#dental care

More people in Britain stopped visiting the dentist during the pandemic than in any other country in Europe.

This is according to new research from GSK Consumer Healthcare in partnership with IPSOS.

A significant 43% of Brits visited a dentist less often since the onset of the pandemic.

Additionally, 18% of British consumers do not intend to visit a dentist over the next six months. This is due to concerns regarding virus transmission from dental equipment or from others in the waiting room.

And although there is increased snack consumption among Brits (30%), just 9% have upped their teeth brushing.

This comes as recent PHE statistics reveal growing oral health inequalities among children.

Discrepancies in the prevalence of tooth decay in five-year-old children between the country’s richest and most deprived communities spiked from 2008 to 2019.

For dental caries and tooth loss, studies reveal that absolute inequalities narrowed over time. However, relative inequalities have not.

Good oral healthcare

Jonathan Workman is area general manager for Great Britain and Ireland at GSK Consumer Healthcare. He said: ‘We know just how important good oral healthcare is to the wellbeing of consumers. As well as the longer-term negative impact that avoiding regular visits to the dentists can have.

‘Despite the many COVID-safe environments that dentists are creating, we also recognise that there are still some concerns amongst people in the UK regarding visiting a dentist.

‘As one of the world’s largest providers of specialist oral health, it’s our responsibility to reassure consumers of the great work that dentists have done to keep their practices safe and open.

‘It’s our role to help consumers understand the necessity and benefits of regularly visiting the dentist, as part of a holistic self-care routine. With our support, we hope dentists can continue to play a crucial role in maintaining British consumer’s oral healthcare practices.’

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Farah Elnaqa writes about her experiences on her dental elective when she went to Ghana to help in the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the city of Takoradi.

In the summer after my third year at dental school, I had the incredible opportunity to carry out a dental elective in Ghana.

It was a truly remarkable experience. I believe that everyone should take part in a dental elective at least once during their time at university.

I was based at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the city of Takoradi, which is in the western region of Ghana. Effia Nkwanta is a government-funded hospital and is the only hospital in the whole region.

It receives referrals from the 22 districts within the western region, putting it under enormous strain.

Most of the patients I saw attended the hospital distressed and in pain. Some patients travel for hours to see a dentist.

Out of the three dental chairs at the hospital, only one was functional. The other chairs had been out of use for over three months. And unfortunately the hospital was struggling to have these fixed or replaced.

The only chair that we could use did not have a working light, three in one or suction.

This made treatment considerably more difficult and limited the treatment that we could carry out.

Similarly, the radiograph machines were out of order during my time at the hospital. This meant that we could not take intraoral radiographs. We could only use OPTs within a limited capacity to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.

Challenging conditions in Ghana

During my time volunteering at Effia Nkwanta, I noticed that often teeth that may have been saved with endodontic treatment unfortunately were lost.

The only dental treatments covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana are extractions, incision and drainage of swellings and restorations.

A lot of people are unable to afford health insurance. Endodontic treatment would cost around 900 cedis (approximately £137 at the time).

Many patients were not able not afford this and, as a result, would choose to have their teeth extracted due to financial constraints.

Under these challenging conditions, the team and I at Effia Nkwanta had to adapt in order to continue providing care for patients.

Gauze was often used instead of suction. We used phone torches as a light source.

Although this was not ideal, due to the lack of resources, we had to do what we could in order to get patients out of pain as soon as possible.

Overcoming extractions

At university I was always nervous before carrying out extractions. I didn’t have much experience and I would never know what to expect.

A great thing about my time in Ghana is that it really helped build my confidence.

The majority of treatment consisted of extractions, which meant I had a lot of practise. I always had my supervising dentist there to give me a hand when I needed it.

In fact, on my first day, I was unable to take out any teeth at all. But by the end of my time there I’d really got the hang of things.

After I returned to university in September, I realised that I was no longer worried when I saw extractions planned on clinic. I found myself looking forward to them instead!

Interesting cases in Ghana

One of the particularly interesting cases that I witnessed in Ghana, was a man that was brought in to the hospital by the police.

He was on trial for a very serious crime, and they needed to determine his age. It was on the basis of his teeth as to whether the court would try him as a minor or as an adult.

He had been claiming to be a minor, and as there were no official documents to prove his age. It was definitely something I did not expect to see!

Another fascinating experience was seeing a keratocyst in real life. This was something I have only ever seen in textbooks.

A patient attended the hospital with an extremely large swelling that had been present for the past six months. We needed to aspirate it and and take an OPT to confirm the diagnosis. We then referred the patient to a specialist for further investigation and treatment.

As you can tell, I never knew what to expect, and each day in Ghana would be different!

Oral health education

On the weekends, I spent a lot of my time exploring. I wanted to experience Ghana’s vibrant culture as much as I could.

I would visit the beaches, the markets, try the local food, and we actually took an amazing trip to Kakum National Park. This was a breathtaking experience.

But one of my favourite and most rewarding experiences was visiting the local junior school and orphanage.

My aim was to to teach both the adults and children about oral health, in the hope that they could implement healthy habits in the long term.

We had a teaching and Q&A session, following which I was able to provide supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Many of the children had never had any sort of oral health education before. But, despite this, they were so engaged in learning. It was extremely encouraging to see, and I had so much fun.

I also carried out an oral health screening of over 100 children in order to identify those that urgently needed to see a dentist.

The school/orphanage was then able to prioritise and arrange dental appointments for those children before they were in any pain.

The whole day was absolutely exhausting. But I was extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to help others – and I would do it all over again.

‘Most fulfilling experiences of my life’

My time in Ghana allowed me to meet some truly amazing people and build my confidence in ways I could have never imagined.

The team at Effia Nkwanta always strived to provide the highest level of care possible. Even in particularly difficult circumstances.

They provided me with all the support I could have asked for, and I learned so much. Particularly from my supervising dentist, Dr Henry Acheampong, who was an amazing teacher.

It was a truly rewarding experience and I only wish I could have stayed longer.

My dental elective was one of my most memorable experiences as a dental student, and also one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Although I have now qualified, I often reminisce about my trip to Ghana, and I truly hope to return there one day.

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Kimia Benam explains how KB Architects helped to create RW Perio’s comforting clinical space for patients and staff.

RW Perio appointed KB Architects to design and deliver its new specialist perio clinic in a grade II listed building in Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA), London.

The brief was to design two dental surgeries and a seminar room, which was supported by back of house staff areas and a decontamination space.

We designed the clinic within a conservation area. So as part of this process KB Architects applied for listed building consent to Westminster City Council.

This exercise and process posed a significant challenge. The level of intrusion to the existing fabric of the base building, which was handed by landlord Howard de Walden Estates, therefore needed to be monitored in micro detail to ensure the proposed concept did not damage the fabric of the existing listed building.

State-of-the-art finish

The new state-of-the-art dental clinic is located on the second floor of the building. The floor area achieved is 112 sqm.

KB Architects, as part of the process, also worked closely with the client team to develop an architectural and interiors brief that clearly defined the parameters for the project.

We utilised a number of mediums to communicate our work at key stages of the project. Such as 3D CGI visuals and 3D physical printed models. This also helped relay the scale and volume of each space and the operational setting of the spaces.

The concept proposed a modern, contemporary and minimalist architectural palette. It worked successfully in tandem with the existing listed period features of the building. This created a fusion of modern and old.

The design was also minimalist, with a clutter free environment. All joinery and finishes received a bespoke design and minutely detailed to ensure a clean and functional concept.

The design team applied biophilic design principles to enhance the patient and staff experience. Such as ceiling-mounted interactive digital screens above patients. These display nature visuals and sounds. Also applying artwork into key spaces by engaging with an artist to transform gum cells into abstract forms.

RW Perio went live and successfully operational in January 2021.

KB Architects

‘Working within a listed building to design and deliver a dental clinic can impose several constraints and limitations,’ Kimia Benam, director at KB Architects, says.

‘However, 75 Harley Street is a good example how, with a well thought through design process, you can fuse the period features of a listed building to blend with modern technology.

‘This can then offer a comforting clinical space for the patients and the staff.’

‘Kimia was a pleasure to work with during our project,’ Dr Reena Wadia, RW Perio, says.

‘She has brought innovative ideas with her architectural experience. She was very helpful in overcoming the challenges we faced during our project such as listed building consent.

‘Her attention to detail made a significant difference to the overall outcome and I would highly recommend her as an architect.’

If you would like to find out more about the design and building process we went through to achieve RW Perio clinic, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free phone consultation.

We would love to hear about you, your practice and your future aspirations. As well as explaining how we can be of assistance.

For more information visit www.kbarchitects.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 07890 549108.

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Evodental has marked the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The practices, which focus exclusively on full arch dental implant rehabilitation, has created a short film. It looks at how Evodental’s staff and patients have been affected during this period.

The video also considers how, during the 11-week period in which Evodental closed its doors, its team collaborated virtually developing a new digital workflow to improve outcomes for their patients.

For more information on Evodental visit www.evodental.com.

The post Evodental reflects on a year in lockdown appeared first on Dentistry.co.uk.

An expert in restorative dentistry has hammered home the importance of routine check-ups after a woman discovered a lump on her jaw was oral cancer.

A report on the BBC describes the case of a 29-year-old from Paisley, Scotland, who got in touch with a dental hospital after experiencing pain in her jaw.

A CT and biopsy revealed she had developed a cancerous tumour called osteosarcoma.

Dr Beth Burns, a consultant in restorative dentistry at Glasgow’s dental school, emphasised the importance of dental teams in identifying signs of oral cancer.

She pointed out that dentists are constantly examining soft tissue in the mouth and, as a result, often spot early signs of disease.

Additionally, she urged the public to check their mouths and visit a dentist if they notice anything unusual.

Fall in referrals

This comes as the Oral Health Foundation revealed last year that mouth cancer referrals had dropped by one third since the beginning of the pandemic.

Data showed that referral appointments fell by 33% overall following the onset of COVID-19.

In Scotland, this figure stood at 30%, sparking calls for quick action surrounding diagnosis.

‘Regular dental check-ups and GP appointments are the main routes for identifying the early stages of mouth cancer,’ said Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation.

‘We fear that without access to dental and wider health professionals, many mouth cancer cases will go undiagnosed.

‘A person’s quality of life after being treated for mouth cancer, as well as their chances of beating the disease, is highly dependent on the time of diagnosis. By not treating so many potential mouth cancers, there is a real danger of more people losing their life to the disease.

‘While dental and GP visits remain disrupted it is important that everybody knows how to check themselves for mouth cancer.’

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Revolutionising dentistry is an advanced form of communication. Digital signage for dental practices is rapidly growing in popularity, and there are many reasons why. Sophie Olver explains how digital signage can help to deliver information in dental practice waiting rooms.

Since reopening after lockdown, dental practices have to adapt to new technologies and processes to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and patients.

As a result, digital signage has taken dentistry by storm. It provides a smart solution for hands-free, easily manageable communication.

Yet, the benefits of digital signage go beyond coronavirus and hygiene. Digital signage’s growing popularity in dentistry is rooted in its affordability, effectiveness, versatility and attention-grabbing potential.

It can reduce patient anxiety, promote additional service and offer reminders, and increase patient numbers by retaining existing customers and attracting new ones.

As more and more dental practices turn to waiting room TVs, digital display windows, digital hand sanitisers, and more, this article explores the reasons why digital signage has become dentistry’s rising trend.

What is digital signage?

Digital signage in dentistry is fast growing in popularity. But what is it?

Digital signage consists of an electronic screen conveying information to an audience at a particular location.

Content is created, scheduled and managed through digital signage software. Then a media player is used to display this content onto a screen.

Unlike conventional static or print signage, it can display multimedia content from images and videos to social media and animated text.

The possibilities are near limitless, making digital signage an unparalleled tool of communication.

What makes digital signs so popular?

It reduces patient anxiety

For many, booking a dentist appointment and then sitting nervously in the dreaded waiting room takes courage.

According to the Oral Health Foundation, around 10 million adults in the UK suffer from dental anxiety. With only uninspiring posters and out-of-date magazines to keep waiting patients occupied, this anxiety can escalate.

Digital signage for dental practices provides a solution to this, however.

Waiting room TVs have risen in popularity due to their ability to reduce patient anxiety. These TVs can display interesting and reassuring content to keep patients both distracted and entertained while they wait.

Content can include staff profiles to humanise the dentist behind the face shield, customer testimonials to show treatment successes, and live TV to distract people from their upcoming appointment.

Otherwise, video content on dental products and services or ‘how to’ videos can occupy patients’ attention. This can ease them before they go in for treatment.

What was once wasted time in the dental practice waiting room is now time to entertain patients and reduce anxiety. This can in turn lead to higher customer retention.

Moreover, engaging content decreases the perceived wait time for patients.

It promotes relevant offers and treatments

The popularity of digital signage stems from its flexibility and manageability.

Whilst you must take print signage down, before reprinting and replacing every time a promotion ends, you can update digital signage content and immediately project it onto the screen. This ease means advertised promotions, offers, and treatments remain up to date and relevant.

Screens can be positioned in dentist window displays to reach passers-by or in the reception and waiting rooms to reach visitors and patients.

The bright screens and multimedia capabilities of digital signage effectively attract potential customer attention. Significantly, patients who regularly visit the dentist are keen to improve their oral hygiene, making waiting room clientele the perfect audience for promotional content.

The scheduling potential also allows preparation of promotional content in advance to present on the screen promptly when necessary.

This scheduling functionality has catalysed the popularity of digital signage for dental practices.

It streamlines communication

Information is constantly changing, especially during the pandemic.

As a result, print posters and static signage have proved inefficient in keeping people updated.

Digital signage has, therefore, soared in popularity. It provides an effective way for dentists and dental practices to deliver necessary and valuable information.

A dental practice is a busy place. Consequently, staff often fail to read notice boards or handouts on the staff room table. Digital signage improves internal communication by succinctly displaying important messages on bright screens that capture immediate attention and stick in people’s minds.

These screens can also project a playlist of information on safe working environments, work timesheets, or changes at the practice.

Rather than having information displayed on multiple sources, digital signage streamlines communication for both staff and patients. Content playlists allow rotation of valuable information in one place, improving time and cost-efficiency.

It encourages hygiene effectively

Dentists want to educate people. They want to prevent people from needing dental surgery or avoidable treatments.

Displaying static and conventional information, digital signs provide an effective way to encourage dental hygiene.

Digital screens provide an innovative way to reinforce this message and the importance of oral hygiene. Waiting room TV screens can display before and after photos, ‘how to’ videos, or animated content on dentist food and oral hygiene advice.

Patients are likely to remember bright screens, video content, and high-quality images, encouraging hygiene effectively.

In addition, digital hand sanitisers are rising in popularity in dentistry. Each time someone uses the pump, targeted information from hygiene advice to promotional content plays on a connected screen. When not in use, the screen acts as traditional digital signage. These stations make hygiene useful and fun.

By taking advantage of its multitude of benefits, dental practices have retained existing customers and attracted new customers.

This innovative communication solution has revamped dentistry and will continue to rise in popularity.

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Mini (minimally invasive) Smile Makeovers aims to produce the longest-lasting aesthetic result with the minimum biological and financial cost. 

Ride the composite wave with the Mini Smile Makeover two-day anterior direct composite course with Dipesh Parmar.

About Dipesh Parmar

One of the most in demand speakers on minimally invasive aesthetics on the global lecture circuit, Dipesh’s teaching style is direct and highly approachable.

Are you getting an increase in demand for composite bonding? Are you unsure as to which cases you can do directly and indirectly? Do you have the confidence to produce long lasting minimally invasive results on a consistent basis?

Do you have trouble with any of the following:

• Anatomy
• Line angles
• Finishing and polishing
• Treatment planning
• Contact points
• Diastema closure
• Peg laterals
• Full veneers
• Marketing and fee setting
• Instrumentation
• Matrix selection and wedging
• Occlusal considerations
• Repair of composites
• Opaquers and tints
• Incisal halos and effects
• Picking the right composite
• Layering.

Mini Smile Makeover has been attended by over 1,000 UK dentists with amazing feedback.

The immersive two-day anterior composite course is designed to take dentists and therapists of all levels to the next level. Three full hands-on exercises guide delegates from the basics to more advanced layering.

Single and multi-shaded makeover

Master step by step protocols for common clinical situations like composite veneers, diastema closures, class fours and edge bonding.

Discover the instruments and protocols to get you perfect, shade, form, function and long-lasting polish.

Market a Mini Smile Makeover centre

Join our consumer website as a provider and benefit from marketing materials and content.

‘I’ve learnt more than I ever thought I was going to in a two-day course. I’ve done a few similar courses to this but I find this one head and shoulders above the rest. […] very very very helpful’. – Dr Susan Mcbride

Remarkable lectures

Highlighting both clinical successes and failures, a ‘how to’ on marketing to increase case numbers and clinical photography.

The course is suitable for all levels. It provides a step-by-step processes that anyone can follow and repeat.

For more information visit www.minismilemakeover.com.

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