FMC, publisher of Dentistry and Dentistry.co.uk, is delighted to announce its partnership with the Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM).

The joint venture will unlock the power of Dentistry Compliance and Dentistry CPD products for ADAM members. Practice managers and other non-clinical members of the dental team will have access to FMC’s vast library of content and support material.

It opens up a new range of useful resources and information on everything from business management to compliance.

FMC’s chief executive officer, Craig Welling, celebrated the partnership, saying: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with ADAM.

‘FMC’s mission is to connect and support UK dentistry. With this partnership, we are better positioned than ever to do that for practice managers and non-clinical staff.

‘The rate of change in dentistry has been accelerating non-stop in recent years and there are no signs that things are slowing down. If it weren’t challenging enough already, the role of the practice manager is only going to become more complex. But keeping the dental team in the know is something we’ve been doing for more than 30 years.

‘Through Dentistry Compliance and Dentistry CPD we’re applying that experience where it counts. We will support practice managers to focus on patient care rather than worrying about compliance and regulation.

‘We’re passionate about delivering best-in-class support that helps practices become more effective, more efficient and work with confidence. In short, all the things that make practice managers’ lives easier.’

Natural partners

ADAM’s president Lisa Bainham said the partnership will allow teams to focus on building better practices.

‘FMC’s heritage of supporting the dental industry shines through and in recent years their dedication to making the lives of practice managers easier has made us natural partners,’ she said.

‘It’s vital that any compliance support helps practice managers, rather than adding to their workload. Dentistry Compliance and Dentistry CPD do that.

‘By simplifying some of the most time-consuming tasks ADAM members face, this partnership will allow them to focus their energy and efforts on building a better practice.’

Join us at BDIA Dental Showcase – the ‘must go’ dental event for the whole team!

An unmissable opportunity for the entire practice team, BDIA Dental Showcase provides everything you need to enhance your techniques, improve your Practice, and inspire your team! This free, two-day event is the first opportunity in 2024 to discover the most exciting insights and innovations within dentistry.

You will meet with over 300 of the UK’s leading dental suppliers & manufacturers, source and test thousands of the latest products, equipment, and solutions and take advantage of deals and discounts exclusive to the event! Bringing together the brightest minds and leading clinicians from the dental community, our thought-provoking educational programme provides an invaluable platform.

Discuss the industry’s biggest challenges, debate the newest methods and find solutions to grow your practice and develop your team. With 6 conference theatres, 50+ hours of FREE CPD, over 120 speakers and plenty of dedicated networking zones, there’s no better exhibition in the UK to connect with the entire dental profession.

If you would like to register to visit the show, please click here.

Visit dentalshowcase.com for further information.

Enhanced Business Growth with Snowbird Finance’s Retail Finance Solutions

ADAM Sponsor Snowbird Finance tells us how their retail finance solutions can help with your business growth…

Businesses of all sizes can leverage Snowbird Finance’s retail finance services to propel their growth to new heights. Unlike some finance providers that demand exclusivity, Snowbird Finance empowers businesses to partner with multiple providers, maximizing revenue potential. Additionally, there are no minimum turnover requirements, ensuring accessibility for all businesses.

In this article, we’ll explore the key features of our retail finance services and how they can benefit your business.

Key Features of Snowbird Finance’s Retail Finance Services

No Exclusivity Required

We understand that diversifying retail finance partnerships can be a strategic move to optimize revenue and access the benefits offered by multiple funders. Our no-exclusivity policy allows businesses to explore various options and maximize their financial potential.

High Acceptance Rate

Our commitment to supporting business success is reflected in our impressive acceptance rate. With an average of 84% approval for retail finance applications, businesses can confidently offer financing to their customers, knowing that approval is highly probable.

No Subsidy Options

We’re proud to offer a transparent financing solution that comes with no hidden subsidies. You can trust that the terms we provide are straightforward, ensuring you have complete clarity about the cost of financing. With that being said, we have terms available where there are no subsidies incurred to your business.

Multiple Funders Available

Variety is the spice of life, and the same principle applies to retail finance. We offer access to a panel of funders, allowing us to provide the best offering to suit your business requirements. This ensures that you can always find the right financing solution for your customers.

Benefits of Our Retail Finance Services

Our retail finance services offer a range of benefits to businesses of all sizes, including:

• Increased sales and revenue
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Expanded Customer Base
• Reduced risk of bad debt
• Enhanced cash flow

Partner with Snowbird Finance and empower your business to achieve its full potential. Experience the benefits of our flexible retail finance solutions and witness your business soar to new heights.

ADAM delighted to partner with Snowbird Finance

The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM) is delighted that Snowbird Finance has announced it is partnering with ADAM to support and advise Practice Managers through the finance solutions they offer to dentists, dental practices, and dental patients.

Snowbird Finance is a specialist credit broker to the dental industry, built up over the years of working with the profession, they provide dentists with the most appropriate solutions when considering taking out finance for themselves, their practices, and their patients. They have unique working relationships with the UK’s leading lenders and can offer options tailored to individual needs coupled with competitive rates.

They can provide finance solutions for:

• Equipment
• Vehicles
• Loans
• Cashflow
• Patient Finance

ADAM President, Lisa Bainham commented, “ADAM is delighted to be partnering with Snowbird Finance. The range of benefits we can expect from working with a reliable, efficient patient finance provider include helping us to improve access to care, treatment acceptance, patient satisfaction,  and reducing the risk of outstanding debt. Snowbird Finance can offer financial solutions for our patients, and for all our equipment and investment needs, and so much more. Their philosophy is to help make things easy for their clients, and as a Practice Manager, that is essential to our plate-spinning working day! We look forward to working with Snowbird Finance and thank them for their recognition of the importance of great Practice Management”.

Snowbird Finance Managing Director, Simon Freeman, commented, “We are delighted to join forces with The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers, recognizing the pivotal role practice managers play in the success of dental practices. At Snowbird Finance, we understand that practice managers are the foundation of efficient and thriving dental practices. Through this partnership, we are committed to providing practice managers with the financial tools, knowledge, and resources they need to continue excelling in their roles and contributing to the seamless operation of dental practices nationwide. Snowbird Finance are here for you, your practice, and your patients”

ADAM is the only professional association dedicated to supporting Dental Practice Managers in their roles as key drivers of success within dental practices. Through education, advice and networking, ADAM equips its members with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of dental practice management and excel in their professional development.

Lisa Bainham ADAM Chairperson and Samantha Shayler Snowbird Finance Sales Director at the ADAM stand at Dentistry Show London.

Specialist Dental and Healthcare Solicitors Thomas Coates and Sarah Buxton are pleased to announce their acquisition of the entire issued share capital of FTA Law Limited in a management buyout. The firm will now trade as Buxton Coates Solicitors Limited from 1 st July 2023.

FTA Law was formed in 2016 by experienced Solicitors Thomas Coates and Sarah Buxton alongside Chris Strevens, Lis Hughes and Andy Acton, Directors of the Frank Taylor Group of Companies. The firm was formed out of a jointly held desire to offer legal services in a transparent, timely and cost-effective way, prioritizing client care above all things and free from the jargon typifying the provision of legal services.

The linkup of Thomas and Sarah with the Frank Taylor Group in 2016 proved a formidable base from which to take the bold step of launching a brand-new law firm and from those beginnings the firm has displayed impressive growth each year culminating in a turnover in excess of £1.5 million in fee income and a head count numbering more than 20 staff members as of today. 2020 saw the firm awarded Niche Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Yorkshire Lawyer Awards and this was shortly followed by the firm’s relocation from serviced offices to its now permanent home in impressive premises on the outskirts of Leeds.

Following unprecedented growth particularly during and after the COVID pandemic, Thomas and Sarah began discussions with their fellow shareholders with a view to taking full control of the business and those discussions culminated in their completion of the acquisition on 5 th June 2023, bringing to an end the firm’s connection with the Frank Taylor Group. The mutual decision to move forward in this way arose from amicable discussions about what is best for the future of the firm. It represents an appetite to take the firm in a new direction and to pursue opportunities that now present themselves. The significant growth of the Oracle Employment and HR Subscription Service under Sarah’s Management alongside the addition of a specialist Commercial Disputes team means that the firm is now a full- service law firm in every respect with a variety of specialisms and income streams standing shoulder to shoulder alongside the historically core area of business sales and purchases.

The transition from FTA Law to Buxton Coates is seamless and will have no impact on existing client relationships, case management, or ongoing legal matters. The firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional service remains unwavering, ensuring clients continue to receive the same level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication they have come to
expect. The firm’s support of its long-term partners will also remain steadfast. These partners include the Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM), the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), and the Business Confidence Forum.

Although this new move marks the end of FTA Law in one sense, Sarah and Thomas are eager for what lies ahead at Buxton Coates and the potential that this evolution holds for
their clients.
Thomas Coates, commented:
“I’m delighted to have completed the acquisition which allows us to move from being minority shareholders to now having full control of the future direction of the firm. We part from the Frank Taylor Group very much as friends and we remain grateful to Chris, Lis and Andy for their support and guidance over the last seven years, which has contributed so much to the growth of the successful firm we now find ourselves custodians of. Whilst the name of the firm will change, our ethos and values remain steadfast and we look forward to the next chapter as Buxton Coates Solicitors.”

Registration is OPEN

The countdown is officially on for the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) which returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 May 2023. Registration is completely free for dental professionals and is now live on the website at birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk. 

Secure your place today to make sure you don’t miss:

• 150+ hours of content, dedicated to all members of the dental practice team
• 200+ world-class speakers 
• 400+ exhibitors demonstrating cutting-edge products, technologies and services 
• 10,000+ visitors to connect and network with

A wide range of topics will be covered in the 13 theatres at the show, offering a wealth of clinical, personal and business advice. Delegates have the opportunity to get involved with interactive sessions, share their own experiences and gain up to 12 hours of enhanced CPD at the same time.

Registration is quick and easy – simply complete the short form on the website and your confirmation will be emailed to you. 

Register today at birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk. 

Only 1 month left to enter NASDAL DCby1 Practice of the Year Award

Practices are reminded that time is running out to enter the 2023 NASDAL Dental Check by One (DCby1) Practice of the Year award. The closing date is Friday 10th February 2023 at 5pm.

The award seeks to recognise a practice that has successfully introduced the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) Dental Check by One into their practice. The aim of the initiative is to increase the number of children who access dental care aged 0-2 years, by campaigning to get infant into a dentist’s chair by their first birthday.

The award will be presented by CDO England, Sara Hurley, at the BDIA Dental Showcase in Docklands ExCeL on Friday 24th March 2023.

NASDAL Chair Heidi Marshall said, “We very much look forward to hearing how the entrants have reached out to their communities and engaged with families. We know that doing the right thing makes good business sense, but we should be clear that we are not just looking for large numbers of patients. We want to see those practices that have been creative in their approach. Please, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to share your initiatives with us.”

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, Spokesperson for BSPD, added: “We appreciate that the last few years have not been easy for dental practices – however, the importance and impact of reaching those responsible for the oral health of babies in their families or care continues to be crucial. We know that DCby1 can make a difference and we were heartened to see that within as little as two years since its launch in June 2017, we could to see that there had already been an improvement with more children aged 0-2 accessing a dentist during that period. We appreciate that the success is in part due to many dental practices getting on board with the campaign and we are so grateful for the hard work of dental practices up and down the UK who support the DCby1 initiative. 

“So, I would urge all surgeries that have made particular efforts with the youngest in their communities to enter the award and let us recognise and celebrate your efforts!”

Practices who are interested in entering the 2023 NASDAL DCby1 award, should visit https://www.nasdal.org.uk/award , where they will find all the relevant details and can register. All entries must be submitted before 5pm, Friday 10th February 2023. The winning practice will receive £1000, a trophy, and the right to use the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year 2023 title.

NASDAL DCby1 Practice of the Year Award 2023 is announced

New Chair of NASDAL, Heidi Marshall has just announced the launch of the 2023 NASDAL Dental Check by One (DCby1) Practice of the Year award.  The award seeks to recognise a practice that has successfully introduced the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) Dental Check by One into their practice. The aim of the initiative is to increase the number of children who access dental care aged 0-2 years, by campaigning to get infant into a dentist’s chair by their first birthday.

Established in 2018, the award seeks to highlight excellence in the provision of oral care and prevention in children and showcase the opportunity to achieve a real business improvement.  Particular credit is given to applications from dental practices with evidence supporting their contribution to the overall health of their community.

The award will be presented by CDO England, Sara Hurley, at the BDIA Dental Showcase in Docklands ExCeL on Friday 24th March 2023.

NASDAL Chair Heidi Marshall said, “We very much look forward to hearing how the entrants have reached out to their communities and engaged with families. We know that doing the right thing makes good business sense, but we should be clear that we are not just looking for large numbers of patients. We want to see those practices that have been creative in their approach.”

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, Spokesperson for BSPD, added: “We appreciate that the last few years have not been easy for dental practices – however, the importance and impact of reaching those responsible for the oral health of babies in their families or care continues to be crucial. We know that DCby1 can make a difference and we were heartened to see that within as little as two years since its launch in June 2017, we could to see that there had already been an improvement with more children aged 0-2 accessing a dentist during that period. We appreciate that the success is in part due to many dental practices getting on board with the campaign and we are so grateful for the hard work of dental practices up and down the UK who support the DCby1 initiative. 

“So, I would urge all surgeries that have made particular efforts with the youngest in their communities to enter the award and let us recognise and celebrate your efforts!”

Practices who are interested in entering the 2023 NASDAL DCby1 award, should visit https://www.nasdal.org.uk/award , where they will find all the relevant details and can register. All entries must be submitted before 5pm, Friday 10th February 2023. The winning practice will receive £1000, a trophy, and the right to use the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year 2023 title.

BSPD provides children’s oral care guide in 8 additional languages

With the introduction of 8 translations into languages most commonly spoken by asylum seeking children and their families, BSPD’s Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth is now available in a total of 9 languages.  Since its original publication in English in 2016 and then subsequent translation into Ukrainian earlier this year, the Society has recently undertaken translating this valuable patient-facing educational tool into an additional 7 languages spoken by asylum seeking children and young people in the UK. 

The BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth, has become a key resources for parents and carers and is now available for free on the BSPD website for a wider audience, reaching some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth, is now available on the BSPD website in the following 9 languages: 

1. English
2. Ukrainian
3. Kurdish 
4. Amharic 
5. Persian
6. Arabic 
7. Pashto 
8. Dari
9. Tigrinya

Now translated into the languages commonly spoken by asylum seekers in the UK, parents and carers of children and young people either in the UK or abroad, can take advantage of this essential information guide which covers all aspects of oral healthcare for children from birth to age 16.  It also aims to bust some of the incorrect and sometimes damaging myths about teeth and oral care.

BSPD aiming for dental disease-free generation

With dental decay remaining as one of the most common reasons for a child to be admitted to a hospital in the UK, BSPD is taking positive steps to ensure that the key messages reach more parents from birth. The Society’s aim is to improve children’s oral health – and this mission is one the Society wants to share with a diverse global community, focusing on those children who are most vulnerable and in need.

The practical guide starts with advice on caring and cleaning your baby’s teeth, dummy usage, food and drink tips and also includes why fluoride is so vital.  It then moves on to cover caring for children’s teeth from age 6-plus up to the emergence of all adult teeth and how a young person should be shown how to take on the responsibility of caring for their teeth for life.  This resource also gives the five golden tips on teeth brushing covering appropriate amounts of fluoride based on age and when and how to brush baby teeth.

Professor Sondos Albadri, President, BSPD said: “Every child in the UK deserves good oral health and we know that our Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth is an invaluable tool for parents and carers allowing them to understand the essentials of dental care. The response to the introduction of our Ukrainian translation showed us that there is a real need for us to make this resource available to help support the oral health of vulnerable children and young people who are particularly in need right now. BSPD is focusing on ensuring oral health guidance for infants and children is easily accessible and freely available – to everyone.”

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, BSPD’s media spokesperson said: “Dental caries is largely a preventable disease and our guide covers the oral care essentials with a focus on maintaining a good dental care regime.  Our aim is to make dental services fair and equitable to all – and we must target the most vulnerable in our communities to allow them to access the information they need to help themselves keep their families’ teeth healthy.  This will benefit the individuals but also the dental health profession and the NHS – as we work our way back to being fighting fit.  All children between the ages of 0 and 16 deserve access to a good oral health start in life.” 

The new translations of the guide are now available alongside the English version in the Patient resources area of the BSPD website – where they are available for consulting or downloading. 

1. English version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
2. Ukrainian version BSPD Practical Guilde to Children’s Teeth
3. Kurdish version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
4. Amharic version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
5. Persian version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
6. Arabic version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
7. Pashto version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
8. Dari version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth
9. Tigrinya version BSPD Practical Guide to Children’s Teeth

Gold For Kids – don’t miss the October melt!

Time is running out for those practices that want to make sure their unwanted dental restorations are used for a better purpose – supporting the more than 4.5 million children living in poverty in the UK.

Gold for Kids next ‘melt’ is taking place at the beginning of October but there is still time for those practices who want to support this worthwhile initiative to get involved. The melts recover the precious metals and turn them into bars, which are then sold to traders for cash. Gold for Kids then donate to selected children’s charities dedicated to improving the wellbeing and prospects of children in need.

It’s so simple to support Gold for Kids. Simply visit https://www.goldforkids.org/ and download your free welcome pack. This gives you all you need to get started:

• How the project works
• How to collect restorations
• How to send your materials to Gold for Kids

Make sure that the small amount of money that you occasionally receive on unwanted or broken crowns, bridges, PFMs, PFGs or other precious or semi-precious material does good. Many dentists and dental professionals are unaware of the huge potential that the combined value of removed restorations represents, choosing to either ignore it, or retain it personally. However, to some children it can mean the chance of a better life.

Gold for Kids was set up by 2 dentists – Dr Leticia Casanova and Dr David Holmes who believe that patients, professionals and the public can be united in the belief that this money could be better used for the greater good – to help the many children’s charities across the UK in their vital work.

The Covid-19 Public Inquiry has now been officially launched!

The Chair of the Inquiry has released her opening statement, which provides a breakdown of the first three modules of the Inquiry, and the protocol for becoming a Core Participant. The purpose of the Inquiry is to provide a factual account of what happened across the whole of the UK during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with health inequalities being a key theme throughout the Inquiry.

Inquiry Modules

The Inquiry will be divided into modules, each of which will reflect a different area of the Terms of Reference. The modules will then be heard in turn with the preliminary hearing for module 1 being held in September 2022, and the full hearings being held in Spring 2023. Module 1 will consider the extent to which the risk of a Coronavirus pandemic was properly identified and planned for, and whether the UK was ready for such an eventuality. It will also scrutinise Government decision-making in relation to planning and will seek to identify lessons from earlier incidents and simulations.

Module 2 will be split into two parts: the first considering core political and administrative governance and decision-making for the UK. The second considering the same for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Module 2 will also consider the decision-making for non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as national lockdowns and work from home provisions. The preliminary hearing for this module will be held in Autumn 2022, with further hearings being held in Summer 2023.

Lastly, module 3 will detail the impact of Covid, and of the governmental and societal responses to it, on healthcare systems generally and on patients, hospitals and other healthcare workers. It will examine healthcare systems and governance, primary care such as GPs and dentists, and the impact Covid had on NHS backlogs and non-Covid treatment.

Baroness Heather Hallett has stated that reports will be released at the end of each module, to ensure key findings and recommendations are made available to the public as they come to light.

Dental Alliance

FTA Law have launched the Dental Alliance to allow the opportunity for professionals from across the dental sector to be given a voice in the Inquiry. The purpose is to demand answers and shape policy for the future to prevent mistakes from being repeated. The Alliance will act as a single point of contact to co-ordinate the views of the many across the sector, whose voices may otherwise not be heard.

The Alliance is led by Sarah Buxton and Lindsay Dixon of FTA Law, Solicitors specialising in the dental sector, and leading public law barrister, Sam Karim QC of Kings Chambers. We are supported by a Steering Committee of individuals representing the interests of various areas of the sector. Their role will be to liaise with the members of their respective associations to gather evidence and provide a platform for their views to be expressed.

We are applying to become Core Participants to the Inquiry; initially to module 1, the deadline for which is 16 August. This will allow us to participate in the Inquiry and to put across the views of the sector on the impact of the pandemic and lessons that can be learned for the future. This means that we would be provided with electronic disclosure of evidence in relation to the module, we would have the right to make opening and closing statements at any of the hearings and suggest lines of questioning to be undertaken by Counsel. Core participants also gain the right to apply to ask questions of witnesses in the hearings.

How can you help us?

1. Spread the word – the more people aware of and involved with what we are doing, the better. Direct people to our website www.dental-alliance.co.uk where they can sign-up to receive updates.

2. Gather your thoughts – the pandemic has had a wide-reaching effect and we are aware of many issues particularly affecting the dental sector. In due course we will be asking for your input via structured questionnaires so it would be helpful if you could start thinking about the types of issues you want to see raised at the Inquiry.

3. Show your support – having a seat at the table at the Inquiry will benefit everyone in the sector. We are seeking donations to cover the cost of this via our crowdfunding site at www.crowdjustice.com/case/cida/ and would greatly welcome your contribution

4. Follow us on social media – we are on Facebook The Dental Alliance | Facebook and LinkedIn The Dental Alliance: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn

ADAM delighted to support the Dentistry Show London 2022

The Dentistry Show London is thrilled to be welcoming the Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM) to the event this October. To receive continued support from this and several other professional bodies ensures that we can always deliver exceptional education and networking opportunities for all members of the team. 

The ADAM team is just as delighted to be attending the Dentistry Show London. The show is a fantastic opportunity to meet members, raise awareness of the only association which supports non-clinical team members and catch up with the industry experts and companies that support the membership.  

Lisa Bainham, ADAM Chairperson said: 

“The Dentistry Show London is a must for all the practice team to attend. With so much going on for all the team, it’s a show no one should miss. It’s a fantastic place to meet suppliers and colleagues all under one roof, and the team here at ADAM are really looking forward to the event, which is ideal for connecting with new and old members alike. We’ll be offering ADAM freebies and a discount for joining at the event too – just another great reason to attend!”

Register for free online today!

The Dentistry Show London will be held on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October 2022, ExCeL London.

Visit london.dentistryshow.co.uk for more information.

ADAM are delighted to begin their partnership with industry insurance experts Densura.

Densura understand that Practice Managers are the heart of the dental practice but can be overlooked and underappreciated.  By partnering with ADAM, the only association which represents the non-clinical members of the dental team, they are acknowledging just how important these roles are within a practice….and we love that!

There are a myriad of reasons why your practice dentists should be with Densura, including but in no way limited to:

• Densura is typically 20-25% cheaper per premium
• Densura was created by Dentists for Dentists
• Densura gives you Dento – A legal panel who are practising dentists and legally qualified
• Densura offers No Discretion – it’s a Contractual Insurance backed Indemnity
• Densura offers occurrence based cover
• Densura has an easy online quote process

We’ll be working with Densura throughout the year to give you access to webinars, relevant role-based information and training, as well as a super easy quote process for you to get quotes for ALL your dentists in one convenient place.

We can’t wait to start our journey with Densura and we don’t think you should wait either!

You can get an easy quote via their online link HERE

5 reasons to attend Dental Showcase

After over 2 years since the last BDIA Dental Showcase we are thrilled to welcome back over 250 leading suppliers and manufacturers, over 80 expert speakers and thousands of dental products to ExCeL, London, 25 – 26 March 2022.

REGISTER YOUR FREE PASS: https://dentalshowcase2022.reg.buzz/association

250+ leading dental suppliers and brands showcasing thousands of products

Explore the latest innovations, discuss the newest techniques, and source thousands of products that play a fundamental role in your working lives.
Over 80 expert speakers

Learn, be inspired and enhance your professional development across six theatres: clinical, business, oral health, CDO and new for this year the British Association of Private Dentistry theatre and Update Webinar Reunion theatre.

Exclusive onsite deals, discounts and offerings for all attendees.

Exhibitors will be pulling out all the stops to make the 2022 exhibition the best yet.

On-stand demonstrations

Take part in engaging on-stand demonstrations, workshops and education. Meet the faces behind the brands who will showcase the latest dental innovations, products and services.
Unrivalled networking opportunities

Network with thousands of dental professionals, face-to-face over two-days – providing you the opportunity to meet the dental trade, associations and your peers.

Enter the 2022 Dental Awards with an exclusive discount for ADAM members

It’s easier than ever to enter yourself or nominate a colleague or practice for the Dental Awards this year. Simply head over to the-probe.co.uk/awards, click the link to register and complete the online form.

And ADAM members get an exclusive discount code for 25% the price of entry!

The Dental Awards are the longest running and most prestigious awards in the British dental sector.

All entries must be received by 28th February 2022.

Details of all categories and entry criteria can be found at the-probe.co.uk/awards and you can use this discount code for as many entries as you would like to make.

For more information, visit the-probe.co.uk/awards, call 01732 371570 or contact Francesca at awards@purplems.com.

Four BSPD role models celebrated with life membership

Four exceptional dentists, who have all left an indelible legacy on the specialty of paediatric dentistry, have been awarded Honorary Life Membership of BSPD. Richard Welbury, Barbara Chadwick, Stephen Fayle and Linda Arch have all played important leadership roles, both clinically and personally, serving in different capacities on BSPD’s national executive.

Professor Richard Welbury CBE is a former President of BSPD as well as of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. In 2015 he chaired the organising committee of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry congress in Glasgow. He is internationally known for his textbook on paediatric dentistry.

Professor Barbara Chadwick MBE was for most of her career based at Cardiff University School of Dentistry, most recently as Director of Education and Students, where she inspired many young dentists to choose paediatric dentistry as a career pathway.

A national spokesperson for BSPD, Stephen Fayle has been a Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Leeds Dental Institute (LDI) for most of his career. His influence has been felt throughout the UK due to his unstinting 25-year commitment to the wider NHS and national professional societies.

At the invitation of the Chief Dental Officer for England, Sara Hurley, he has led on the NHS Commissioning Standard for Specialist Paediatric Dentistry and he has been Chair of the Managed Clinical Network for Paediatric Dentistry in Yorkshire and Humber.

Linda Arch combined roles as a clinician, a researcher, a lecturer and a mentor.  The contribution she made to the Merseyside branch was enormous, serving in most branch roles; at national level she served as a Secretary for BSPD. As a postgraduate tutor for Health Education England she ran courses in paediatric dentistry.

All four life memberships were announced at the 2021 annual conference hosted by the Merseyside branch and are due to be presented at a study day in Liverpool in 2022.

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, BSPD’s Spokesperson said: “All four members have played an exceptional role in BSPD’s story over the last three decades and we are very happy that they will all remain part of the Society to which they have given so much.”

For more information contact Kate Clark:  kate@kateclarkpr.co.uk / 07990 525639.

BSPD bids farewell to long-serving PR consultant, Caroline Holland

November sees the departure of BSPD’s PR consultant, Caroline Holland, who has developed and finessed the media relations role – promoting the mission and purpose of the Society – over the last seven years.

Caroline’s vision for BSPD has meant that over this period the Society is now seen as the go-to authority voice on matters of paediatric dentistry. With a raised profile and awareness, BSPD now sees itself called upon by media to give an informed opinion on behalf of the UK’s leading paediatric clinical and research professionals. She has overseen a new consistency to oral healthcare messaging and a greater awareness amongst both the dental profession, and the general public of the latest developments in children’s oral health and the Society’s recommended preventative approach.

This new era of collaboration during which Caroline has been a leading force along with BSPD’s spokesperson, Professor Claire Stevens and the Society’s Presidents has also enabled the BSPD to take a significant role in influencing policy – engaging with special interest groups and political decision makers. The result is that today, BSPD is now in a strong position to campaign for and implement improvements in children’s oral health in the UK.

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, Spokesperson, BSPD said: “We are very sad to say goodbye to Caroline and wish her well. As I reflect back over the last seven years, I believe her key achievements are the support she gave to developing BSPD’s mission to improve the oral health of children and young people and the development of the Society’s position statements on key issues.

“Caroline strove to focus on highlighting the wide-ranging knowledge and skills that a paediatric dentist must have in order to treat children, who present with the most complex challenges. She recognised, and was keen to promote, the restorative skills needed to treat young people who have suffered trauma. She understood both the restorative and orthodontic skills required to treat children who have a complex genetic condition – and their specialist skills in periodontology, or oral surgery. She promoted paediatric dentistry specialists’ ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

She appreciated the dedication needed by these experts who specialise in managing children and young people, as well as their parents, with kindness and respect.”

Professor Claire Stevens added: “She has also facilitated a new structure to engage our Society’s 13 regional branches – and achieved excellent media coverage for our annual conferences.

“Another of Caroline’s stand-out achievements was being instrumental in the strategic design of BSPD’s launch of Dental Check By One (DCby1) which is one of the Society’s great successes in recent years. Caroline managed to get the message out to the wider public through achieving press coverage on TV and in national press. We know that taking your baby to the dentist when their teeth first come through or by the age of one at the latest gets them off to a healthy start. It is this insight that drove the Society’s flagship Dental Check By One campaign – which is now established as national guidance in the UK. BSPD is immensely proud of DCby1 – and the work that Caroline did to support its launch.”

BSPD stretches back over almost 70 years and throughout its history, has campaigned for improving standards in children’s oral health. The last few years have seen a picking up of pace for the Society with its membership number doubling to more than 800 members – with a broadened membership profile.

Professor Claire Stevens added: “I am proud to say that Caroline gave BSPD the confidence to be ambitious. Her passion for the wellbeing of children and the role that good oral healthcare plays within that have been her enduring focus and we at the Society have undoubtably benefited from her drive and determination – as she leaves BSPD’s reputation at an elevated level.”

The role of PR consultant to BSPD will be taken over from November by Kate Clark who can be contacted at kate@kateclarkpr.co.uk / 07990 525639.

BSPD welcomes WHO inclusion of fluoride preparations on children’s medicine list 

BSPD welcomes the announcement made by WHO to include fluoride containing preparations in their  essential medicine list for children. This is a new development which reflects the recognition of oral health as  an important aspect of children’s overall health and wellbeing.  

The report of the 23rd WHO expert committee into the ‘Selection and Use of Essential Medicines’ notes the  burden of oral diseases, particularly untreated dental caries, which represent a significant public health  problem globally. The new WHO recommendation is that “the listing should be amended to ‘fluoride’, noting  that topical fluoride-containing preparations utilize fluoride in a variety of forms. Fluoride toothpaste is  recommended for inclusion as a specifically defined formulation of fluoride (paste, cream or gel containing  between 1000 and 1500 ppm fluoride (any type)), because of its proven effectiveness in preventing dental  caries and for better control of quality of fluoride content.” 

Professor Sondos Albadri, President, BSPD said: “We are pleased to note the inclusion of fluoride containing  dental preparations in the WHO essential medicines list. As paediatric dentists, we have all seen the benefits  of these management options. This recognition and inclusion now by WHO, will hopefully encourage their  implementation to improve the oral health of disadvantaged and vulnerable children worldwide.” 

The list also includes Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). In 2020, BSPD issued guidance and support materials  on the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as a management option to help arrest dental caries in children  (see hyperlink in notes to editors).  

BSPD has been campaigning for improving standards in children’s oral health in the UK for almost 70 years.  Today the Society has over 800 members made up of dental professionals with an interest in Paediatric  Dentistry including dentists, Dental Care Professionals (DCPs), dental and DCP students and international  members.  

For further information, contact Kate Clark, BSPD PR Consultant 

kate@kateclarkpr.co.uk / 07990 525639 

Gain foundational dental knowledge to help you succeed in non-clinical dental positions with the BDIA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry.

A special offer is now available from the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) for ADAM members who want to improve their knowledge to help them in their careers in

non-clinical dental positions.

If you are working in a non-clinical role in a dental practice, for example, an administrator, treatment coordinator, receptionist, office manager, marketing executive, or if you manage a team of people who are, then you’ll want to read this!

Working in the dental industry in non-clinical roles and coming from a non-clinical background can be challenging due to the vast number of dental procedures, materials, terminologies, and treatments available. It can take substantial time for staff members to familiarise themselves with the basic knowledge that is required to work with dental professionals, regardless of the role. Handling customer consultation calls in a dental practice or organising orders for dental supplies or scheduling a diary of patients for a dentist, all these roles require a level of understanding in order to complete the task. It can also be time consuming and expensive for a business to train staff up to have this level of understanding for them to be efficient in their role. No longer is this the case with the BDIA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry. 

Ideal as part of company introduction training or for longer-serving members of staff who may want additional training, the course offers candidates a perfect balance of essential knowledge required to succeed and drive results for the business in which they work. Students complete an online learning experience that is designed to fast-track knowledge and understanding over 11 modules based around oral anatomy, dental treatment, equipment and an appreciation of the work of the dental team and profession. The BDIA Certificate: Introduction to Dentistry can assist ADAM members to build knowledge and provide dental insights that could help drive results for their business.

The BDIA has come to a special agreement for ADAM members to offer an exclusive 15% off the BDIA’s non-member pricing of £300 + VAT. Bringing the cost down to £255+ VAT for ADAM members. 

The BDIA is the UK’s dental industry trade body. Since 1923 its members have been working closely with the dental profession and dental teams to provide the quality, innovative and dependable equipment and services that are needed day in day out. As BDIA members are bound by a comprehensive professional Code of Practice, bespoke training and a common vision, choosing to do business with them means that the dental team can have confidence that they are choosing a supplier that they can trust.

Click here to find out more – https://bit.ly/3CHpo4f

Contact: Darryl Moore at darrylmoore@bdia.org. for more information.

New CQC strategy champions regulation driven by people’s experiences of care

State of the Nation

On Thursday 25 March 2021 NASDAL (National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers) held its annual press conference, this year virtually at BDIA Dental Showcase, and many Principals, Associates and team members, along with the dental media, joined what was an enlightening event with 5 presentations and then an interactive Question & Answer session. Heidi Marshall, partner at Dodd & Co was a member of the panel.

It has been an unusual twelve months and this year’s event reflected this by being billed as a ‘State of the Nation’ conference dealing as it did with a wide variety of dentally related financial and legal matters.

The conference heard the latest goodwill value statistics which are normally produced on a quarterly basis but due to the pandemic, the latest figures covered the four months that ended 31 January 2021.

Against what many may expect, the latest period showed very little price reduction due to the pandemic. As with the last survey (which covered the period from 1 April to 30 September 2020), in our experience, there have been only limited price reductions but considerable lengthening of the process.

Benchmarking Statistics – “continued fall in NHS practice profits but better news for Associates”  

The NASDAL benchmarking statistics are published annually in March and reflect the finances of dental practices and dentists for the most recent tax year (2019/2020). The NASDAL figures provide a detailed picture of dental practice finances, sourced directly from dentists working privately and in the NHS. They are immensely useful but this year, as the period in question only ran until March 2020, they have limited information to share about the effect of the pandemic. However, they do make interesting reading. Some of the key points from this year were:

• A continued fall in NHS practice profits – this is perhaps as NHS practices tend to be more Associate led
• A slight fall in net profit across the market as a whole
• Better news for Associates with an increase in fee income of 3% and increase in net profit of 2%
• Practice expense ratios stayed very consistent with previous years

Overall, we have seen results similar to the previous year with a small impact of COVID-19 in Feb/Mar 2020. Net profit of a typical dental practice fell back to £129,178 from £134,387 in 2019 and both NHS and Private practices saw a reduction in profit (NHS – £116,284 in 19/20 down from £124,475 in 18/19; Private – £133,192 in 19/20 down from £140,591 in 18/19). Only mixed practices bucked this trend with a small rise from £132,940 in 18/19 to £134,342.  What the figures will show for the year of the pandemic is conjecture at this point, but we certainly find ourselves in a very different landscape now from a little over a year ago.

NHS Quarter 4 – meeting the targets

Since the beginning of January in terms of Q4 targets (in England) need to achieve 45% of pre-pandemic activity measures to avoid any financial penalties by way of ‘clawback’. There are 2 key issues that were affecting practices.

First and foremost, there is a small but significant number of practices that will be unable to hit the threshold of 45% of UDA contract amounts and how that ‘cliff edge’ will affect them. The fact that many NHS practices are already hitting this target is great but irrelevant to those that cannot.

Another unconsidered consequence of the Q4 rules is pay cuts of more than 65% for some self-employed dental associates who carry out NHS work. During the COVID 19 crisis a very important measure of financial protection has been given to NHS associates as so far they have been paid in full. Q4 rules brought this to an end for those associates who work in practices which cannot hit the 45% UDA threshold.

We believe that a fair compromise is quite simple – remove the ‘cliff edge’ at 36%. Without this change, a small percentage of the total NHS contract holders could be in real trouble. In addition, the associates who work in those practices could suffer a pay cut in excess of 65%.

As to what might happen as of 1 April, suffice to say that there will be no material change in circumstance between 31 March and the following day and therefore we would be surprised to see any movement from the 45% figure.

Practice sales market – “still buoyant”

Practice Sales were then discussed over the last year which were a whole lot busier than many might expect. What the pandemic did do was slow the entire sales process. From March 2020 until June 2020 there was a hiatus as society was locked down. Then, volumes of practice sales picked up quickly and NASDAL members saw a particular surge earlier this year as many sought to avoid a potential Capital Gains Tax increase in the Budget that as it turned out, didn’t materialise.

To illustrate the added time now involved, it can take up to 20 weeks for the CQC to register a new partnership allocation! As we move forward, it seems that those buying practices are having to do so in more of a ‘blind’ fashion than in is traditional. Even though a practice has been successful in the past, the new world that we find ourselves in, means it is no guarantee of future prosperity.”

The Future – “the reckoning of the end of furlough”

The final presentation was delivered by Heidi Marshall, who is NASDAL Secretary and is a Partner at Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants.  Heidi had the unenviable task, even more so in these times, of considering what may happen in the coming months.

Heidi covered a wide range of areas including Q1 percentages, clawback and the ‘Zoom Boom’ of dentistry. She also shared evidence of mixed practices taking the decision to leave the NHS as they are finding that the numbers no longer add up.

Heidi particularly focused on the end of furlough and that September will see a real reckoning in many sectors. “I think that we will see the true impact of what the end of furlough will mean for our economy. Potentially hundreds of thousands of people could find themselves out of work and that will certainly mean a reduction in enquiries for elective dentistry but perhaps even the more regular care too?”

Overall we are pleased to see that the UK dental sector has reacted to the challenge that Covid has provided in a typically robust fashion, but it has been a tough 12 months for many and the future is still uncertain.

Now, more than ever, it is important that dental practices take specialist advice so that they can understand and react to changes in their business situation.

Join us for free at the new virtual event for the dental profession: BDIA Dental Showcase On Demand

Filmed live from a COVID-secure TV studio, BDIA Dental Showcase On Demand (22 – 26 March 2021) will provide an experience for the profession like no other, bringing the lights and excitement of a physical show to your home or practice.

With 50 free seminars, 100 leading exhibitors and zero cost, BDIA Dental Showcase On Demand is not to be missed. Register now.

THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

Browse the virtual exhibition and hold face-to-face meetings with 100 leading suppliers over video to discuss your needs and discover new solutions.

Find out more information about exhibitors via the instant chat and make the most of show-only special offers to find new products and resources at the best price.

View the full exhibitor list to see who’s at the show.

THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

The BDIA Dental Showcase On Demand programme will provide a new channel for learning with CPD-certified panel discussions, lectures and more.

Tune in to hear the latest policy updates, business advice and clinical techniques the biggest names in dentistry. Already confirmed are:

• Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer for England
• Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association
• Osama Ammar, General Dental Council

Joining Sara, Eddie and Osama are more than 70 dental experts, bringing you 50+ studio-produced CPD talks. You’ll take away best-practice tips to help guide your practice through these challenging times.

The conference programme is designed for the whole practice team so there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to join your peers at this brand-new virtual experience for the dental profession. Register free here.

ADAM to present Practice Manager of the Year Award at the 2021 Dental Awards

The Practice Manager of the Year Award at the 2021 Dental Awards, the original and most respected awards programme in UK dentistry, has gained added prestige as it will now be presented by ADAM (The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers).

The Practice Manager of the Year Award is open for entries to all practice managers, regardless of their status as an ADAM member. For an entry brochure, visit https://the-probe.co.uk/awards/the-dental-awards-2021/.

The entry deadline is 28th February 2021.

Lisa Bainham, ADAM President, commented: “The Dental Awards are a great way to recognise and celebrate individual and team achievements. I, myself, am honoured to have received several accolades during my career in dentistry, and The Dental Awards truly inspire and give you the confidence to become the very best you can in your field. The recognition provides reassurance to your teams and patients of your standards.

“I would recommend entering the awards to anyone who goes above and beyond in the dental field, they deserve to have their dedication awarded and recognised. It is an honour for me to have judged these awards for the last few years and would urge individuals and practices to stand up and be counted, for increased team morale and much more.”

“Over the course of more than two decades, The Dental Awards has established itself as the most highly regarded awards honour in the profession,” said James Cooke, managing editor of the dental portfolio at Purple Media Solutions, including The Probe. “It is with great excitement that we announce a new partnership with ADAM that will see the Practice Manager of the Year Award held in even higher esteem.

“While we highly encourage Practice Managers to stand up and be counted for the tireless work they’ve put in over the course of an extremely challenging year, don’t forget that you can also ensure other members of your team – or even your entire practice – can be nominated for recognition in their own respective categories.”

ADAM provides its member Practice Managers with tailored advice, access to management development and regional events at preferential rates, free legal consultation, access to industry pay scales and more. For further information, visit https://www.adam-aspire.co.uk/.

2021 marks the 22nd edition of the Dental Awards. Over the years, this prestigious event has recognised the outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment and drive continues to raise standards throughout the UK dentistry profession.

The Dental Awards is supported by the UK’s leading dental magazine publisher, Purple Media Solutions, and is unquestionably the premier awards programme for UK dentistry.

Winning or being a finalist is a tremendous accolade and provides a massive publicity boost to the profile of your practice and your team. After all, who wouldn’t want to be treated by the Dentist or the Dental Team of the Year?

For more information, call 01732 371570 or contact awards@purplems.com.

BADN SALARY SURVEY 2020

The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the UK’s professional association for dental nurses, has today launched its 2020 Salary Survey.

The Survey is open to all dental nurses, non-members as well as BADN members, to find out how much dental nurses in the UK are being paid, as well as whether they were paid during lockdown.  The Survey will provide data to support the BADN’s campaign for recognition of dental nurses’ contribution to oral healthcare in the UK, and for dental nurses working in general dental practice to be paid NHS rates, instead of minimum wage.

BADN invites all dental nurses, but particularly those working in practice, to complete the survey – which is anonymous.  Dental nurses completing the Survey will need their P60 for the tax year ending April 2020 – all employees should have received this in April 2020 from their employer.

The Survey can be accessed from the BADN website www.badn.org.uk or via https://cutt.ly/SalarySurvey2020.  Closing date is 31 December 2020.

The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM) has chosen WestWon Limited as its preferred finance partner to support its members.

The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM) has chosen WestWon Limited as its preferred finance partner to support its members.

Lisa Bainham, president of ADAM comments “WestWon have bought some really exciting changes to the Dental Profession with their innovative products and services. WestWon has recently launched a new Dental Finance App for the dental sector to give everyone total transparency, and we felt their approach and professionalism would benefit our existing and new members.”

WestWon Services include low rate equipment finance, business loans, refurbishment loans, tax and VAT loans, vehicle finance and IT finance.

“Speaking on behalf of WestWon, CEO Jeremy Hall noted, “We have arranged hundreds of equipment leases and practice loans for dentists during my 30-year term in the leasing and asset finance business. We have no doubt that our experience and dedicated friendly team will give you a positive customer experience.”

Richard Porter, Divisional Director, comments “This is an exciting time for everyone, the additional value that WestWon will bring will change the way dental practices use finance. Our credit approvals are simple and fast, documentation is via digital signatures and straight-forward, and with our dental finance app you will always be getting the transparency you deserve!”

ADAM members represent over 600 dental practice members throughout the UK. Lisa adds “This is a wonderful opportunity to provide ADAM members with an outstanding, professional and friendly finance service.”

CODE acquires Isopharm to create leading provider of software solutions for dental practices and professionals

CODE has completed the acquisition of Isopharm which brings together the market leading compliance platform with the largest provider of online CPD for dental practitioners into a single entity.

Established for over 20 years, Isopharm is the leading provider of online CPD with over 60% of all dental practitioners using their innovative solutions to meet the mandatory requirements for continuous development. The business also provides software and services for validation and testing to a broad range of healthcare providers.

Neil Laycock, COO of the CODE Group, highlighted the significance of the acquisition saying “The addition of Isopharm represents the next step in creating the dental industry’s leading solution for practice operations. The breadth and reach of the combined company is unmatched in the industry and creates an exciting platform for innovative services”.

Karen Penfold, Managing Director of CODE, who will head up the new combined business said “CODE’s iComply is already the most widely used solution for compliance management for dental practices in the UK. The acquisition of Isopharm will be a major addition to our recently launched solutions for people management in dental practices. The integrated solution will bring major benefits to our clients; from attracting new staff, improving staff engagement and retention, and ensuring skills and process compliance in a single solution”.

Founder of Isopharm Andrew Kemp joins the CODE management team and said “CODE is the perfect platform for the next stage of innovative solutions we had planned at Isopharm, we are delighted to be joining forces”.

August Equity invested in CODE in 2019 and have been instrumental in the acquisition of Isopharm. “August Equity’s market knowledge, broad network in the dental and healthcare sector and prior experience in creating industry leaders has been very important in getting to this stage of CODE’s development, we continue to be excited about building on this start and extending the reach of the Group into more healthcare segments” said Dr Sati Sian, Chairman CODE Group.

To find out more about the businesses visit codeuk.com, training.isopharm.co.uk, email info@codeuk.com or call 01409 254 354

ADAM – Congratulations to Jason Wong

The Association of Dental Administrators and Managers, (ADAM) would like to offer their congratulations to Jason Wong MBE who has been appointed Deputy Chief Dental Officer for England, in succession to Janet Clarke who retired last year.

Jason will work alongside CDO Sara Hurley and Deputy CDO Eric Rooney in collaboration with local and regional teams to deliver improved outcomes for patients, and champion the role of dentists and dentistry within the health system.

Jason is a general dental practitioner in Grantham Lincolnshire, who qualified from the University of Birmingham in 1995 and also holds a Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies from the University of Bristol. He was appointed MBE for services to Dentistry and Oral Health in the New Year Honours in 2020 and received his insignia from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace earlier this year. Jason was the inaugural winner of the NASDAL DCby1 award in 2018 and has since become a judge on the awards.

COVID-19: update from the GDC – 26/03/20

COVID-19: GDC update for dental professionals 23/03/20

COVID-19: update from the Chief Executive and Registrar of the GDC, Ian Brack