Off to slammer for Denplan Two

Staff at leading dental healthcare company Denplan were somewhat shocked recently when police from the Hampshire Constabulary turned up at their Winchester headquarters and arrested their Chairman and Chief Dental Officer. Officers arrived with lights flashing and sirens wailing to handcuff Dr David Phillips OBE before leading him out through the office to the waiting police van. They returned a mere thirty minutes later to take Dr Roger Matthews into custody in similar fashion.

Saving Faces – portrait exhibition

The Facial Surgery Research Foundation – Saving Faces (FSRF) have launched an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

Picture shows 'Henry E. and Jerry', 1999.

The challenging body of work results from a unique collaberation between the artist Mark Gilbert and the Foundation's research director Iain Hutchison, a consultant maxillofacial surgeon.

The exhibition (which runs until April 21 2002) depicts the progress of patients through the most profound physical and emotional events of their lives as they undergo surgery for cancer, deformity or accidents affecting the face; demonstrating their courage and power.

The 'Saving Faces' charity was launched in June 2000 at the National Portrait Gallery by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Chris Smith MP.

The Foundation is leading the research effort into the facial diseases and injuries illustrated by this exhibition and which now affects more than a million people in Britain each year.

BDA elects new 'recognised scientist'

The British Dental Association has chosen Professor Liz Kay as its new 'recognised scientist'. Professor Kay was elected by members of the BDA's Representative Body at a meeting in London and will sit as a member of the Association's Executive Board.

Professor Kay is based in Manchester and has a strong track record in general dental practitioner-related research. She has written and co-authored a vast number of papers and articles, as well as being on the editorial boards of three journals.

Speaking on her election as 'recognised scientist', Professor Kay said: "I am very proud to have been chosen by my peers to represent the BDA in this way.

Science should act as a helpful guide, rather than a dogmatic master to dental practitioners. We need to use the research that is available to give strength to the BDA's policies and role as advocate for the dental profession."

The Chair of the BDA's Executive Board, Dr John Renshaw, is delighted that Professor Kay will be joining him.

He said: “The BDA has already started a new chapter in terms of its policy-making and Liz's election as recognised scientist will greatly assist us in this. I, along with my other colleagues, look forward to working with her.”

Scientists develop new chair-side test for smoking cessation

Following reports of a link between smoking and alcohol and potentially detrimental effects on the oral mucosa, a research group have developed a 10-minute, simple-to-use, chair-side colorimetric saliva test for smoking called SmokeScreen.

Dr Kit Barnfather, a dental surgeon reading for a Masters degree; Dr Graham Cope, biochemical research scientist and Dr Iain Chapple, head of Periodontology at The University of Birmingham, have a keen interest in patient tobacco consumption, the clinical effects and how to promote smoking cessation within the healthcare services. They came together after Dr Cope developed a simple-to-use, urine test for smoking called SmokeScreen and have developed the test further for use as a chair-side salivary test. The assay measures nicotine metabolites, including cotinine in 2ml of whole saliva (Cope et al. Ann Clin Biochem 2000; 37: 666-73).

At present the group are investigating two arms of research. The first is a GDP based study using Smokescreen. This test was employed in a smoking cessation programme, where 100 smokers were randomised into 2 groups: the intervention group received an oral examination, completed a smoking questionnaire, provided a saliva sample for the test and interacted in oro-visual cessation counselling. This group were allowed to watch the test being performed. They were given their results, feedback and an interpretation of the findings. Feedback has recently been highlighted as an important adjunct to promoting behavioural change. The control group were treated exactly the same way except they were not given the SmokeScreen test results, and remained blind to the results.

At two months all patients were recalled, reanalysed and both groups were shown their saliva test results. Preliminary findings show that the intervention group reduced their smoking habit significantly more than the control group, 21% and 6% respectively (Barnfather KDP, Cope G, Chapple ILC, J. Dent Res 2001; 80: 1160).

The other research interest is an investigation into the link between salivary nicotine metabolite levels and periodontal health. The group observed a significant association between SmokeScreen results and pocket depth (r=0.22 p=0.04), BPE score (r=0.26 p=0.01), % sites bleeding on probing (p<0.03) and the test successfully split patients with gingivitis from those with periodontitis (attachment loss). This work was recently presented to the meeting of the IADR in San Diego, California 2002 and SmokeScreen is currently being developed commercially by Mermaid Diagnostics Limited (www.mermaid-diagnostics.co.uk).

The World Health Organisation estimates that if nothing is done about smoking, 500,000,000 people currently alive will be killed by tobacco (www.WHO.int.com).

Dr Graham Cope holds up an example of the urine test.

Dr Kit Barnfather says that more should be done to promote oral cancer screening in general dental practice. He says: "A stronger link needs to be made between a visit to the dental surgeon, bi-annually for the evaluation of hard and soft tissues and smoking cessation counselling by the dental team.

At this appointment the dental surgeon will be in the strongest position to target smokers with a tailored overview of tobacco related changes, (even if just to show the smoker Stomatitis Nicotina on the hard palatal mucosa) and offer practical smoking cessation advice."

One of the newest "at risk" groups, teenage females, frequently visit their dental practice, but not their medical practice. The dental team is therefore in a unique position to help such groups.

Disability Forum access certificate presented to Westbank PDS practice

Following the new Code of Practice from the Disability Right Commission, Westbank Dental Practice is the first to be awarded an access certificate by Chorley & South Ribble Disability Forum.

The practice consulted with forum members to ascertain how they could comply with the final provision of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Senior Dental Practitioner Angela Magee said: “We have always been committed to inclusion, many of our patients have experienced problems accessing treatment at other dental practices.” Hazel Carney, Chair of the Disability Forum stated that Westbank have created a more inclusive environment. She said: “Many people think that improving access to a service is simply about installing a ramp, but to people with sensory impairments the key is better communication.”

Photograph shows forum vice-chair Maureen McShane presenting senior dental practitioner Angela Magee with the certificate, watched by Chorley and South Ribble Trust's director of dental services Vanita Brookes, right.

The practice has considered a variety of needs which include improved signage, colour contrast, toilet facilities, a drop counter and the installation of an induction loop. Angela Magee said the refurbishment has gone down well with staff and patients. 'We recognise the need to listen to our disabled patients and we intend to review our policies and practice on a regular basis.'

Should any service provider wish to be considered for an access certificate or require information about becoming a forum member please contact the Forum Worker on tel 01772 490131 or Tel/Minicom 01772 263254.

Representing dental receptionists

A representative body for dental receptionists has been formed by the Dental Resource Company (DRC). Receptionists had been the only group within the dental profession not to have a representative body, previous to the British Dental Receptionists Association (BDRA) being formed.

The DRC established the BDRA after building a database of dental receptionists who expressed dissatisfaction that their interests were not represented within the profession.

The BDRA says its aims are to define the role of receptionist within the dental team; offer opportunities for the development of relevant skills; establish a benchmark qualification; represent the views of receptionists within the profession; provide a channel of communication and interchange of ideas between receptionists and to provide pay guidelines.

Initially the BDRA will be providing most of its ongoing membership activities in 'e' format with telephone and postal services also available.

Actitivites will include an E–group and chat room facility, monthly e–newsletter, quarterly paper newsletter, annual meeting/conference and recommended pay guidelines. Plans are in place to hold a Conference in London during November 2002.

Full details of membership are available from Sue Greenhalgh, BDRA Secretary, 23 Newark Road, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6HR.

Dovercourt Dental Surgery's rapid achievement

A Dovercourt dental surgery has achieved the prestigious 'Investors in People' standard in one of the fastest times ever achieved in the county. Thomas Daly & Associates in Kingsway achieved the standard in just eight weeks, close to the record time for an Essex organisation. The practice has been established in Dovercourt since 1986 and has more than 12,000 NHS and private patients on its books.

Ingrid Bennett, Workforce Development Adviser at Business Link for Essex, helped the surgery through the 'Investors in People' process and said she was delighted for everybody at the surgery. “It is a reflection of their already excellent organisation that they were able to achieve the standard so quickly.”

Pictured above: Surgery staff at Thomas J Daly & Associates dental surgery celebrates Investors in People success.

Digest this

Dame Margaret Seward, Chief Dental Officer at the Department of Health has launched a new publication CDO Digest.

Dame Margaret says that ideally she would be like to be able to visit every dentist in England and tell them about the many initiatives taking place in NHS dentistry. The alternative that is more realistic, she says, is a Digest from herself which is sent to dentists in England and details this sort of information.

CDO Digest will incorporate some topics that might otherwise have required an individual letter, progress reports on earlier letters, and other information from the Department of Health that should be of interest to practising dentists.

A mail box link has been set up (cdo@doh.gsi.gov.uk) to enable people to e-mail Dame Margaret Seward directly with their comments.

The next issue will be in May 2002. CVO's Digest is also available on the inernet at www.doh.gsi.gov.uk

Dentaid's Third World charity

A fully equipped small dental caravan donated to Dentaid by a practice in Worthing will be used for work and training programmes in Uganda. Fitted with a let-down tailgate to enable treatment of the disabled it has been completely refurbished by Dentaid. In Uganda, it will be used as part of the developing school's work and training programmes being overseen by Chris and Polly Barton who sold their Truro dental practice to work for five years in Kabale, Uganda, pioneering oral health with Mid-Africa Ministries.

There are three ways dental companies across the country can help to raise funds to support Dentaid's ongoing work in the developing world. The first is partaking in National Dress-up for Dentaid Day on Friday 12 July 2002 where participants must wear something they would not normally wear to work on that day. Each participant donates a minimum of £1 to Dentaid.

Secondly, supporters can become a 'Partner in Action' – Dentaid say that a modest monthly donation can make all the difference to its work, providing the foundations needed to expand its work among the disadvantaged communities of the developing world.

Finally, Dentaid want to recycle inkjet cartridges – simply send your used inkjet cartridges (not Epson) direct to: Dentaid, Freepost ANG 8003, PO Box 65, Ipswich, IP10 0ZT. Dentaid is given between 25p-50p for each cartridge returned. Dentaid are currently setting up a scheme to recycle laser cartridges too.

If you would like to help, please contact Sylvia Dibdin, Dentaid's administrator on 01794 324249 or write to Dentaid, The Old Sawmills, Giles Land, Landford, Salisbury SP5 2BG, info@dentaid.org web site: www.dentaid.org

Diary

April 2002

Faculty of General Dental Practitioners Mersey Division: Recovering from restorative failure and emergencies in dental practice Date: 26.04.02 Venue: Conference Centre, Liverpool Contact: Chris Whitworth, 9 Rake Lane, Upton, Wirral, CH49 OUS. Tel: +44 (0)151 677 1081 blackadder@clara.co.uk

May 2002

British and Irish Dental Associations Annual Conference Date: 02.05.02–04.05.02 Venue: Waterfront Hall, Belfast Contact: Claire Burns, Conference Manager, British Dental Association, 64 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8YS. Tel: +44 (0)207 563 4590 Fax: +44 (0)207 563 4591 Website: www.bda-events.org.uk

Dental Sedation Teachers Group Annual Symposium Sedation Teaching: Problems and Solutions Date: 14.05.02 Venue: The Royal College of Physicians, Regent's Park, London Contact: Carole Boyle, Floor 26, Guys Dental Hospital, London Bridge, London. SE1 9RT. carole.boyle@kcl.ac.uk Website: www.dstg.co.uk

British Society of Periodontology Spring Scientific Meeting Date: 19.05.02–21.05.02 Venue: The Grand Hotel, Brighton Contact: Mrs A. Hallowes, Administrative Secretary, 44 Pool Road, Hartley, Wintney, Hook, Hants. RG27 8RD. Tel: +44 (0)1252 843598 Fax: +44 (0)1252 844018 bspadmin@btinternet.com

September 2002

British Society of Paediatric Dentistry 50th Annual Scientific Meeting Date: 11.09.02–14.09.02 Venue: University of Sheffield Contact: Dr Helen Rodd, Department of Child Dental Health, School of Clinical Dentistry, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA. Tel: +44 (0)114 2717885 Fax: +44 (0)114 271 7843 h.d.rodd@sheffield.ac.uk