cavity, the new bulk-fill, flowable composite base SDR (Smart Dentine Replace…^
Genes found to influence tooth growth^^1267401600^2582^Genes found to influence tooth grow…^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/baby-teeth.jpg
Smoking cessation may increase diabetes risk^

Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but new research suggests that quitting the habit may actually raise diabetes risk in the short term.

The researchers from Johns Hopkins University suspect that the elevated diabetes risk is related to the extra pounds people typically put on after giving up cigarettes and caution that no one should use the study’s results as an excuse to keep smoking.

Study leader Hsin-Chieh ‘Jessica’ Yeh, an assistant professor of general internal medicine and epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said: ‘The message is don’t even start to smoke. If you smoke, give it up. That’s the right thing to do. But people have to also watch their weight.’

In the study, researchers found that people who quit smoking have a 70% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes as compared to people who never smoked.

The risks were highest in the first three years after quitting and returned to normal after 10 years.

Among those who continued smoking over that period, the risk was lower, but the chance of developing diabetes was still 30% higher compared with those who never smoked.

The study enrolled 10,892 middle-aged adults, from 1987 to 1989, who did not yet have diabetes. The patients were followed for up to 17 years, and data about diabetes status, glucose levels, weight and more were collected at regular intervals.

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease that interferes with the body’s ability to properly use sugar and to regulate and properly use insulin, a substance produced by the pancreas that normally lowers blood sugar during and after eating.

In type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, the pancreas makes plenty of insulin to help the body when food is eaten, but the body cannot use it normally. The result is excess levels of blood sugar, which, over time, can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease. Overweight people and those with a family history of the disease have an increased risk for developing it, as do smokers, though the causal relationship is unclear.

According to the study, those who smoked the most and those who gained the most weight had the highest likelihood for developing diabetes after they quit.

On average, over the first three years of the study, quitters gained about 8.4 pounds and saw their waist circumferences grow by approximately 1.25 inches.

Yeh and her team said that they want physicians to keep these findings in mind when they are consulting with patients who are giving up cigarettes, especially the heaviest smokers.

They recommend considering counter measures such as lifestyle counselling, aggressive weight management and the use of nicotine-replacement therapy, which seems to blunt the weight gain related to quitting.

^1267401600^2583^Smoking cessation may increase diab…^Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but new research suggests that quitting the habit may actually raise diab…^
Golden smile for outstanding dental nursing student^

A dental nurse from Plymouth has been voted ‘top of the class’ by a national exam board for her results and achievements while she was training.

Rebecca Smith-Wightman, 25, was presented with the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses Gold Award at a special event at the University of Plymouth.

The Gold Award, provided by the Kamlesh Kumari Mehan Memorial Trust, recognises the most outstanding student out of a total of 3,020 candidates. The board praised Rebecca for being ‘knowledgeable, committed, and dedicated to dental nursing and the dental profession’ and someone ‘willing to share her knowledge and experience with colleagues’.

Rebecca said: ‘It was a brilliant feeling to be recognised for all the hard work I had done over the previous 18 months. I had no idea I was going to receive the award on the night, and it was great that my family and friends could be there to see it.’

The Gold Award was given to Rebecca by Professor Richard Stephenson, dean of the Faculty of Health and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, at the presentation ceremony for those students receiving their National Certificate in Dental Nursing.

Rebecca also received a cheque for £200, a commemorative gold badge and certificate, and The Peninsula Achievement Award, sponsored by Peninsula Dental School, for her commitment to learning and gaining a distinction in her National Examination.

Rebecca, who works at Mount Wise Dental Practice, in Plymouth, Devon, added: ‘I wanted to give my best and so I hit the books and worked as hard as I could. There was no secret other than hard work – although we did hold some study groups and it was great to be able to bounce ideas off my fellow students.’

^1267401600^2584^Golden smile for outstanding dental…^A dental nurse from Plymouth has been voted ‘top of the class’ by a national exam board for her results and achievements while s…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Rebecca-Smith-Wightman.png
Poor dental health flags up meths users^

Severe dental problems in otherwise healthy young people could be a sign of methamphetamine addiction, a new study suggests.

Researchers collected medical, oral health and substance use data from 300 methamphetamine-dependent adults and compared it with data from non-meth users from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

About 40% of meth users have serious dental problems, including more missing teeth than those who don’t use the drug, according to the researchers, from the University of California, Los Angeles.

They also found that meth users who smoke or inhale the drug have lower rates of dental disease, compared to those who inject the drug and are more likely to have a severe addiction.

The finding that dental disease is a distinct marker of methamphetamine abuse means that dentists can play an important role in the early detection of drug abuse and in the collaborative care of meth users, the researchers said.

 

Meth Mouth Can Signal Addiction to Dentists

 

Tuesday March 2, 2010

" When otherwise healthy young people show up at the dentist with severe oral health problems, it should signal to the dentist that the patient may be addicted to methamphetamine. Patients who exhibit symptoms of meth mouth are more likely to be injection drug users, according to a new study.

The link between meth abuse and increase dental disease is no longer a myth, it has been documented by scientific research.

A new study, The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Increased Dental Disease, published in The Journal of the American Dental Association is the first to directly link severe dental problems with methamphetamine abuse.

Early Detection Needed

Key findings of the research include:

 

 

  • 40% of methamphetamine abusers have severe oral health problems.

 

 

  • People who smoke or snort meth have fewer dental problems.

 

 

  • Those who inject meth have more severe dental health problems.

 

The researchers write that dentists can help with early detection and intervention of meth abuse by detecting severe problems in otherwise healthy patients.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Source: Shetty, V., et al. The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Increased Dental Disease. The Journal of the American Dental Association March 2010.

 

^1267747200^2596^Poor dental health flags up meths u…^Severe dental problems in otherwise healthy young people could be a sign of methamphetamine addiction, a new study suggests.Researchers coll…^
Scientists uncover genes that influence tooth development ^

Genes that influence tooth development in the first year of life have been identified by scientists.

The research team has also uncovered a link between the delayed appearance of milk teeth and the need for future corrective work.

The research, which involved teams from Imperial College London, the University of Bristol and the University of Oulu in Finland, has identified several genes which affect tooth development in the first year of life.

They found that babies who carried specific genetic variants tended to have fewer teeth by their first birthday than other children.

By the time they turned 30 those carrying one of the genes were 35% more likely than their peers to need treatment by an orthodontist.

The study scanned the genetic code of 6,000 people from Finland and Britain whose health had been followed from birth.

Previous studies have shown that tooth development is also linked to that of the skull, jaws, ears, fingers, toes and heart.

width=322 height=217 /></p> <p> <p>Prof Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin (above), from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said that the findings could have important implications beyond teeth.</p> <p> <p>She said: ‘The discoveries of genetic and environmental determinants of human development will help us to understand the development of many disorders which appear later in life.</p> <p> <p>‘We hope also that these discoveries will increase knowledge about why foetal growth seems to be such an important factor in the development of many chronic diseases.’</p> <p> <p>The findings are published in the journal <em>PLoS Genetics</em>.</p> <p> <p>Click <a href=http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000856>here</a> to read them in detail.</p> <p>^1267401600^2585^Scientists uncover genes that influ...^Genes that influence tooth development in the first year of life have been identified by scientists.The research team has also uncovered a l...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/babysmile.png<br /> Mouthwear fit for a firefighter^ <p>Already a success in America, UnderArmour Performance Mouthwear is now available in the UK, exclusively through dental practitioners.  </p> <p>Originally designed to help athletes reach their full potential, many US practices that offer the mouthpieces have also reported a growing demand from professionals who face physically or mentally demanding situations. </p> <p>Nate Rhoda, a firefighter in Omaha, Nebraska, noticed a significant difference in his performance at work since having his mouthguard fitted.  </p> <p>He said: 'I have been using the mouthpiece during emergency calls for about three weeks now. We recently had to pry a car door open and lift a patient that weighed well over 200lbs for probably 20 minutes. Normally, I would be completely drained after a call like that, but by wearing the UnderArmour Performance Mouthpiece, I didn't feel wiped out like I usually did.' </p> <p>As well as during heroic rescues, Mr Rhoda also noticed the positive advantage that wearing the mouthpiece had on his training regime.</p> <p> <p>He said: 'During my workouts the results were obvious! I noticed I was able to maintain my performance for 30-40% longer than before.' </p> <p>For more information on how you can help give your patients the benefit of improved performance with UnderArmour Performance Mouthwear call The Dental Directory on 0800 585 586, visit <a href=http://www.dental-directory.co.uk>www.dental-directory.co.uk</a> or call Eric Solem on 07590 573 668. </p> <p>^1267401600^2586^Mouthwear fit for a firefighter^Already a success in America, UnderArmour Performance Mouthwear is now available in the UK, exclusively through dental practitioners.  ...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Fire-figher-Bite-tech.png<br /> Princess Royal opens new dental facility ^ <p>A brand new clinical skills training facility at the UCL Eastman Institute was officially opened by the chancellor of the University of London, the Princess Royal.</p> <p> <p>In a brief address, she said she was ‘particularly encouraged by the continued investment’ after opening the original facility 10 years ago. She noted the important contribution that the Eastman makes through its research to the understanding of systemic diseases and the integral role of clinical skills training in developing knowledge to improve the oral health of the nation.</p> <p> <p>The visit to UCL Eastman CPD was hosted by Professor Andrew Eder, professor of restorative dentistry and dental education at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and consultant in restorative dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital.</p> <p> <p>He said: ‘Our mission is to encourage all dental professionals to remain students forever’. The facility includes a clinical skills laboratory, seminar room and clinical chairs with the latest equipment including microscopes, digital radiography and a cone beam scanner.'</p> <p> <p>Professor Stephen Porter, director of the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, and Mr Geoffrey Dunk, institute manager, together with senior Eastman staff also welcomed Professor Malcolm Grant CBE, UCL president and provost, and Sir Graeme Davies, vice chancellor of the University of London.</p> <p> <p>The Department of Health was represented by the chief dental officer, Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE who stated the importance of creating and training for a dental service focused on prevention.</p> <p> <p>Other dignitaries who attended were the local MP Frank Dobson and the deputy mayor for Camden, councillor Lulu Mitchell.</p> <p> <p>The chancellor then spoke with graduate students and their teachers, the nursing and administration teams, and also some of those involved in the building and delivery of the new facility, before unveiling a commemorative plaque and signing the visitors’ book in the new training centre.</p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1267488000^2587^Princess Royal opens new dental fac...^A brand new clinical skills training facility at the UCL Eastman Institute was officially opened by the chancellor of the University of Lond...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/HRH.png<br /> Dental hygienist gets fruity with brush design^ <p>A teething toothbrush designed by a dental hygienist looks set to encourage good dental hygiene from an early age but also offering gentle gum massage and help when teething.</p> <p> <p>The BabyBanana toddler training toothbrush and the BabyBanana teething toothbrush were invented by the US dental hygienist to help her own children and are now being marketed in the UK to dentists and hygienists.</p> <p> <p>The teething toothbrush is suitable for use from newborn up to around 12 months and helps to develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age.</p> <p> <p>For toddlers from the age of 12 months, the toddler training brush can be used with very small amounts of toothpaste.</p> <p>The bristles are moulded and therefore cannot become loose.</p> <p> <p>Because of the softness of both brushes they are very suitable for use as teething aids and the designs are especially appealing to children. </p> <p>Both products are said to be: 'Soft, supple and bendable meaning that there is a reduced risk of mouth injury from the non-allergenic silicone that is BPA, latex and phthalate free. The brushes are dishwasher safe.'</p> <p> <p></p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p>The BabyBanana Infants Teething Brush RRP £6.99. Toddler Training Brush RRP £7.99. Available from retailers across the UK. Call 07730 309300 stockist details.</p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1267488000^2588^Dental hygienist gets fruity with b...^A teething toothbrush designed by a dental hygienist looks set to encourage good dental hygiene from an early age but also offering gentle g...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/bananabrush.png<br /> Doors open on three new dental practices^^1267660800^2591^Doors open on three new dental prac...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Mcgimpsey-eneskillen.jpg<br /> Dentists upset over 2010-11 funding award^ <p>The British Dental Association (BDA) has expressed disappointment at today’s (Wednesday) announcement of the pay uplift for dentists for 2010/11.</p> <p> <p>The Department of Health has announced that salaried dentists have been awarded a 1% increase, while general dental practitioners have been awarded an increase that, after efficiency savings have been taken account of, is designed to produce a 0.9% uplift on contract values. <br /> <br />Susie Sanderson, chair of the BDA’s executive board, said: 'Dentists appreciate the challenging financial climate the nation finds itself in and accept that restraint in public spending is inevitable.</p> <p> <p>'But what we also know is that the cost of providing dental care has soared in recent years. This award fails to take the increasing expenses facing dentistry into account. At a time of transition and uncertainty in dentistry, this award is a missed opportunity to give a much-needed injection of confidence.' <br /> <br />'High street dentists will be particularly disappointed that the government has chosen to disregard the Review Body’s advice that efficiency savings should only be considered retrospectively, allowing the scale of these savings to become apparent in earnings and expenses data.</p> <p> <p>'Failure to accept it ignores what we know about increasing expenses in dentistry and the real cost of providing care to patients.'</p> <p>^1268179200^2605^Dentists upset over 2010-11 funding...^The British Dental Association (BDA) has expressed disappointment at today’s (Wednesday) announcement of the pay uplift for dentists f...^<br /> Dental plan company ranked in top 100 best company list^ <p>Dental plan providers Practice Plan has been ranked 34th in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.</p> <p> <p>This year, the lists were derived from entries of 964 companies and, in total, they surveyed more than 230,000 employee opinions, as well as evaluating each organisation’s key statistics, processes and policies.</p> <p> <p>And Practice Plan made a significant impression by gaining an enviable top 50 position, particularly being a brand new entry, and sailing straight into position 34 to beat off stiff competition.</p> <p> <p>Managing Director Nick Dilworth said: ‘Ranking 34th place in our first entry into The Sunday Times Top 100 is fantastic. It gives recognition for the way in which we have all pulled together as a team in what has otherwise been a challenging year. I am privileged to be part of such a formidable team who are not only fun to be around, but whose continued enthusiasm and commitment is beyond question.’</p> <p> <p>This year’s annual awards ceremony, held at the Battersea Evolution, was a particularly special event as Best Companies themselves were celebrating their 10th anniversary.</p> <p>^1267660800^2593^Dental plan company ranked in top 1...^Dental plan providers Practice Plan has been ranked 34th in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.This year, the l...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Official-2.png<br /> New NHS dental practice to open ^ <p>A new NHS dental practice is set to open in Rochdale later this month which will create 9,500 places for new patients.</p> <p> <p>The Roch Valley Dental Practice will accommodate four/five new NHS dentists and the practice has been developed as part of a £1.3 million investment by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale to improve access to NHS dentistry in the area.</p> <p> <p>Places will first be allocated to those already on a waiting list and then on a first-come, first-served basis.</p> <p> <p>John Pierce, Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, formally opened the new practice.</p> <p>^1267660800^2594^New NHS dental practice to open ^A new NHS dental practice is set to open in Rochdale later this month which will create 9,500 places for new patients.The Roch Valley Dental...^<br /> Oral health charity backs No Smoking Day^ <p>The UK’s leading mouth cancer charity has urged the UK public to kick their smoking habit and cut the risk of cancer ahead of next Wednesday's No Smoking Day campaign.</p> <p> <p>The British Dental Health Foundation, who have previously worked alongside the No Smoking Day team to produce a dental health campaign guide, will again use this opportunity to encourage smokers in their resolve to quit.</p> <p> <p>Numerous calls from across the UK to the National Dental Helpline (0845 063 1188) for oral health advice have already been generated, alongside enquiries to the www.dentalhelpline.org website.</p> <p> <p>Last year’s No Smoking Day campaign saw one in 10 smokers, around 900,000 people, kick the habit, and Foundation chief executive Dr. Nigel Carter said: 'Research shows that more than two out of three smokers would like to give up altogether, and it is great that so many use this opportunity to quit the habit. There is proof that people who get smoking cessation support stand a better chance of giving up.'</p> <p> <p>Dr Carter added: 'Most people are now aware that smoking presents a very real danger to our health. With so many concerns surrounding its damaging effects, the Foundation recognises the importance of this year’s No Smoking Day, and wholeheartedly supports the campaign.'</p> <p> <p>While smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, what many people remain unaware of is the damage it does to their mouth, gums and teeth.</p> <p> <p>The Foundation runs the Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign each November in the UK.</p> <p> <p>The charity believes the dental profession is in a unique position to warn patients of the risks and consequences of smoking.</p> <p> <p>Advice on oral care is available from the Foundation’s Dental Helpline, which is run by a qualified dental team who provide free, independent advice on all aspects of oral health and dentistry. The Helpline are available to take your call on any oral health issue between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 063 1188.</p> <p> <p>Free ‘Tell Me About..’ information leaflets on smoking, gum disease and mouth cancer are available on request from the National Dental Helpline team.</p> <p> <p>For smoking cessation support, patients can also contact the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169, or visit <a href=http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk>www.nosmokingday.org.uk</a>.</p> <p>^1267747200^2595^Oral health charity backs No Smokin...^The UK’s leading mouth cancer charity has urged the UK public to kick their smoking habit and cut the risk of cancer ahead of next Wed...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/cignails.png<br /> Dublin Dental Hospital pilots dental radiography course^^1267488000^2590^Dublin Dental Hospital pilots denta...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/pilot-group2.jpg<br /> News focus: Dentistry gets mobile and takes to the road^ <p>Even the greatest ideas have to start somewhere. And nestling in a pub car park in north Leicester is a prime example – the UK’s first mobile dental surgery, run by Dental Xpress.</p> <p> <p>You and I might think it’s an innocuous location, but the stream of patients coming through the doors would disagree. A hit after only a few months, it’s proof of the concept’s strength; that quality dentistry really can go anywhere.</p> <p> <p>The four-chair mobile unit has been parked up since the end of last year, providing NHS dental treatment to the people of Syston and the local area. Access has long been a problem here, so its success is perhaps no surprise. The unit is the only one of its kind at the moment, but this will change if more PCTs come on board.</p> <p> <p>Movable it may be, yet it still looks pretty solid to the untrained eye. Amarjit Gill, the company’s spokesman and non-executive director, assures me that the ‘mobile’ is no lie – all it needs are clear roads and it’s good to go. The unit is completely self sufficient; running off its own generator and carting its own distilled water supply around. With enough space (and demand), it can go almost anywhere.</p> <p> <p>Inside, the unit does exactly what it says on the tin, with an economical approach that doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It squeezes in four well kitted-out surgeries, a decontamination area, reception, and a staff room. Doctor Who would be proud.</p> <p> <p>Crucially, it’s clean, professional – and even welcoming. It’s proved to be something of a revelation for the local population, who have turned up in droves since the local press covered its official opening in January.</p> <p> <p>Vipul Modi, one of the dentists working at the unit, is quick to echo this. ‘A lot of our patients haven’t seen an NHS dentist for years, so they’re really grateful that we’re here. The impact we’ve had has been huge; it’s very fulfilling.’</p> <p> <p>In fact, the hardest part is telling the patients the unit won’t be around forever – at the moment, Dental Xpress’ contract (a standard, if temporary GDS) with Leicester County and Rutland PCT is due to run out at the end of this month.</p> <p> <p>Success in Leicester will hopefully lead on to bigger and better things with more PCTs.</p> <p><strong>Untapped potential</strong><br />While it’s still early days for the business and its wandering units, the potential that this approach could have is clear.</p> <p> <p>Amarjit explains: ‘PCTs can have a problem translating need into demand – it’s difficult to justify spending half a million pounds on a new, bricks-and-mortar clinic when you have no guarantee that patients will access it.</p> <p> <p>‘Dental Xpress can go in and assess the level of demand without that initial outlay.’<br />The logic is hard to argue with, but it doesn’t end there. He’s genuinely enthusiastic about the unit’s potential in a wider healthcare role, too.</p> <p> <p>‘We could be providing all sorts of wider medical screening,’ he says. ‘Put us in a community that doesn’t access good healthcare and we can do diabetes clinics, obesity clinics, smoking cessation – all kinds of things.</p> <p> <p>‘We’ve got four surgeries; we could take out the stuff you don’t need and make one or two of them more medical. The unit is beautiful, but it’s very expensive. The thing is, it has a more or less fixed overhead so that way you’d be using it to its full potential. The cost of delivering further services would be incremental, so everybody wins.</p> <p> <p>‘We would love to get involved with a PCT that shares this sort of vision.’</p> <p><strong>Eureka</strong><br />Of course, these are long-term plans. For the foreseeable future, the company is concentrating on improving access, which – fittingly enough – is where it all started.</p> <p> <p>It’s the brainchild of CEO Toby Cobb, a man with no dental background to speak of. What he does have, though, is business experience and an eye for an opportunity – that, and a sense of civic responsibility.</p> <p> <p>Having struggled to find a dentist in his area for some time, the sight of a blood donor van on his way to work sparked off a ‘eureka moment’. He wasted no time contacting Vanguard (the company responsible for building the units), and progress was soon underway.</p> <p> <p>Toby is candid about his expertise (‘I leave the finance to the finance experts and the dentistry to the dental experts!’) but as a businessman first and foremost, is always looking to realise the potential of the company.</p> <p> <p>‘We originally wanted to reduce the access problem,’ he says. ‘But there are other problems in dentistry that this could potentially help alleviate too, so hopefully more opportunities will present themselves.’ </p> <p><strong>Community service</strong><br />Dental Xpress is a business, but it’s a refreshingly altruistic one. It’s classed as a ‘social enterprise’, which essentially means that around 75% of its profits are put back into the business. At the same time, it is driven by more admirable social objectives than the mere pursuit of cash.</p> <p> <p>‘We felt like we were doing this for the right reasons,’ agrees Toby. ‘We aren’t doing it to line our pockets; we want to give something back to the community.’</p> <p> <p>The clinic employs local dentists, nurses and staff, and it’s evident that despite only being around a short time, the effect on the local area has been huge. It’s doing well on the business front too, so it’s no wonder that Toby is ‘extremely pleased’ with his first foray into the dental world.</p> <p> <p>If the first four months of mobile dentistry are anything to go by, the future is looking extremely bright.</p> <p>^1267660800^2592^News focus: Dentistry gets mobile a...^Even the greatest ideas have to start somewhere. And nestling in a pub car park in north Leicester is a prime example – the UK’s...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Amarjit-Gill-Dental-Xpress.png<br /> Job loss fears bring on teeth-grinding woes^ <p>A growing number of patients are suffering with bruxism due to stresses brought on by the recession.</p> <p> <p>That’s according to Edinburgh dentist Yann Maidment who says he has seen had seen an increase of 10-20% in patients grinding their teeth over the past 18 months, especially those working for the city's banks, fund managers and financial services firms.</p> <p> <p>The dentist, who runs Stafford Street Dental care in Edinburgh, explained: ‘There's a lot of anxiety that redundancies may be coming, and about job losses that have already happened.’</p> <p> <p>He is providing more and more patients with bite guards and a spokesperson at the British Dental Health Foundation confirmed the increse, saying that its helpline had seen an upsurge in calls about the problem: 'Stress is probably the major reason – people not being able to cope with things going on in their work or love life, or having money worries. These situations can create tension in people's bodies and that can manifest itself as teeth grinding.'</p> <p> <p>Corrective exercises, relaxation therapy and counselling to address the underlying cause of the tension are among the helpline's suggested potential remedies.</p> <p> <p>The biggest study of bruxism was conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration of global medical experts in 2008 which found that the problem can start at just one years old, when a child's deciduous incisors have emerged.</p> <p>^1267747200^2597^Job loss fears bring on teeth-grind...^A growing number of patients are suffering with bruxism due to stresses brought on by the recession.That’s according to Edinburgh dent...^<br /> A dental endoscope just for you^ <p>Although there have been great advances in technology and procedures for dentistry, dentists are still faced with the traditional issues of trying to work within a very confined space.</p> <p> <p>They invariably spend their time leaning across patients, pulling at their mouths in order to see into dark cavities whilst wearing odd contraptions for magnification and trying to illuminate the areas to be worked on past head, hands and instruments.</p> <p> <p>Hand-held intraoral cameras were designed to assist, but are impractical during surgery and even some of the new dentaloscopes designed to try to magnify areas by external camera still require the dentist to jostle for position between the lighting, his hands and implements.</p> <p> <p>It’s no wonder patients are traumatised by visits to their dental surgeries and dentists suffer from muscular pains and stresses particularly to the neck and back along with fatigue and eye strain.<br />That is, until now. Inside, from the Italian manufacturer Faro, is the first endoscope made specifically for dentistry. Its fundamental characteristic is its ability to show high resolution, highly magnified images directly from inside the oral cavity whilst managing the images and lighting intelligently. The dentist is able to sit comfortably behind the patient and work to a screen in front of him. Fundamentally, it addresses three very important areas for dental practices:<br />• Aaccuracy<br />• Dentists’ health and wellbeing<br />• Patient comfort and communications</p> <p> <p>The Inside system can be either attached to existing dental equipment, or by a simple floor or ceiling installation. The Inside endoscope itself is mounted on an articulated (compensated) arm that is very sensitive and precise, guaranteeing images which are absolutely stable. Thanks to its swivelling arm, once it has been correctly positioned, the dentist can let go of the Inside and have both hands free to work. The swivelling arm also houses the control unit with its buttons for managing the various functions and the regulator for air flow for cleaning the optics.</p> <p> <p>The Inside endoscope contains a high-quality colour CCD, offering outstanding images with a magnification of up to x 20 anywhere inside the mouth (including traditionally hard to reach and see back areas). Furthermore it is surrounded by a white, high intensity LED and fibre optic crown ensuring excellent illumination directly where it’s needed. The use of a dental light is still recommended to obtain a warmer image and to have a better 3D effect with depth.</p> <p> <p>By means of the control unit, the dentist whilst watching the image on the monitor, can rotate the image 360° in any direction or invert it so as to make the movements of the hands consistent with the images on the monitor.</p> <p> <p>That is to say, if the dentist needs to move the instrument to the right on the screen, they move to the right on the patient.   </p> <p><strong>Accuracy of work procedures</strong><br />The enlargement of the area to be treated allows for more accurate diagnosis and greater precision in operations Faro claims that ‘there are no more zones that are inaccessible to the eyes of the dentist’.</p> <p> <p>In endodontics, it is possible to ‘see’ the canal entrances perfectly and thoroughly inspect the pulp chamber, thus offering fundamental support in endodontic operations and successive check-ups Also, during operations, the surgery can be illuminated by the dental lamp. </p> <p><strong>Dentists’ health and wellbeing </strong><br />The dentists’ seated and upright position guarantees less fatigue in the osteo-arthro-muscular system of the spine resulting in feeling less tired at the end of the day. By being behind the patient and working to the screen, the dentist is able to use both hands on his instruments and with no need to strain to see smallest detail.</p> <p> <p>The risk of cross infection between the dentist and patient is reduced due to the distance now between their faces and the dentist is also no longer subjected to involuntary reactions by the patient. <br /><strong><br />Patients’ comfort and reassurance</strong><br />The patient also benefits greatly. They no longer have the feeling of ‘oppression’ as dentists lean across into their ‘personal space’ peering at them from all angles, there is less of a need for their mouths to be ‘pulled apart’ to allow as much light in as possible.</p> <p> <p>Finally, for older patients and possibly many female patients who have a fear of being tipped back, some procedures can now be completed in a more upright position.</p> <p> <p>Although designed for in-surgery use, the Inside is also proving a hit with training centres as it allows lecturers to show live procedures out to as many external student monitors and screens as required, even video conferencing for consultative procedures.</p> <p> <p>Any of these procedures can be recorded for playback or saved to on-line libraries for access by authorised persons and students. </p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p>The Inside is now available in the UK through Faro’s distributor, Phoenix AV Solutions and short video clips of the system in action can be viewed at <a href=http://www.phoenix-endoscope.co.uk>www.phoenix-endoscope.co.uk</a>. For more information, please call 01952 677144. </p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1267747200^2598^A dental endoscope just for you^Although there have been great advances in technology and procedures for dentistry, dentists are still faced with the traditional issues of ...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/INSIDE-frame-04.png<br /> New government faces major challenges on dentistry, says BDA manifesto ^ <p>The BDA suggests the next government will inherit a flawed dental contract, an unacceptable chasm in oral health inequalities, and inconsistent commissioning of dentistry by PCTS.</p> <p> <p>That’s the legacy the government elected this year will have to deal with, according to the British Dental Association’s (BDA’s) manifesto for the forthcoming General Election, <em>Smiles all round</em>, which is published today (Monday 8 March). <br /> <br />The manifesto warns that the next government must get to grips with the process of developing new contractual arrangements based on the recommendations of the Steele Review, and do so while at the same time increasing access to NHS dental care and contending with an already stretched public purse. <br /> <br />Launching the manifesto, BDA executive board chair Dr Susie Sanderson said: 'Whoever is elected this year will inherit major challenges in dentistry. In England, we still have a deeply flawed dental contract, patients who are not seeing a dentist, and significant variations in the commissioning skills of primary care trusts. We are also confronted by unacceptable and growing oral health inequalities. <br /> <br />'But they will also inherit the beginnings of a new contract and a profession that cares deeply for its patients and that desperately wants a better future for them. The new government must work closely with dentists on the priorities identified in the BDA’s manifesto to overcome these challenges.'<br /> <br />The BDA is urging members to talk to candidates where they practise about local issues.</p> <p> <p>The BDA’s manifesto and advice on local lobbying are available at: <a href=http://www.bda.org/manifesto>www.bda.org/manifesto</a>.</p> <p> <p>The manifesto identifies priorities in six key areas of dental policy: the completion of the reform process arising from the Steele Review, the need to properly support PCTs, increased access for patients, the eradication or oral health inequalities, harnessing fluoride as a preventive measure, and safeguarding the future of the hospital and salaried services and dental academia.</p> <p>^1268006400^2599^New government faces major challeng...^The BDA suggests the next government will inherit a flawed dental contract, an unacceptable chasm in oral health inequalities, and inconsist...^<br /> Dr Avijit Banerjee speaks at dental conference^ <p>Clinical expert Dr Avijit Banerjee is joining the prestigious panel of speakers appearing at the 2010 British Dental Conference and Exhibition, to be held on the 20-22 May 2010 at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre (ACC).</p> <p>Dr Banerjee, senior lecturer and honorary consultant in restorative dentistry at King’s College London (KCL) Dental Institute at Guy’s Hospital will be delivering a presentation entitled Revolutions in caries management – minimal invasive dentistry in practice. </p> <p>The presentation will be detailing:<br />•    The methods for monitoring patients with a high risk of developing caries, <br />•    Understanding the pathology of caries, <br />•    How to bond to caries – affected dentine and the therapeutic effects.</p> <p>Dr Banerjee has carried out extensive clinical research into cariology, caries removal techniques, microbiology and microscopic imaging of dental caries and, as winner of the 2009 Kings College London Teacher of the Year Award, is well placed to offer outstanding clinical expertise to delegates. </p> <p>His passion for translating scientific research into clinical practice will ensure that his guidance will feature the latest clinical findings, delivered in a manner relevant to today’s GDPs. </p> <p>The British Dental Association’s annual conference and exhibitionis a vital diary date for all dental professionals looking for inspiration for their practices. </p> <p>The conference features a wide selection of both clinical and motivational speakers who are guaranteed to inspire delegates with new ideas. The conference will feature speakers and topics that are relevant to the full dental team and will be full of information and techniques that can be implemented in practise. </p> <p>The conference programme includes sessions on:<br />•    Predictable occlusion and guidance in everyday practice<br />•    Dental decontamination in England: complying with HTM 01-05<br />•    The future of dentistry: one united profession?<br />•    Maximising your business opportunities in the current financial climate<br />•    How treatment co-ordinators can pave the way for a more successful practice</p> <p>The programme features a number of motivational sessions targeted at young dentists, VDPs and DCPs, which promise to highlight the various career paths open to them within the industry. Many of the sessions count towards core CPD hours and across the three days of the conference it is possible to collect all the CPD needed for a year. </p> <p>The exhibition will see all the industry’s most prominent suppliers and a number of new entries to the market it will also be a chance for delegates to explore hundreds of new products and technologies. </p> <p>For more information on the conference and exhibition, register on <a href=http://www.bda.org/conference>www.bda.org/conference</a> or call 0870 166 6625.</p> <p>^1268006400^2600^Dr Avijit Banerjee speaks at dental...^Clinical expert Dr Avijit Banerjee is joining the prestigious panel of speakers appearing at the 2010 British Dental Conference and Exhibiti...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Banerjee.png<br /> Recession-fighting businesses focus on sales and marketing, survey finds^ <p>Small businesses, including dental practices, are hoping to beat the recession by stepping up their sales and marketing strategies, a new survey has revealed.<br /> <br />After cutting operating costs to the bare minimum, many smaller firms are hiring sales staff, improving their websites and boosting marketing activities in an effort to tackle tough trading conditions.<br /> <br />Research carried out by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business (FPB) also found that business owners expect their efforts will pay off. More than half (56%) of those surveyed expect to increase their turnover in 2010 and 44% believe their business will grow.  <br /> <br />The findings are the first of the FPB’s new ‘economy watch’ panel – a body of more than 350 members who are sharing their experiences as the economy heads away from recession.<br /> <br />The panel is designed to provide an accurate and timely reflection of what small businesses are experiencing on the ground. Its findings will be released on a monthly basis.  <br /> <br />The results of the first economy watch panel paint a generally positive picture, with firms expressing a defiant attitude to the downturn and only 13% concentrating on cutting costs. Perhaps surprisingly, 80% of those surveyed described the cost of borrowing as ‘affordable’.<br /> <br />However, business owners expect to see continuing tough times ahead.</p> <p> <p>A significant 60% of those surveyed expect to see the general cost of business to increase this year and an overwhelming 76% are anticipating tax increases.<br /> <br />Additionally, almost half (48%) of those surveyed had been required to provide personal guarantees for loans, while 26% had to secure loans, often on properties, in order to access affordable interest rates. Some members reported interest rates of more than 20% for unsecured borrowing.<br /> <br />Commenting on the results, the FPB’s research manager, Thomas Parry, said: 'These findings are quite encouraging and show there’s a healthy amount of fighting spirit among smaller firms.<br /> <br />'We appear to be seeing an upturn in confidence among SMEs and, by investing in sales and marketing strategies, small business owners are showing determination and entrepreneurial flair.<br /> <br />'However, much of this optimism is based on the hope of a recovering economy and increased business and consumer confidence.<br /> <br />'Political, economic and currency stability are all important too, with a proportion of businesses suffering from the weak pound. Also, the difficulty for businesses in terms of<br />planning is indicated by the fact that almost one in five businesses are uncertain about the support they may want in the next month.'</p> <p>^1268092800^2602^Recession-fighting businesses focus...^Small businesses, including dental practices, are hoping to beat the recession by stepping up their sales and marketing strategies, a new su...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/business-gen.png<br /> Dentistry and PCTs: Room for improvement?^ <p>After several long months, the results of our all-encompassing PCT survey are in – and with the fourth anniversary of the 2006 reforms waiting in the wings, they make uncomfortable reading.</p> <p> <p>To find out how your PCT fared, <a class=blue_bigfont title=PCT Survey Results href=../../news/pdfs/DM_PCT_results.pdf target=_blank>click here</a> to view our table in which every PCT in the country has been rated by the dentists it works with.</p> <p> <p>Simply put, this is a picture of how you feel about the organisations that you work for.</p> <p> <p></p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p><strong><span class=red_smheadfont>10 of the best </span><br /> </strong>Some Primary Care Trusts are clearly doing something right, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the country. The top 10 UK PCTs are:<strong><br /> 1 – Salford (4.83)<br /> 2 – Bradford and Airedale (4.33)<br /> 3 – Doncaster (4.17)<br /> 4 – Calderdale (3.67)<br /> 5 – Stockport (3.67)<br /> 6 – Derbyshire County (3.54) <br /> 7 – Dudley (3.50)<br /> 8 – Devon (3.11)<br /> 9 – Tower Hamlets (2.83)<br /> 10 – Walsall (2.83)</strong></p> <p> <p></p> <p> <p><span class=red_smheadfont>Could do better</span><br />At the opposite end of the scale come the under <br />performers, PCTs that failed to bring in a single result above ‘1 = the worst, no redeeming features at all’: <br /><strong>• Haringey<br />• Islington<br />• Manchester<br />• Oldham<br />• Richmond and Twickenham<br />• Sefton<br />• Southampton City</strong></p> <p> <p> <span class=red_smheadfont>At a glance – UK averages</span><br /><strong>• Ease of communication: 2.04<br />• Consistency in negotiations: 1.89<br />• Willingness to innovate: 1.74<br />• Professionalism: 1.97<br />• UDA value: 2.10<br />• Overall quality of relationship: 1.97<br />• Number of dentists who feel<br />their PCT has improved: 12.79% <br />• Overall average score: 1.95 </p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p></strong>Although there are some successes, the sheer number of low scores that flooded the Dentistry offices must be a cause for concern.</p> <p> <p>It will probably come as little surprise to many dentists in the best areas – namely Salford, Bradford and Doncaster – that their PCTs have topped the list.</p> <p> <p>But in too many cases, the reverse is equally likely to be true; our survey has uncovered a staggering depth of resentment and ill-feeling in some areas.  Even PCTs that started off strongly were soon brought down by the negative experiences of other dentists in the same patch.</p> <p> <p>One look at the UK averages on this page shows the extent of the problem. They show a profession dissatisfied with the new contract, and with its implementation by PCTs; even after four years of ‘bedding down’.</p> <p> <p>Has there been no progress, or have the new contract’s widely documented teething problems permanently soured the chance for a solid relationship between dentists and their PCTs? Perhaps this was unavoidable – after all, when you’re dealing with somebody’s livelihood, there is no margin for error. Any mistakes are twice as hard to come back from.</p> <p><strong>Room for improvement</strong><br />Perhaps the most disheartening result to come out of the survey is the sense of how little progress has been made since 2006.</p> <p> <p>Less than 13% of the profession feels that their PCT has improved since the inception of the new contract. Likewise, ‘willingness to innovate’ threw up the lowest average score across the entire country – a score that came in at 1.74, well below the median (3). Can this be a coincidence?</p> <p> <p>These statistics sit at odds with the Department of Health’s claims that 2010 will be its ‘year of vindication’. They point an accusing finger at the inability of PCTs – the gatekeepers of NHS contracts – to manage their responsibilities to dental professionals.</p> <p> <p>Perhaps it’s more indicative of their struggle to communicate effectively with the profession, but isn’t that just as bad? The ‘them and us’ mentality it can cause helps nobody.</p> <p> <p><strong>Shaky foundations</strong><br />There is an argument that innovation – or, seen another way, risk taking – has discouraged at SHA level. </p> <p>While this might go some way to explaining why so many people feel their PCT has not developed since 2006, it does not excuse everything.</p> <p> <p>It’s easy to use the example of Yorkshire and the Humber SHA, which oversees a number of the highest-rated PCTs in our list (Bradford, Doncaster, and Calderdale), to support the argument that SHA backing equals success.</p> <p> <p>Of course, it must play a part. But Salford – which came out top – is part of North West SHA, as are the noticeably less successful Manchester, Sefton and Oldham PCTs. The issue is not as clear-cut as it seems.</p> <p> <p>And more importantly – what good is directing blame further up the bureaucratic process, when doing so doesn’t make the situation any better for dentists?</p> <p> <p>Whatever the reasons behind this lack of progress, it is hard to argue with the expectation that, after four years of practising, PCTs should be doing better. A result of 12.79% is just not good enough. </p> <p><strong>Not all about the money?</strong><br />UDA values came out with the highest average score. While this was far from impressive, it at least suggests that UDA values do not always represent the biggest problem for dentists, or – to put it perhaps more accurately – that even a reasonable UDA value will not draw attention away from the PCT’s other failings.</p> <p> <p>There’s more to life than money – and this rings true even of life in the NHS. It’s backed up by the disappointing averages across every question in our survey.</p> <p> <p>That’s not to say the money isn’t important, of course!</p> <p> <p>But time and time again, the UDA value comes out on top, with no sign of improvement in anything else.</p> <p> <p>Good UDA values do not help dentists feel more wanted when nobody answers their call or letter.</p> <p> <p>They don’t make the threat of clawback any easier.</p> <p> <p>And on their own, they do nothing to dispel the feeling held by many that the profession is being marginalised to make way for a ‘core’ dental service.</p> <p> <p>How better to dispel this worry than PCT dental commissioners building positive, long-lasting relationships with the dentists under their remit?</p> <p> <p>Yet all too often these sorts of relationships are conspicuous by their absence – and the end results are here for all to see. </p> <p><strong>Worrying pointers</strong><br />Make no mistake; these results mean a dissatisfied workforce. They point to a deep resentment.</p> <p> <p>After so long, the fact that this resentment still exists is a worrying sign. It could be the wake up call the Department of Health needs – but with a general election looming, nothing is certain.</p> <p> <p>Will the Steele pilots on the horizon represent a light in the darkness? Or does the possibility of PCTs rolling out the Warbuton access contract on a wide scale render any such hope a false dawn? <br />Only time will tell whether the results of this survey have any chance to improve.</p> <p>^1268006400^2601^Dentistry and PCTs: Room for improv...^After several long months, the results of our all-encompassing PCT survey are in – and with the fourth anniversary of the 2006 reforms...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/pct.png<br /> Early births reduced by gum disease treatment ^ <p>A new study has revealed the strongest suggestion yet that successful treatment of periodontal disease reduces the number of premature babies. <br /> <br />The findings, which were publicised at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research in Washington last week, followed more than 1,000 pregnant women between six and 20 weeks gestation.<br /> <br />The study monitored 160 participants diagnosed with periodontal disease and compared them to 872 pregnant women who had good levels of oral health.<br /> <br />The results showed that subjects who were successfully treated for their periodontal disease had significantly lower incidence of preterm birth less than 35 weeks gestation.<br /> <br />Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, believes this paper adds weight to the growing evidence around links between gum disease and pre-term babies.<br /> <br />Dr Carter said: 'Together with a paper presented at last year’s IADR in Miami this proves a positive link between successful treatment of the gum disease and reducing the likelihood of a pre-term birth. <br /> <br />'It is further strong evidence that pregnant women should take care of their periodontal health and receive appropriate treatment during their pregnancy to reduce as far as possible their chance of a pre-term birth.'<br /> <br />The research showed that women with periodontal disease were over three times more likely to give birth prematurely than women with good oral health and had a one in four chance of giving birth before 35 weeks.<br /> <br />Those who had gum disease were treated with scaling and root planning, with periodontal examinations before and after the procedures. <br /> <br />The research, entitled <em>Risk of Preterm Birth Is Reduced with Successful Periodontal Treatment</em> was presented on by the lead author M. Jeffcott on March 5 during the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research.<br /> <br />Dr Carter added: 'Due to hormone changes during pregnancy, some women's dental health needs closer attention during this time.'<br /> <br />The study follows the first documented link earlier this year between a foetal death and the mother’s pregnancy–related gum disease.<br /> <br />'The case has shown that improving oral healthcare amongst pregnant women can have a significant impact on an unborn baby. For some women, teeth become less of a priority while they are pregnant and this can also prove a big factor on the baby’s health.'</p> <p>^1268179200^2603^Early births reduced by gum disease...^A new study has revealed the strongest suggestion yet that successful treatment of periodontal disease reduces the number of premature babie...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/pregnant.png<br /> Dentists get a Finnish welcome at the Ambassador's reception^ <p>The Ambassdor of Finland, Mr Jaakko Laajava, welcomed dental professionals to the Finnish Embassy at 14 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, for a seminar by Planmeca, the Finnish company that designs, manufactures, and markets high-tech dental equipment.</p> <p> <p>The seminar was on the topic of ‘highlights in imaging’, which was presented by Dr Eric Waites from Guy’s Hospital, London.</p> <p> <p>He offered a subjective overview of where 3D imaging sits in the dental industry and the justification of using cone beam computerised tomography (CBCT).</p> <p> <p>This was followed by a brief look at what Planmeca has to offer in 3D imaging.</p> <p> <p>Dentists who attended were offered a 240-day trial on any of their CBCT products.</p> <p> <p>The evening ended with a buffet reception that included the finest Finnish cuisine.</p> <p> <p>Planmeca has 2,200 employees in Europe and exports its products to more than 100 countries globally from Helsinki, Finland, and last year had a turnover €600 million.</p> <p> <p>During the Ambassdor’s welcoming speech, he commented on the continued strong investment into research and development in Finland as a whole and told guests he was proud that Planmeca, too, took the same stance to further develop 3D imaging.</p> <p>^1268352000^2608^Dentists get a Finnish welcome at t...^The Ambassdor of Finland, Mr Jaakko Laajava, welcomed dental professionals to the Finnish Embassy at 14 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, f...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/planmeca.png<br /> Gum disease treatment reduces early births ^^1268179200^2604^Gum disease treatment reduces early...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/baby-in-utero.jpg<br /> Pay freeze will undermine confidence in NHS ^ <p>The confidence of general dental practitioners will be undermined by today’s announcement of a 0.9% uplift on contract values and a requirement to make efficiency savings in order to offset increases in expenses.</p> <p> <p>That’s the verdict of Dr John Milne, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, on what is effectively a freeze on dentists’ pay.<br /> <br />Dr Milne said:'General dental practitioners in England face a difficult and uncertain future and will be disappointed by this award for a number of reasons. The costs they incur to provide care are soaring both as a result of regulatory changes and the poor position of Sterling. Many will also soon be facing potential clawback of their contract values for 2009/10 as their primary care trusts start to assess completion of UDA targets.<br /> <br />'Dentists have engaged actively and willingly with the Steele Review process, but the cautious optimism it has generated about the future is likely to be undermined by today’s announcement.</p> <p> <p>'For the second year running, the award does not address the real problem of escalating expenses. The decision to ignore the review body’s recommendation that efficiency savings should only be considered retrospectively will be viewed with particular concern. Dental practices are already run very efficiently and it is difficult to see where efficiency savings are going to be conjured from.<br /> <br />'GDPs were looking for a positive signal about the future of NHS services today. They didn’t get it.'</p> <p>^1268179200^2606^Pay freeze will undermine confidenc...^The confidence of general dental practitioners will be undermined by today’s announcement of a 0.9% uplift on contract values and a re...^<br /> Grasping the nettle at the General Dental Council^<br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>'As I write this article, I am approaching my 75th day in office – a great time to reflect on what the General Dental Council has achieved so far, and to look ahead at the challenges we are facing.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>During the past few years, there have been substantial changes in the landscape of regulation: we, the profession, are under far greater scrutiny than ever before, and there has been a huge expansion in the size of our register, as all dental care professionals have now joined us.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>What has become clear at the GDC is that the scale and scope of the regulatory challenge has changed, and we need to become far more sophisticated as we address the needs of different categories of registrant.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>With this challenge has come an increased burden of cost, particularly in the escalating number of Fitness to Practise cases – we anticipated that the numbers of cases would increase because we are responsible for regulating more people, but we certainly did not expect the 40% increase in the number of cases that we received last year relating to the conduct and clinical capability of dentists.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>In accordance with the requirements of Government, the new Council is smaller, more ‘board-like’ and composed of an equal number of appointed (rather than elected) lay and registrant members.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>The start of a new Council is the right time for reform and we have already written the first chapter. We know that our paramount duty is to protect patients and to ensure that the standards we set and the regulatory process that support these, are as cost effective and efficient as they can be.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>But, in the short term, the Council recognises that there will need to be a closer match between organisational resources and regulatory functions, especially in Fitness to Practise. It is the strength of this Council that it has grasped the nettle on these issues straight away, and set about the task of solving them.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>We are looking ahead to the future, we recognise that our business processes must be smart, and our technology and systems up to date, to minimise the burden of cost, in an environment which could impose costs rising exponentially. I have no intention of allowing this to happen, but it means that we must move rapidly to make progress.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>Our policy-making agenda is undoubtedly going to have its moments as well. During this Council term, we expect to be delivering our revalidation scheme, more work, more cost.</p> <p><br /> <p class=bk_bigfont>We will also be considering a whole range of issues which I know from my postbag are important to registrants, such as our future approach to English language testing; registering additional qualifications; education provision and recognition of the qualifications of DCPs; the checking of indemnity insurance and a range of potential changes to our current legislation, amongst others.</p> <p><br /> <p class=grey_bigfont><span class=bk_bigfont>It’s important to me that as much of our agenda as possible should be discussed in public, but there will always be times where to do so might be prejudicial to the effective discharge of the Council’s functions, and this can apply when sensitive commercial or staff issues are under discussion.</p> <p>I am under no illusion that the next four years will be easy, but I am very much looking forward to leading the Council through this period of reform and change to deliver profound benefits for our profession. I believe that‘s worth the effort.<br /></span><br /><span class=grey_medfont><em>Alison Lockyer</em></span></p> <p> <p></p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p><span class=red_headfont>Bulging postbag</span><br />Based on the flood of letters from registrants, Alison reveals some plans in the pipeline for the GDC:<br /><span class=red_medfont>• English language testing<br />• Registration of additional qualifications<br />• Education provision<br />• Recognition of the qualifications of DCPs</span><br /><span class=red_medfont>• Indemnity insurance checks<br /></span></p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1268611200^2613^Grasping the nettle at the General ...^'As I write this article, I am approaching my 75th day in office – a great time to reflect on what the General Dental Council has achi...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Alison-Lockyer.png<br /> Dental debate helps to push the limits^^1268265600^2607^Dental debate helps to push the lim...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Team-Debate-UCC.jpg<br /> Company launches dental plans with no waiting periods^^1268352000^2609^Company launches dental plans with ...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/NO-FEE-Vhi-DeCare-278.jpg<br /> Steele pilots now at full throttle ^ <p>Dozens of NHS dental practices will shortly begin trialling new ways to deliver services under Government plans to start implementing recommendations from the Steele review.</p> <p> <p>The pilot sites will seek to improve patient access and test new ways of measuring quality from April, the Department of Health (DoH) announced.</p> <p> <p>It said primary care trusts and practices had ‘responded well’ to a call for pilot sites by the Steele implementation board, and almost 30 sites around the country would soon begin trials.</p> <p> <p>One of the sites is City and Hackney, in London, where a new ‘blended contract’ is being trialled under which dentists are directly rewarded for the number of patients seen, the level of treatment each patient receives and the quality of that care. Professor Jimmy Steele, who led the Independent Review of NHS Dental Services, made more than 30 recommendations to help improve oral health, increase access and ensure high quality dental care for patients in his final report published in June last year.</p> <p> <p>It followed a series of criticisms of the Government’s 2006 reforms for failing to do enough to increase patient access. The reforms, which introduced local decommissioning and payment based on the unit of dental activity, prompted many dentists to leave the NHS.</p> <p> <p>The DoH said different methods of delivering Steele’s recommendations would be piloted ‘thoroughly’ over the next two years to ensure they met the needs of the NHS and patients. But it added that the flexibility of the current dental contract meant that if the local NHS wanted to adopt changes sooner they were able to do so.</p> <p> <p>Health minister Ann Keen said: ‘We know that access to NHS dentists is improving – more people visited a dentist in the last two years than at any period in the last decade. This is great news for patients who are now seeing the benefits of over £2 billion of investment in improving NHS dental services.</p> <p> <p>‘As well as continuing to build on this success and drive access even higher, we need to look at the quality as well of quantity of treatment being carried out by the NHS. Professor Jimmy Steele made a number of recommendations for how we can do this and it’s fantastic that the local NHS is so keen to try out new ways of improving the dental care it delivers.’</p> <p> <p>Chief dental officer, Barry Cockcroft, said: ‘Prevention and quality are two of the most important principles of today’s NHS and the sites piloting Professor Steele’s recommendations will be at the forefront of delivering high quality services built around patients’ needs.’</p> <p> <p>The Steele implementation board, which includes Professor Steele and Dr Cockcroft, is still inviting expressions of interest for sites to be part of the next wave of pilots which will start in September.</p> <p> <p>The next wave will trial a wider range of options to cover all the areas of the Steele review, including increasing access to NHS dentists, introducing patient registration, measuring quality as well as quantity of treatment, and encouraging dentists to carry out more preventive work.</p> <p> <p>The DoH said almost 1,200 more dentists were working in the NHS that two years ago, while the number of patients seeing an NHS dentist was now at its highest level in the past decade.</p> <p> <p>Dr John Milne, chairman of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: ‘The BDA has called for reform to deliver an NHS dental system that works better for patients and dentists alike, and we support the process of piloting the conclusions of Professor Steele’s review.</p> <p> <p>‘The two keys to the success of these pilots are meaningful engagement with the profession and proper evaluation of their results. Engagement so far has been good and must continue. These pilots must now be given the time they need to properly assess the proposed changes and allow reflection on the results.’</p> <p> <p>Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of consumer group Which?, said: ‘We are pleased to see the Steele recommendations being put into practice. Full piloting with patients is essential to ensure that any new system of NHS dental services is fit for purpose.’</p> <p>^1268611200^2610^Steele pilots now at full throttle ^Dozens of NHS dental practices will shortly begin trialling new ways to deliver services under Government plans to start implementing recomm...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/steelyM.png<br /> News feature: Managing periodontal disease and empowering patients^ <p>Periodontal disease is one of most challenging and problematic of clinical issues for a plethora of reasons: the diagnosis is often difficult, the treatment inadequately remunerated by the NHS and most patients are unaware of it. Yet the need to implement a preventive approach to periodontal disease has never been greater.</p> <p>The possible associations between periodontal disease and systemic health have given impetus for a more preventive approach to the disease.</p> <p> <p>Another driver for prevention is that periodontal disease is one of the fastest growing and most costly areas of litigation in the dental field.</p> <p> <p>One third of all the highest value negligence claims relate to allegations of undiagnosed or untreated periodontal disease, with one recent claim in this country being settled for £94,000<sup>1</sup>.</p> <p>So, this subject could not have been a more timely or apt topic for recent discussion by Johnson & Johnson’s National Advisory Panel, consisting of 10 leading members of the dental profession, Professor Monty Duggal, Dr Elaine Giedrys-Leeper, Dr Stephen Hancocks, Professor Liz Kay, Professor Mike Lewis, Dr Mike Martin, Dr Susie Sanderson, Sally Simpson, Elaine Tilling and Professor Nairn Wilson (Chairman).</p> <p> <p>Also at the meeting was Iain Chapple, Professor and Head of Periodontology at Birmingham Dental School, who gave the panel a presentation illustrating the extent of periodontal disease and the consequent cost to society as well as an outline of research into the condition.</p> <p>One of the first conclusions of the meeting was that it is misleading to refer to a 'link' between periodontal disease and systemic health.</p> <p> <p>Such terminology probably dates back to research from an era when there was no Cochrane Review and before evidence-based dentistry was in place.</p> <p> <p>Some of those present were happier to refer to an 'association' or even to refer simply to 'shared disease mechanisms'.</p> <p>Nevertheless, it was pointed out that new research into people with cardiovascular disease found that their heart health improved if their perio condition was treated and the American Association of Cardiologists recommend that patients who have a periodontal condition get it treated prior to heart surgery<sup>2</sup>.</p> <p>The key question of the day was how to encourage a more preventive approach to periodontal disease.</p> <p> <p>It is an aspect of dentistry which none of the different National Health Service contracts and systems have ever managed to cater for adequately. But hope lies on the horizon, the panel agreed, with the recommendations of the Steele Review and the possibility of outcomes being measured according to Key Performance Indicators. It was even suggested that high risk perio patients could be at the top of Steele’s pyramid for advanced care. </p> <p>Panel members agreed that the health gain of patients with periodontal disease could be measurable and this ought to be raised with commissioners of dental care.</p> <p> <p>It was stressed, however, that practitioners need to be paid properly to provide preventive care and encouraged to prioritise those patients at highest risk. One panel member suggested that CPD in periodontal diagnosis and treatment could be made a compulsory subject. Interestingly, this exact conclusion was subsequently made by the European Workshop on Periodontal Education, Segovia, Spain, November 2009<sup>3</sup>.</p> <p> <p>A case was also made for the training of more hygienists to deliver the kind of intensive care that patients with periodontitis require.</p> <p>But the lifestyle and behaviour of patients themselves is critical. The panel agreed the aim should be to help all members of the population achieve a high standard of plaque control involving appropriate use of toothbrushing, interdental cleaning and mouthwashes.</p> <p>This led to a discussion about how patient behaviour can be changed.</p> <p> <p>Diabetic patients were quoted as an example of what is achievable. They are taught to take control of their condition through a combination of diet, exercise and medication. Dental patients with periodontal disease need to develop a similar kind of responsibility for their condition and an awareness that their diet and oral hygiene has a major impact on their dental health.</p> <p>Professor Chapple advised the panel about Pre Viser, a new validated online risk assessment software.</p> <p> <p>Routinely collected information is input to the software which generates scores for the patient’s future risk of periodontal disease and their current periodontal health status. Reports can then be printed for patients and their clinical records. The system has been shown to predict tooth loss with a high degree of accuracy<sup>4</sup>. Its motivational impact in stimulating patients to improve their periodontal health is due to be trialed in UK NHS practices in 2010.</p> <p>At one UK dental hospital, the panel was told, patients are shown the bugs that are killed when plaque is exposed to Listerine, which is found to be a powerful oral health message. Another panel member found that patients’ attitude to their oral health changed dramatically once they had invested in a cosmetic treatment, like bleaching. This motivated them to take better care of their mouths.</p> <p>Another valuable consensus area among the panel members was the need for the medical and dental professions to work together to ensure that those with conditions which might make them more susceptible to dental disease got co-ordinated help and interventions.</p> <p>This was particularly true for children who have survived cancer treatment but who have been immuno-suppressed as a result of chemotherapy. Transient bacteria are a threat to their health and they need to be seen by clinicians who are aware that they are more vulnerable than others of their age.</p> <p><em>Delivering Better Oral Health</em>, the Department of Health’s evidence-based toolkit for prevention, was praised for its practical approach to reducing caries. What was needed, the panel agreed, was a toolkit for the management and treatment of periodontitis with a CPD element included. But it was also clear there should be a multi-pronged approach to achieving a new preventive strategy, resulting in more patients living into old age with their teeth.</p> <p>The day was rewarding, partly because of the wealth of information to underpin the discussions and partly because of the shared commitment to a more preventive approach to periodontal disease.</p> <p> <p>The message for the future may be simple – a clean mouth is good for general health and wellbeing – but it’s no mere slogan.</p> <p> <p>It is supported by some of the most influential people working in dentistry today who believe that commissioners, dentists and dental teams can start to turn back the tide of periodontal disease in this country.  <br /> <br />The meeting concluded with agreement for the following consensus statements:<br />•    The panel affirms that a clean and healthy mouth is good for general health and wellbeing as well as oral health<br />•    The panel affirms the significant benefits of effective plaque control before clinical signs of inflammation<br />•    The panel recommends that patients should achieve a high standard of plaque control involving appropriate use of toothbrushing, interdental cleaning and mouthwashes<br />•    The panel recommends the development of an evidence based toolkit (with CPD) for management and treatment of periodontitis to update and enhance patients’ and professionals’ knowledge  <br />•    The panel strongly recommends the creation of a nationwide system within which periodontal care can be effectively delivered to those who need it most, and risk assessment underpins that assessment of need<br />•    The panel recognises the need to understand the scientific basis for the relationship between periodontitis and other non-resolving inflammatory health conditions.</p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p><strong>References</strong><br />1.    A presentation by Derrick Setchell, a former Vice Dean of the Eastman Dental Institute, to the 2009 Premier Symposium.<br />2.    Friedewald VE, Kornman KS, Beck JD, Genco R, Goldfine A, Libby P, Offenbacher S, Ridker PM, Van Dyke TE, Roberts WC (2009). The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of Periodontology Editors' Consensus: periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology; Journal of Periodontology. Am J Cardiol; 104:59-68.<br />3.    Sanz M, Chapple ILC (2010). 1st European Consensus Workshop in Periodontal Education – Overall Recommendation. Europ J Dent Edu (in press).<br />4.    Martin JA, Page RC, Kaye EK, Hamed MT, Loeb CF (2009). Periodontitis severity plus risk as a tooth loss predictor. J Periodontol; 80:202-9.</p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1268611200^2611^News feature: Managing periodontal ...^Periodontal disease is one of most challenging and problematic of clinical issues for a plethora of reasons: the diagnosis is often difficul...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/JJ.png<br /> Gossip magazines reveal Jessica Simpson's bad dental hygiene^ <p>US pop singer Jessica Simpson says she barely brushes her teeth, choosing instead to use antiseptic mouthwash for her dental hygiene efforts.</p> <p> <p>The website <a href=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/jessica-simpson-i-dont-brush-my-teeth-2010123>www.usmagazine.com</a> revealed that she admitted she embraces questionable dental hygiene efforts that could potentially haunt her later in life.</p> <p> <p>'I don't brush my teeth,' Simpson, 29, said. 'No, really!'</p> <p> <p>'I just use Listerine – and sometimes I'll use my sweater,' she claimed.</p> <p> <p>'I do brush every now and again, but my teeth are extremely powerful.'</p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1268611200^2612^Gossip magazines reveal Jessica Sim...^US pop singer Jessica Simpson says she barely brushes her teeth, choosing instead to use antiseptic mouthwash for her dental hygiene efforts...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/simpson.png<br /> Dental trade's code of practice now online^ <p>In 2008, the BDTA Council took the decision to review and strengthen the BDTA Code of Practice to update the existing code to conform to current legislation, to improve the transparency and fairness of the code, to raise standards within the membership and to maintain a robust system of self regulation.</p> <p>The changes to the Articles of Association and Code of Practice were agreed at the association’s AGM in May 2009 and the revised Code is now available to download <a href=http://www.bdta.org.uk/index.php?page=code-of-practice>here</a>.  </p> <p>A new audit procedure has been put in place requiring companies applying for membership of the Association to demonstrate compliance with all relevant legislation.</p> <p> <p>Exisitng members will also be required to participate in a desk-top audit every five years to ensure standards are maintained.</p> <p> <p>All members will commit to the key BDTA principles and environmentally sound procedures.  Non-UK applicants will be required to have a UK facility trading in its own right.</p> <p>The Code of Practice continues to highlight the importance of member company staff being adequately trained and the need for advertising and promotions to comply with relevant national and international legal requirements.</p> <p>The complaints and appeals procedure was also reviewed and updated to include clearer penalties for breach of the Code.</p> <p>Compliance with the BDTA’s Code of Practice demonstrates members’ commitment to providing every customer with the convenience, choice and confidence that they have come to expect from their BDTA supplier. </p> <p>For further information, visit <a href=http://www.bdta.org.uk>www.bdta.org.uk</a>.</p> <p>^1268611200^2614^Dental trade's code of practice now...^In 2008, the BDTA Council took the decision to review and strengthen the BDTA Code of Practice to update the existing code to conform to cur...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Memo.png<br /> An innovative dentists’ waiting-room screen and kiosk display system^ <p>Patients are getting hands-on with a new marketing tool for dental practices.</p> <p>Patient InfoPoint is a combination marketing display system that features a 40” LCD screen and a ‘user-friendly, touchscreen kiosk'.</p> <p> <p>Both can show content tailored for each dental practice.</p> <p> <p>Up until now, dental practices have had problems choosing the right content to display on any waiting room TV or screen system.</p> <p> <p>If they show detailed treatment videos, they risk offending some people’s sensibilities. And if they show just news or normal TV, they are wasting an opportunity.</p> <p> <p>This system both entertains a group waiting room audience but puts patients in control of treatment videos they watch on a one to one basis. </p> <p>It can ‘inform and engage patients through 4D technology' as they can learn about treatment options, view ‘before and after' videos and register to receive emails about treatment options of special interest.</p> <p> <p>For the dentist, the InfoPoint can also be set up to carry out patient surveys, the results of which can be analysed and collated for the practice automatically.</p> <p> <p><img src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Screen.png alt=

Real-time feeds, via the internet, keep content fresh and up to date and the practice can manage or change the content instantly and from any location.

Standard features including entertainment, sports and business news and local weather are complemented by dental health or treatment videos and thought provoking dental quizzes.

The infoTouch kiosk enables patients to browse a video library on a one-to-one basis on their own, giving them an unpressurised free choice of treatment subject matter.

The system provides monitors patient activity, allows email registration for remote access and fosters a more productive out-of-hours relationship with the patient.

Dr Petros Mapanda, principal dentist at Direct Dental Care in King’s Lynn, said: ‘The focus will be on marketing, something that dentists are becoming very serious about as all of the discretionary
treatments such as tooth whitening generate more income.

‘That was one of the main reasons for going ahead with the patient Info Point in the first place as previously the practice relied on word of mouth and we wanted to target patients with the treatment they had shown interest in.’

For further information, email info@patientinfopoint.com or ring 0845 034 5035.

You can visit the Denticom stand at this week’s Dentistry show at the NEC. Dental practices interested in the Info Point can watch a short video about the Patient Info Point system at www.patientinfopoint.com.

^1268611200^2615^An innovative dentists’ waiting-r…^Patients are getting hands-on with a new marketing tool for dental practices.Patient InfoPoint is a combination marketing display system tha…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/pip.png
CAO figures reveal an increase in dentistry applicants^^1268697600^2616^CAO figures reveal an increase in d…^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/degree-cap-certificate.jpg
Tooth whitening? Try before you fly^

A tooth-whitening service for passengers launches next month (April) at Birmingham Airport.

Brighter White Teeth Company offers a 20-minute tooth-whitening service under the ‘Smile Company’ brand at Birmingham Airport.

Smile Company will begin trading at the airport’s Terminal One departure lounge in early April with five chairs in operation.

A pre-booking facility to guarantee a timeslot during busy periods will be available and a full range of home whitening kits and other dental products will be offered within the unit.

The company brings its revolutionary 20-minute teeth-whitening service to the UK for the very first time.

Richard Gill, Head of Market Development & Commercial, said: ‘Birmingham Airport is delighted to be able to provide our passengers with a new and innovative service. We believe that this aspirational procedure, completed in just 20 minutes and offering huge savings over normal dental clinic prices, will be welcomed by our passengers. We extend a warm welcome to Brighter White Teeth Company Ltd and their team of qualified dentists to Birmingham Airport.

‘We aim to be a leader in new retail offers in the UK and we are delighted to be one of the first UK airports to have a major trading outlet of Brighter White Teeth Company. This is further great news for the airport as it embarks on an exciting £13 million re-design of the terminal to vastly improve the commercial offering to passengers. The arrival of the Smile Company store signals our intent to bring the very best to Birmingham.’

Paul Heath, chairman of Brighter White Teeth Company Ltd, said: ‘The unit at Birmingham Airport marks a significant step in our company’s development as the leading brand in UK teeth whitening. Our procedure has been developed in the United States with comfort and confidence in mind after in-depth research at the molecular level. We believe that this unique treatment will revolutionise the UK teeth whitening market and Birmingham Airport is an ideal location for our first major trading unit.’

The company still has some temporary and full-time positions available for registered dentists. If you are interested in finding out more email Dr Hempleman on info@brighterwhiteteeth.com.

^1268784000^2620^Tooth whitening? Try before you fly^A tooth-whitening service for passengers launches next month (April) at Birmingham Airport.Brighter White Teeth Company offers a 20-minute t…^
Leading US dentistry speakers top the bill at BDA conference^

Leading US clinical speakers David Newkirk and William Bo Bruce are to headline the Friday lecture programme at the 2010 British Dental Conference and Exhibition.

Both are renowned experts in the field of restorative and aesthetic dentistry and are accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

width=370 height=250 /></p> <p> <p>William Bo Bruce (above) is affiliate assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine. David Newkirk is a general dental practitioner in Naperville Illinois.<br /> <br />The duo will co-headline two sessions at the BDA’s flagship event, which takes place between 20 and 22 May at Liverpool’s Arena and Convention Centre. <br /> <br />The first session, <em>Predictable occlusion and guidance; in everyday practice</em>, will explore the essential principles of occlusion, the need to understand proper anterior guidelines how best to implement them in your practice. It will also provide delegates with an understanding how to avoid failures and how to judge which patients are safe to work on.<br /> <br />The second lecture, <em>Treatment planning for aesthetics and bonding: making it simple</em>, will consider the three steps to delivering exceptional aesthetics; the smile design checklist, the fundamentals of bonding, and the organisation of complex functional and aesthetic cases.<br /> <br />For more information or to register, visit <a href=http://www.bda.org/conference>www.bda.org/conference</a> or call 0870 166 6625.</p> <p>^1268697600^2617^Leading US dentistry speakers top t...^Leading US clinical speakers David Newkirk and William Bo Bruce are to headline the Friday lecture programme at the 2010 British Dental Conf...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/David-Newkirk.png<br /> Scientists closer to solving puzzle of tooth formation^ <p>Scientists have created a computer model reproducing variation in complex structures like teeth and organs. </p> <p>And the team believes their research takes a step towards the growing of correctly shaped teeth and other organs.</p> <p>Professor Jukka Jernvall,  and his research team at the Institute of Biotechnology of the University of Helsinki, investigated the evolutionary development of mammal teeth and, after more than 15 years of work, have compiled so much data that ‘the main aspects of a formula for making teeth are beginning to be clear’. </p> <p>According to a mathematical computer model, a rather simple basic formula seems to be behind the complex gene puzzle resulting in tooth formations; the jungle of gene networks has a 'patterning kernel' regulating the variation of teeth among individuals in the same population. </p> <p>Also the variation of human teeth from the incisors to the molar teeth may result from a single factor regulating cell division.</p> <p>The researchers tested their theoretical model, which is based on mouse tooth development, by investigating seal teeth. </p> <p>The Ladoga ringed seal collection of the Finnish Museum of Natural History at the University of Helsinki provided an ideal population sample for the research because dentitions are highly variable.</p> <p>The team leader explains: ‘Seal teeth were particularly suitable research material, since they vary significantly by individual.'</p> <p>The mathematical model proposed by the research team may give new kind of understanding on the formation of organisms’ 3D shapes.</p> <p>Professor Jernvall is known as an international pioneer in cross-disciplinary evolutionary development biology. He conducted the research, published last week, in co-operation with Isaac Salazar-Ciudad.</p> <p>^1268697600^2618^ Scientists closer to solving puzzl...^Scientists have created a computer model reproducing variation in complex structures like teeth and organs. And the team believes their rese...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/toth.png<br /> Researchers on cusp of tooth development breakthrough^^1268784000^2621^Researchers on cusp of tooth develo...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Blue-tooth-plain.jpg<br /> Green drinks stain pearly whites^^1268784000^2619^Green drinks stain pearly whites^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/green-beer.jpg<br /> Dental awards celebrate 10th anniversary^ <p>The Premier Awards – originally created to reward dental professionals who recognise the importance of patient safety within the dental practice – is celebrating its 10th anniversary.  </p> <p>Throughout their 10-year history, dental professionals from a variety of specialisms have received one of the prestigious awards.</p> <p>With a total prize fund of £6,000, the Premier Awards offer one of the largest cash prizes for dental risk management projects in the UK.</p> <p> <p>There are now six subject areas available for submitting entries.</p> <p>• Ethics and professionalism<br />• Record keeping<br />• Cross-infection control<br />• Teamworking and skillmix<br />• Consent and communication<br />• Health and safety<br /> <br />All members of the dental team are eligible to enter, whatever stage of their career they have reached:<br /> <br />• Dental care professionals (undergraduate, postgraduate or practising)<br />• Dental undergraduates <br />• Dentists (postgraduate or practising)<br /> <br />Indemnity and risk management advisors, Dental Protection, have renewed their longstanding partnership with Schülke, the infection control experts, to present the Premier Awards for 2010.</p> <p> <p>Once again the event will recognise individual achievements in developing awareness and the effective management of risk within clinical dentistry. <br /> <br />This year’s awards will be presented during The Premier Symposium to be held at Kings College, London on Saturday 4 December 2010.  </p> <p>Application forms and leaflets are now available from Dental Protection. </p> <p>The closing date for entries to this year’s Premier Awards is 3 September 2010.</p> <p> <p><span style=text-decoration: underline;></p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p>Winners of the Premier Awards 2009 were:</span></p> <p> <p>Undergraduate prize<br />1st Richard Beckwith<br />Difficulties in obtaining valid consent in clinical dentistry.</p> <p>2nd  Rachel Ingle<br />A comparison of HTM01-05 guidance with the sterilisation of reusable instruments in the Dental Practice Unit, University of Sheffield.</p> <p>Postgraduate prize<br />1st  James Roberts<br />An audit to assess the cleanliness and storage of decontaminated dental instruments.</p> <p>2nd  Richard Holliday<br />Dental record keeping and the role of oral cancer screening in the dental access centre.</p> <p>DCP prize<br />1st Michelle Mitchell<br />Ethical considerations in 21st century dental hygiene.</p> <p>2nd Amy Wilkins<br />Extending the role of the dental nurse in the orthodontic practice: the patients' perspective.</p> <p></p> <p>^1268870400^2629^Dental awards celebrate 10th annive...^The Premier Awards – originally created to reward dental professionals who recognise the importance of patient safety within the denta...^<br /> WIN 1 of 5 free places to bleaching seminar!^ <p>As a dental professional making a conscience effort to stay up to date, here’s a chance to attend The bleaching interface 2010 free of charge. </p> <p>Enter our competition, to see Linda Greenwall, chair of the British Dental Bleaching Society (BDBS), give a compelling and informative lecture on the art of bleaching, held on 23 April 2010 at the Royal College of Physicians, Regents Park. </p> <p>Linda’s two esteemed colleagues Sia Mirfendeski and Kailesh Solanki will be joining her to discuss topics including how best to market your bleaching service to increase patient revenue and how to gain better bleaching and restorative results.<br /> <br />The DDU will be there to ensure that you and your practice are in line with legislations and laws surrounding bleaching treatments.<br /> <br />To qualify for your chance attend the only bleaching event to be held by Independent Seminars in 2010, answer this very simple question:<br /> <br /><strong>• Linda Greenwall is the chair of which society?</strong></p> <p>Send replies to simon.oates@fmc.co.uk with your answers or call Simon Oates on 01923 851742 to secure 1 of 5 free places available.</p> <p>Hurry, it’s first five correct answers wins!</p> <p>With the increase in aesthetic-based treatments and the complexity surrounding them, don’t get left behind.</p> <p>For further details of the topics covered on the day, click <a href=../../education_cpd/event_detail.php?id=1531>here</a>.</p> <p> <p></p> <p><br /> <hr /> <p> <p>Terms and conditions:<br />- Employees of Finlayson Media Communications or Springer Science and their relatives are not eligible to enter this competition<br />- www.preventivefmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk reserves the right to publish the name of the winner in the dental media<br />- Entries may be used for publicity purposes (no personal details will be disclosed)</p> <p> <p></p> <p>^1268784000^2623^WIN 1 of 5 free places to bleaching...^As a dental professional making a conscience effort to stay up to date, here’s a chance to attend The bleaching interface 2010 free of...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Bleachin.png<br /> NHS dentistry pilot launches in PCT of Steele’s cohort^ <p>Cumbria – where NHS dentistry review team member Eric Rooney is the consultant in dental public health – is to be one of the first pilot site primary care trusts (PCTs) to trial review leader Jimmy Steele’s recommendation.</p> <p>The county has been chosen to spearhead the schemes which will see NHS dental teams providing more preventive dental care to improve oral health.</p> <p>One of around 30 sites selected across the country, it will also seek to improve patient access and test new ways of measuring quality from April, the Department of Health (DoH) has announced.</p> <p>NHS dental surgeries across Cumbria will be given the opportunity to build on work already taking place in West Cumbria, Kendal, Appleby, Wigton and Brampton.</p> <p>The DoH said last week that PCTs and practices had ‘responded well' to a call for pilot sites by the Steele implementation board.</p> <p>These also included City and Hackney PCT, in east London, where a new ‘blended contract' is being trialled under which dentists are directly rewarded for the number of patients seen, the level of treatment each patient receives and the quality of that care.</p> <p>Pilots will also offer treatments like fluoride varnish, support to help people quit smoking and general advice on diet and nutrition.</p> <p>NHS Cumbria’s Eric Rooney, who was one of the team of four involved in the independent review, said: ‘We are delighted to have been selected to pilot these developments as part of the implementation of the national review of NHS dentistry.</p> <p>‘The work we are doing in Cumbria to improve both the quality and quantity of NHS dentistry is extremely important.</p> <p>‘These pilots will help to ensure that alongside the extra dental places we are introducing, people will be given the support and information they need to improve their oral health.’</p> <p>More than 37,000 new dental places have been created in Cumbria over the last year and plans are being developed for an additional 22,500, expected to become available to patients from the end of this year.</p> <p>^1268784000^2625^NHS dentistry pilot launches in PCT...^Cumbria – where NHS dentistry review team member Eric Rooney is the consultant in dental public health – is to be one of the fir...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/cumbria.png<br /> New National Smile Month to launch in Ireland^^1268784000^2622^New National Smile Month to launch ...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/teeth-4-life.jpg<br /> ISDC invites submissions for the O’Mullane Prize ^^1268784000^2624^ISDC invites submissions for the O^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/ISDC-montage.jpg<br /> New advertising campaign for the BDTA^ <p>The BDTA is building upon the success of its ‘Adding Value to Dentistry’ campaign in 2010 with a new campaign focusing on the key benefits to be gained from using BDTA member companies.</p> <p>The advertisement and supporting communication materials highlight ‘Confidence, Compliance, Choice and Convenience’ as the four major advantages of using BDTA member companies.</p> <p>The BDTA will be promoting BDTA members as complying with a recently updated, strict Code of Practice which demonstrates commitment to providing superior standards of service and support, the highest quality products and the most innovative services.</p> <p> <p>This gives the peace of mind needed when delivering dentistry.</p> <p> <p>It will also be explained that members offer products and services covering everything from sundries to equipment and financial services to publications, providing a wide choice of all the items needed to efficiently run a busy dental practice or laboratory.</p> <p> <p>The fact that the BDTA website can be used to locate the contact details of suppliers as well as product and brand information saves valuable time which can be invested into the delivery of patient care – the primary concern of the dental team.</p> <p>Tony Reed, executive director, said: 'Research has shown that awareness of the BDTA and its members is very high at the present time and we are keen to preserve this with the launch of a new campaign which builds on the successful ‘Adding Value to Dentistry’ campaign. In order to raise standards and maintain a robust system of self regulation, the BDTA has recently updated its Code of Practice.  We will be promoting members compliance with this heavily in the campaign.'</p> <p>For further information visit <a href=http://www.bdta.org.uk>www.bdta.org.uk</a>.</p> <p>^1268784000^2626^New advertising campaign for the BD...^The BDTA is building upon the success of its ‘Adding Value to Dentistry’ campaign in 2010 with a new campaign focusing on the ke...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Centre-image.png<br /> Software of Excellence invites Dentistry Show visitors to lunchtime drinks reception^ <p>Practice management software company, Software of Excellence will hold a drinks reception on Stand E12, during lunch on Friday, the first day of this year’s Dentistry Show.</p> <p>Throughout the two-days (19-20 March), Software of Excellence will be demonstrating their Exact practice management software and the new Guru patient education module which uses stop, teach and draw technology to help you clearly explain to the patient how your recommended treatment will be applied in their specific case.</p> <p>Visitors to the stand throughout the day are invited to enter a free prize draw* by leaving their business card.</p> <p> <p>At 1.45pm the draw will be held and one lucky winner will receive free use of Guru in their practice for a year.</p> <p>The SoE invitation extends to all dental professionals attending the Dentistry Show and will commence at 1pm on Friday 19 March at Stand E12.  </p> <p>*Terms and Conditions apply, please email info@soe.co.uk for full details.</p> <p>For more information on Software of Excellence please call 0845 345 5767 or visit <a href=http://www.soeidental.com>www.soeidental.com</a>.</p> <p>^1268784000^2627^Software of Excellence invites Dent...^Practice management software company, Software of Excellence will hold a drinks reception on Stand E12, during lunch on Friday, the first da...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/SOFElogo-copy.png<br /> Preventive research award for dental care professionals^ <p>Colgate and The Oral & Dental Research Trust are inviting applications for the Colgate DCP Research Awards for research conducted by dental care professionals (DCP).</p> <p> <p>Four awards, each to a maximum value of £2,500, will be made on the basis of an application for support of investigations of clinical relevance, particularly in the field of preventive care. Whilst the applicant must be a DCP, it is anticipated that a research team will be formed to include a mentor or supervisor with an established research record.</p> <p> <p>Applications should consist of no more than two A4 pages summarising the background, aims and methodology of the research proposal and the role to be played by the applicant in the study.</p> <p> <p>The way in which the award will support the investigation must be specified.</p> <p> <p>Successful applicants will be required to attend the BDA Conference & Exhibition in Liverpool on 20 May 2010 where they will be presented with their awards at a xhampagne reception and luncheon held to celebrate their success.</p> <p> <p>Applications should be sent to: Dr Margaret Kellett Honorary Secretary Oral & Dental Research Trust c/o Department of Periodontology Leeds Dental Institute Clarendon Way Leeds LS2 9LU.</p> <p> <p>Applications should be received by Friday 9 April 2010.</p> <p>^1268784000^2628^Preventive research award for denta...^Colgate and The Oral & Dental Research Trust are inviting applications for the Colgate DCP Research Awards for research conducted by den...^<br /> Students offer dental care to Cambodia's children in need^ <p>A group of dental students have just returned from their mission to Cambodia where they helped 1,500 children to better oral health.</p> <p> <p>Dr Monika Suorn, of the Tooth Angel Project, put together the team for the mission to Cambodia where dental treatment is a luxury and the average five year old has 8-10 decayed teeth.</p> <p> <p>The project – supported by Grahame Gardner Ltd – saw the team travel to many of the country’s provinces, treating 1,500 children across five orphanages, using rudimentary facilities and a mobile dental laboratory.</p> <p> <p><img style=float: right; src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/cam2.png alt=

The students were from the University of Manchester and have since returned to their studies after the three-week trip.

Jennifer Archer, a final-year student in dentistry at the University of Manchester approached Grahame Gardner to ask for support.

She said: ‘Our Cambodian adventure was an eye opener for all involved, from the second day after arrival we got stuck into extractions, fillings, scaling and oral hygiene advice. It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a big challenge! Many of the children had never received dental care and there were a few tears on occasions but, generally, the children were amazing, despite the basic conditions.

‘We experienced all levels of decay during our three-week mission. The average five year old child in Cambodia has 8-10 decayed teeth and some had been experiencing extreme infections and pain. Despite our training to help younger children, sometimes all it took was a blown up glove or a game of football to put a smile on their faces.’

‘We were also able to impart oral hygiene advice and give out donated toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to all the children during the evening. Not only was the elective project an amazing dental experience but also a fantastic insight into Cambodian culture. We were the first UK students to join the Cambodian Enfants d’Asie (ASPECA) dental mission and we hope that we have now established a successful link that will continue to provide dental care to the children of Cambodia for years to come.’

Jenni’s fellow students included Matthew Bullock, Danny Adam, Alex Payne and Shahrzad Dasti.

Grahame Gardner Ltd provided cool scrub suits from their range for the team. In addition they also provided a number of patterned scrub suits for the team to take over with them to give to the permanent team operating in Cambodia.

The team from Manchester University carried out the work with a group of volunteers for Enfants d’asie, which supports more than 8,000 children in 50 centres located in South East Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines.

If you would like any further information on Grahame Gardner, visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk.

^1268956800^2637^Students offer dental care to Cambo…^A group of dental students have just returned from their mission to Cambodia where they helped 1,500 children to better oral health.Dr Monik…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/cam.png
School’s out for tooth-rotting sugary snacks^

A new study reveals children are eating healthier lunches at school.

The nationwide study – carried out by the School Food Trust is the first of its kind since the Government’s new standards came into effect in 2006.

It’s found that kids are dithcing sugary snacks and that tthe lunches taken by pupils in 2009 were healthier than those of children four years earlier.

 

From a dental health care point of view, the government standards set involved schools having to provide healthier alternatives to sugary soft drinks and crisps, chocolate and sweets.

Athough fruit juice and dried fruit contain important nutrients (e.g. antioxidants, vitamins) and so they are useful foods for schools to offer, the guidelines suggest it is also important to be aware that dried fruit and fruit juices contain sugars, and consuming sugary food and drinks too often contributes to dental decay.

They sugest that individual schools may decide to offer these items at mealtimes only, and offer other alternatives such as water and fresh fruit as snacks during the rest of the school day.

The Trust’s survey examined what was taken and eaten by 6,696 children from a nationally representative sample of 136 primary schools between February and April last year.

The results were compared with similar data collected in 2005.

Now 74% of pupils are now taking servings of vegetables and salad with their lunch, compared with 59% in 2005. On average, children in 2009 took more than two of their ‘5-a-day’ as part of their school lunch, eating an average of 1.6 portions of fruit and vegetables. The research also found that:

• The proportion of children taking water to drink at lunchtime has gone up by more than 20% – from 29.5% in 2005 to 51.3% in 2009
• The overall amount of food that children are leaving on their plates hasn’t increased
• With few exceptions, the average meals taken by children met the new standards for school lunch
• Healthier foods promoted by the new standards, such as vegetables and salad, fruit, milk and yoghurt, fruit juice and fruit-based desserts together represented at 12% greater share of the types of food and drink on offer
• Levels of salt, fat and sugar in the average meal were down, and the report highlights the ‘remarkable achievement’ of caterers across England in meeting the school lunch standards

Click here to access the report.

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Denplan appoints new deputy chief dental officer^

Denplan has announcde that Henry Clover (BDS) has been promoted to deputy chief dental officer.

Henry will also join the Denplan executive leadership team (Denplan’s Board), representing professional services.

A former general dental practitioner, Henry converted his own practice to private practice in 1993.

With his experience as a Denplan member dentist, he joined Denplan’s professional services department on a part-time basis in 1998 and full-time in 1999, with responsibility for professional support and member services.

Commenting on Henry’s promotion, Denplan’s CDO, Roger Matthews said: ‘Denplan was set up by dentist, for dentists and Henry’s promotion means the profession now has even stronger representation at the fore of the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist. This is good news for dentists, good news for the profession and great news for Denplan!’

Henry added: ‘I am delighted to take on this new role and look forward to the challenges that leading the professional services team will most certainly bring. Here, at Denplan we always strive to listen to our members and offer services, solutions and training designed to meet their individual needs, particularly at a time of increasing regulation and change within the profession. I will do everything I can to help my team achieve this goal.’

^1268870400^2631^Denplan appoints new deputy chief d…^Denplan has announcde that Henry Clover (BDS) has been promoted to deputy chief dental officer.Henry will also join the Denplan executive le…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Henry11.png
British Society of Periodontology celebrates 60 years^

This year marks 60 years of the British Society of Periodontology, founded in 1949 to promote the art and science of periodontology.

The Society is marking the occasion with events throughout the UK alongside its regular autumn and spring scientific meetings, but the jewel in the crown of the programme is the upcoming spring meeting of the Society to be held on 26-27 April 2010 in Brighton.

The topic the meeting will consider is 20 years of periodontal regeneration, where are we now?

It is just over 20 years since periodontal regeneration techniques became a reality for patients and, over this time, there have been a number of techniques and products for this therapy yet at times results of these procedures can be disappointing.

Recent scientific advances have also identified the possibility of new generations of regenerative therapies with wider application and more predictable outcomes, including the possible use of growth factors, tissue engineering scaffolds, and further down the line of stem cell and even gene therapies.

Renowned experts will gather to discuss the science and practice of this ever relevant and evolving topic, including Pierpaolo Cortellini, Leonardo Trombelli, Chris McCulloch, William Giannobile, Richard Palmer and Dieter Bosshardt.

An innovation for BSP will be a parallel session for the whole dental team, and in particular hygienists, focusing on Practical Periodontal Maintenance delivered by Phil Ower, Jean Suvan and Peter Heasman.

The meeting will be held in the Brighton Dome, a venue very suitable for the Society’s diamond jubilee celebrations sponsored by Colgate and P&G.

The iubilee year kicked off when Professor Francis Hughes was inaugurated at the Society’s recent Autumn Scientific Meeting held at the prestigious surroundings of the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

He delivered his presidential address entitled Wow. More than 200 delegates took part in the meeting and had a stimulating day on the topic, Plaque on Trial – Does Plaque Really Cause Periodontal Disease?
The BSP is delighted that demand continues for our Roadshows (Southampton, Dundee, Norwich in 2009) aiming to give dentists confidence in periodontal issues relating to Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment.

These meetings are intended to appeal to a wide range of clinicians and CPD is awarded for the scientific sessions.

Full information and booking details can be found on the Society’s website www.bsperio.org.uk.

^1268870400^2632^British Society of Periodontology c…^This year marks 60 years of the British Society of Periodontology, founded in 1949 to promote the art and science of periodontology.The Soci…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/bsperiologo.png
Indemnity costs cut for non-surgical cosmetic treatment ^

Dental Protection has announced that, with effect from April 2010, the use of injectable, non-permanent cosmetic procedures can be indemnified within normal subscription categories at no additional cost, subject to certain conditions.

The procedures are botulinium toxin and non-permanent dermal fillers in any part of the face (but excluding the neck).

Previously, it was necessary either to transfer to a dental cosmetic membership category at significantly higher subscriptions, or to buy a separate indemnity for these cosmetic procedures from a third party (usually a commercial insurance provider) at an additional cost.

The decision coincides with the Shared Regulation scheme agreed between the GMC, GDC and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS).

IHAS has recently announced the imminent launch of a third party (voluntary) Registration and Inspection Scheme for providers of these procedures, incorporating the IHAS Quality Mark which is designed to demonstrate to patients and third parties that the provider has received appropriate training in the use of these procedures, and is committed to the Standards for Cosmetic Injectables under the auspices of IHAS.

The new scheme includes the inspection of the facilities in which these procedures are to be provided.

Caspe Healthcare Knowledge Systems (CHKS) is to be the third party registration, quality assurance and inspection agency.

The conditions under which these procedures can be indemnified by Dental Protection within normal subscription categories and rates are:

• The member must be registered with CHKS under the forthcoming IHAS scheme and possess the IHAS Quality Mark once the scheme has launched.
• These procedures carried out in the immediate peri-oral area, nasolabial folds and elsewhere in the face are all included, but the neck is specifically excluded
• Only non-permanent injectable cosmetic procedures carried out by dentists are included. Hygienists, therapists and other DCPs are not yet included in the IHAS-CHKS Registration and Inspection scheme, although this is being kept under review by IHAS
• These procedures, plus any other dento-alveolar surgical procedures (such as third molar removal, implant placement) must not collectively occupy more than 500 hours a year (10 hours per week on average). Where they do exceed this threshold, a further subscription category is available at an additional cost which is still less than the rate for the lowest Dental Cosmetic category.

The existing dental cosmetic categories remain available for:
• Those who wish to carry out these procedures but who are not yet registered under the voluntary IHAS scheme and who have not achieved the IHAS quality mark
• Those who wish to use non-resorbable/permanent fillers and similar techniques
• Those who wish to extend their indemnity to include other dento-facial cosmetic techniques such as dermabrasion, chemical facial peels, high energy wrinkle reduction therapy and any form of cosmetic laser technique.

In explaining these new arrangements, Kevin Lewis, dental director said: ‘We took a cautious view when we first introduced categories for cosmetic and adjunctive procedures six years ago, and their cost was significantly higher than for our normal subscription categories. At that time we promised a detailed review of our claims experience and these changes are the result of that process.

‘Members who have been properly trained in these procedures and who adhere to the new Standards for Cosmetic Injectables will, we believe, no more of a risk when carrying out these procedures than when they are providing many other types of dental care and treatment.

‘These changes are consistent with Dental Protection’s strong commitment to fairness in our approach to subscription setting.’

Further information and a revised position statement is available. Click here.

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Does size matter when it comes to patient care?^

At Sparkle Dental Boutique, our team comprises five members, with their unique personalities, skills and experience. As a small team, you may think that it easier to manage but, in reality, we all have to ‘punch way above our weight’ and multi-task to cover all roles effectively. So does size of team matter in delivery great patient care? Well no, as winning Best Team London and Best Team UK in 2008 proves.

We are a team who are positive, patient focused and team orientated and we go the extra mile for our patients, each other and our practice. But becoming such a team just doesn’t happen overnight. Each aspect of our service delivery has been thought through and rehearsed many times – from telephone responses to new patient procedures to fee collection.

 

width=242 height=162 />I remember reading an article once saying that you should treat your patients as if they have a `Post it note’ stuck on their forehead which says 'make me feel special’. And that’s exactly what we did. In one of our practice meetings, I asked each team member to imagine a place where they had been made to feel special, whether the experience was in a beauty spa, from an airline or hotel, in fact any industry. What transpired was very interesting!</p> <p><br /> <p style=text-align: right;>What we all had in common was the fact that we all make judgements about our experiences  of a business based on the business’s efficiency, reliability, professionalism, friendliness and expertise of their staff. My own great experience comes from a visit to Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir a, beautiful restaurant/hotel in Thame, Oxford. From the minute you arrive, you certainly get the feeling that this experience is going to be special.</p> <p> <p>From the eye-catching vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchens with fresh produce, to the restaurant, everything seems to be just perfect! What most impressed me was how they took our order and didn’t write anything down while we were outside in the garden enjoying drinks – and then somehow our food arrived in the restaurant and they knew who had ordered what. It was a fabulous dance between the staff and our transition from garden to lounge area to restaurant to lounge was seamless. The staff were caring and knowledgeable and the best thing about it, was at a second visit to Le Manoir, the service was just as impressive.</p> <p> <p>So, what can we learn from the great customer service that we have experienced in our day-to-day lives and how can we incorporate it into our dental world? Clearly, customer/patient care is hugely important to every dental practice and perhaps more important in some roles than others. An obvious mistake to make however, is to assume that it is the receptionist responsibility (who is in a customer-facing role) to make your patients visit great.</p> <p> <p>Within a dental practice, whether you are a clinician, hygienist, receptionist, treatment co-ordinator, manager or anything else, providing fantastic, memorable patient care is a shared responsibility, one that if done correctly goes a long way in building your practice.</p> <p> <p>One way to start making your practice more patient focused, is to make it a core element of each team members' job description. This needs to be followed up with regular training so that patient care remains at the top of your practice agenda.</p> <p> <p>In my next blog discover ways in which you can make your patients feels special…</p> <p>^1269302400^2644^Does size matter when it comes to p...^At Sparkle Dental Boutique, our team comprises five members, with their unique personalities, skills and experience. As a small team, you ma...^<br /> Added sugars risk America’s heart health^ <p>Sweeteners in processed foods account for nearly 16% of daily intake, a study has found.</p> <p>The study, published today in the <em>Journal of the American Medical Association</em>, claims the added sugars in prepared and processed foods are threatening America’s cardiovascular health.</p> <p>Dr Miriam B Vos, an assistant professor of paediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and a member of a group reporting the finding in the 21 April issue of the journal, says: ‘We looked at a group of people representative of the US population and found a very strong correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and the amount of sugar that people are consuming.’ </p> <p>The study, based on interviews and measurements of 6,113 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study from 1999-2006, found a significant increase in sugar consumption – from 10.6% of daily calories in 1977-78 to 15.8% now.</p> <p> <p>The average American adult now consumes 3.2 ounces of added sugars a day – equivalent to 21.4 teaspoons, or 359 calories, the study found.</p> <p>^1271808000^2713^Added sugars risk America’s heart...^Sweeteners in processed foods account for nearly 16% of daily intake, a study has found.The study, published today in the Journal of the Ame...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/sugar.png<br /> A brush with oral hygiene education^ <p>The International Symposium on Dental Hygiene is the ideal opportunity for dental care professionals to discover more about the latest advance in oral health instruction from PracticeWorks: OralInsights.</p> <p>Subtitled ‘New Concepts for the New Millennium’, the ISDH is being staged in Glasgow 1-3 July and is a fitting occasion to see how OralInsights is supporting dental care professionals in their challenge of improving patients’ oral hygiene.</p> <p>Simple to use and clinically proven effective, OralInsights generates a virtual model of the patients’ dentition and accurately records their tooth brushing technique.</p> <p> <p>Total time spent brushing and contact with each individual tooth surface is mapped in a personalised report.</p> <p>OralInsights can help the patient see where there are areas in need of better care and assists in developing an improved brushing technique, with its 3D real-time visualisation of their dentition.</p> <p>OralInsights is already helping dental care professionals across the country provide effective preventative dentistry in a way that helps the practice stand out from the competition.</p> <p>For more information please call PracticeWorks on 0800 169 9692 or visit <a href=http://www.practiceworks.co.uk>www.practiceworks.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>^1271808000^2714^A brush with oral hygiene education^The International Symposium on Dental Hygiene is the ideal opportunity for dental care professionals to discover more about the latest advan...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/67secs.png<br /> Does green tea strengthen teeth?^ <p>A new study reveals that green tea contains antimicrobial molecules called catechins that may promote dental health.</p> <p>Researchers found that people aged 40-64 who drank one cup of green tea a day were less likely to lose teeth, reports <a href=http://news.discovery.com/human/green-tea-teeth-dental.html>www.news.discovery.com</a>.<br />    <br />The research, published in <em>Preventive Medicine</em>, sugests that drinking at least one cup of green tea a day increases the odds of keeping your teeth as you age.</p> <p>The researchers suspect that antimicrobial molecules called catechins present in green tea and, in lesser amounts in oolong tea, provide the benefit. But that sweetener may negate the effect, the team found.</p> <p>Alfredo Morabia, of Columbia University in New York and editor of <em>Preventive Medicine</em>, says: ‘Green tea may have bacteriocidal effects, which would affect teeth, but only if you drink it without sugar.’</p> <p>Yasushi Koyama, of the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, and his team looked at more than 25,000 Japanese men and women between age 40 and 64 in making the determination.</p> <p>They found that men who drank at least one cup of tea a day were 19% less likely to have fewer than 20 teeth than those who did not drink green tea. Tea-drinking women had 13% lower odds.</p> <p>Catechins have been shown to kill mouth bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease, so the researchers suspect this is what gives green tea its dental benefits.</p> <p>Samuel Low, of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and President of the American Academy of Periodontology, says: ‘Previous research has indicated that regular consumption of green tea may lead to a lower instance of periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.’ </p> <p>Referring to the systemic association between healthy teeth and gums and a healthy body, he adds: ‘That is why it is so important to find simple ways to boost periodontal health, such as regularly drinking green tea – something already known to possess certain health-related benefits.’</p> <p>^1271721600^2710^Does green tea strengthen teeth?^A new study reveals that green tea contains antimicrobial molecules called catechins that may promote dental health.Researchers found that p...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/green-tea.png<br /> How best to use dental therapists?^ <p>How best to use dental therapists in practice is the topic for a presentation at this year’s BDA conference.</p> <p>Steve Brookes will present Can we prevent disease within the current UDA system?, briefly reflecting on the past to gain an understanding of where dentistry is today, where the Department of Health wants dental teams to be, and exploring the opportunities that now exist for the benefits of patients, the dental team, and commissioners of services.</p> <p>Steve says: ‘Working within the dental environment for 25 years, I have been fortunate to have experienced the provision of dental care from the aspects, of a vocational trainee, vocational trainer, associate, clinical assistant, single-handed practitioner to clinical director with Rodericks Ltd and winner of VT Trainer of the year in 2008.</p> <p>‘Working outside the clinical environment with the GDC as part of the DCS, PCT as DPA, LDC member and Oxford Deanery as vocational training adviser since 1999, has provided me with a balanced perspective of the challenges, difficulties and opportunities faced by all members of this profession.’</p> <p>Since 1997, he has been involved in the delivery of dental care in general dental practice with the benefit of a dental therapist, undertaking school examinations with focused preventive advice and care across three practices. </p> <p>Steve adds: ‘Learning during this period has now been expanded across our estate of 35 practices.’ </p> <p>‘Always keeping in mind GDC guidance “acting in the patients best interests”, I will look at innovative ways of delivering preventive care and advice utilising the benefits of the dental therapist to meet the needs of your local population.’ </p> <p>He plans to explore ways of working with, paying, and maximising the dental therapist in the team, and how they are going to be key players in meeting the forthcoming PCT’s Key Performance Indicators and quality accounts.     </p> <p>The presentation takes place at the the BDA’s flagship event, which takes place between 20 and 22 May at Liverpool's Arena and Convention Centre.</p> <p>^1268956800^2636^How best to use dental therapists?^How best to use dental therapists in practice is the topic for a presentation at this year’s BDA conference.Steve Brookes will present...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/brookes.png<br /> Dental phobic girl died due to ‘lack of clarity’ between medics^ <p>An eight-year-old girl with a phobia of dentists died of starvation after she was failed by medical and professional experts, a report claims.</p> <p>Eight-year-old Sophie Waller, from Cornwall, developed pervasive refusal syndrome – a severe oral phobia – after a series of traumatic dental visits. </p> <p>And now a serious case review suggests she died because of a lack of communication between all health agencies involved in her care.</p> <p>Sophie had been terrified of dentists since the age of four when one accidentally cut her tongue during treatment.</p> <p>In July 2002, she was referred for hospital treatment for gross dental decay. </p> <p>The dental record describes a history of her not letting dentists treat her. As a consequence she had four teeth removed in hospital. </p> <p>In October 2004, she was examined and advised by a GP as she was not eating or talking after losing a milk tooth. </p> <p>By March 2005, her milk teeth were loose and she refused to eat, sleep or drink. Over the next few months she was seen by GPs and taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, where in November that year she had her milk teeth removed.</p> <p>The procedure traumatised the child and she refused to open her mouth – she had to be fed by a tube.</p> <p> <p>Sophie was discharged home but died four weeks later weighing three stone due to suffering kidney failure caused by starvation and dehydration.</p> <p>A report released by the Local Safeguarding Children Board found there was a ‘lack of clarity’ from the agencies following Sophie’s discharge from hospital. </p> <p>The report says: ‘No other treatment appears to have followed.’</p> <p>It said: ‘A number of agencies were involved with the family but did not appear to effectively communicate… No clear written plan was made on discharge and there was lack of clarity about responsibility for medical review following discharge.</p> <p>‘The clinical psychologist made telephone contact with the child's parents in the week after discharge but did not see her again.</p> <p>‘There was a lack of clarity over the “open-door” arrangement which was intended to allow the child's parents to bring her back in the week following discharge and when they phoned for advice on the seventh day, they were referred back to the psychologist for support.’</p> <p>At Sophie's inquest in February 2009 the court heard how doctors had failed to diagnose her phobia of dentists which eventually led to her starving to death.</p> <p>Since the case, students at the Peninsula Dental School in Cornwall are being taught some simple techniques to allay the fears of their young patients.</p> <p>The school’s dean, Professor Liz Kay, has written advice for students about how to ease children's fears.</p> <p>‘You have to remember what it's like to be five and speak in a language the children understand,' she said.</p> <p>‘Words like “dental chair” could be replaced by more child-friendly words like “rocket man's chair. Instead of saying “open your mouth” you say “let's count your teeth”.'</p> <p>^1268956800^2638^Dental phobic girl died due to ‘l...^An eight-year-old girl with a phobia of dentists died of starvation after she was failed by medical and professional experts, a report claim...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/sophie.png<br /> City council calls for fluoride referendum^ <p>Southampton City councillors have voted to call on the South Central Strategic Health Authority to hold a referendum on its move to add fluoride in water.</p> <p> <p>Health bosses agreed the plans for the city's water in February last year despite 72% of 10,000 respondents in a public consultation opposing the move.</p> <p> <p>The move is the subject of a judicial review after a resident launched a private legal challenge last June.</p> <p> <p>But the health authority maintains mass fluoridation is a ‘safe way’ of tackling tooth decay.</p> <p> <p>In January, the anti-fluoride lobby called for fluoride to be licensed as a medicine in another bid to ban it from their tap water.</p> <p> <p>Campaigners lodged the complaint while they await the outcome of a judicial review on adding fluoride to tap water in Southampton, prompted by a resident who was against the plans by the city's health bosses.</p> <p> <p>The fluoridation move itself followed a public consultation in 2008 in which more than 10,000 people had their say.</p> <p> <p>Resident Geraldine Milner is behind the legal challenge against the decision by the SCSHA and the judicial review will be based on government policy, which states most residents need to be in favour of the move.</p> <p>^1268956800^2639^City council calls for fluoride ref...^Southampton City councillors have voted to call on the South Central Strategic Health Authority to hold a referendum on its move to add fluo...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/water-drip.png<br /> Fly glue ideal for dental wounds, research reveals ^ <p>Silk spinned by caddisfly larvae underwater could one day suture surgical wounds, new research from the University of Utah suggests.</p> <p> <p>It found that the sticky fibres used by the insects to built protective shells that keep intact in aquatic environments and do not fall apart.</p> <p> <p>These chemical and structural properties could make the material valuable as an adhesive tape in medical and dental surgery.</p> <p>Caddisflies, commonly known as 'rock rollers', usually live in waterbodies such as rivers, lakes and marshes.</p> <p> <p>They are related to Lepidoptera, an insect order that includes moths and butterflies that spin dry silk.</p> <p> <p>Caddisfly larvae also spin silk but they do so underwater in order to build an inch-long, tube-shaped case around themselves.</p> <p>In the study, the reseachers examined the silk made by a caddisfly species living in the lower Provo River near Salt Lake City under laboratory conditions.</p> <p> <p>They found that the fibre was made of large proteins that contain an amino acid named serine that gets 'phosphorylated' as the protein is synthesised.</p> <p> <p>These phosphates are negatively charged and line up in parallel with other positive charged amino acids attracting each other making the protein water insolutable.</p> <p> <p>Comparison with amino acids from three other species found great similarities, suggesting other caddisflies also use phosphorylation to spin silk underwater.</p> <p>Besides the insects, these kind of adhesives could also be identified in sandcastle worms, mussels and sea cucumbers.</p> <p>^1268956800^2640^Fly glue ideal for dental wounds, r...^Silk spinned by caddisfly larvae underwater could one day suture surgical wounds, new research from the University of Utah suggests.It found...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/caddisfly.png<br /> National Orthodontic Week launches today^ <p>The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) launched the first ever National Orthodontic Week today (Monday).</p> <p>Numerous orthodontists, BOS board members, the press and conservative MP, Lee Scott attended the event, which had an exclusive private viewing of the Irving Penn portraits.</p> <p> <p>The campaign has been created to focus attention on the ways the look and the function of the teeth can be improved.</p> <p> <p>BOS Chairman, Nigel Harradine, speaking at the opening, said: ‘There is not enough knowledge about orthodontics and healthcare has an increasing need to be properly understood.</p> <p> <p>'There have been great advances in orthodontic technology and training in the UK is world class. We have top-quality research and clinicians here, however, there is a shortage of orthodontists. This is less than Greece, Poland, Ireland and Italy. There are waiting lists of up to three years for those with a quantified significant need for treatment.'</p> <p> <p>In a study conducted by YouGov, on behalf of the BOS, it was found that 45% of adults are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and 20% would consider orthodontic treatment. Of the adults who felt orthodontic treatment would be of benefit, 56% would contemplate treatment for an improvement in appearance, 25% for an improvement in self-esteem and 18% for an improvement in oral health and function.</p> <p> <p>Commenting on the survey, Dr Harradine said: ‘Such findings corroborate anecdotal evidence from orthodontists who are experiencing a significant increase in enquiries from adults who may not have had an opportunity to correct their bite and their smile earlier in life.  This reflects both a change in attitude towards orthodontic treatment and recent advances in treatment techniques’.</p> <p> <p>To find out more about NOW and to get your practice involved, visit <a href=http://www.nowsmile.org>www.nowsmile.org</a>.</p> <p>^1269216000^2641^National Orthodontic Week launches ...^The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) launched the first ever National Orthodontic Week today (Monday).Numerous orthodontists, BOS board mem...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Now.png<br /> World's largest oral hygiene symposium comes to UK^ <p>The world's largest oral hygiene symposium comes to Glasgow on 1 to 3 July.</p> <p> <p>A three-yearly event, the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH), held under the auspices of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists, visits the UK for only the second time and is being organised by the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT).</p> <p> <p>There will be a host of eminent speakers from across the globe (making up more than 24 hours of CPD) as well as numerous abstracts and posters for significant research papers.</p> <p> <p>Additionally, a 60-stand exhibition will run throughout the symposium and there will be social and cultural events.</p> <p> <p>Taking place in the magnificent Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre located close to air, rail and road links, ISDH 2010 will attract an expected 1,500 delegates – making it the biggest oral hygiene networking opportunity on the planet.</p> <p> <p>The symposium package includes admission to the scientific programme, abstract room, trade fair, opening 
and closing ceremonies, morning and afternoon refreshments as scheduled, a light buffet lunch 
on Friday and Saturday and a delegate bag.</p> <p> <p>The cost is just £220 for the early bird rate (if booked by 8 April), £300 (booked between 9 April and 16 June) and £400 thereafter.</p> <p> <p>Visit <a href=http://www.bsdht.org.uk>www.bsdht.org.uk</a>.</p> <p>^1269388800^2647^World's largest oral hygiene sympos...^The world's largest oral hygiene symposium comes to Glasgow on 1 to 3 July.A three-yearly event, the International Symposium on Dental Hygie...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Marina-2008.png<br /> Addicted teen gamers more likely to have poor oral health^ <p>New research from the dental profession suggests snacking while video gaming could be responsible for poor levels of oral health among teenagers.</p> <p> <p>The study suggests that gamer addicts –who spend a long time on screen time – are more than twice as likely to develop tooth decay and caries as those with more active lifestyles.</p> <p> <p>According to research, these teenagers are far more likely to consume foods and snacks which have especially high levels of sugar.</p> <p> <p>Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter was pleased to see this study add to the growing research into the habits of decay and caries sufferers and he highlights the importance of a stable diet for good oral health.</p> <p> <p>Dr Carter said: 'This study helps our understanding of the dietary habits and subsequent decay risk of gamers when the effects have previously been unknown.</p> <p> <p>'Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce the harmful acids. So it is important to keep sugary foods only to mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.</p> <p> <p>'Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful to your teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. This can make the teeth sensitive and unsightly.'</p> <p> <p>The study, which examined teenagers between 12 and 16, suggested that dietary habits leading to decay are associated with screen activities and that computer games, if associated with increased snacking are associated with decay experience.</p> <p> <p>It was found that those children who had parental rules regarding screen time and diet were less likely to eat or drink while watching television/video games than subjects without parental rules.</p> <p> <p>In addition, those participants without structured eating patterns were over 30% more likely to have caries than subjects with structured patterns.</p> <p> <p>Dr Carter added: 'It is better for your teeth and general health if you eat three meals a day instead of having seven to ten snack attacks. If you do need to snack between meals, choose foods that do not contain sugar.</p> <p> <p>'The main point to remember is that it is not the amount of sugar you eat or drink, but how often you do it. Sweet foods are allowed, but it is important to keep them to mealtimes.'</p> <p> <p>The research, entitled <em>Video gaming teenagers: An Examination of Diet and Caries</em> was carried out by Jordon Poss at the University of Iowa and was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research in Washington.</p> <p> <p>Video gaming has become increasingly popular among adolescents over the last decade.</p> <p> <p>Numerous studies over the past few years have shown that while 50% of teenagers have a video console in their bedroom, 97% of all teens play video games regularly.</p> <p> <p>An abstract to <em>Video gaming teenagers: An Examination of Diet and Caries</em> can be found <a href=http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2010dc/webprogram/Paper128821.html>here</a></p> <p>^1269302400^2645^Addicted teen gamers more likely to...^New research from the dental profession suggests snacking while video gaming could be responsible for poor levels of oral health among teena...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/videogame.png<br /> Dentists issue stark health warning over cuts^^1269302400^2646^Dentists issue stark health warning...^^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Extraction.jpg<br /> Award-winner tells young dentists 'find your niche'^ <p>Award-winning dentist Sunita Verma reassured young dentists starting out that it's 'not all gloom and doom' and suggested many practices are defying the economic downturn and expanding within the current market.</p> <p> <p>She was addressing an audience at the Young Dentist Conference 2010 at the Royal College of Physicians 2010 on Saturday 13 February, sponsored by Dental Protection, the BDA and BDJ.</p> <p> <p>SUnita <span class=bk_bigfont>is a a London dentist who scooped the title, Professional of the Year 2009, at the Asian Women of Achievement awards.</p> <p>Her practice – Sparkle Dental Boutique in Hanwell, west London – also won Best UK Team at the Dentistry Awards in 2008.</span></p> <p> <p>The Young Dentist Conference was aimed at the needs of dentists in the early years of their career and Sunita was asked to speak in the `Finding Your Niche’ session and share her experience of how a young clinician can open a private practice and find their niche within the current economic climate.</p> <p> <p>Sunita said: 'Many practices are struggling in the current climate and many young dentists are worried about the opportunities available to them for opening a practice. It is not all doom and gloom though as many practices are defying the downturn and expanding within the current market. Within my niche boutique practice, we have been fortunate enough to be in the latter category and have seen an increase in turnover of 7% in the last year.'</p> <p> <p>She added: 'It is the first time that I have been asked to speak at a conference and the thought of public speaking was a bit daunting, but the idea of delivering thought provoking ideas, facts and practical tips to young dentists was greatly appealing. When I bought my practice, there was little help and advice for me at that time and since then dentistry in the UK has gone through a huge change, presenting a whole new set of challenges for young dentists today.'</p> <p> <p>Speaing afterwards, Sunita said: 'Speaking to a full house of 300 young dentists certainly caused a few butterflies in the stomach but what a great experience. My own vocational trainer, Dr Kooner with whom I started my career was also at the event and it was great to have gone full circle.'  </p> <p>'My advice to young dentists is not to be disheartened. The economic climate is cyclical, and what has gone down will at some point come back up.</p> <p> <p>'It’s very much like the hare and tortoise story… slow and steady wins the race. We are in dentistry for the long haul, so shield yourselves from the economic climate for now and emerge when circumstances are more favourable.'</p> <p>^1269388800^2648^Award-winner tells young dentists '...^Award-winning dentist Sunita Verma reassured young dentists starting out that it's 'not all gloom and doom' and suggested many practices are...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/sunit.png<br /> Dentists can learn about tax changes from new super podcast^ <p>HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched its first ever super podcast to alert businesses to major changes in the way they file and pay VAT, PAYE and corporation tax.</p> <p>The free, audio podcast highlights important VAT changes coming in on 1 April 2010, which mean VAT-registered traders with annual turnovers of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically, while all businesses registering for VAT from April will have to file their returns online and pay electronically.</p> <p>The super podcast, featuring HMRC experts Stephen Banyard and Don Macarthur, also covers three other key areas:</p> <p> <p>• The need for all employers to file their Employer Annual Returns online from this spring</p> <p> <p>• New penalties for late payment of PAYE being introduced in May</p> <p> <p>• Key changes to corporation tax filing and payment coming in next year.</p> <p>Stephen Banyard, director of HMRC’s business customer unit, said: 'Our super podcast is a great way for businesses to remind themselves about some of the major changes on the horizon affecting VAT, PAYE and corporation tax.</p> <p> <p>'So whether you’re a VAT-registered trader, employer or limited company, we’d urge you to take 15 minutes to download and listen to it, to help ensure you’re prepared for the changes.'</p> <p>The HMRC super podcast can be downloaded from HMRC’s podcast pages at <a href=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts>www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts</a>.</p> <p>^1269388800^2649^Dentists can learn about tax change...^HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched its first ever super podcast to alert businesses to major changes in the way they file and pay ...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/hmrc.png<br /> ‘Real reactions’ robot patient created for dental training^ <p>A robot which can simulate the reactions of humans was unveiled in Japan this week.</p> <p>The humanoid – Hanako –was developed to train dental students.</p> <p>It’s the joint creation of Showa University, a research team led by humanoid pioneer, Atsuo Takanishi, a professor at Waseda University, and robot-making company Tmusk.</p> <p>The robotic dental patient is supposed to be female, can converse with dental professionals, discharges robotic saliva, sneezes and opens and closes her mouth.</p> <p>Standing 157cm tall, Hanako’s body is the work of Tmsuk, while the medical features were developed by the dental faculties of the universities involved in the project.</p> <p>There are nine joints in her body – in her jaw, tongue and even in her eyelids.</p> <p>Her resin teeth are designed to be taken out and examined later to assess the dental student’s skill.</p> <p>She even slackens her jaw muscles to simulate the gradual fatigue of a real patient.</p> <p>Hanako is the world's first that has been used to evaluate the skills of dental students on a large scale, according to Showa University. </p> <p>This month 88 of its students trained and took clinical exams using her.</p> <p>Koutaro Maki, vice director of the Showa University Dental Hospital, told a press conference that the use of the humanoid meant a vast improvement from the traditional method to teach and train young dentists.</p> <p> <p>You can click <a href=http://www.slashgear.com/dental-students-practice-on-robot-her-name-is-hanako-2579162/>here</a> to see the robot in action.</p> <p>^1269561600^2653^‘Real reactions’ robot patient ...^A robot which can simulate the reactions of humans was unveiled in Japan this week.The humanoid – Hanako –was developed to train...^<br /> BDA celebrates 130th birthday^ <p>The British Dental Association (BDA) has marked its 130th birthday with a reception celebrating landmark achievements in the history of the organisation and the profession it represents.</p> <p> <p>Guests from across the dental family gathered at the BDA’s Wimpole Street headquarters building in London to mark the anniversary with an event addressed by BDA president Professor John Drummond, BDA chief executive Peter Ward and BDA news editor-in-chief Stephen Hancocks.<br /> <br />Professor John Drummond, BDA president, said: 'The BDA has a rich heritage that everyone connected with the organisation is rightly proud of. As well as celebrating its many achievements, we must also remember it’s an organisation with its sights set very firmly on the future, concerned not only with representing dentists, but also with improving dental health and promoting dental research and education. I am extremely proud to be President of the BDA as we celebrate this landmark anniversary.'<br /> <br />The event saw the first screening of a short film commissioned by the BDA to mark the anniversary.</p> <p> <p>The film profiles the work the BDA does to support members today, as well as highlighting some of the pivotal figures in the development of the dental profession.</p> <p> <p>The film is available to view on the BDA’s website – you can click <a href=http://www.bda.org/130years >here</a></p> <p>^1269561600^2652^BDA celebrates 130th birthday^The British Dental Association (BDA) has marked its 130th birthday with a reception celebrating landmark achievements in the history of the ...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/drummond-copy.png<br /> HPV-related cancer leap to have big impact on health services^ <p>The rapid rise in cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma  related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has serious implications for health services around the world, warn researchers.</p> <p>They suggest that sexual transmission of HPV might be the reason for the rise. </p> <p>Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer, with about 640,000 new cases each year worldwide. </p> <p>Despite an overall marginal decline in most head and neck cancers in recent years, the level of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has increased greatly, especially in the developed world. </p> <p>In the US, cases increased by 22% between 1999 and 2006, after showing no change between 1975 and 1999, while the UK has seen a 51% increase in oral and oropharyngeal cancer in men between 1989 and 2006. </p> <p>This increase seems to be accounted for by a rise in HPV-related tumours, say the authors, led by Hisham Mehanna at the Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, University Hospital, Coventry. </p> <p>A recent study showed a 70% increase in the detection of HPV in biopsies taken to diagnose oropharyngeal carcinoma in Stockholm since the 1970s. </p> <p>HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma has also been reported in 60-80% of recent biopsy samples in studies conducted in the US, compared with 40% in the previous decade. </p> <p>HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma seems to be a new and distinct disease entity, explain the authors. </p> <p>It has a better prognosis than non-HPV related oropharyngeal carcinoma, particularly in non-smokers, but the reason for this improved survival is not fully understood.</p> <p>They suggest that sexual transmission of HPV might be the reason for the rise. </p> <p>A recent study found that the risk of developing oropharyngeal carcinoma was associated with a history of six or more lifetime sexual partners, four or more lifetime oral sex partners, and – for men – an earlier age at first sexual intercourse.</p> <p>But, whatever the reason, the rising rate of HPV related oropharyngeal carcinoma has implications for health service providers and commissioners, they warn. </p> <p>For instance, patients are typically younger and employed, and – because outcomes seem to be more favourable than for patients with non-HPV related carcinoma – they will live longer. </p> <p>Consequently, they need prolonged support from health, social, and other services, and may require help in returning to work.</p> <p>There are also public health implications, they add. For example, including boys in HPV vaccination programmes before they become sexually active.</p> <p>They write: ‘At present, we have no good evidence to support managing patients with HPV related head and neck cancer differently from those whose tumours are not HPV related, although several studies are being planned to evaluate different treatment options. Until data from such studies are available, we suggest that clinicians should not change their current treatment policies, but should aim to offer all patients with oropharyngeal cancer the opportunity to enrol in an appropriate clinical trial.’</p> <p>Last month, a mouth cancer charity called for the introduction of a new HPV test in Britain which would help diagnose mouth cancer at an early stage.</p> <p>The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) – organisers of Mouth Cancer Action Month – want the examination made available in the UK for the oral human papilloma virus (HPV) which can be tested in the dentist's chair.</p> <p>The test identifies one of two exceptionally dangerous forms of HPV long before the virus develops into cancer and creates lesions.</p> <p>Chief executive of the BDHF, Dr Nigel Carter, stressed the importance of early diagnosis.</p> <p>Dr Carter said: ‘Currently the best chance of beating the cancer comes from early detection, improving survival rates to more than 90%.’</p> <p> <p>The warning appears in an editorial at <a href=http://www.bmj.com>www.bmj.com</a>.</p> <p>^1269388800^2650^HPV-related cancer leap to have big...^The rapid rise in cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma  related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has serious implication...^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/mouth-cancer.png<br /> Dental professionals applaud new London showroom^ <p>Henry Schein Minerva celebrated the opening of their new London showroom and training centre earlier this month with some of the UK’s leading dental professionals.</p> <p> <p><img src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Green-surgery.png alt=

 

The centre, in Stanhope Place close to Marble Arch and overlooking Hyde Park, has been extensively equipped with three state-of-the-art surgeries and a seminar room featuring the latest in conferencing facilities.

Simon Gambold, managing director of Henry Schein Minerva UK, was delighted to welcome a highly esteemed selection of the UK’s leading academics and dental practitioners to the centre for a champagne reception.

He said: ‘I am delighted that we have been able to invest in this training and showroom facility that provides our customers with a well-equipped central London location that showcases some of the latest equipment in dental technology.’

During the evening, guests were given an introduction to Henry Schein Minerva’s latest initiatives – including the launch of their new Dental Innovations division and an introduction to a new software designed to help users of EXACT gain ‘real-time’ management information about their practice.

Guest Dr Mervyn Druian commented: ‘The new Henry Schein Minerva facility takes the dental supplier to another level. It is so beautiful complemented by the most stunning equipment that I was embarrassed I was not re-equipping.’

 

^1269561600^2651^Dental professionals applaud new Lo…^Henry Schein Minerva celebrated the opening of their new London showroom and training centre earlier this month with some of the UK’s …^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Green-surgery.png
Acupuncture calms highly anxious dental patients^

Acupuncture can calm highly anxious dental patients and ensure they can be given the treatment they need, suggests a small study published in Acupuncture in Medicine.

A visit to the dentist provokes extreme fear and anxiety in an estimated one in 20 people, and can put them off going altogether, a condition termed odontophobia.

And up to a third of patients report moderate anxiety at the prospect of dental treatment, studies show.

The authors base their findings on 16 women and four men from eight dental practice lists.

Each of the patients was moderately or extremely anxious about going to the dentist for treatment, as assessed by a validated questionnaire – the Back Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

All were in their 40s and had been trying to deal with this problem for between two and 30 years.

The BAI score was assessed before and after five minutes of acupuncture treatment, targeting two specific acupuncture points (GV20 and EX6) on the top of the head.

The acupuncture was carried out by the dentists themselves, all of whom are members of the British Dental Acupuncture Society.

The average BAI score of 26.5 fell to 11.5, and all 20 patients were able to undergo their planned treatment, whereas before this had only been possible in six – and then only partially and after a great deal of effort on the part of both dentist and patient.

The authors point out that several attempts have been made to conquer this type of anxiety, including sedatives, relaxation techniques, behavioural therapies, biofeedback and hypnosis.

The research indicates that these do help, but they are time-consuming and require considerable levels of psychotherapeutic skills, if applied properly, say the authors.

They caution that further larger studies are needed to confirm the value of acupuncture in these sorts of cases, but suggest that acupuncture ‘may offer a simple and inexpensive method of treatment’.

^1269561600^2654^Acupuncture calms highly anxious de…^Acupuncture can calm highly anxious dental patients and ensure they can be given the treatment they need, suggests a small study published i…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/acupuncture.png
Dental charges frozen ^

Dental charges will be frozen from 1 April.

The cost of NHS dental charges in England are to remain at £16.50 for band one, £45.60 for band two and £198 for band three treatments.

Band one covers basic treatment such as a check-up, scaling and polish, whereas band two includes intermediate treatment such as fillings and extractions.

Complicated work, including bridges, crowns and dentures, is classed under band three.

Health minister, Mike O’Brien, made the announcement of the freeze yesterday (Thursday). The cost of a prescription in England is also frozen at £7.20 per item for 2010/11.

A Department of Health spokesperson says: ‘This year, in light of the overall low inflation rates during the past 12 months, there will be no increase in NHS prescription, and dental charges and optical voucher values.’

The price freeze has been announced as a result of low increases in inflation over the course of the last year and it’s hoped that keeping the prices the same will help patients to afford the care they need.

^1269561600^2655^Dental charges frozen ^Dental charges will be frozen from 1 April.The cost of NHS dental charges in England are to remain at £16.50 for band one, £45.6…^http://dev.fmc-stage.thinkdemo.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/mancoin.png
Make those voluntary tax disclosures, dentists warned^

There are now just three days left for dentists to notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of their intention to make voluntary tax disclosures, in return for potential savings of anything from 20% to 90% in respect of the penalties on back taxes owed.

Following HMRC’s announcement in January of the Tax Health Plan (THP), dentists are being urged to come forward before the 31 March 2010 deadline in order to qualify for a fixed penalty of 10% on unpaid duties.

As part of a drive to claim back unpaid taxes through a number of targeted campaigns, the Revenue is now offering medical professionals the opportunity to make savings on the amounts owed and, crucially, given HMRC’s own efforts in seeking information on large numbers of taxpayers, avoid the risk of a difficult and expensive investigation.

The THP is targeting doctors and consultants who are registered with the General Medical Council, together with dentists and entities such as companies or trusts with a UK tax liability that receive income on behalf of a medical professional.

All are being asked to make HMRC aware of their intentions to disclose by the end of March, before full payment of all liabilities is then required by 30 June 2010.

The 10% fixed penalty being offered as a reward for this disclosure is significantly lower than the likely 30%-100% (of the unpaid tax) – that could be charged should HMRC start its own tax investigation.

Partner Fiona Fernie, of forensic services at BDO LLP, commented: ‘Over the past year, the Revenue has introduced a variety of disclosure opportunities, encouraging a range of individuals to come forward and disclose unpaid duties.

‘Dentists, along with other medical professionals, were given less than three months to take advantage of this offer and now have just three days left. HMRC is getting tough and anyone who rejects the carrot now could well face the stick later.

HMRC is acting on information received from NHS Trusts, private hospitals and medical insurers regarding gross payments made to doctors, consultants and dentists – an HMRC investigation as a result of information obtained from one of those sources could potentially lead to much higher penalties, publication of the individual’s name as a tax defaulter and ultimately, prosecution.’

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