The GBT Summit is returning for 2023. Hear from some of the speakers who will share their knowledge at the summit.
Following the success of the inaugural GBT Summit in London in 2022, EMS is delighted to be hosting this year’s in Manchester on Friday 15 September between 8.30am (for registration) and 4.30pm.
It is set to bring together international experts and clinicians to share information about preventive dentistry and modern therapies. This will support existing GBT users and those looking for new ways to elevate their skillset and supercharge their hygiene room.
Whether you are already part of the GBT professional family or are considering adopting this revolutionary protocol, you are invited to join EMS in changing the face of preventive dentistry.
Priced at just £125 plus VAT and worth five ECPD hours, spaces will soon be filled, so don’t delay! Further information is available at gbt-dental.com/uksummit2023.
Here we share what three of the speakers will be covering over this incredible day. They provide exclusive insight into what you can expect to experience on the day.
Dr Slaine McGrath – a talented cosmetic dentist, running her own clinic in Edinburgh
Slaine will reflect upon the importance of the hygiene room when opening and running your own practice, how GBT can help you supercharge the preventive offering, and how to use GBT in treatment plans.
As a cosmetic dentist, where does professional prophylaxis fit in with your patient care and why is the hygiene department so important?
Oral health is the foundation of a beautiful smile. Without optimal dental health, cosmetic enhancement isn’t possible. Longevity of aesthetic restorations is hugely impacted by the patient’s ability to maintain a plaque free mouth, so building a long-term relationship with the dental hygienist is paramount to successful treatment.
Why did you and your colleagues leave the traditional scale and polish behind?
It really was from my own personal experience that I decided to invest in guided biofilm therapy (GBT). I have super sensitive lower teeth and after experiencing GBT for myself, there was no going back. The ability to use the Airflow on composite and porcelain restorations is a huge selling point in any cosmetic practice.
How do you use GBT in treatment plans?
I advise all my new patients that they must have their teeth cleaned and staining removed before any treatment. They will then be given a tailored maintenance plan depending on risk and what treatments are being planned, and this will be incorporated into their restorative treatment plans.
Celso Da Costa – director of global at the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA) and marketing at EMS
Sharing why prophylaxis is the best practice builder, Celso will explore the benefits of investing in new technologies and protocols.
There are clearly benefits of investing in new technologies. However is this realistic in the current economic situation?
Absolutely. Investing in new technologies offers numerous advantages, including enhancing operational efficiency, refining customer service, and securing a competitive edge.
In light of the present economic context, it may indeed seem challenging to make such investments.
However, it’s essential to remember that in our rapidly evolving digital age, patients are actively seeking innovative and superior experiences. The demand for painless and efficient treatments is higher than ever.
Making a strategic investment in cutting-edge technology, and in targeted training with the Swiss Dental Academy (SDA), a practice can position itself as a leader in providing these sought-after experiences.
This can help attract and retain a dedicated patient base that appreciates and values the elevated level of care. Guided biofilm therapy can serve as the ‘wow factor’ that differentiates a practice from others, enhancing its appeal to potential and existing patients.
Therefore, while mindful of the broader economic conditions, investment in new technologies like GBT can be a realistic, beneficial move. By offering unparalleled patient experiences and leveraging the power of patient loyalty, such investments could lead to long-term sustainability and growth, even in uncertain economic times.
What is it that the modern patient is looking for from their practice and dental team?
The modern patient seeks a blend of comfort, convenience, quality, and personalised care. They want the latest in dental technology for effective and less invasive treatments.
They are also looking for flexible appointment schedules, transparent and straightforward billing, and a responsive, compassionate team that respects their time and concerns.
Patients appreciate an integrated, holistic approach to their dental care, in which their overall health and wellbeing are taken into account.
How does GBT meet those expectations, and what is the upshot for the practice?
Guided biofilm therapy is designed to meet these modern patient expectations. By utilising state-of-the-art technology, GBT provides a less invasive and more comfortable experience, reducing patient anxiety.
It focuses on preventive care and patient education, ensuring patients understand their oral health and feel empowered to maintain it. The precision and efficiency of GBT treatments can also lead to shorter and fewer appointments, adding convenience for patients.
For the practice, the benefits of adopting GBT include increased patient satisfaction and loyalty, which can lead to more referrals and a healthier bottom line.
By positioning the practice as cutting edge and patient focused, GBT can enhance the practice’s reputation and standing in the dental community.
Amanda Gallie – a dental therapist and lecturer, working for Leicester Community dental services treating anxious children and special needs patients, as well as Bupa Dental Care in Lincolnshire
Presenting an SDA case study at the summit, Amanda comes from the standpoint of GBT representing an intervention that kickstarts a process of preventive care regeneration.
What is it about the GBT protocol that fulfilled your passion for dental excellence?
The technology is impressive and seeing and experiencing this equipment evolve over the last 25 years has been a real privilege. For me, the reproducibility for potential research projects gives me joy. The precision built into the protocol gives me peace of mind, the intervention is effective. I then feel I’ve done my best that day in terms of patient care. I sleep better in that knowledge.
When it comes to caring for anxious children, what is most important?
It’s about building trust and rapport with the child. Making time for acclimatisation is extremely important. Without this piece of the jigsaw, it’s hard to progress.
Using child speak to relate to the child, to improve communication, is a skill that we should all re-visit.
GBT is comfortable, it feels great, it doesn’t hurt – the child will respond to this.
What is GBT’s role in terms of your patients’ behaviour change?
The GBT protocol creates a learning opportunity for improved home care and information exchange. In the stages of the GBT protocol, there is an opportunity for oral hygiene instruction, taking indices for motivation and feeding back previous oral health scores. This helps to empower the patient and may induce change behaviours.
The disclosing part of the protocol is very powerful. We are in a visual age and seeing the bacterial biofilm is key in getting change to happen.
Testimonials
‘A huge well done to everyone at EMS for organising a spectacular first event. It was a huge success. I know how much organisation these things take so well done to both those who were front of house and all those behind the scenes that made it look so seamless.’
– Sally Simpson, dental therapist and past president, British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT).
‘What a brilliant day. Organising such events isn’t for the faint hearted. You must be thrilled with how successful it was. What an amazing team. Full credit to everyone involved.’
– Faye Donald, dental hygienist.
For more information, go to gbt-dental.com/uksummit2023.
