Archives

Dental teams are ‘second in line’ for the COVID-19 vaccine, it has been confirmed. 

Dentists and their colleagues – including receptionists and cleaners – fall under the second priority risk group in the first phase of the vaccine rollout, according to a source close to the government.

As a result, current government plans mean dental teams should be offered the first dose by mid February.

Residents in care homes for older adults and their staff make up the first priority group to receive the vaccine.

Top priority groups

But this is closely followed by those over the age of 80 and frontline health and social care workers, with dental staff falling under the latter.

Yesterday (4 January) saw the first UK resident receive the Oxford University/Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine, of which the government has secured more than 100 million doses.

At his briefing on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson … Read the rest

This month Pete looks at how making small changes to the dental instruments we use can help reduce the amount of aerosols produced and therefore the fallow time.

In last month’s article we discussed air changes per hour (ACH) and how this can influence the overall fallow time between patients.

The aim for all dental practices is to try to work towards the shortest time. This allows you to see more patients, without compromising safety. The way to achieve this is to expel or reduce the amount of aerosol that we produce.

Your choice of dental handpiece

Although ventilation is the main way of achieving fresh replenishment of air, there are many products on the market that can help to make significant reductions in the level of aerosol produced.

One such way, and an instrument that dentistry uses for many procedures, is your choice of dental handpiece.

There are several … Read the rest

Marathon running, cycling and travelling, this week we hear from one of dentistry’s most physically active people – Chris Barrow.

Please introduce yourself

Chris Barrow – dental business coach since 1996.

What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?

I’ve been a committed runner since 1978 (35 marathons under my belt) and occasional cyclist. So I’d say that my #1 love outside of work is exercise.

As I’m getting older, there is a steady transition away from the distance running due to quite a few niggling injuries I’ve picked up in recent years. The cycling has been the saving grace in that respect.

In 2018 I really did enjoy Lands End to John O’Groats. And, COVID-willing, plan to reverse the journey in 2021 with my friend Sheila Scott.

Investing in a Wattbike in 2019 was hugely beneficial during lockdown and throughout 2020.

#2 love … Read the rest

Mark Topley reveals the important steps businesses need to take to succeed post-COVID-19. 

The disruption of the past six months has changed every sector of society. It’s rare for any generation to experience an event that leaves no one unaffected, whether rich or poor.

But with challenge also comes opportunity. There have been notable advances in clinical workflow with the use of video consults. There have been several tech innovations that have been accelerated to market. New ways of working have made some things better.

In fact, for many, business has grown, with increases in new patient numbers, and teams pulling together, delivering beyond expectation. However, I’m acutely aware of the large number of businesses who are struggling to reopen, get their teams to re-engage, and attract nervous customers back through the doors.

The differentiator from my observation is whether or not the business did the right things during lockdown. … Read the rest

The FMC journal Implant Dentistry Today is joining the digital revolution next month as it adopts a new format for a new year.

The well-loved implant journal will leave its print edition behind to go fully digital from the January 2021 issue. What’s more, each issue will be hosted here on Dentistry Online. This means you will have everything you need to dive more deeply into implant dentistry right at your fingertips.

Unbeatable accessibility

The new format will make it easier for subscribers and new readers alike to access the journal’s blend of practical clinical content and forays into the issues surrounding implant dentistry.

Managing editor Guy Hiscott said: ‘Implant Dentistry Today is now in its 14th year. During that time we’ve seen digital technology rise to a position of eminence within dentistry.

‘More than almost any other modality, implant dentistry has helped spearhead that growth. It’s only fitting that … Read the rest

Alex O’Neill reminds us about the importance of creating and updating a personal development plan (PDP).

When the Enhanced CPD scheme was introduced in 2018, a key introduction was the need for registrants to have a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

The purpose of a PDP is for dental professionals to sit down and think about where they want their career to go and then create a plan for the next five years. They must then give a copy of the PDP to practices where they work as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is now checking for them.

Rather than seeing your PDP as another ‘compliance task’, it can instead be used for its intended purpose.

This is to become aware of your capabilities. To understand areas where you could use further training and plan your development for the future.

There is a wide range of opportunities available to young dentists … Read the rest

After such a turbulent year, Anna Middleton reflects on 2020 and outlines her plans for 2021 after qualifying as a dental therapist.

I love rollercoasters but the ride that’s been 2020 I am ready to get off now.

The highs and lows have come in equal blows. But as this year draws to a close, I am excited and hopeful by what challenges await me.

Some personal lows for me include not seeing a single family member this year (with still no idea as to when I will see any of them). A breakup and the financial stress of being unable to work for three months.

Qualifying as a dental therapist

They say nothing easy was ever worth having. Despite the odds and various setbacks I have successfully completed my one-year top up degree in oral health science at the University of Essex and am now a dental therapist.

When … Read the rest

Ashley Latter shares some proven strategies that his clients are implementing right now to ensure they are not just surviving, but thriving.

Ashley Latter has been writing for Private Dentistry for more than two decades. He is the author of the books ‘Don’t Wait For The Tooth Fairy’ and ‘How to Discuss your fees with self-confidence & achieve the income your services deserve’.

If you watch the news on tv, or read any newspaper, you will know that we are currently in challenging times. There is talk of a deep recession, one that might last many years. If that is not enough, there is talk of another spike in the winter.

I have personally lived through four recessions; this will be my fifth and what I have discovered there will be winners and losers. Some practices will do well, others will struggle. So, what can dental practices do to immune … Read the rest

We talk to Dwight Damon about orthodontic research and development.

Factfile

Dwight Damon: Dr Dwight Damon is the inventor of the Damon System. He works in the private practice of orthodontics at 12406 E Mission Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, USA.

What do we know you for?

People recognise me for the development of the Damon Bracket System, a passive self-ligation fixed orthodontic appliance.

I trained at the University of Washington in 1970. Before dedicating my career to improving treatment quality in terms of shortening treatment times, increasing patient comfort.

The aim was to reduce chairside time, whilst simultaneously not compromising the overall facial aesthetics of his patients.

I run an orthodontic clinic in his native Spokane for 40 years. My son, Paul is also an orthodontist and lecturer in the Damon System.

Tell us more about the system?

The Damon System combines passive self-ligation brackets, and force calibrated archwires … Read the rest

Erin Morgan explains how she unwinds listening to podcasts and binge watching series of Friends for some background noise.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Erin and I’m a foundation dentist working in Northern Ireland.

I graduated this year from King’s College London and I was lucky enough to get a DFT place back home so I’m very happy to be home again with my family this year.

What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?

Dentistry is such a rewarding profession, and there is so much to learn. Particularly in these very early days of the career.

So I find it really helpful to unwind by listening to my favourite podcasts (The Receipts is the best! 10/10 would recommend to everyone!)

I’ve also really got into yoga this year, and although am still very much a beginner, I’ve really been enjoying it!

And … Read the rest