Sebastian Evans

Basic hand washing techniques should be second nature to all practising dental hygienists. However, as dental hygienists are faced with many responsibilities while being pressed for time, compliance with hand washing techniques may wane. The benefits of performing proper hand washing techniques have been taught for generations (Boyce JM, Pittet D, 2002; Wilkins EM, 2005;…

As a dental nurse operating in the Irish healthcare environment, you will probably by now have come across the term ‘quality’ in some shape or form. You may even have asked yourself what role you have to play in this ‘quality agenda’. Or indeed you might be of the opinion that it is not of…

Probiotics are micro-organisms that have been proven to exert health-promoting influences in humans and animals. Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring gut flora. The gut flora can be broadly divided into three main groups: • Bifidobacteria (probiotic beneficial ‘good’ bacteria) • Bacteroides species (pathogenic micro-organisms) • Prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredients…

You have all probably all heard it said that people will only normally do business with people they like and can associate with and that the most important part of the sales process is the ‘building relationship’ side. I strongly believe this and would like to share a personal story with you to back up…

Periowave™ is a broad spectrum anti-microbial that provides a cutting edge weapon in the dentist’s arsenal against periodontal disease. With Photo Dynamic Disinfection (PDD) you can give your patients the highest standard of treatment and results. PDD is the application of a photosensitiser that preferentially binds with target bacteria. Non-thermal laser is applied to the…

People who like to get out on the golf course for a round or two – thinking they are doing some good for their health – are actually increasing their chances of diabetes. Researchers have discovered that the pesticides commonly used on golf courses and other public areas can double the risk of diabetes. Pesticides…

A unique degree course aimed at dental care professionals will be launched at the University of Kent’s Medway campus this autumn. The BSc in Primary Dental Care – believed to be the first degree of its kind in the United Kingdom – is for qualified professionals such as dental nurses, hygienists and therapists, orthodontic therapists…

The first-ever degree course in the UK aimed specifically at dental care professionals (DCPs) is being launched at the University of Kent’s Medway campus this autumn. The BSc in Primary Dental Care is for qualified professionals such as dental nurses, hygienists and therapists, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians. It’s aim is to provide a…

Q. I am a performer with an NGDS contract. I’m not clear what level of pension contributions is being made on my behalf by my Contractor and the PCT. How can I find out more? A. Your pension contributions should be based on the gross value share of the contract apportioned to you. Of that…

This month the Peninsula Dental School’s original cohort of students will complete their first year of dental training. The 62 students began the BSc course in September 2007 and beat more than 100 other applicants to the places on offer. But what is life really like at the UK’s newest dental school? And is a…

Crooked teeth… Cosmetic and restorative dentists have all been there. Our patients want a dramatic outcome quickly. When their teeth are chipped, worn and there are previous restorations… fine, no problem. Porcelain-etched restorations were made for these situations. But the teeth are crowded. In fact, there is not a lot wrong with them other than…

The Department of Health must undo the damage done by the new dental contract, delegates heard last week at the annual Local Dental Committees’ conference in London. Addressing the conference, the Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, Dr Lester Ellman, also called on dentists to seize the opportunities that will emerge…

Around 7,000 NHS dental places have been made available in Staffordshire with the opening of a new £1 million practice. Four dentists have been recruited to work at the centre due to open in Shelton in six weeks. They will be supported by more than 30 hygienists, therapists, technicians and support staff to make it…

Kevin Lewis ponders to what extent the government is out of step with public – and the profession’s – opinion… You probably remember that awkward moment when the Millennium Bridge across the Thames got a touch of the wobbles. Its architects (with or without the input of any associated structural engineers) had not bargained for…

The problem with inflammatory periodontal disease is that it is often detected too late and treatment made more complex as a result. As in the rest of the world of medicine a deeper understanding of the causes of periodontal disease and the disease progression is allowing the development of new strategies and concepts in disease…

British singer-songwriter Steven Fretwell is the latest celebrity to benefit from the magic touch of dentist-to-the-stars, Dr Lance Knight. The makeover, which took place at the exclusive Ultimate Smile Spa, saw Fretwell’s look transformed, and his teeth are now firmly on the A-list of celebrity smiles. ‘Steven is well and truly on the up and…