Chaired by Trevor Burke, Professor of Primary Dental Care at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, Hon. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Editorial Director of Dental Update, the programme explored four key areas:
Quality Orthodontics for GDPs – What, Why and How?
Professor Jonathan Sandler, Consultant Orthodontist at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital, opened proceedings on Friday,April 17. He questioned whether sufficient training and education could be delivered to professionals in just a couple of days, which would enable them to provide safe and predictable orthodontic treatment to patients. He detailed what practitioners really needed to know before they added new orthodontic methods to their repertoire in order to achieve the highest quality of results.
Is There Life After Amalgam?
With the ever decreasing use of amalgam in modern dentistry, Professor Trevor Burke considered the alternatives available. He invited delegates to think about what these could mean for the future of dentistry, suggesting advantages and disadvantages of each material and their ideal indications. His passion for comprehensive and high quality dentistry was evident and delegates were clearly inspired by his enthusiastic approach.
‘MI’ Dentistry: is Less, More?
After lunch, Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry/ Hon. Consultant and Clinical Lead, Restorative Dentistry at King’s College London Dental Institute at Guy’s Hospital, presented a thought provoking and humorous session on the concept of ‘minimally invasive’ dentistry. After suggesting caution when using the term ‘MI’, Professor Banerjee stressed the important of creating and implementing a comprehensive care plan, which includes recall appointments post treatment provision. He also encouraged delegates to only use surgical options when absolutely necessary, emphasising the need for a pragmatic approach and management of periodontal issues alongside any other treatment.
Emerging Diseases & Oral Health Care
Bringing the educational programme to an end, award-winning specialist in oral medicine, Professor Crispian Scully, addressed the audience. The highly anticipated lecture looked at everything from the dangers and possible routes of transmission for various diseases around the world, to oral manifestations and identifiable symptoms. Professor Scully demonstrated how important it is to ask patients where they have visited recently, and to maintain diligent infection control measures in order to keep colleagues and patients safe.
Throughout the day delegates had the opportunity to pose any questions or queries to the speakers, seeking their expert opinions and advice.
The Study Day was free to attend for Dental Update subscribers, and it proved to be an educational day for all. Held at The Dentistry Show, delegates also had the opportunity to discover the latest products and innovations available in the profession throughout the extensive trade floor. Leading dental suppliers and manufacturers were on hand to offer bespoke advice or guidance regarding technologies or services on offer, ensuring a productive experience for everyone.
Professor Burke was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award 2015 during The Dental Awards on Friday evening.