adsa
Australian Dental Students Association
www.adsa.org.au
ADSA Graduation Booklet 2013 twitter.com/ADSAMedia facebook.com/AusDSA
Be an early bird and receive a complimentary Class of 2013 Memento if you join DPL on or before 31/12/13
Welcome to the profession! Graduate members of Dental Protection receive a range of benefits and support preparing you for your future career. Class of 2013 graduates who sign up before 31 December 2013 will receive DPL membership and indemnity insurance until 30 June 2015 at no cost.
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Key benefits Discounted rate for graduate members. Dental Protection is the largest and strongest organisation of its kind in the world. As a DPL member in Australia you have access to a $20 million dental indemnity policy underwritten by MDA National. Over 40 years track record of protecting and supporting the dental profession in Australia.
z Colleague-to-colleague focus and empathy: we understand dentistry and dental problems. z Advice and support from a specialist team with massive dental case knowledge and experience. z Your membership is transportable to over 70 countries worldwide. z Over 60 hours of free CPD available for our members. For more information about your membership contact Kara Stokes kara.stokes@dpla.com.au Freecall 1800 444 542 www.dentalprotection.org.au DPL Australia Pty Ltd (DPLA) ABN 24 092 695 933 CAR number 326134 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of MDA National Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 56 058 271 417 AFS license number 238073
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Congratulations Tips for your first job
3 4
TO DO Registration Medicare Indemnity Radiation licence
5 6 7 8
YOUR CAREER Looking for employment Pathways Graduate programs Continual Professional Development Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
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9 10 11 12 13
FINANCE Student loans Superannuation
15 16
FINAL CHECKLIST ADA membership Final checklist
17 18 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Cathleen Dong sponsorship@adsa.org.au PUBLICATION SUBMISSIONS AND ENQUIRIES Amy Cao publications@adsa.org.au 2013 / 02
congratulations The last four or five years at dental school have probably seen many ups and downs, excitement of being in sim clinic for the first time, freaking out when you finally see a real patient and then fitting a denture without having to do any modifications! So to think that you only have a few months left before you finally graduate can be exciting and daunting at the same time. While you are probably focused on meeting requirements and wondering if you'll get a job, we've put together this graduate booklet to help you figure out what steps you need to take so you can actually work once you graduate. You need to do things such as get a provider number from Medicare, apply for insurance and you have to register with the dental board. There are also some helpful hints that might help guide you in the right direction and assist you in getting your dream job. If you are in your final year of your studies, we hope you have an amazing couple of weeks in dental school and enjoy being a student while you can! Best of luck with your final exams and we hope you have an exciting and rewarding career. Best Wishes, Audrey Irish ADSA President
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING, FOLLOW US ON
2013 / 03
ADSAMedia AusDSA www.adsa.org.au
TIPS FOR YOUr FIRST JOB After pushing through years of phantom heads and lining checks you’ve finally made it! As graduation approaches, the relief of jumping the final hurdles of university are quickly replaced with the first of your newfound profession… Getting a job! Now this can be a daunting task for any new grad but here are some tips from past graduates who have been through it all before to help you on your way.
1
DON'T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
Get your stokes in the fire. Pound the pavement, ask around and hand your CV out early on in the piece. Showing potential employers you're proactive and keen is a great way to get your foot in the door. Potential employers may not have been thinking of taking on a new dentist, but that new fresh face coming through the front door might just convince them otherwise.
2
GO PUBLIC
Every first job has its good points. In the public system you’ll find great mentors, plenty of patients and the chance to work at your own pace in a structured environment. Check out local area health websites throughout your final year or why not look into the VDGYP (see page 10)!
3
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
There is no doubt that the more flexible you are with relocating, the better your chances of finding the right job. Whilst rural/remote locations tend to offer more opportunities to new grads, don’t jump in and commit yourself without testing the waters. In any job there will be plenty of down time and its important to make sure you have things to fill those hours. Before you accept a job in a any location make sure you go and spend
some time in the area to get a feel for where you could spend your first few years of working life.
4
THE INTERVIEW
There is no doubt everyone wants to impress in their interview and saying the right thing to your prospective employer will be first thing on your mind! Don’t forget though this is a great chance for you to find out whether the practice will be a good fit for you and your practice ideals (not everyone will be… trust me!) Some good questions are: What will my role be in the practice? What sort of mentorship will be available and are we able to structure some mentor time into the working week? Could I see some examples of interesting recent cases you’ve treated? (the last question is a great one to not only find out what sort of treatment interests your potential employer but also that they work to a standard your happy with).
5
DON'T STRESS
The increase in numbers of dental schools and their intakes (and therefore greater numbers of graduates looking for jobs) may be alarming – but at the end of the day the right opportunity is waiting out there for everyone. Don’t be disheartened, keep chipping away and things will work out for the best.
2013 / 04
registration YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE DENTAL BOARD OF AUSTRALIA BEFORE YOU CAN PRACTICE
To register with the board, you can apply through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). December is a very busy time of year with thousands of medicine and allied health graduates sending in their application forms. Luckily, you can start the registration process 4-6 weeks before completing your course. Once you complete all the requirements for your degree, your university will inform the AHPRA that you have officially completed your degree and your application will be processed. We recommend sending in your forms early so you can skip the queues and practice sooner rather than later.
MORE DETAILS ONLINE www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/ Graduate-Applications. aspx
2013 / 05
medicare ALL DENTISTS NEED A MEDICARE PROVIDER AND PRESCRIBER NUMBER After you register with the Dental Board of Australia you need to fill out the two forms below from Medicare and mail or fax your application form along with supporting documentation to the contact details found on the forms.
Application for an initial Medicare provider/registration number for a Dentist, Dental Specialist or Dental Prosthesist The provider number allows dentists to request certain diagnostic imaging services set out in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), available online on the Department of Health and Ageing website. It allows the dentist and the location from which a service is provided to be uniquely identified. You need to have a medicare provider number before you can start billing patients
Application for approval to prescribe medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme This is the application form to allow you to prescribe medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOWNLOAD FORMS ONLINE www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pubs/medicare-forms/dentists.jsp 2013 / 06
INDEMNITY INSURANCE BEFORE YOU PRACTICE YOU MUST HAVE INDEMNITY INSURANCE This must cover all aspects of dental practice that you plan to carry out. There are a number of indemnity insurance providers that currently insure dentists, including: DPL (Dental Protection Limited) http://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/ Guild http://www.guildinsurance.com.au/profession al-indemnity-insurance/dentists/ MIPS (Medical Indemnity Protection Society) http://www.mips.com.au/ Understand that providers differ in membership fees, level of cover and support beyond insurance needs. Also be aware that insurance requirements are also different for each state. When choosing a provider we suggest that you make an informed decision based on your needs as a recent graduate. Ask those around you whose opinions matter and don’t be afraid to quiz providers about their policies!
DENTAL PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE REGISTRATION STANDARD http://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx
2013 / 07
RADIATION LICENCE The requirements of a radiation licence will depend on the state in which you wish to practice in. Each state has different practising radiation regulations, e.g. dentists in NSW only need registration to take OPGs and in WA radiation licences are not required. So before you take that first bitewing, make sure that you’re licensed!
NORTHERN TERRITORY Department of Health Radiation Protection Act 2011 www.health.nt.gov.au/ Environmental_Health/ Radiation_Protection/
QUEENSLAND Queensland Health Radiation Safety Act 1999 www.health.qld.gov.au/ radiationhealth/healthrelated/ dental.asp
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Current legislation does not require a radiation licence SOUTH AUSTRALIA EPA South Australia Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 www.epa.sa.gov.au/licensees/ radiation_licences/dental_ professionals
NEW SOUTH WALES NSW Government Licensing Service Radiation Control Act 1990 www.license.nsw.gov.au/Licence_ Launchpad_RAD.htm#Radiation_ Licence_
VICTORIA Department of Health Radiation Act 2005 www.health.vic.gov.au/ radiation/
TASMANIA Department of Health and Human Services Radiation Protection Act 2005 www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/ radiation_protection
2013 / 08
LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT FINDING A JOB Looking for a job isn’t always easy. It may take a few interviews and resume drops before you find a clinic that you feel you would like to work in. Word of mouth is a great way to find out who is willing to take on a new graduate. Here are some places you can try. ADA www.ada.org.au Also visit your local ADA branch website and the classifieds section of ADA bulletins. Dentist Job Search (DJS) www.djs.com.au A job search company, where you can simply register your details and they will “promote” you to clinics looking for dentists The Young Dentist www.theyoungdentist.com/au A one stop shop resource for young dentists by young dentists. This website includes articles on finding the perfect job, setting up a practice, working abroad and much more.
Other places to visit • State health service or state dental health services websites • Australian Defence Forces • General medical hospitals • Dental hospitals General Job Sites Seek www.seek.com.au MyCareer www.mycareer.com.au CareerOne www.careerone.com.au
INTERVIEWS
An interview is a chance for your potential employer to get to know you. They might want to know what parts of dentistry you enjoy, what your interests are, how much experience you have had at dental school and what your attitude to patient care is. At the interview, besides the standard queries regarding pay, hours and holidays, some important questions to ask could be: • • • • •
Have you hired a new graduate before? Will I be able to book longer appointments until you pick up some speed? Will you have time to review cases with me during the week or do you expect meto work alone? Do you use amalgam, rotary endo, written or electronic records? What areas of dentistry do you focus on and which cases do you refer?
These questions will give you an idea of the attitude of your potential employer as it's important that you feel comfortable with their expectations and working conditions. It is also a good idea to find out if they want to restrict you to certain types of treatment or allow you to practice to your full scope. Often new graduates find having some extra support, especially in the first few weeks invaluable so find out if they are happy for you to refer cases to them or if you can start of with a few easier cases until you feel a bit more comfortable. Don’t forget to have a contract signed before you start work!
2013 / 09
CAREER PATHWAYS The majority of dentists work in private practice and this can be achieved in a few different ways • • • • •
Setting up a practice Purchasing an exising practice As an associate dentist where some of the expenses of setting up the practice are shared with other denstist(s) but fees may be collected individually and some expenses are not shared As a partner where all expenses and profits are shared according to an agreed percentage, or As an assistant dentist working for the owner of a practice
Other career choices you can consider include • • •
A government dentist treating patients that can have their dental treatment publically funded The armed services (www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Dentist/JobDetails) As a short-term university tutor or lecturer (a permanent position will require higher degrees)
Dental Board of Australia's List of Specialties Additional programs of study must be completed after graduating in order to become a specialist. Normally you need to be working for at least two years as a general dentist before you can apply for a specialist trainig proram. These training programs are normally 3 years, and each has differnt requirements. Different course providers for specialist training programs can be found AHPRA's database at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Education/Approved-Programs-of-Study.aspx Below is a list of some of the areas you can specialise in. Dento-maxillofacial radiology Endodontics Oral and maxillofacial surgery Oral medicine
Diagnostic imaging procedures of the oral and maxillofacial region. Pulpo-dentine complex and periradicular tissues. Surgery of injuries and defects of the jaws and associated structures.
Diagnosis and non-surgical management of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral pathology Nature of diseases. Oral surgery Diagnosis and surgery or oral and dento-alveolar tissues. Orthodontics Malocclusion of teeth and surrounding structures. Paediatric dentistry Oral facial problems in children from birth to adolescence. Periodontics Supporting tissues of the teeth. Prosthodontics Coronal alteration or reconstruction of natural teeth or replacement of teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues. Public health dentistry Oral health education of the public, administering dental care programs, prevention and control of oral diseases in communities. Special needs denSpecial dental treatment plans for patients with intellectual, medical, phystistry ical or psychiatric conditions. Forensic odontology Examine, document and evaluate dental evidence in cases including human identification, orofacial trauma and bitemarks.
2013 / 10
THE VOLUNTARY DENTAL GRADUATE YEAR PROGRAM This program offers graduate dental students the opportunity to complete a year of paid work experience in a range of clinical settings, with on-line learning, mentoring and professional support.
IMPORTANT DATES
FEATURES The VDGYP is a Commonwealth funded initiative which will place students in community based dental clinics around Australia. The program provides students with training, mentoring and clinical skill development. Students have access to a range of mentors and specialists from around the country and have online access to a number of recourses to assist them with their learning. The program includes: • • • • •
37.5 hours of training per week, with 20% of that being non-clinical learning, mentor support at your place of employment salary upong completion of your program you will receive a bonus of $15,000 the program contributes to 60 hours of CPD
11 September 2013 applications open
9 October 2013 applications close
20 January 2014 program and placements commencement
Participants can choose to take their nonclinical component from one of two pathways a. Participation in web based learning, case discussions and workshops in conjunction with 10 comprehensive case presentations, or b. The same web based learning, case discussions and workshops, but also prepare for and undertake the RACDS primary exams and 5 comprehensive case presentations.
2013 / 11
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.aitec.edu.au/vdgyp
CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Dental Board has stipulated the following guidelines concerning mandatory continual professional development (CPD) for dentists.
A
E
B complete a minimum of 60 hours of CPD activities over three years
ensure that 80% of the minimum 60 CPD hours are clinically or scientifically based
produce evidence of CPD activities when requested to do so by the Dental Board
D
C make a declaration of their compliance with CPD requirements at the time of annual renewal
maintain records detailing CPD activities for audit purposes
EARN CPD POINTS FREE
CPD THROUGH THE ADA
There are many opportunities to earn CPD points for free. Keep your eyes peeled for fliers from your local dental hospital, radiographer and other dental companies or help groups such as Dental ED. The ADA Bulletin often contains articles with question and answer sheets that can be submitted for CPD points.
The ADA run a dental congress over 3-4 days, every two years. This will accrue over 20 CPD points for a relatively low cost compared to other CPD courses. The congress is also a great way to network with other dentists and suppliers. Your local ADA branch also run several lecture series and hands-on courses where you can extend your knowledge in many areas of dentistry.
OTHER OPTIONS There are a myriad of companies and lecturers who hold courses and seminars for CPD points. These are often informative and insightful, but make sure that they are reputable before you sign up! 2013 / 12
The ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN SCHOOL OF DENTAL SURGEONS STUDY WITH THE RACDS The Royal Australiasian School of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) study programs provide opportunities for new graduates and experienced dentists to improve their skills, knowledge and understanding of clinical dentistry. ATTAINING MEMBERSHIP OR FELLOWSHIP
Membership in General Dental Practice
The main focus of the RACDS education programs is to provide world standard, evidence based education, training and assessment in dentistry, leading to Membership (MRACDS) or Fellowship (FRACDS) of the College. Membership and Fellowship begins from the moment you decide to aim for achievement by joining the RACDS.
The MRACDS(GDP) Program is a 2-3 year structured educational learning program for qualified General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), that aims to provide an ongoing high standard of patient management, diagnosis and treatment for the benefit of the community. The program comprises six core and three elective modules.
Your RACDS qualifications demonstrate to patients that their practitioner is equipped with the knowledge and skills to practise clinical dentistry at the highest standards throughout their working life.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH THE RACDS Participation in RACDS programs is suited to all dentistry careers including private practice, government health services, academia, and the armed services. Many dentists enrolled in university postgraduate studies will find Membership or Fellowship of the RACDS a rewarding addition to their postgraduate qualification. The RACDS has education programs in both General Dental Practice (GDP) and Specialist Dental Practice (SDP). Successful completion can lead to either Membership or Fellowship in your chosen stream.
2013 / 13
The MRACDS(GDP) Program is structured to enhance and support the acquisition of knowledge and skills of GDPs and provide a structured approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). MRACDS(GDP) is the first step to RACDS Fellowship. On its own it is not a registrable qualification to practice dentistry in Australia or New Zealand.
Fellowship in General Dental Practice Attain FRACDS(GDP) by obtaining a pass in the RACDS examinations which involves the Primary Exam and the Final Exam. The Primary Exam consists of study and examination in the areas of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Pathology and Microbiology. The aim is for candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the basic sciences and, importantly, their relationship to clinical dental practice.
qualifications in Specialist Dental Practice disciplines Membership and Fellowship is available in the following disciplines. Dental Public Health Endodontics Oral Medicine Orthodontics Paediatric Dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics Special Needs Dentistry
Membership in specialist dental practice Membership in Specialist Dental Practice is granted in recognition of a candidate’s standing as a specialist in their discipline. It is seen as the attainment and recognition of specialist status by one’s peers. Membership is awarded by examination. Either by the College or via University Post Graduate course work where there is an agreement with the College to award conjoint qualifications.
Fellowship in a specialist dental practice
Fellowship in the Specialty Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a four year structured training program. Further information can be found in the OMS Handbook on the college website.
Fellowship in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline represents the assessment and peer review of a candidate at an advanced level following the completion of a period of specialist experience gained after the completion of a higher university qualification in that discipline. It is seen as a continuation of learning and professional development in that discipline.
MORE DETAILS ONLINE www.racds.org
2013 / 14
PAYING OFF STUDENT LOANS If you have deferred paying your tuition fees at University, chances are you know you have a HECS-HELP debt and need to pay back this money to the Commonwealth Government once you start earning an income.
How much do I owe? Your debts are managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To request the balance of your account, have your tax file number ready and call them on 13 28 61.
When do I have to start paying back my loan? When your repayment income exceeds the compulsory repayment threshold which, for the 2013-14 income year, is $51,309. That means once you start earning over $51, 309 it is compulsory to pay back some of your loan.
How much is each compulsory repayment?
Is there a bonus for voluntary repayments? Your account is credited with an additional 5% of the payment amount if you make a voluntary repayment of $500 or more ontop of the compulsory repaymebnts. From 1 January 2014, the voluntary repayment bonus of 5% will be removed.
What do I do if I can’t afford the repayments? You can apply to the ATO to defer your repayment. To justify your financial hardship, you will need to complete a form titled Deferring your compulsory HELP, HECS or Financial Supplement repayment.
The ATO calculates your compulsory repayment as a percentage of your income and the amount will be on your income tax notice of assessment. This percentage increases as your income increases.
Is interest charged? No, however on June 1 each year, your debt is adjusted in line with changes to the cost of living to maintain its real value.
Can I pay off my debt sooner? Yes, this is known as a voluntary repayment and can be made to the ATO at any time for any amount ontop of the compulsory payments. 2013 / 15
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.studyassist.gov.au www.ato.gov.au Call ATO on 13 28 61
BASIC guide to superannuation Superannuation is a fund that is which is only accessible to people once they retire. Employers must contribute to this fund, and individuals are encouraged to contribute and manage their superannuation accounts so they can maximise their funds available for them in retirement. For graduates who are dealing with superannuation for the first time, here are the basics of superannuation. The two types of contributions are concessional and non-concessional.
Making concessional (before-tax) contributions Superannuation guarantee (SG) is a compulsory superannuation contribution from the employer which eligible employees are entitled to. For those aged 18 years or over, your employer must pay 9.25% of your earnings into your super account if you earn at least $450 a month before tax. Salary sacrificing is when your employer can put some of your before-tax salary to your superannuation fund. Self-employed or not employed or if you receive less than 10% of your income from an employer , then you can also make concessional contribution.
Making non-concessional (after-tax) contributions These are contributions from money on which you have previously paid income tax already. There is no 15% tax on such contributions. You may even be eligible for a bonus from the government for doing so if your assessable income is under $48,516 for the 2013-14 year, known as the co-contribution.
What happens to my employer’s superannuation contributions? They are paid by certain deadlines into a super fund which can be chosen by your employer or in most cases, you have the right to choose your own super fund by filling out a Standard Choice Form given by the employer.
Superannuation funds Each superannuation fund has different fees, benefits and choices about where you can invest your money. It is worhwhile finding a superannuation fund that suits your needs. Your superannuation goes in to your supparanuation account, and your superannuation provider will send you satements informing you how much superannuation you have in your account.
Basic information on tax Concessional contributions are generally hit with a 15% contributions tax. Employers are able to claim a tax deduction when they make your SG contributions or by salary sacrifice agreement. Individuals paying by salary sacrificing can pay less tax on the reduced personal income even though the actual contribution still gets a 15% tax. Non-concessional contributions have no tax deducted so the full contribution reaches your super account. Earnings on these contributions are usually taxed at a lower rate compared to earnings that are not put into a super fund. Capital gains your super fund makes from the sale of fund assets fund earnings are also subject to taxes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.superguide.com.au www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super 2013 / 16
Australian Dental Association There is a lot of support out there once you graduate. You may consider becoming an ADA member. The ADA provides professional and practice support, education, collegiality and leadership, as well as the latest news, resources and information to assist you in your career. You can also approach the ADA with your contract and discuss the appropriateness of the terms before you sign anything. Many ADA branches will also run “recent graduate” events for those who have graduated within the last 5 years. This is a good chance to network and meet other graduates. For more information contact your local ADA branch. Unsure where you’ll end up? Rural, metropolitan? Will you stay local, go interstate or even overseas? Find out more about others' experiences on the ADA website.
THE ten top reasons to join the ADA 1. Information Through the monthly NSW Dentist magazine, e-newsletters and a variety of industry publications
7. Practice Management Support The support and tools you need on human resources, practice accreditation and occupational health and safety
2. Advocacy Professional representation to government
8. National Online Library Free access to full text journals, e-books, research databases and more
3. Advisory Service Advice and support on legal matters, business development and more 4. Centre for Professional Development Access to cutting-edge scientific and nonscientific courses 5. Digital Media Library Free access to online educational programs from the comfort of your own home or practice 6. Insurance Up to a 50% discount on professional indemnity insurance 2013 / 17
9. Collegiality Local support and networking through Divisions and Groups 10. Member Services A range of discounted lifestyle and professional services
MORE INFORMATION ONLINE www.ada.org.au/memberJoin.aspx
CHECKLIST BEFORE FINISHING UNI c AHPRA Registration
AFTER RECEIVING YOUR REGISTRATION NUMBER c Indemnity insurance c Medicare Provider Number c Medicare Prescriber Number c Radiation Licence c Consider ADA membership c Keep track of your CPD points
2013 / 18
A Guide to the Science of chewing Sugarfree Gum In addition to visiting the dentist regularly, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a balanced diet, chewing sugarfree gum can help protect teeth when patients are ‘on-the-go’ How can chewing gum help your patients maintain oral health? As you know, immediately after eating, plaque acids can attack teeth and initiate the demineralisation of the tooth surface, which can weaken teeth and lead to decay over time. Chewing sugarfree gum increases the production of saliva, which can help neutralise plaque acid, wash away food particles and remineralise tooth enamel to strengthen teeth. In fact, chewing sugarfree gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks has been proven to help reduce tooth decay.1
Interproximal plaque pH
before gum
after gum
during gum
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6
without gum
5
4
Potential demineralization zone
3 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Time (min)
Research shows that chewing sugarfree gum can help protectteeth in a number of ways. Multiple clinical trials have consistently demonstrated the effect of chewing sugarfree gum in helping to reduce the incidence of dental caries. 2,3 The Australian Dental Association (ADA), New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) and the FDI World Dental Federation recognise the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of chewing EXTRA® sugar free gum.
Other oral care benefits of chewing sugarfree gum include:
✔Stimulate saliva flow: By stimulating saliva production, chewing sugarfree gum can be an important defense mechanism to help protect teeth.4,5
✔Reduce plaque: Chewing sugarfree gum has been associated with a reduction in the quantity and development of plaque on teeth, and a reduction in the acid-forming ability of plaque.6,7,8
✔Neutralise acids: Salivary stimulation by chewing sugarfree gum after snacks or meals containing fermentable carbohydrate has been demonstrated to reduce the acidogenic potential of foods significantly.9,10,11
1 Szóke J, Proskin HM, Banoczy J. Effect of after-meal sugarfree gum chewing on clinical caries. J Dent Res. 2001; 80(8): 1725-729. 2 Deshpande A, Jadad AR. The impact of polyol-containing chewing gums on dental caries: a systematic review of original randomised controlled trials and observational studies. J Amer Dent Assoc. 2008; 139(12): 1602-614. 3 Mickenautsch S, Leal SC, Yengopal V, et al. Sugar-free chewing gum and dental caries: a systematic review. J Appl Oral Sci. 2007; 15(2): 83-88. 4 Dawes C, Dong C. The flow rate and electrolyte composition of whole saliva elicited by the use of sucrose-containing and sugarfree chewing gums. Arch Oral Biol. 1995; 40(8): 699-705. 5 Polland KE, Higgins F, Orchardson R. Salivary flow rate and ph during prolonged gum chewing in humans. J Oral Rehabil. 2003; 30(9): 861-65. 6 Kandelman D, Gagnon G. A 24-month study of the incidence and progression of dental caries in
relation to consumption of chewing gum containing xylitol in school preventive programs. J Dent Res. 1990; 69(11):1771-775. 7 Topitsoglou V, Birkhed D, Larsson LA, et al. Effect of chewing gums containing xylitol, sorbitol or a mixture of xylitol and sorbitol on plaque formation, ph changes and acid production in human dental plaque. Caries Res. 1983; 17(4): 369-78. 8 Söderling E, Mäkinen KK, Chen CY, et al. Effect of sorbitol, xylitol and xylitol/sorbitol chewing gums on dental plaque. Caries Res. 1989; 23(5): 378-84. 9 Park KK, Schemehorn BR, Stookey GK. Effect of time and duration of sorbitol gum chewing on plaque acidogenicity. Pediatr Dent. 1993; 15(3): 197-202. 10 Fröhlich S, Maiwald HJ. Reversal of food induced plaque acidity by chewing gums. J Dent Res. 1992; 71(1 suppl.): 269 (Abstract #1309). 11 Fröhlich S, Maiwald HJ, Flowerdew G. Effect of gum chewing on the ph of dental plaque. J Clin Dent. 1992; 3(3): 75-78.
✔Remineralise enamel: Stimulated saliva helps to restore minerals in tooth enamel, as levels of calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva increase due to stimulation caused by chewing gum.12,13,14,15,16
✔Clean the mouth of food debris: Chewing sugarfree gum increases the rate of food debris clearance from teeth compared with not chewing gum during the initial 15 minutes after eating.17
✔Relieve dry mouth discomfort: Stimulation of salivary flow caused by chewing gum can relieve some of the discomfort of xerostomia. In fact, chewing sugarfree gum has been shown to be one of the most preferred treatments for xerostomia.18,19,20,21 12 Creanor SL, Strang R, Gilmour WH, et al. The effect of chewing gum use on in situ enamel lesion remineralisation. J Dent Res. 1992; 71(12):1895-900. 13 Leach SA, Lee GT, Edgar WM. Remineralisation of artificial caries-like lesions in human enamel in situ by chewing sorbitol gum. J Dent Res. 1989; 68(6): 1064-068. 14 Manning RH, Edgar WM. Salivary stimulation by chewing gum and its role in the remineralisation of caries-like lesions in human enamel in situ. J Clin Dent. 1992; 3(3): 71-74. 15 Steinberg LM, Odusola F, Mandel ID. Remineralising potential, antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gum. Clin Prev Dent. 1992; 14(5): 31-34. 16 Wefel JS, Jensen ME, Hogan M, et al. Effect of sugarless gum on human intra-oral demineralisation and remineralisation. J Dent Res. 1989; 68(1 suppl.): 214 (Abstract #263).
Triolo P, Jensen M. Effect of chewing gum on food clearance from the dentition. J Dent Res. 1990; 69 (1 suppl.): 136 (Abstract #220). 18 Fox PC, Van Der Ven PF, Baum BJ, et al. Pilocarpine for the treatment of xerostomia associated with salivary gland dysfunction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1986; 61(3): 243-48. 19 Olsson H, Axéll T. Objective and subjective efficacy of saliva substitutes containing mucin and carboxymethylcellulose. Scand J Dent Res. 1991; 99(4): 316-19. 20 Aagaard A, Godiksen G, Teglers PT, et al. Comparison between new saliva stimulants in patients with dry mouth: a placebo-controlled double blind crossover study. J Oral Pathol Med. 1992; 21(8): 376-80. 21 Dawes C, Macpherson LM. Effects of nine different chewing gums and lozenges on salivary flow rate and ph. Caries Res. 1992; 26(3): 176-82. 17
For more information, contact : The EXTRA Oral Healthcare Program, extraoralcare@wrigley.com © 2011. All Rights Reserved. Wrigley, Extra, Eat Drink Chew, and affiliated designs are trademarks of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.