Harry Morris explores why far-sighted and responsible dental companies need to put supporting clients with educational opportunities ahead of product promotion.
On 16 September at The Royal College of Physicians in London, the GBT Summit brought together leading international experts and clinicians to share information about preventive dentistry and modern therapies.
The opportunities at this event were vast, from educational to social. But, perhaps, what we at EMS and the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) primarily took away form the day was that we had hit the nail on the head. Offering continuing professional development to support dental professionals in their efforts to improve patients’ health is the way of the future.
Indeed, this viewpoint was boosted when we received the incredibly exciting news that the GBT Summit had been shortlisted in the Dental Industry Awards category for ‘Event of the Year’.
Transforming dental hygiene education
EMS and education partner the SDA have long been committed to fostering knowledge and skills by training and educating health care professionals.
Truly, given its unparalleled continuing education and training concept, the SDA is a key pacesetter in dental prophylaxis training and continues to expand to meet the ever-growing need in this all-important sector of dental care.
Most recently, two incredible new clinicians joined the ranks of the UK SDA trainers. Kayley McCauley was just crowned ‘Therapist of the Year’ at the Private Dentistry Awards.
Louise Warden qualified from Glasgow Dental School in 2004. She then went to receive a diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh for achieving the highest grades in the UK dental hygiene examination.
Be the best with EMS
- Seven new SDA trainers appointed in 2022 to keep up with demand
- 89 bespoke in-house courses since their launch in 2021
- Over 450 clinicians trained in GBT
- Over 400 5-star reviews.
Based on the latest scientific knowledge, SDA theory and practice courses are taught in terms of practice-oriented requirements.
Each of our SDA trainers spend the time helping delegates learn how to provide patients with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), the gentle and comfortable professional dental cleaning process that is taking the profession and the public by storm.
Ultimately, the knowledge imparted offers delegates the opportunity to provide patients with the best possible outcomes, as well as improve job satisfaction.
Mastering the protocol
The GBT masterclass provides a full-day of postgraduate training. It provides the theoretical knowledge to develop strategies for periodontal and implant maintenance by looking at the components of the model. This includes Air Flow, Perio Flow and the advancements in ‘No Pain’ Piezon technology.
In addition, there are hands-on elements, combining theoretical knowledge with practical teaching.
2023 dates and locations include:
- 10 February, London
- 18 February, Cambridge
- 4 March, Liverpool
- 5 April, Birmingham
- 22 April, Oxford
- 26 May, London
- 10 June, Brighton
- 21 June, Leeds.
Visit www.swissdentalacademy.com/en/courses-en for full details.
Bespoke learning in your practice
Individual courses in your practice can also be arranged. These were recently recognised for their quality and value, having just been announced as a finalist in the ‘Short term postgraduate course of the year’ category at the Dental Industry Awards.
EMS’ bespoke training package for practices invested in the GBT protocol helps to maximise the success and potential of your GBT offering.
The training is tailor-made to your needs. It is held in your own practice and with your whole team. Again, it is led by a skilled and experienced SDA trainers, who will cover everything from the patient journey to marketing, as well as in-depth clinical benefits and technical support.
Delegates leave understanding:
- The impact of biofilm on oral and systemic diseases
- A new world in prevention and prophylaxis
- GBT in non-surgical periodontal management
- The latest minimal invasive technologies including Air Flow, Perio Flow and ‘No Pain’ Piezo PS
- The clinical evidence
- GBT as a practice builder
- Successful implementation of GBT in your practice.
What’s more, once the team’s training is complete, we invite you to become a GBT certified practice. This offers exclusive strategies, hints and tips shared only with members.
Also available exclusively to certified members is inclusion in the GBT practice finder website at www.switchtogbt.com, an exciting new tool for the public to search for their nearest GBT certified provider, to meet increasing demand for GBT in the UK.
The GBT protocol in eight simple steps
- Assess – probe and screen every clinical case
- Disclose – make biofilm visible
- Motivate – raise awareness and teach
- Air Flow – remove biofilm, stains and early calculus
- Perio Flow – remove biofilm in >4 to 9 mm pockets
- Piezon No Pain – remove remaining calculus
- Check – make your patient smile
- Recall – a healthy patient equals a happy patient.
Empowered for success
The reality is the hygiene department is a great way to get referrals to the dentist for treatment. Thereby, this delivers both direct and indirect revenue.
Once a patient has come in for an affordable and value-driven oral hygiene treatment plan such as GBT that they were able to commit to immediately and trust and rapport has been built, it is an easy cross over between departments.
Happy and healthy patients, successful clinicians, and passionate partners –this is our mission. We invite you to join us in changing the face of preventive dentistry in the UK.
So, please do visit www.ems-dental.com for further information about GBT and SDA education opportunities.