A tourist’s guide to mouth cancer

Latest figures say 30% of the population will get cancer at some stage in their lives.

When this happened to photographer, Keith Hern, he wrote about the experience and photographed his treatment.

Bangers & Mash is the resultant book in which Keith gives a detailed account of everything from teh mental trauma of diagnosis to the harsh side-effects, to the sheer relief of getting the all-clear.

Bangers & Mash is no ordinary life story – it’s a tourist’s guide to cancer treatment in both words and pictures.

‘Being treated for cancer is like being in a foreign country’ is how author Keith Hern puts it, ‘and what you really need is a guidebook’.

Early on in Keith’s battle against throat cancer he began to keep a diary but, being a photographer, Keith’s diary is in pictures as well as words.

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Recruiting amused nurses and tolerant radiographers to hold the camera, Keith’s book de-mystifies cancer treatment and chronicles every step of the way back to health.

Not always a comfortable read, Bangers & Mash is fast-paced and completely compelling but, most importantly, is intended to help patients and their families understand what they are in for’.

The big lesson is that it’s not all bad. The book doesn’t pull any punches, but you do learn how it is possible to live through the treatment and get on with your life.

The book has already been widely circulated through the nursing staff at the Royal Marsden hospital where Keith was treated, is one of the best-selling books in the hospital’s bookshop and Macmillan cancer support have bought a dozen for their researchers.

It is available from Amazon, or personally signed copies can to obtained by using the Paypal option in the book section of www.keithhern.com.

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Suspended dentist fined £10,000 for treating patients^

A London dentist has been successfully prosecuted by the General Dental Council (GDC) and ordered to pay a total of £10,015 for the illegal practice of dentistry.

Young Jun Suh, of Camberwell Dental Surgery, 214 Coldharbour Lane, London, pleaded guilty at Tower Bridge Magistrates’ Court to practising dentistry while not registered, contrary to Section 38 (1) of the Dentists Act 1984.

The GDC’s Interim Orders Committee suspended Mr Suh’s registration in September 2009 and that suspension is still in place.

He was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £6,000 towards the GDC’s costs.

The magistrates told Mr Suh: ‘You have blatantly disregarded the interim order for suspension for a period of a year.’

Chief executive of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry, said: ‘We are committed to taking action against people who practise dentistry illegally, whether they’ve been removed from our register or never gained the qualifications to register in the first place.

‘They are a risk to the people they treat and we will do everything we can to ensure public safety. To check that your dental professional is registered please visit our website, www.gdc-uk.org.’

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Dental team! Win a luxury weekend to Paris^

Any dental professional who takes part in our online products and services survey can win a luxury weekend for two to Paris, via Eurostar, in a free prize draw.

Over the next few weeks Dentistry magazine and www.dentistry.co.uk are conducting a mini-survey to seek your views on the equipment in the dental world.

We are asking our readers to share their views on products, services and companies from your knowledge, experience and usage.

All survey entrants in the dental profession have the chance to win a luxury weekend for two to Paris via Eurostar.

In a forthcoming edition of Dentistry and here online we will highlight the products, services and companies that have had the most impact among our readership.

We hope the results will prove to be a significant indicator to some of the dental world’s finest products and services.

Obviously, Dentistry magazine and www.dentistry.co.uk will not have any influence over reader feedback.
 
Please take time out to enter our survey by clicking here.

You can also call our sales team 01923 851742 to register your choices.

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Fancy a demo of a tooth whitening system?^

Artisté in-office whitening system for dentists is so advanced, it’s easy!

Dentists interested in trialling this system can request a demonstration by simply clicking here
or by calling 0845 308 1362.

White Science says it can whiten teeth in only 20 minutes with a pH neutral formula and zero sensitivity.

There are no gum retractor and no gingival barrier.

Visit whitesciencedental.com for more.

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Dentists want clarification on Lockyer resignation^

The BDA is calling on clarification by the GDC at the suddenness of it chair, Alison Lockyer’s, resignation.

They want the GDC to deal with the situation ‘as a matter of urgency’.

In a statement on the BDA website, the Association says: ‘The profession’s confidence in the regulator depends upon the integrity and robustness of the decisions it makes and it is important that the chair is elected by the Council.’

Earlier this month, Ms Lockyer resigned as chair of the General Dental Council (GDC) and as a member of the Council amid rumours of divisions within the regulatory body.

In a written statement at the time, Alison said: ‘It is with regret that I have decided to resign from my post as chair of the General Dental Council.

‘It would not be appropriate at the moment for me to go into detail about my reasons for resigning suffice to say that, over the last few months, there have been issues that have caused me concern.

‘I remain passionate about the importance of protecting the public through professional self regulation.’

The GDC says it is considering the process for appointing a new chair and any interim arrangements needed to ‘ensure the continued smooth running of business’.

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TV’s Dispatches investigates unethical dentists^

A new TV documentary being screened on Monday (23 May) promises to lift the lid on the unethical practices of some of the UK’s dentists.

As the government’s cuts to the NHS start to bite, Sam Lister, The Times‘ health editor, investigates dentistry, going undercover to reveal how some dentists are misleading patients about their rights to NHS treatment.

The programme claims it will expose dentists who are waiting until patients are ‘lying back in the chair’ before telling them they must pay hundreds of pounds for private treatment, which should be available on the NHS.

Dispatches also reveals that children’s teeth are being neglected under the NHS and that cost-cutting dentists are outsourcing lab work to countries like China where there are little or no checks on safety or quality.

During the three-month investigation, the programme claims it uncovered evidence of a system that often prevents the patient from getting the right treatment at the right price.

Channel 4 claims how the programme found some NHS patients were often none the wiser when asked to pay two or three times the amount they should.

The PR says: ‘We sent reporters undercover to identify common ways in which dentists game the system, while professionals themselves also blow the whistle on concerns about how NHS dentistry has become less about the promotion of oral health and more about the pressures of time, money and an unworkable Government contract.

‘Reforms brought in five years ago were meant to improve dental health and access to dentistry. They were meant to make life more straightforward for dentists and patients, turning a fee-per-item system into one with three bands of treatment, and three rates for the patient to pay.

‘But while the changes have increased the number of people seeing an NHS dentist, in many instances they have had damaging repercussions. Some dentists have found themselves unable to give up the time for the procedures their patients need, and out of pocket if they try.’

It adds: ‘For some, it is now simply a question of working a flawed system as best they can, but as experts and insiders show, the fundamentals of good NHS care and full disclosure are being badly compromised. Our reporter needed a root canal treatment for an infected molar tooth, one of the most common procedures on the NHS.

‘Despite checking in as an NHS patient, he was encouraged to go privately wherever he went – with dentists waiting until he was in the operating chair before advising that the only option for safe and successful care was to pay far more than the NHS rate.

‘Others warned that going on the NHS would be impossible unless a patient was referred to hospital, or if they went for the extreme fix of having the tooth extracted. None were clear about the prices that our patient should have been paying.

The investigate TV documentary also visits dental laboratory workers who reported how the care of patients is now being compromised by cost cutting.

Unregistered laboratory work imported from abroad, for a fraction of the market price, is becoming ever more attractive.

But, as the programme shows, the safety of such products is, at best, unknown.

The Truth about Your Dentist is on Dispatches on Channel 4 at 8.00pm on Monday.

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Tooth decay link to vCJD ^

A new study suggests the human form of mad cow disease could be linked to tooth decay.

Experts suggest tooth decay may be the way in which people became infected with the incurable disease as a result of eating contaminated meat during the 1980s.

Dr Roland Salmon, director of Public Health Wales’ communicable disease surveillance centre, said the hypothesis also helps to explain why there have been relatively few cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).

It may also explain the geographical spread of the disease – cases are highest in Scotland and the North-East of England, where rates of dental decay are high.

Between 1990 and the start of May 2011 there have been 171 confirmed and probable vCJD deaths reported to the National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research and Surveillance Unit in Edinburgh.

A further four people with either definite or probable vCJD are still alive.

Dr Salmon said: ‘There are three things that are difficult to explain given that, during the 1980s, we must have eaten tonnes of potentially infected meat.

‘In many ways it’s remarkable that there have been so few cases, which may be because of the difficulty the disease had of crossing the species barrier and the genetics of humans.

‘But given that we had taken all contaminated food out of the equation by 1996, we would have thought that the age of cases would be getting older – they aren’t. The median age of onset has remained at around 26.

‘Another thing, which is not so widely known, is that it’s twice as common in Scotland and North-East England.’

The correlation between tooth decay and vCJD appeared after analysing regional data on vCJD incidence and historical regional dental health data from 1992-3 in 12-year-old children collected by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry.

Dr Salmon, who devised the hypothesis with Daniel Thomas and Nigel Monaghan, also from Public Health Wales, and with Cardiff University medical student Robert Burnie, said it appears as if infection with vCJD was via the dental route – through tiny gaps in the teeth caused by untreated decay – rather than through the stomach.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is known as the human form of mad cow disease because it is caused by the same prion responsible for bovine spongiform encephalitis – mad cow disease.

Dr Salmon said: ‘It looks like the relationship between dental health and the risk of getting vCJD has some mileage.

‘Our research suggests that it’s not dental treatment but dental decay in the first place which is a risk factor.

‘One particularly interesting thing is that the area with the lowest numbers of filled teeth and the lowest incidence of vCJD is the West Midlands, which is also the region with the highest levels of water fluoridation.’

The hypothesis has been published in the journal Dental Hypotheses in the hope that other researchers around the world will carry out further investigations to establish the link between vCJD and tooth decay.

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Dental nurses swap clinic for catwalk^

Dental nurses swapped the clinic for the catwalk to raise much-needed funds for charity.
 
Shrewsbury and Stafford-based Oracle Dental Clinics has raised more than £400 for Severn Hospice by staging a glitzy charity fashion gala.
 
The event was held at the Lord Hill Hotel in Shrewsbury, and saw more than 60 invited guests from the region’s dental community enjoy the chance to pick up top tips from a number of fashion and beauty consultants.

For the fashion show, Oracle Dental Clinics staff donned outfits and accessories and took to the catwalk.

Attendees also got to take part in a draw to stand the chance of winning a host of prizes including a hand-crafted handbag, a fish pedicure, and a day’s pampering at a top spa, while exclusive accessories from a range of local artisan boutiques were also up for sale on the night.

Michelle Cutler, group manager of Oracle Dental Clinics, says: ‘We had such fantastic fun arranging and staging this special show. Our staff were incredibly keen to take their chance to be a model for a day – some have already been asking if we can make it a regular event!

‘But as well as having fun, the evening was also about fundraising for such a worthy cause. Many of our team have had personal experience of the wonderful work Severn Hospice does throughout the region, and we’re just so pleased that we’ve been able to raise such an amount.’

Lucy Proctor, Severn Hospice’s community fundraising manager, adds: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Michelle and everyone at Oracle Dental Clinics for putting on the fashion show, and we’d also like to thank all the guests for their generosity.

‘The funds raised will be a huge help to our ongoing work and will make a real difference to supporting local people who are living with complex and progressive illnesses.’

Oracle Dental Clinics and Grace House operate throughout Shropshire, Staffordshire and Birmingham, providing a dedicated referral service to general dental practitioners, while offering patients improved access to a wide-range of dental treatments, including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, endodontic and orthodontics.

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Want to be a TV dentist?^

The new series of the TV show, MyFaceMyBody, is filming across the UK and the team is selecting the show’s experts now.

The series focuses on trends and procedures popular in towns across Britain and now the Sky TV show is scouring the UK in its ‘Big Green Bus’ to find the UK’s premier clinics.

 If you have a story to tell from your local region, are trained in a cutting-edge procedure, or would like some local/national media coverage then why not contact the show and get involved today?

The UK’s only TV chat show dedicated to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments, MyFaceMyBody, is now filming series two and is looking to join forces with the UK’s regional cosmetic experts who are at the forefront of beauty in the UK.

Stephen Handiside, the ex-model who fronts the show, says: ‘While Harley Street, London undoubtedly has some excellent clinics, I am aware that there are a lot of exciting things going on outside of London.

‘I want the new show to reflect what the average British person thinks about beauty. What treatments they love and the experts who are quietly performing beauty miracles every day.

‘If a practitioner is looking to be seen as the expert in their local area, while at the same time gaining national exposure, then I’d love to chat to them and feature them in the show.’

The new series will be broadcast on SkyTV and streamed through 80 different online portals including www.MyFaceMyBody.com.

The MyFaceMyBody show will reach millions of viewers this year thanks to Stephen’s work with ITV and Channels 4 and 5 as well as recognised consumer magazines and newspapers.

The show counts among its sponsors industry giant, Zoom! Whitening.

As well as appearing on Sky TV, the programme is available to watch on demand on consumer website www.MyFaceMyBody.com, which launched in February 2009 and already carries over 5,000-plus pages of independent treatment advice, 600 educational videos and comprehensive news and events.

Viewers can also use the site to quiz experts and engage in discussions during or after the show.

If you would like to find out more about becoming part of the MyFaceMyBody Expert programme which will give you local and national exposure through a combination of television, online and PR and appearing on series two of MyFaceMyBody, call 07795381813 or email [email protected].

To find out more about the show’s expert programme, click here.

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New CDO for Wales^

Cardiff dentist David Thomas has been named as the new chief dental officer (CDO) for Wales.
 
He has already worked as the deputy CDO to the Welsh Government and as acting CDO following the retirement of the previous incumbent, Dr Paul Langmaid.
 
Dr Thomas will be responsible for providing high quality and professional advice to Welsh Government ministers in relation to dental policy, practice and the promotion of good oral health.
 
He said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of chief dental officer and look forward to working with ministers on the many aspects of dental policy and practice, including promoting and improving the dental health of the people of Wales.’
 
Wales’ chief medical officer Dr Tony Jewell said: ‘David brings to the role a background in community dentistry, dental public health as well as a record in academia, in both a management and research role.
 
‘He has published widely in academic dental journals and has been involved in the management of dental postgraduate education.
 
‘I would like to thank David for his work as acting chief dental officer since the retirement of Paul Langmaid, and look forward to working with him in his new role.’

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Product recall alert!^

Sensodyne Repair & Protect recall Batch No 031G only has been recalled.

Click here for more details.

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GDC under fire for ‘Post-it note’ records^

The General Dental Council (GDC) has been officially ticked off for its shoddy handling of fitness-to-practise cases – including one incident in which Post-it notes were used to record important case details.
 
The criticism follows a recent audit of the UK’s healthcare regulatory bodies by super-regulator, the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE).
 
Other examples included one case that had two files – one marked ‘closed’ and the other ‘open’, and another case where investigation correspondence was missing.
 
The catalogue of disasters included poor record keeping, missing files, confusion over the status of cases, long delays and the closure of a case without a countersignature – something for which the GDC was pulled in a previous audit.
 
The super-regulator looked into a sample of 100 GDC fitness to practise cases during the period of September and October 2010.
 
It found:
• Three cases in which investigation correspondence was missing – in one case,
this was because of incomplete cross-referencing with a linked file
• One case where there was no record on file of the closure decision
• One case that had two files – one marked ‘closed’ and the other ‘open’. When the CHRE
audited the ‘closed’ file and asked why the matter had been closed, the GDC said that this was an error and that there was another ‘open’ file
• One case with two files, both of which were marked as ‘closed’. When asked why the audited file had important documents missing, the GDC said that another complete file existed
• One file in which documents were missing and where some important case information was recorded only on Post-it notes.
 
Time delays were another cause for concern.
 
In one case, there was a five-month delay between receipt of the complaint and its initial assessment by the GDC.
 
The case concerned an alleged breach of conditions that had been imposed on the registrant by the GDC’s professional conduct committee.
 
The CHRE felt the matter should have been treated as a priority but instead it took two months for the GDC to acknowledge receipt of the complaint.
 
In a second case, there was a period of eight months before an enquiry was made of a PCT.
 
The need to make the enquiry had been agreed by staff soon after the complaint had been received but there was no explanation for this delay on the file.
 
Other areas under fire included:
• Cases where there had been inadequate risk assessment before the case was closed
• Investigating committee decisions that were insufficiently detailed, creating a risk that complainants would not understand why their complaint had not been referred for a final fitness to practise panel hearing
• Weak record keeping, with documents missing from some files, and unco-ordinated
duplicated files for some matters
• A closure of a case by one caseworker without the authorisation or countersignature of a colleague – something for which the GDC had been criticised in its last audit
 
The GDC is now being called upon to improve consistency of standards achieved in casework to minimise any risk to public protection or public confidence.
 
The audit, released in March, says: ‘We were concerned about several weaknesses in case management, investigation, decision making and communication at the GDC.
 
‘We found evidence that the GDC takes a helpful approach to complainants. However, we were concerned about the standard of the GDC’s fitness to practice casework in a number of areas.’
 
It went on to say that, despite the fact the GDC fitness to practise team ‘went through a period of structural and management changes’, it was ‘disappointed that the GDC still displays
weaknesses in this area despite the assurance given to us when we raised the issue in last year’s audit’.
 
The CHRE is now recommending the GDC consider introducing a computerised casework management system that links into the regulator’s computerised registration system.

 
The GDC now intends to introduce changes to its fitness to practise processes that will address the concerns raised.

Its Corporate Plan 2011-2013 (available online at www.gdc-uk.org) sets out a series of objectives for the future and states that it will ‘implement a systematic process to evaluate fitness to practise procedures and outcomes. Part of this work includes carrying out audits’.

In January, the GDC began hearing appropriate Fitness to Practise cases with panels of three rather than five as has been the norm since 2003, enabling more cases to be heard more quickly, so reducing the backlog.

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Dental team go the extra mile for charity^

Thirteen representatives from dental equipment manufacturer, A-dec, recently took on the challenge of the infamous Coast2Coast bike ride – and fighting arduous headwinds all the way, completed the 151 mile bike ride in three days!

They cycled from Whitehaven on the west coast to Tynemouth on the east coast, across the very hilly Lake District, the Pennines and the Northumberland moors.

And, despite the – at times – daunting terrain, falls, bruises, punctures, sun burn, headwinds, and Brian facing early retirement with a snapped derailleur, the team finished together in high spirits on the afternoon of Monday 2 May.

Fuelled by energy drinks, flapjacks, bananas, pain relief and deep heat, not to mention teamwork, all 11 riders completed the challenge with an immense sense of achievement and pride.

The group is raising funds for Bridge2Aid, their partner charity who carry out amazing work in the Mwanza region in Tanzania and across the area, plus other UK charities which are close to the fund-raisers hearts.

Charlotte Cligg and her partner Ben, Jo Gamble, Stacey Roberts, Tracey McCulloch and her husband David, Brian Anderson and his wife Sarah, Ashley Woodruff, Ciaran Hynes, and Charlie Cope – supported by Sarah Treble and Eugene O’Malley aim to raise more than £7,500 for Bridge2Aid, NSPCC, MS Society, Breast Cancer Campaign and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
 
You can support the A-dec group by sponsoring the intrepid bike-riders.

Simply click here to make a donation.

The fundraising pages will remain open for a few more weeks, and any donation will be greatly received to help the A-dec team reach their money raising goal.


Bridge2Aid work in Tanzania, providing access to emergency dentistry – the largest but most under-resourced healthcare need – in the rural areas and work with the disabled and people affected by leprosy at Bukumbi Care Centre. A-dec have had a close supporting relationship with Bridge2Aid for many years, offering equipment donations and raising funds for the charity in various events and tasks.

 

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Ke$ha wants fans’ teeth for a necklace^

Ke$ha is asking her fans for their teeth so she can make a quirky necklace to wear at awards shows.

The singer is appealing to her devotees to offer up their teeth after one fan gave her inspiration for a jewellery item.

She writes on Twitter.com: ‘I’ve received 1 tooth from a fan. I made it into a necklace. But now I really wanna make a fan tooth necklace to wear to an awards show. So. What I’m getting at is please send me your teeth. I’m dead serious. I need your teeth.’

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There is no need to be scared of the dentist!^

Does the mere thought of going to the dentist make you uneasy?

Do you routinely put off important dental work because of an irrational fear about the entire process? You are not alone.

While dental anxiety often stems from a bad experience, sometimes just the sound of dental equipment or the prospect of a certain procedure can set patients on edge, even if they have no bad memories to draw from.

Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. To help patients relax and safely receive the dental treatment(s) they need, many dentists now offer sedation dentistry (also known as ‘relaxation dentistry’).

Types of dedation fentistry
Sedation dentistry is designed to help you feel completely at ease during your dental visit. Even if you have significant amount of dental work that needs to be done, sedation dentistry techniques will keep you calm and stress-free during the entire procedure.

There are three main types of sedation dentistry. Your dentist may offer one or more of the following:

Oral sedatives – The most popular method, oral sedatives are taken before your visit and wear off a few hours later. You will need to arrange to have someone else drive you home.

Nitrous oxide – Better known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide will be administered once you’re in the dentist’s chair. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off more quickly than those of an oral sedative, making it possible for you to drive yourself home.

IV Sedation – For patients with more severe dental anxiety, IV (intravenous) sedation will place you in a slightly deeper state of relaxation. The medication will be administered directly into your bloodstream, making the effects felt much more quickly than oral sedation. Throughout your appointment, your dentist will be able to adjust the level of IV sedation as necessary.

Under the effects of all of these methods, you will still be conscious of your surroundings and able to verbally respond to your dentist.

Sedation Dentistry v Sleep Dentistry

On very rare occasions, patients with extreme dental phobia may not respond to any of the above methods of sedation dentistry.

In such cases, some dentists may offer the option of sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry is different from sedation dentistry in that patients are placed into a deep, unconscious sleep through the use of general anesthesia.

Since general anesthesia comes with inherent risks (such as the need for assisted breathing) and can only be administered by a qualified anesthesiologist, it is only recommended to patients who have tried sedation dentistry methods and found them ineffective.

Avoiding the dentist is never a good idea. Neglecting your oral health puts you at risk of developing more severe dental problems later in life that can be expensive and difficult to treat.

Making regular check-up appointments with your dentist and having minor dental work done when recommended will save you time, money, and effort in the long run.

For more information, visit www.whatfear.com.

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King’s is top for dentistry ^

The Guardian has comprehensively ranked all of Britain’s universities according to teaching excellence with King’s College London Dental Institute being awarded the top score of 100/100.

Nairn Wilson, dean and head of King’s College London Dental Institute and deputy vice principal for health at King’s College London said: ‘King’s College London Dental Institute is delighted to top the newly published Guardian University Guide 2012 league table for dentistry.

‘This achievement is a result of a great team effort. The Institute will continue to seek new ways to further enhance its excellence at all levels of dental education.’

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Public need more education on dental products^</p>
<p>Dental products find their way into everybody’s shopping trolley, but only a quarter (26%) of the public understands what ingredients they are made from and their purpose.</p>
<p>The findings have been published by the British Dental Health Foundation as part of its National Smile Month campaign.</p>
<p>The survey also reveals that approaching three quarters (72%) of people did not always believe the product claims made on dental products.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Foundation believes the issues are connected and has published a glossary of common ingredients and their purpose to help educate and inform consumers.</p>
<p>Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, says: ‘The Foundation has a long track record of helping to educate the public on all aspects of oral health issues.</p>
<p></p>
<p>‘For nearly 20 years, we have been evaluating consumer oral health care products to ensure that manufacturers’ product claims are clinically proven and not exaggerated – an issue which is considered important by nearly three quarters (74%) of consumers.</p>
<p>‘Providing consumers with more information about ingredients is a natural extension of our charitable work in this area. When you glance down the ingredients list of a typical toothpaste or mouthwash it is easy to see why people may have some difficulties. Even common ingredients like water may sometimes be described in terms that not everyone will understand such as aqua.</p>
<p>‘We hope our new glossary of common ingredients will help more people to make an informed choice about which products to buy and how it can help their oral health.’</p>
<p></p>
<p>To download the glossary, click <a href=../../beam/pdfs/Glossary-of-Common-Dental-Product-Ingredients.pdf>here</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<hr />
<p></p>
<p>Do you understand the ingredients contained in dental products and their purpose?<br /><strong>Yes</strong><br />261   <br />26%</p>
<p><strong>No</strong><br />336  <br />33%</p>
<p><strong>Partly</strong><br />407<br />41%</p>
<p><strong>Total</strong><br />1004<br />100%</p>
<p>Do you always believe the product claims made by toothpaste/oral care manufacturers?<br /><strong>Yes</strong><br />159<br />16%</p>
<p><strong>No</strong><br />725<br />72%</p>
<p><strong>Don’t know</strong><br />120<br />12%</p>
<p><strong>Total</strong><br />1004<br />100%</p>
<p>When purchasing dental products how important is it you that the manufacturers’ product claims have been independently tested to check they are clinically proven and not exaggerated.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Extremely important</strong><br />243<br />24%</p>
<p><strong>Important</strong><br />502<br />50%</p>
<p><strong>Neither</strong><br />205<br />20%</p>
<p><strong>Unimportant</strong><br />38<br />4%</p>
<p><strong>Not at all important</strong><br />16<br />2%</p>
<p><strong>Total</strong><br />1004<br />100%</p>
<p>^1305763200^4029^Public need more education on denta…^Dental products find their way into everybody’s shopping trolley, but only a quarter (26%) of the public understands what ingredients …^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/blackboardman.png<br />
Focus: Heard it on the grapevine^</p>
<p>A good friend of mine recently had to take her Range Rover to a main dealer for a service.</p>
<p></p>
<p>After a few hours, the works were complete and she happily paid her bill and left. When she got home she noticed a scuff mark on the rear bumper and she was as sure as she could be that the damage was not there when she had dropped the car off earlier that day.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Now, my friend is a driven woman; somebody who can – and will – make herself clearly understood. As you can imagine, she was well prepared for her ‘discussion’ with the dealer regarding the mysterious damage. Armed and ready for a fight, she called the dealership to present her argument, as always expecting the worst. What happened next was – in her words – ‘very unexpected’.</p>
<p></p>
<p>A polite and, clearly, well-trained advisor, on hearing her dilemma, immediately accepted full responsibility for the situation. She completely understood my friend’s dismay and suggested that she returned her car immediately to allow the mechanics to assess the damage.</p>
<p></p>
<p>When she arrived, she was greeted by name as if she were the only visitor to the dealership that day. The damage was assessed and the repairs scheduled to be completed at her convenience. <br />There are several interesting points raised in this tale; firstly, the dealership made an initial error: they failed to check the car on accepting it into their care and they knew this.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Secondly, by accepting responsibility for the damage and covering the cost of the repairs they diffused what could have been an unpleasant argument, an argument that would have had a significant impact on their professional reputation, not only with my friend but every person to whom she told her story.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The excellent customer service regime at the dealership turned a negative impression into a positive one by accepting full responsibility. She was truly lost for words and came away genuinely impressed with their service and recommends the dealership to friends and colleagues.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Have you considered how your company recovers service, keeps patient happy and creates loyalty?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Excellent customer service comes from empowering employees to immediately resolve issues.<br />• Step 1: Apologise and take up the problem. Patients don’t care whose fault the issue was, they just want somebody to champion their cause<br />• Step 2: Do it quickly, a speedy reply demonstrates <br />a sense of urgency and shows you really care<br />• Step 3: Give assurance that the problem is fixed. <br />Whenever possible, pick up the phone, speak to the <br />client and create that all-important personal touch<br />• Step 4: Establish policies to create empowerment<br />• Step 5: Develop quality control systems to promote <br />customer service continuity.</p>
<p></p>
<p>It costs more to replace a loyal patient than it does to retain one. Good customer service takes a little time and sometimes money; but bad service can cost you your reputation.</p>
<p></p>
<p>What are your patients saying about you?</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/mel.jpg alt=

^1305763200^4033^Focus: Heard it on the grapevine^A good friend of mine recently had to take her Range Rover to a main dealer for a service.After a few hours, the works were complete and she…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/whisper-copy.jpg
Free mouth cancer checks this September^^1305763200^4030^Free mouth cancer checks this Septe…^^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Cork-queue.jpg
An all-round winner for McDowell + Service^^1306108800^4047^An all-round winner for McDowell + …^^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Mcdowell-comp-winner.jpg
Schoolkids get the Smile Factor^

A dental practice in Yorkshire spread the message of good oral health by hosting an educational event at Walkington Primary School yesterday (18 May).
 
A team from Perfect 32, a NHS and private dental practice in Beverley – including a dentist, hygienist and dental nurse – started the fun-filled educational afternoon with a presentation for more than 100 children.
 
The team joined children in their classrooms to host educational workshops, teaching them about good oral health, brushing instruction using disclosing tablets and an oversized set of teeth, and running a competition for the child with the best smile.

They also handed out National Smile Month goodies such as singing toothbrushes, toothpaste, erasers, bookmarks, balloons, stickers and frisbees.
 
The national campaign is focusing on putting the smile back on peoples’ faces and helping them display their personalities with the ‘Smile Factor’ campaign – the theme for this year’s National Smile Month.

In keeping with this theme, the children were encouraged to blow up clinical gloves and decorate them as Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.
 
The children also dressed up as dentists in masks and goggles and tried out their skills brushing the oversized teeth.
 
Perfect 32’s practice manager, Nicki Rowland, said she and her team had thoroughly enjoyed working with the children and helping to alleviate inherent fears of the dentist.
 
‘We were delighted to get involved in National Smile Month and our educational event got everyone smiling. We hope the children had a great time learning about good oral hygiene and how it can have a direct impact on their general well-being. The Smile Factor theme really appealed with the popularity of The X Factor. Children’s oral health can directly influence their ability to learn.

‘According to research, oral health problems can lead to pain, absence from and inability to concentrate at school, failure to thrive and reduced self-esteem. The dental team emphasised the “brush, floss, rinse, chew” method which is easy to remember and encourages children to develop a good routine of dental care. The brushing instruction using disclosing tablets was very messy but great fun!’
 
For more information on National Smile Month, visit www.smilemonth.org.

^1305763200^4032^Schoolkids get the Smile Factor^A dental practice in Yorkshire spread the message of good oral health by hosting an educational event at Walkington Primary School yesterday…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/smilemonth.jpg
Less intense and alcohol free^

Johnson & Johnson have launched a less intense, alcohol-free version of Listerine Mouthwash – Listerine Zero.
 
The new product is alcohol-free for a less intense taste, but still contains the classic Listerine four essential oils: menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptol. Listerine Zero kills up to 99% of plaque bacteria in vitro, more than other alcohol-free, daily use mouthwashes [1].

Listerine Zero also contains 220 ppm (0.05%) fluoride for effective enamel protection [2].
 
According to Johnson & Johnson, Listerine Zero has been developed to address the individual needs of patients who may, for lifestyle, health or religious reasons, or on grounds of taste, prefer a less intense, alcohol-free mouthwash.

In consumer tests, more than 70% of participants liked the milder taste of Listerine Zero [3].
 
For dental professionals, there is now a less intense and alcohol-free, yet highly effective daily use mouthwash within the Listerine range to suit the individual needs of some patients and to help them achieve a cleaner, fresher and healthier mouth beyond toothbrushing and interdental cleaning alone.
 
For more information about Listerine Zero, the Listerine Total Care range of mouthwashes, or for free samples, please contact Johnson & Johnson on 0800 328 0750.

References
1          Data on file, Microbiology Dossier, Mc-NEIL PPC
2          Data on file, 103-0214, Mc-NEIL PPC
3          Data on file, 45348, Mc-NEIL PPC
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^1305763200^4034^Less intense and alcohol free^Johnson & Johnson have launched a less intense, alcohol-free version of Listerine Mouthwash – Listerine Zero. The new product…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/listerinezero.jpg
Give oral health a sporting chance^

The May 2011 issue of Preventive Dentistry is out soon – and here’s a rundown of the key oral health news features, clinical studies and latest dental innovations for all dental professionals.

Colin Neil, joint principal of Preventive Practice of the Year 2010, Confident Dental Care in Stroud, Gloucestershire, looks at bone loss prevention. Plus, how to enter your practice in this year’s brand new Oral B-sponsored award.

 width=370 height=250 /></p>
<p></p>
<p>The British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT) president marches towards direct access and Carole Brennan disucsses what is needed to ensure your compliant in practice.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Ian Peace gets up close and personal to the perio-implant interface, there’s a look at homeopathy as a complement to periodontal care and Diane Rochford talks bleaching techniques for the hygienist. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Diane is appearing at the World Aesthetic Congress (WAC) next month – visit <a href=http://www.wac2011.co.uk>www.wac2011.co.uk</a> to book you place.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Our front cover focuses on Sarah Holslag’s look at the poor oral health reord of our athletes and there are two hours worth of CPD articles – with a look at two developments by J&J and Philips.</p>
<p>There’s also another in the series of handy How to… guides with a checklist to medical emrgencies and a look ahead to the British Association of Dental Hygienist’s conference next month.</p>
<p>And you can now subscribe to Preventive Dentistry magazine at the exceptional low price of £39! (was £59, SAVE 35%)</p>
<p>• One year’s subscription (print) which is six issues costs £39</p>
<p>• Three years’ subscription (print) which is 18 issues costs £78.</p>
<p>Call the <em>Preventive Dentistry</em> team on 01923 851771 or email fmc@escosubs.co.uk.</p>
<p>^1305763200^4035^Give oral health a sporting chance^The May 2011 issue of Preventive Dentistry is out soon – and here’s a rundown of the key oral health news features, clinical studies a…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/mayprev.jpg<br />
Missing tooth holds clue to stranger’s identity^</p>
<p>Police are appealing for help from dentists to identify a stranger found dead in woodlands on the borders of Scotland and England last Christmas.</p>
<p></p>
<p>And key in their investigations could be the forensic evidence that suggests the man had a tooth extracted six months before he died.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary are currently investigating the discovery of the body of the dead man found on 20 December 2010 at Burnside Plantation, Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The man is described as 40-60 years, white and between 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 9inches (172.72cm to 175.26cm) in height with a bald head (areas of short hair visible).</p>
<p></p>
<p>He would appear normally to be clean shaven however there is grey stubble visible on the face</p>
<p></p>
<p>There appears to a small scar to the area of his lower right abdomen</p>
<p></p>
<p>He has six teeth missing, and there is evidence that his upper left first premolar socket has not fully healed which indicates that he had this tooth extracted possibly within the last six months.</p>
<p></p>
<p>He was wearing an olive green safari type hat, brown tanned coloured cord style jacket (till receipts from a shop premises in London which were dated 1991 have been recovered from the pockets of this item of clothing), black trousers, light coloured gloves and grey ankle boots (UK size between 6-8)</p>
<p></p>
<p>A dental chart of the deceased mouth has been recorded, as follows<br /> <br /> <img src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/dentalchart.jpg alt=
The dentist that recorded this chart stated that the upper left premolar socket had not fully healed indicting extraction of this tooth had been within the last six months.

This would mean that the extraction would have taken place around the spring 2010.

 

 width=561 height=355 /></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<p>Recovered near to the body of the deceased was a <em>La Repubblica</em> newspaper dated 22 July 2010, this is a daily Italian newspaper.<br /> <br />It has been established that the male may have been within Burnside Plantation since late November 2010.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src=/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/image002.jpg alt=

Enquiries have now been undertaken locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, however the male still remains unidentified.
 
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary have now released further photographs of the clothing worn by the male and are appealing for any witnesses who have seen this male or can identify his clothing or facial image to contact them on 0845 600 5701 or any police officer.

 

^1305849600^4040^Missing tooth holds clue to strange…^Police are appealing for help from dentists to identify a stranger found dead in woodlands on the borders of Scotland and England last Chris…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/grainy.jpg
Survey reveals worrying trend in oral hygiene^

Millions of Brits are risking gum disease and far worse health problems by failing to brush their teeth often enough, a recent oral health survey reveals.
 
Nearly a fifth of people (17%) brush just once a day – leaving them vulnerable to a build-up of plaque, which can lead to gum disease.
 
A third of people (36%) admitted they never flossed and only 14% flossed the recommended once a day, reveals the survey by the manufacturers of Eludril mouthwash and Elgydium toothpaste.
 
Some 30% of people do not use a mouthwash, despite the fact that regular rinsing is proven to combat gum disease.
 
‘The survey findings are very worrying. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease,’ warned a spokesman for Eludril and Elgydium.
 
‘Also, pregnant women with gum disease can be up to seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small. Recent evidence also suggests a link between gum disease and breast cancer.’
 
Choosing the right toothpaste and mouthwash is very important because not all brands contain an antibacterial such as chlorhexidine, the leading ingredient used to prevent plaque and tartar.
 
And yet when people were asked if they always bought the same toothpaste, 60% said ‘no’. Of these, half admitted to buying whichever toothpaste was on a cheap promotion.
 
Chlorhexidine has been the gold standard treatment for gum disease for many years. It has been proven to be highly effective against the key organisms that cause gum disease.
 
However, most of the 97 people polled in the survey said they simply rinsed to keep their breath fresh, oblivious to whether their mouthwash contained an antibacterial such as Chlorhexidine or not.
 
Eludril mouthwash – which contains chlorhexidine – is an antibacterial and analgesic solution used to prevent and treat gum disease.

Chlorhexidine is also a key ingredient in the Elgydium toothpaste range including Anti-Plaque and Sensitive toothpaste. Also available in the Elgydium range are Decay Protection and Whitening toothpastes.
 
Gum disease is the most common form of tooth loss in adults. The Eludril and Elgydium oral health experts are urging people to look out for the following gum disease symptoms:
sore gums or swollen gums – early indicators of gum disease (often known as gingivitis)
bleeding gums – it is not usual for gums to bleed, so if they do there is something wrong
receding gums – a sign that gum disease has been left untreated for some time.
 
‘If you spot any of the early signs of gum disease, visit your dentist as soon as possible to find out which gingivitis treatment is right for you.’
 
To avoid gum disease problems and look after your long-term health, you should:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for around two minutes. It is too easy to overlook this when you are tired and it is late. If you are at home for the evening, get ready for bed before you start feeling tired. That way, you brush your teeth and floss when you are more alert and it is less of a chore. Just don’t eat or drink anything afterwards.
• Floss every day, as this reaches areas that a toothbrush might miss. Get into the habit, it does not take long at all.
• Visit your dentist or hygienist on a regular basis, as this will ensure that signs of gum disease are spotted and treated as soon as possible. Not been to your dentist/hygienist for a while? Pick up the phone and make that important appointment.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly (every three or four months or as soon as the bristles look worn). Add this to your next shopping list or buy it online.
• Avoid starchy, sugary foods and drinks, as these make the problem worse. Think about what you eat and its impact on your health.
• Eat plenty of fresh foods and vegetables and avoid snacking between meals. If you are hungry between meals, snack on something healthy like fresh fruit, particularly apples or raw vegetables such as carrots.  Not only are they good for you but the action of chewing will stimulate saliva flow, which reduces the build-up of bacteria.


For further information about protecting teeth against gum disease, please contact Nikki Pounds, Ceuta Healthcare on +44 (0)1202 780558, [email protected] or visit www.gumproblems.co.uk.

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General Dental Council announces new role^

The General Dental Council (GDC) is pleased to announce that Derek Prentice has today been elected as Deputy Chair of the GDC with immediate effect.
 
Derek has been an appointed lay member of Council since 1999.
 
He is currently the managing director of a consultancy company and previously held a number of executive appointments, including assistant director with the Consumers’ Association and president of the Bureau of European Consumer Unions.
 
Derek has also held a number of non-executive positions within NHS bodies and is currently a trustee of The British Home – which is an independent charity that provides specialised nursing and social care for people with long term medical conditions and severe disabilities.
 
He will hold the post of deputy chair of the GDC until a permanent chair is elected by the GDC in September this year.
 
Derek said: ‘I am pleased to take up this position and I look forward to working with my fellow Council members and the Executive as we tackle the challenges facing the General Dental Council in the months ahead. We have a multi-skilled and talented Council and that experience will play an important part in our key role of public protection.’

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Dental implant supplier hits the road^

A leading dental implant supplier is gearing up to stage a number of exclusive events for dental practices interested in finding out more about implantology.
 
Over the next few months, Implantium is holding a series of free roadshows up and down the UK, where its experienced team will be on-hand to offer updates on the latest technological advances and trends in implantology, as well as to answer any queries about its Dentium-produced, high-quality, yet cost-effective implant range.

Representatives from Implantium’s preferred training provider, Dentale, will also be in attendance to talk through the various implant dentistry training courses it offers.
 
The informative events, which provide three hours of verifiable Continuing Professional Development (CPD), will each run from 6.00pm until 9.00pm at the following locations:

• Tuesday 24 May at Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow

• Thursday 9 June at the Dentale training clinic in Bristol

• Thursday 21 July at Grace House in Birmingham

• Thursday 15 September at the London Canal Museum

• Thursday 20 October at Walworth Castle Hotel in Darlington.
 
Julie Davies, group manager of Implantium, says: ‘I’d urge any dentist, dental student or dental practice interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in implant dentistry to come along.

‘These roadshows have been a huge hit over the last few years that we’ve held them, and sparked some really interesting debates and discussions amongst attendees, so anyone interested in finding out more, or booking a free place, is welcome to contact 0845 0176 262 or email [email protected].’
 


Implantium is a leading UK-based supplier of high-quality, cost-effective dental implants. Run for dentists, by dentists, Implantium is also home to the Implantium Network, a match-making service which helps place patients interested in getting an implant fitted, with skilled dentists in their local area.
 
For further information about Implantium, please contact 0845 0176 262, email [email protected], or visit www.implantium.co.uk

^1306108800^4044^Dental implant supplier hits the ro…^A leading dental implant supplier is gearing up to stage a number of exclusive events for dental practices interested in finding out more ab…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/roadway.jpg
NHS gives patients something to smile about ^

The quarterly report looking into NHS dental activity has found that almost one million more people in England have had check-ups compared to the same period five years ago.

A total of 29.1 million patients were seen and given a dental examination in the last two years – 967,000 more than the baseline figure in March 2006.

It means the percentage of the population seen by an NHS dentist (56.2%) has exceeded the baseline level (55.8%) for the very first time.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, was pleased to hear that more people now have access to NHS dentistry and expects it to make a difference to the country’s oral health.

Dr Carter said: ‘The uncertainties surrounding the dental contract over the last decade created an overwhelming shortage of NHS dentists, to the point that there were simply not enough to go around.

‘Thankfully, we now seem to be getting back on track. The public are no longer left with a choice between having to travel long distances to see an NHS dentist, or go private. The availability of NHS dentists is improving which is what extensive reports over the last year have shown.

‘But whilst access to NHS dentistry has improved, I still feel more can be done to increase this further, for adults and especially for children.

‘The new White Paper proposing a new dental contract based on registration will hopefully go a long way to improve access but it should not be at the expense of a high quality NHS dental service. It will be very interesting to hear the results from the many pilot studies currently taking place throughout the UK as to whether this is the case or not.’

The report also revealed there were an estimated 9.4 million Courses of Treatment (CoTs) in the last quarter, a decrease of 100,000 on the previous year.

The fall in CoTs was seen in a total of nine Strategic Health Authorities across England, with the largest decrease seen in North East, which saw a provisional drop of over 5%.

Dr Carter added: ‘There is a definitive correlation between the number of patients seen and the Courses of Treatment. If more people go to the dentist on a regular basis then the likelihood is that the amount of dental work you will need will be decreased.

‘Of course, regular dental visits are to go alongside a healthy oral health routine, brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cutting the frequency of sugary foods and drinks. These are the message we are trying to get out there during this year’s National Smile Month.’

National Smile Month is campaign run by the Foundation between May 15 and June 15 and aims to promote the positive oral health messages.

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GDC dramas set ‘alarm bells ringing’ ^

Leading dental commentator, Kevin Lewis, claims the work of dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC) ‘leaves a lot to be desired’.

The Dentistry columnist and dental director of dento-legal experts, Dental Protection, cites the recent ‘Post-it’ note recording-keeping exposé as a ‘case in point’.

Gaping holes in the GDC’s system were brought to light by a recent audit of it fitness to practise procedures by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE).

In it, the CHRE revealed a catalogue of disasters that included poor record keeping, missing files, confusion over the status of cases, long delays and the closure of a case without a countersignature – something for which the GDC was pulled in a previous audit.

Kevin says such events at the GDC, culminating in the resignation of Alison Lockyer both as chair of the GDC and as a council member, had fuelled fears at Dental Protection which represents hundreds of dentists across the UK and beyond.

Ms Lockyer’s resignation follows hard on the heels of the resignation of two of the six Investigating Committee Chairs; both of them hugely experienced individuals.

Kevin says: ‘Dental Protection has been voicing its concerns for some time now that certain aspects of the GDC’s work left a lot to be desired.

‘The Fitness to Practise procedures were a case in point, as recently confirmed by the largely critical CHRE report, while some of the recent policy decisions also suggested a fundamental lack of understanding of the dynamics of the profession and its relationship with the public.’

He adds: ‘The dignified departure of Alison Lockyer as GDC chair, and the measured but pointed terms of her public comments as she left office, should set alarm bells ringing that something profoundly disturbing has been happening at the GDC.

‘It is clear that the departing chair has formally raised concerns with the relevant authorities about the internal operation of the GDC at a senior level, and these concerns surely warrant thorough investigation if public and professional confidence is to be maintained.

‘Divisions are self-evident between some of the lay and professional members, and also between some council members and the GDC executive and staff. This is not good news for patients, and coincidentally it is not good news for the profession either at a time of such enormous challenge.’

 

^1306108800^4045^GDC dramas set ‘alarm bells ringing…^Leading dental commentator, Kevin Lewis, claims the work of dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC) ‘leaves a lot to be desired’….^
A restoration winner for the Moloney award^^1306108800^4046^A restoration winner for the Molone…^^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/Crotty-Lally.jpg
‘Veneers for children’ dentist struck off^

A dentist has been struck off for inappropriately fitting dental veneers on children as young as eight for financial gain.

Birmingham dentist, Stuart Elliott Johnstone, of Crabtree Drive Dental Practice, in Chelmsley Wood, was deemed dishonest and motivated by money, carrying out the dental work that was ‘not in the patients’ best interest’.

The General Dental Council (GDC) committee heard how he fitted veneers when one patient was eight years old.

They were placed on canine teeth within a short period after their eruption at a time when her dentition was developing.

The committee was unable to identify any other motivation for this other than a financial one.

The committee heard how Johnstone dishonestly carried out dental veneers purely for private profit on 11 patients, mainly children, between April 2005 and June 2007.

The GDC told him: ‘You subjected patients, most of whom were children, to treatment knowing it to have been inappropriate, with the primary motivation of your own financial gain. You thereby neglected the dental interests of these patients and failed to provide them with the treatment they needed. You did so in order to obtain fees leading to a greater profit from the NHS than the fees you would have received for appropriate treatment.

‘You were in a position of trust towards your patients and the public. You abused that trust. For all these reasons the Committee places this case high in the scale of dishonesty.’
Johnstone was struck off last May but details have only now emerged.

The GDC said it had no option but to strike him from the dental register after also hearing he ignored decaying teeth in favour of veneers – with one woman’s life put at risk when he failed to spot and treat an infection.

One mother wrote to the dentist complaining her daughter’s teeth were still growing and she had outgrown the veneers, the hearing was told.

The catalogue of charges included:
• A serious abuse of a clinical relationship
• A serious abuse of a privileged position
• Causing serious avoidable harm to patients
• Dishonesty
• Failing to maintain professional knowledge in areas relevant to your practice.

The GDC panel concluded: ‘Having found that all other sanctions would be inappropriate in this case, the Committee was left with no alternative but to order that your name be erased from the Dentists Register.’

^1306108800^4048^‘Veneers for children’ dentist …^A dentist has been struck off for inappropriately fitting dental veneers on children as young as eight for financial gain.Birmingham dentist…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/kids-in-shadow.png
Dentists help give smokers a Fresh Start^

A new campaign with Derby’s dentists and dental surgery staff is helping smokers quit during National Smile Month by offering them a free referral to expert help.

Ten of the city’s dental practices have already signed up for the new initiative in partnership with organisers Fresh Start – Derby’s free NHS Stop Smoking Service – and more are set to join.

Stop Smoking advisor Lucia White, from Fresh Start, which is part of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: ‘We wanted to work with dental practices to reach more people who may want help to stop smoking because there is a big link between smoking and oral health problems.’

Dental practices are being invited to opt in to the scheme which is designed to make it as quick and easy as possible to refer patients to Fresh Start.

Lucia said: ‘We are raising awareness of the help Fresh Start can offer and giving dental staff the tools to make referrals to us on the spot, so it is more hands-on than just giving out our details and hoping patients will follow up on it.

‘It is recognised that smokers are four times more likely to stop smoking with the sort of help that Fresh Start can offer, than by going it alone.’

Lucia added: ‘We know dentists are busy people, so we’ve made the referral process as simple as possible and the beauty of it is that anybody at the dental practice can make referrals to us. It could be the receptionist talking to somebody booking a dental appointment or a hygienist or dental nurse.’

Participating Derby dentist Conor Donogan said: ‘The commonest cause of gum disease currently in the UK is smoking. Gum disease is still the commonest reason why people lose their teeth. Smokers are seven times more likely to get gum disease and lose their teeth compared to non-smokers. So, now is the time to stop and keep your smile.’

National Smile Month – www.nationalsmilemonth.org – runs until 15 June but this initiative between Fresh Start and Derby dentists is set to carry on beyond the middle of June.

^1306195200^4049^Dentists help give smokers a Fresh …^A new campaign with Derby’s dentists and dental surgery staff is helping smokers quit during National Smile Month by offering them a f…^http://dev.dentistry.co.uk/sites/all/themes/dentistry/images/news_images/cignails.png
Oral-B makes an impact ^

The 2011 BDA Conference programme offered something for everyone.

Not only could dentists benefit from over 85 hours of verifiable CPD, but Oral-B sponsored a DCP theatre featuring three days of complimentary, 30-minute sessions for other team members.

This was just one of the areas in which Oral-B supported and worked with the BDA.

Razi Hyder, from Oral-B, says: ‘As the Diamond sponsor, we knew we could make a difference.  Our partnering with the BDA at this event was a logical one since we share similar goals.  Prevention is our passion and we recognise the importance of the profession in delivering this message to the public. We’re also committed to providing CPD to all.’
 
Oral-B has recently launched Pro-Expert, the first stannous toothpaste that is clinically proven to protect all eight areas dentists check most.

It protects against gum problems, plaque, caries, calculus formation, dentinal hypersensitivity, erosion, staining and bad breath.

This is an extremely wide scope, and it’s not surprising therefore that the product claims in each of these areas are backed by rigorous research conducted over 15 years, resulting in over 70 clinical and scientific studies.

It is important that the profession has confidence in the products they’re using and ultimately being asked to recommend which is why for the first time, Oral-B have invested in two stands at the Conference.

One was focused entirely on the company’s R&D capability and gave visitors an insight into the stringent research and protocol that is undertaken prior to launching a new product.  The other was situated at the DCP theatre and allowed delegates to explore the company’s comprehensive range of oral hygiene products.
 
Oral-B also announced the retail launch date for Pro-Expert: it will be available in stores from 1 July.

This UK launch follows the successes in other countries which have gained a double digit market share within two years, proving that Oral-B Pro-Expert, which utilises stabilised stannous fluoride, has been well received by both professionals and consumers.
 
Procter and Gamble dramatically changed oral healthcare globally when they introduced the first clinically proven effective fluoride toothpaste by Crest back in 1955 and the first electric toothbrush with oscillating rotating technology from Oral-B in 1991.

The introduction of Pro-Expert, a multi-faceted toothpaste with a unique technology, aspires to achieve similar acclaim.
 
There was also news in the field of mechanical plaque removal as the company’s flagship power product, Triumph 5000 with SmartGuide, had been improved.

Already highly sophisticated, it was challenging to find ways in which its performance might be advanced further.

Oral-B believe communication is key to compliance and that’s why this ingenious model has additional functionality to help motivate patients to brush for longer, without applying too much pressure.

Using the Triumph 5000 with SmartGuide they’re on average five times more likely to adhere to the recommended 2 minutes twice a day and are less likely to use excessive brushing force versus a regular toothbrush[1].

Research has shown that 92% of patients will significantly improve their brushing thoroughness in 30 days [2].

Conference delegates all received a voucher in their Oral-B wash bag inviting them to receive a complimentary new Triumph 5000 after trying the Pro-Expert toothpaste for a fortnight and reporting their feedback.
 
References
1.Walters PA, Cugini M, Biesbrock AR, Warren PR. A Novel Oscillating-Rotating Power Toothbrush
with SmartGuide™: Designed for Enhanced Performance and Compliance. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007 May;(8)4:001-009.
2. P&G data on file.
 

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Finalists in dental implant research competition^

Eighteen abstracts have been selected for the EAO (European Association for Osseointegration) ‘Basic’ and ‘Clinical’ Research competitions, and the two coveted prizes will be awarded during the EAO Annual Congress in Athens on 15 October.

The 15 reviewers of the EAO Abstract Committee made the selection from more than 500 submitted abstracts for the 2011 programme.
 
Thirty abstracts have also been selected for presenting at the Congress Short Oral Communication sessions and additionally, more than 400 will be presented at the Poster Exhibition covering a wide range of topics.

These are organised in several categories including surgical and prosthetic aspects in implant therapy outcomes, tissue augmentation and engineering, technical and biological complications and basic and materials research.

In addition, 20 submitted abstracts were selected for the EAO Travel Grants.
 
The poster display will extend for almost half a kilometre at the EAO 2011 annual dental implant congress which will take place in Athens from 12-15 October.

The four-day conference focuses on science related to oral implants and as one of the leading implant congresses in the world, it promises something for all dentists, researchers and members of the dental team.

The last EAO Congress in Glasgow in 2010 was attended by more than 3,500 people from 76 countries around the world.

The attendance this year in Athens is already expected to be even higher.
 
For more information on the EAO or on the Congress, please visit www.eao.org.

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Pilots start now, health secretary tells dentists ^

Trials of new dental contracts – with payments according to quality of treatment, rather than quantity – will begin within weeks, the health secretary revealed.

Addressing the British Dental Conference, Andrew Lansley said the 62 pilots would ‘go live in the next month’, ahead of legislation later in this parliament.

And he hailed the help ministers had received from dentists, saying: ‘It contrasts sharply with the atmosphere of hostility and anger that prevailed around the previous dental reform programme.’

During the speech, in Manchester, Mr Lansley also revealed that local authorities would help the new NHS Commissioning Board develop services that ‘respond to locally identified needs’.

The shake-up of commissioning – part of the troubled Health and Social Care Bill – has been fiercely criticised by Labour, although the Health Secretary insisted it had been ‘broadly welcomed. And he launched an attack on the quality of children’s teeth, branding evidence that 30% of children suffer ‘very significantly’ from tooth decay ‘unacceptable’.

And he added: ‘Here in the north west, the extraction of teeth is the biggest single reason why children are subjected to a general anaesthetic.

‘We need to focus our services more on prevention, for both adults and for children.’

In May, when the department of health announced that 62 dental practices had been selected to test out a new dental contract, it said they would get underway ‘in the summer’.

Now they will begin within the next few weeks, with three slightly different different models providing information and evidence on various aspects of the proposals.

Mr Lansley pledged the shake-up would; guarantee ‘continuity of care’ for patients, end the ‘perverse incentives of an activity based system’ and properly measure the quality of treatment.

And he praised two dentists who had ‘blazed a trail’ in training colleagues who will run the contract pilots – Ravi Singh, of Windsor Dental Practice, in Salford, and Shazzad Saleem, of Glodwick Dental Practice, in Oldham.

On commissioning, Mr Lansley stuck by his plans for the new independent Commissioning Board to perform the task – despite hints of a rethink on other aspects of the Bill, as part of a ‘listening exercise’.

He said some of the doomed primary care trusts (PCTs) had worked ‘innovatively and constructively’, but said the approach of others had been ‘frustrating for everybody – especially for the profession’.

And he said: ‘We have an opportunity to achieve greater integration between primary and secondary care dental services and to bring a far greater degree of consistency to dental commissioning.’

However, local councils would produce ‘Joint Strategic Needs Assessments’, which the Commissioning Board would develop further. There was also an apparent admission of tensions, when he said a meeting between Sir David Nicholson, the Board’s chief executive-in-waiting, and North West dentists had been ‘frank and constructive’.

Mr Lansley acknowledged that the introduction of registration with the CQC had caused ‘a good deal of concern’, but told the conference: ‘We need to move on.’

He admitted the recent 0.5% increase in contract values had been ‘tough’, but added: ‘We’ve protected the NHS budget – increasing it in real terms with an extra £11.6 billion in this parliament.’

Finally, commenting on a study suggesting 11 million people would live to the age of 100, Mr Lansley said: ‘Almost all of those 11 million people will retain some teeth past their 100th birthday and will need support to maintain their oral health.’

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