When seeking to gain awareness of new clinical ideas, innovations, techniques and material advancements, there is nothing like the in-person experience. A great speaker gauges their audience, and adjusts content delivery accordingly. There’s an interplay between the participants and presenter that can spark ideas, conversations and whole new areas of inquiry for all concerned. Attendees can sense-check content with questions, comments and feedback. Any confusion can be cleared up instantly.
Not least among the benefits of attending live experiences is the opportunity to meet people who share your passions and interests. Peer to peer learning is a valued benefit within dentistry, but opportunities to interact with fellow dental professionals are golden. They will get the in-jokes that keep you laughing, while also understanding your professional challenges.
Innovative clinical insights
Professor of periodontology, and consultant in restorative dentistry at the University of Birmingham, Iain Chapple, gave an informative talk about the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases at BDIA Dental Showcase this year. In the context of the European S3-Level clinical practice guidelines, he spoke about the importance of standardising care to ensure patients’ needs are met both now and in future.
Describing the lack of standardisation around planning as a potential “ticking time bomb”, Iain emphasised the importance of pre-treatment, as well as clearly explaining the biological impact of dysbiosis, its biological processes and aetiology. Going through each guideline in detail, Iain introduced the helpful spider-web-shaped periodontal risk assessment, an effective tool to make the decision-making process safer and more predictable.
The amazing results of optimised self-care
In their well-attended talks, Iain and specialist periodontist, Ian Dunn both spoke about the incredible results that can come out of patient empowerment and education, including huge reductions in plaque and bleeding on probing, as well as evidence of spontaneous bone infill. Ian, regional representative of the British Society of Periodontology for Merseyside and Cheshire, fellow of the College of General Dentistry, and honorary senior clinical lecturer in Periodontics at UCLAN, spoke about the principles of minimally invasive periodontics (MIP) in the Dental Update Theatre.
Joyously exclaiming, “Give teeth a chance”, Ian demonstrated the dramatic benefits made possible through applying the principles of MIP and minimally invasive non-surgical treatment (MINST). In an evidence-based presentation, he delineated the relative benefits of debridement methods, as well as clearly explaining the risks of overtreatment – especially in cases of repeated root planing. He demonstrated that there is no clinical difference in outcomes between adjunct biological modifiers and MINST approaches, such as enhanced oral hygiene.
Minimally invasive care, continued
Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, and honorary consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Kings College London, Avijit Banerjee has a wonderfully charismatic and engaging approach to teaching. In a comprehensive talk on a minimally invasive (MI) approach to caries management in the older adult, he cited the environmental and economic benefits of MI approaches. Avijit presented several cases where person-focused, MI dentistry, and active clinical surveillance (a term he prefers to the more passive concept of “monitoring”) had halted the progression of carious lesions in older adults.
A captivated audience
Ashmita Gurung, hygienist at Dickens Yard Dental in Ealing, found the talk by Iain to be excellent. She commented, “It was very engaging and informative. There was so much we can translate to day-to-day practice. Seeing and meeting Iain was a real highlight for me!”
Samara attended Avijit’s talk. She said, “I learned so much. It was great to have a chance to talk to him at the end”.
Seema Kumar, dental hygienist and therapist, said of her experience in Ian’s lecture, “He’s an amazing speaker. He made it very easy to understand the MINST protocols, and I will definitely be implementing everything I’ve learned today in practice.”
BDIA Dental Showcase is an exceptional opportunity for clinicians who are passionately engaged in their work and want to learn more, are looking for inspiration or just hoping to broaden their network. Along with hands-on workshops and a great selection of innovators in the exhibition, BDIA Dental Showcase always delivers a stimulating array of talks by eminent practitioners within the profession.
To meet face-to-face with someone whose research has formed the basis of your professional journey is a unique experience. Sharing that experience with old and new friends who share your interests and priorities is one not to be missed.
References available on request.
For more information visit www.dentalshowcase.com