The Dental Technician Magazine October 2022

ADVISORY BOARD

OCTOBER 2022

Welcome

Digital Technology

Technicians Insight

& Wellbeing

Events

The Dental Technician Magazine is an independent publication and is not associated with any professional body or commercial establishment other than the publishers. Views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or the editorial advisory board. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome, though no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage, howsoever caused. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the editor or the publisher.

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Dental News

Dental Technology

From the Editor

lWelcome to your October edition of The Dental Technician Magazine. The year is well and truly thundering away at a scary pace, and yes, it’ll be Christmas before you know it!

Matt Everatt F.O.T.A

We have finally had a response from the MHRA in regards to a ‘Freedom Of Information’ (FOI) request submitted a few months ago. They failed to respond in the standard timeframe and an appeal was served via the ICO. Failing to meet the deadline again, we received a reply from the MHRA just last week. I do hope to have a full report on their response in the time before we go to print. In short they have failed to answer some very pertinent questions in relation to illegal manufacturers of custom made dental devices.

The GDC seem to have been very active this last month. I mentioned in one of my most recent Editorial Welcomes I had struggled to submit my CPD hours. I tried on at least 2, maybe 3 occasions to submit my hours. It turns out that I only logged 8 hours, when in reality I tried to submit many more hours. Having asked several colleagues, many have also said they had problems submitting their hours and several have received the dreaded letter asking for evidence and a PDP to be scrutinised by the powers that be. Fortunately, I had all the evidence to hand and I didn’t have to spend too much time digging through files of old CPD Certificates, thanks to having electronic PDFs of them.

I read recently that we lost another great Technician too soon. Graeme Winyard from Ashford Orthodontic Lab lost his battle to cancer. His colleagues and business partners Sean Thompson and Craig Stevens shared their condolences and expressed what a great man Graeme was. Our best wishes and thoughts are with Graeme’s family at this sad time.

Autumn is well and truly upon us and it does seem like the country is not at its best. Worries of increasing fuel prices as we head to the colder months, interest rate increases a worry for borrowers, inflation through the roof and a recession looming, if not already upon us. I do like to try and see the positives in many things, and Autumn has always been a time when I think of the falling leaves and the new life to come in spring. A great quote I love, ‘There is no better time than the autumn to begin forgetting the things that trouble us, allowing them to fall away like dried leaves.’ – Paulo Coelho.

I do hope autumn brings you all some peace.

It has been a very busy time for the Editorial Board, we are desperately trying to get new members to join us and provide us with the much needed technical content. If you fancy joining us or you would like to contribute some written pieces, please drop me an email to editor@dentaltechnician.org.uk

All the best for now, see you in November. Matt

“ There is no better time than the autumn to begin forgetting the things that trouble us, allowing them to fall away like dried leaves. ” Paulo Coelho

AESTHETIC SMILE FOR EVERYBODY WITHOUT TOOTH PREPARATION

Dentsply Sirona extends its digital universe with Primescan Connect

l Dentsply Sirona launches new digital dentistry solutions at DS World 2022 in Las Vegas that enable long-term practice growth by increasing efficiency, introducing new procedures and treatment workflows, and improving patient outcomes.

l Superior intraoral scanner Primescan now available as laptop- based solution, Primescan Connect – an easy starting point in digital dentistry

l DS Core and further pioneering functionalities round off the experience in digital dentistry.

DS Core is an open, cloudbased platform that seamlessly connects to other Dentsply Sirona devices.

l Las Vegas / Charlotte / Bensheim, September 15, 2022. At Dentsply Sirona World 2022, Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, launches new products and solutions as part of its digital universe which are designed to bring dentistry to a new level. One of the highlights is the new Primescan Connect, a laptop-based version of Primescan, Dentsply Sirona’s easy to use, fast and accurate intraoral scanner. It is powered by the cloud platform DS Core, which is now getting new features, and

DS Core Care, Dentsply Sirona’s reliable service program. DS World visitors have the opportunity to experience all products live.

Cord Staehler, Chief Technology Officer at Dentsply Sirona: “With our innovations for digital impression, we are adding valuable components to our digital universe. Digital impression is more than just a digital alternative for analog impression. We can now offer a comprehensive digital workflow for treatment, patient monitoring, diagnostics and communication with patients and labs. Therefore, our new solutions for digital dentistry are a real game changer.”

The company has paid particular attention to user-friendliness and easy integration. All digital products and solutions were conceived to be very intuitive to provide effective support for the treatment process, documentation and in practice organization. This can help the dental practitioner save time and money in day-to-day operations and allows them to focus more on the patient.

Primescan Connect – the easy-to-use scanner for seamless collaboration

Primescan Connect offers a superior and highly connective 3D scanning technology for a lower investment*. In this new solution,

Dentsply Sirona combined its fastest and most accurate intraoral scanners, Primescan, with a specified laptop. As such, not only is it more flexible and space- saving when not in use*, but it also fosters the collaboration with any lab by offering validated workflows to all major lab software, while maintaining the dental practice's work habits.

Primescan Connect can be used for digital workflows such as restorative indications, implantology, orthodontics and sleep appliances. Therefore, this innovative device can increase efficiency and improve the patients’ experience.

Dr. Daniel Aniol, dentist from BornheimMerten, Germany, said: “I already had the chance to test Primescan Connect in my everyday practice - and I’m really excited about this new solution. The new laptopbased solution of this great dental scanner convinced me right from the start with a simple initial installation, high flexibility and good integration into my existing system. I have an extremely high level of image quality while the data calculation times are pleasantly short and the data transmission via the Connect Case Center is very stable. I can deliver optimal data to my laboratory and can expect optimal results.”

Primescan Connect is the new configuration of Dentsply Sirona’s successful intraoral cartbased scanner, Primescan, which came onto the market in 2019. All the benefits of Primescan are now available in an accessible solution, making it an easy starting point in digital dentistry.

DS Core and DS Core Care for even more digital functionality Providing a comprehensive experience in digital dentistry, Dentsply Sirona offers Primescan Connect Solution. In this package, Primescan Connect is supported by DS Core & DS Core Care to enhance the practice’s connectivity and deliver more comprehensive service and support.

The cloud-based platform DS Core supports practitioners in their secure storage and sharing of data. The tool which was developed in collaboration with Google Cloud and launched in March 2022 supports HIPAA/GDPR compliance, maintains the openness, flexibility and ease of use of the most common methods of digital dental practice’s collaboration, while allowing users to access their patient records anytime and anywhere. DS Core connects digital dental hardware and software through one platform, helping to improve efficiency and effectiveness in dental practices. This makes DS Core the gateway to the digital universe of Dentsply Sirona solutions. At DS World in Las Vegas, new DS Core features such as Primescan Connect support are announced.

Dr. Daniel Butterman, dentist from Centennial, Colorado, USA: “DS Core makes our everyday work noticeably easy for me and my team. It connects our Dentsply Sirona equipment and is accessible across

multiple devices. We can store different types of patient files and share them with partners and colleagues even outside the practice. And all with a clear conscience because we know that the storage and data functions have been developed in a way to support keeping our patients' data safe and secure.”

DS Core Care is an easy-to-understand comprehensive service and support solution that harmonizes Dentsply Sirona equipment service offerings with a proactive and fast responsive support solution. It helps increase equipment uptime and allows dentists to run their practices efficiently.

In Dentsply Sirona’s digital universe all products and solutions interact seamlessly with each other. Also, Primeprint Solution, the highly automated, end-to-end, medical-

grade 3D printing system for dental applications, can be easily integrated and connected to the other devices.

Dentsply Sirona’s new products and solutions are available starting in September 2022. Due to various certification and registration periods, not all products are immediately available in all countries.

For further information visit: www. dentsplysirona.com/en-us/discover/ discover-by-brand/ds-core.html

PICTURED BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT: Cord Staehler, CTO at Dentsply Sirona, Dr. Daniel Aniol, dentist from Bornheim-Merten, Germany and Dr. Daniel Butterman, dentist from Centennial Colorado, USA

Primescan Connect

Small changes that make a difference

lConsumer prices have increased 9.1% compared to the same time last year, with forecasts suggesting that further rises are expected in 2022.i And, the same period saw an increase of domestic gas prices (95%), domestic electricity prices (54%), and road fuel prices (40%).

It’s no wonder so many people in the UK are feeling the effects – around 7 in 10 adults (68%) who’s cost-of-living has increased are worried about the rising costs, and report that they now spend less on non-essentials. Those who are worried about the cost-of-living crisis are also shopping around more, spending less on food, cutting back on nonessential journeys in their vehicles to use less fuel, reducing electricity consumption in their homes, and dipping into savings.ii

Personal effects on cost-of-living

With so many people concerned about the ways in which this crisis will affect them, it’s useful to consider simple day-to-day cut backs you could make to

combat the rise in costs. Firstly, take a close look at your expenses. Consider any areas which may be an unnecessary extra, and consider cutting down, or cancelling subscriptions for the time being. This could make a considerable difference to your outgoings.

With energy prices soaring, consider limiting your use of heating and air conditioning to lessen the effect on your energy bill. Instead, consider utilising your space efficiently by using your blinds/curtains, windows, and personal heating/cooling items to regulate the temperature, without racking up an overwhelming energy bill. Another way to keep the bill to a minimum is to consider using energy efficient devices, and ensuring devices are turned off (not left on standby) when not in use. And, limit the use of appliances like tumble dryers, especially on warmer days.

Even smaller changes can make a big difference, for example, rather than buying lunch at work every day, consider making a packed lunch – buying ingredients with your weekly shop. It’s estimated that, in the UK, people spend £1,840 per year on buying lunch at work, compared to just £552 for people who bring a packed lunch. This small change can have a staggering impact on spending when put into perspective, and is definitely worth making the switch. Similarly, if you were to spend around £3 per day on coffee, you’d rack up a total of £1,058 per year. Whereas those who choose to make coffee at home or work only spend £14.60.iii Cutting out this one daily purchase could put a significant chunk of money aside, or be used for essentials instead. Alternatively, it may be useful to consider your savings and investment options, as some investment companies offer much higher returns than some standard ISAs and current accounts.

Effects on dental technicians and labs

The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting businesses across the UK, including dental labs. With the cost of gold, along with other dental materials increasing, as well as business overheads, recruitment,

and postage, dental labs are having to spend more on essentials. For labs, the solutions are not as simple as turning off lights and heating, although these things will still help in reducing energy bills to a point. It is vital to keep the business running, while staying in control of expenses and cashflow, and budgeting carefully will help you ensure your spending is efficient. It may be useful to look into your current contracts with utility companies and suppliers, and see whether they may be able to offer more competitive prices if you were to stay with them or recommend their services –or consider switching providers, to get a better offer.

It’s also important to understand and utilise your options when it comes to tax breaks and financial support. In the Spring Budget for example, Employment Allowance was increased meaning you can now claim up to a £5,000 reduction on your employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs). In some cases, you could choose to contact a financial advisor to make sure you’re making the most of any business rate relief, capital allowances or grants.

Gain fresh ideas

As much of the population are likely being affected by the cost-of-living crisis in one way or another, making small

cutbacks and prioritising spending is a good first step to limit the impact.

For more ideas on how to optimise efficiency and profitability in the laboratory, don’t miss the Dental Technology Showcase (DTS). Access to the latest innovations in dental technology, as well as expert speakers and likeminded dental technicians, makes DTS an ideal chance to gain inspiration and build useful connections.

For now, it will be the small things that will make the biggest difference to your lab’s bottom line and your personal finances. Making minor changes now could put you in a stronger position a year in the future.

Rising cost of living in the UK. House of Commons Library. (Date accessed: 20.07.22) https:// commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/ cbp-9428/

iiOffice for National Statistics. Worries about the rising costs of living, Great Britain: April to May 2022. (Date accessed: 20.07.22) https://www.ons.gov.uk/ peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/ worriesabouttherisingcostsoflivinggreatbritain/ apriltomay2022

iiiWhich. How much money can you save by swapping to instant coffee? (Date accessed: 21.07.22) https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/howmuch-money-can-you-save-by-swapping-to-instantcoffee-aAvBy0u3hnsu

The Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) 2023 will be held on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May, Birmingham NEC, co-located with British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show.

For more information, visit www.the-dts.co.uk, or email dts@closerstillmedia.com

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

Another satirical article in the series by Andy Sanson A diversionary and humorous look into years gone by from the retired Dental Technician. Andy tells us of his boss’s attempt at becoming a motorcyclist.

Long before Greenpeace activists began wearing collars and ties, back in the days when they preferred to draw attention to their issues by rowing up to billion ton Japanese and Russian whaling ships in rubber dinghies and wondering why they got run over, the Boss decided that he was going to enter into the spirit of the embryonic Planet Saving mood and buy himself a motorbike. By doing this, he reasoned, he could leave his gas-guzzling Mercedes at home and feel better about himself having done his bit for the environment.

When I say ‘motorbike’ I am using the broadest sense of the word. What, I hear you ask, was his machine of choice? The great names of the day were the BSA Rocket 3, the Gus Kuhn Norton Commando. Triumph’s Bonneville was still a great stalwart and, in a move that would eventually turn the tide and see the demise of the once great but now outdated and stuck-in-the-past British Motorcycle Industry, the likes of Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki were just beginning to wriggle their way into the consciousness of the discerning rider. So did he choose one of these super beasts? Of course not. He disappeared one lunch time and returned several hours later with a garish yellow motorised stick insect which he told us, as he stood proudly beaming by the side of the thing, was a Raleigh Wisp, or, as he decided to call it, The Wispit.

TheWispit

By Andy Sanson

There are no words to describe this abomination so I won’t even try. It weighed about an ounce and, with its rather portly owner aboard, had a top speed of about ten miles an hour and the handling of a drunken duck. When it started up, after a pantomime that could last anything up to a quarter of an hour, involving our erstwhile employer pedalling like a lunatic and perspiring violently, it gave off a cacophony suggestive of somebody having poured petrol into a beehive, and belched out clouds of blue smoke that could block out the sun for days.

Despite his insistence that it was a splendid little machine he began to turn up noticeably later in the morning so that one of The Buggers would have to get out the coffee stuff for a second time. He would explain it away by saying that he had things to do at home and anyway it was none of our business, grumbling the while about being compelled to wear a crash helmet whilst ‘buggers’ on pushbikes hurtled past him, laughing, poking fun amidst half-heard comments about monkeys on wheels and silly old something or others.

The Wispit had a Perspex screen that purported to keep the rider shielded from the elements but in truth acted as a massive wind trap that resulted in the whole shebang falling over if a canary flapped its wings within half a mile, bending levers and shattering the screen itself. I would be sent to the bike shop to procure another one and would have to spend the afternoon fitting it ready for the next reenactment of the launch of the Cutty Sark. It became such a regular occurrence that I proposed he ought to get a few in and keep them in the shed in readiness. Or maybe see if he could buy a pack of twenty at a discount which latter remark provoked a reaction that led me to conclude he considered my expression of concern neither helpful nor relevant. Some people have no grasp of the meaning of the word ‘gratitude’.

Rubbertrap, The Boss’s blue-eyedboy and resident apprentice bullyer, would sometimes borrow the Wispit if the Boss didn’t need it to go home at lunchtime. What a shame it was when he split his upper lip wide open with a poorly secured bungee strap whilst trying to debauch it beyond all

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of its limits in order to secure a box the size of Pluto to the rack. Apparently it slipped at full stretch and took him up the gob with such force that a keeper at Chester Zoo went to check that one of the elephants hadn’t fallen into the ditch round its enclosure. The poor chap needed eight stitches and several patching up trips to Outpatients caused by ‘certain’ wags amongst us pulling out all the stops to make the rotten so and so laugh, causing him to split them all wide open again. As we were all a bit older and bigger now and not so intimidated by him, I’m afraid we were rather merciless in our revenge, even to the point where we found ourselves discussing, over cider and chips one evening, whether or not we should ease off and hadn’t we got our own back enough and taught him a lesson. The unanimous decision was, “Stuff ‘im”. With sniggers.

The Wispit remained an incidental, yet ever-present, part of my working life for about three years if my memory serves me as I would hope. One day I foolishly mentioned that I was thinking about buying another motorcycle to replace my aging BSA C15. With impeccable timing I did this on the very day that the Boss, unbeknownst to me, decided to sell it. He only wanted £50 and very kindly offered to deduct it from my wages. As I was earning about twelve pounds a week at the time the suggestion was impractical at best yet I detected a distinct coldness for several months afterwards, particularly as he eventually had to pay a scrappie a fiver to cart the desiccating heap away. When I turned up some time later on my sparkly new 250 Honda he glowered at me and it and said “What do you want to go and buy a load of bloody foreign rubbish like that for when you could have had The Wispit? I fought that lot in the War for you, you know.” I said I was very grateful for his selfless act but wasn’t one of the reasons he did so (actually, he didn’t. He and a chum ran a mobile dental lab in the Army which ensured that they kept well away from any likelihood of getting involved with any skirmishes other than perhaps in local bars of a weekend) to preserve future generations’ right and ability to do enjoy the freedom to make such decisions?

Apparently, that wasn’t the point, and I was a young bugger and an ingrate.

WHO IS JOSEPH PILATES?

Joseph Pilates was born in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1883. He moved to England in 1912 where he taught fitness and martial arts during World War 1. He returned to Germany in 1919 to work with Rudolph Van Laban who introduced him to dance. In 1926 Joseph Pilates moved to New York, United States, where he met his wife, Clara. Together they opened their studio on 8th Avenue, just around the corner from the New York School of Ballet.

Here dancers came to Pilates for advice on conditioning exercises and techniques to overcome their dancing injuries. Pilates believed that his work was 50 years ahead of its time and could see that modern lifestyle issues of poor posture and inefficient breathing patterns were factors that impaired people’s health. He believed that his approach was the right balance between physical intervention and mental training.

The key principles of Pilates and how they benefit your posture at the bench!

By Helen Everatt

Joseph Pilates’ Contrology Programme aimed to develop the complete co-ordination of mind, body and spirit to promote muscular power, suppleness, good posture and endurance, which helped his clients alleviate their symptoms of pain, focussing on the conscious elements of movement whilst relaxing non active muscles, therefore alleviating unnecessary muscle tension.

IS CONTROLOGY RELEVANT TODAY?

CAN PILATES BENEFIT DENTAL TECHNICIANS?

The original Pilates exercises emphasised the conscious element of movement and focused on the relaxation of non-active muscles, alleviating any unnecessary muscle tension. This has evolved into exercises focusing on postural symmetry, breath control, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilisation, muscle flexibility, joint

mobility and strengthening through the complete range of motion of all joints. This evolution is partly because of advances in knowledge, specifically anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, and because Joseph Pilates neglected to publish information about his method.

THE 6 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPALS OF THE ORIGINAL PILATES METHOD REMAIN TRUE TO THIS DAY, THEY ARE:

1) Breathing 2) Concentration 3) Control 4) Centring 5) Precision 6) Flow

Over the years Joseph Pilates work has evolved into a more contemporary and scientifically sound approach to exercise and training. If you attend a Pilates class today, you will be taught modifications and adaptations of many of Joseph Pilates original exercises.

Perhaps you feel you spend a lot of your day in the laboratory leaning over a work bench, or in an office sat at a computer or driving hunched over a steering wheel? This can lead to a pain, headaches, and a kyphotic posture, where shoulders appear rounded, pectoral muscles tight, back and neck muscles long and weak.

In Pilates we address all postures and perform exercises to realign and correct any deviations, thus addressing pain, stiffness, and weaknesses. However your posture may appear at the start the class, you will leave taller, straighter, stronger and more supple, and be given the tools (exercises) to maintain this corrected alignment and posture both at work and play.

For more information on Pilates, nutrition or fitness see my website www.peak-form.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @peak.form I would love to hear from you!

ZIRKONZAHN’S FREE LECTURE TOUR: Full arches on implants: one case, many solutions

2-hour lecture for dental technicians and dentists, from October 17-20 in Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and Milton Keynes

Get ready: Zirkonzahn’s (South Tyrol) upcoming lecture tour in the UK is really close! After the success of the last tour in spring, the worldwide dental company will be lecturing in Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and Milton Keynes from October 17-20, presenting new smart possibilities for manufacturing functional and aesthetic full arches on implants.

During the 2-hour conference, the lecturer - DT Alessandro Cucchiaro, expert on monolithic zirconia restorations and developer of innovative workflows in the field of CAD/CAM implant dentistry - will show the participants different workflows to treat complex cases on implants. Alessandro will demonstrate how each equipment of the workflow, from design

software to materials and implant prosthetic components, perfectly fits to the others, greatly facilitating the dental technical job.

Dental technicians and dentists will gain insight into different ways of treating cases on implants with different protocols:

• bars or titanium bases, including the new K80 Angled Screw Channels (ASC) titanium bases, with adjustable height and access channel (0°-30°)

• the Double Screw Metal technique, for aesthetic restorations in case of divergent implants

• the Bartplatte, a special design-specific bar ideal for treating cases with palatalinclined implants.

The Bartplatte, a technique to geometrically adapt the primary structure to the palatal surface of the wax-up and individualise it by means of the freeforming software function

A unique red carpet experience awaits

Shown exclusively in five-star cinema comfort across three Everyman cinemas in London, Manchester and Glasgow, this unique documentary film is not just another case study. It’s an indepth, personal story of one man’s journey to confidence and his dream smile.

Follow the story of Luke as he travels on a real-life patient journey through an end-to-end smile makeover, which combines implant-borne restorations and orthodontic treatment in an advanced digital workflow.

Join clinicians, Dr Martin Wanendeya and Dr Nina Shaffie, and technician Steve Campbell on their treatment planning journey and witness the key decisions as they are made that determine a successful outcome.

Discover what is possible when clinicians and dental technicians work together with their patients to help them achieve the smile of their dreams.

...Guests on the night will be greeted with a champagne reception and canapés. Following the screening there will be an opportunity to join a live panel discussion between leading industry experts, including clinicians and technicians.

Finish the evening in style with more drinks and nibbles and a chance to network with fellow clinicians.

But hurry!

Places for this unique Red Carpet event are very limited so register for your FREE place today at the venue of your choice to avoid disappointment.

TO BOOK YOU PLACE PLEASE VISIT: https://linktr.ee/DentsplySirona.UK

For further information contact Lee.Smith-Tuczemskyi@dentsplysirona.com www.dentsplysirona.com/en-gb

l Gillingham - 30 September 2022: Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is celebrating the 25th year of its “Back to School” programme, which provides backpacks, school supplies, and more to support the back-to-school needs of underserved children and their families. Since the programme’s inception in 1998, the company has helped more than 65,000 children start a new school year with confidence.

This year, Team Schein Members at 34 locations, including 21 U.S. facilities and 13 international sites in five countries (Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom) are donating backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 5,000 children. At each Henry Schein location, teams work with local social service agencies to identify participating children and their families. The “Back to School” programme is a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme.

“Over the past 25 years, the ‘Back to School’ programme has continued to grow and evolve, helping to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities in which we live and work,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “Our inaugural programme served 175 children, and the Team Schein spirit has remained strong since the beginning, with Team Schein Members joining all over the world to help furnish children with the essentials needed to have a successful school year.

Back to School in the UK

Henry Schein UK provided 25 backpacks with school supplies to Bradfields Academy in Chatham, which aims to be a leading centre of excellence in the Special Education Sector where students can thrive and fully develop their cognitive, social and emotional skills in order to take a full, active and responsible role in their local community and beyond as Global Citizens and Ambassadors for students with disabilities.*)

“Bradfields Academy is extremely grateful to the team at Henry Schein for including our students in their ‘Back to School’ bags scheme,” said David Waters, Head of Bradfields Academy. “Due to the significant cost of living crisis, many of our families are extremely impacted, and with the rising cost of clothing and uniforms, not all are able to provide students with the basic equipment that we would expect them have. The scheme has provided many students with a school bag

ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): David Waters (Head of Bradfields Academy), Tina Pincott (Job Coach at Forward2Employment), Liz Halton (Head of Provision at Forward2Employment), and Team Schein Members Dean Knight, Wayne Fisher, and Shantel Jarrett. PHOTO TOP OF PAGE: Contents of the donated backpacks.

containing all the necessary equipment for an excellent start to the year. I, on behalf of the academy, would like to thank Henry Schein for this support and their ongoing support of the academy, and the trust we are part of. I am certain that the students and families will also be passing on their thanks in their own way.”

Mr. Waters added, “Whilst students who do not have the correct equipment would never be put at a disadvantage, there is always a sense of pride from the students that have their own. This pride is now shared by even more students. In turn, this is reflected in their application in lessons, and has a positive impact on their progress. The kindness and support from the Henry Schein team has ensured that even more students can display this.”

The backpacks were delivered to the school by Team Schein Members Wayne Fisher (Operations Assistant, Materials Handling), Shantel Jarrett (Receptionist and Administrative Assistant), and Dean Knight (Communications and Engagement Partner, HR).

“We are pleased to collaborate with Bradfields Academy to help their students have a successful academic year,” said Patrick Allen, Managing Director, Henry Schein Dental UK, Ireland, South Africa, and The Nordics. “Giving back to the communities we serve is the cornerstone of the Henry Schein culture, and we look forward to the ‘Back to School’ programme each year, because it provides our Team Schein Members with the opportunity to help make the first day of school enjoyable and stress-free for local students.”

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How it all began

“The ‘Back to School’ programme began when Team Schein Members came together with an idea to help kids in need, under the leadership of Gerry Benjamin, our recently retired Chief Administrative Officer, who played an integral role in making the programme what it is today. ‘Back to School’ exemplifies our longstanding commitment to investing in initiatives that raise awareness about, and deliver benefits to, underserved populations within the communities where we operate, and we are especially pleased to celebrate its 25th year,” Mr. Bergman said.

Back to School #scheinchats

In the latest episode of #scheinchats, Henry Schein’s signature social media series, Dan LaRosa, Senior Manager of Team Schein and Community Services at Henry Schein, sat down with Fran Mellow, Division Director at Family Service League, New York, to discuss how the “Back to School” programme helps enhance access to essentials, why starting the school year off with confidence is important, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what companies can do to build similar initiatives. Watch the discussion here.

About Henry Schein Cares

Henry Schein Cares stands on five pillars: empowering team Schein to reach their potential, advancing health equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities, accelerating environmental sustainability, strengthening, and diversifying our supply chain, and maintaining strong ethical governance. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein Cares focus on four main areas: (1) wellness, treatment, prevention, and education; (2) capacity building; (3) emergency preparedness and disaster response; and (4) health system strengthening.

Rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the philosophy of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the purpose-driven vision of Henry Schein Cares is “doing well by doing good.” Our commitment to sustained, long-term economic success while also creating shared value for society is achieved through the work of Henry Schein Cares and our stakeholder model that engages all five constituents of our Mosaic of Success.

To learn more about how we are making a difference, please visit: www.henryschein.com/ corporatecitizenship

HENRY SCHEIN UK PARTICIPATES IN ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ PROGRAMME TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM

Team Schein provides backpacks, school supplies, and more to support back-to-school needs of underserved students

Keep the nation smiling for longer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people worldwide will be aged 60 years and over by 2030.i An aging population means that, for many of us, we can spend more time with loved ones, but it also means that the healthcare sector is facing increased pressures to meet demands and improve patient care. This is especially true within dentistry, as a patient’s dental needs could become more complex as they age.

Nowadays, there is more variety of treatment options for patients who are suffering from tooth loss as a result of aging, from removeable to fixed solutions. As a busy technician, you will likely be fabricating prostheses for your clients’ older patients, many of whom may have specific needs and requirements that mean you must tailor your approach to each case. It is important, both for your clients and your business, to employ high-quality materials so your clients’ patients can enjoy a beautiful and functional dentition.

What are the risks?

Tooth loss can be a devastating occurrence for any age group, but for the older generations the attitude seems to be that it is just a part of ‘getting older’. As you know, edentulism not only damages self-confidence, but can actually put the individual at risk of further health issues. For instance, evidence suggests that edentulous patients may lack certain nutrients and this puts them at risk of various health disorders,ii with one study finding that the participants with a higher number of teeth were better nourished when compared to those who had less.iii Oral health in older individuals may also begin to decline due to a range of interlinking factors. A study of 353 adults, with a mean age of 74.9, noted a higher prevalence and severity of root caries.iv This appears to be an issue for older adults worldwide.v

There are many reasons as to why a number of older patients have poorer oral health. Researchers have suggested that age-related

salivary changes, a poor diet and gingival recession are the main culprits.vi The occurrence of xerostomia, as a result of polypharmacy, is also thought to affect oral health in older individuals.vii Oral health in the UK has certainly improved in recent years, and many older adults are retaining their natural dentition for longer. However, it is thought that 6% of British adults have no natural teeth,viii which means that many treatment options have been designed and improved to restore aesthetics and function.

Why do dentures have a bad name?

Dental technicians are able to satisfy far more demands than ever before, thanks to the impressive strides taken in enhancing dental tools, materials and modalities. Dental implants are growing as a popular restorative choice, providing enhanced stability, aesthetics and function. Research has supported the efficacy of dental implants, demonstrating that older adults can enjoy good oral health with this treatment option.ix

Dentures have not always had the best reputation. Parables have circulated about how these solutions change the appearance of the smile and how they make mastication and speaking challenging. As you well know, a wellmade denture will not only be comfortable, but will look discreet and natural. For many patients, the flexibility afforded by dentures still make them a popular modality. They are also considered to be easier to maintain and are more economical than dental implants. As

such, you will likely still see many orders for dentures in your day-to-day work.

A laboratory that prides on quality Regardless of whether you have been depending on the same product for years, or are seeking something new, it is always worth reassessing what you use in your lab to improve the work you create.

When it comes to denture acrylics, you need a material that will provide you with durability and strength, as well as one that is easy to handle. Kemdent is delighted to offer dental technicians their Acron Hi - High Impact Denture Base Acrylic, a remarkable acrylic ideal for high-quality, long-lasting dentures. This solution produces a malleable and easily packable ‘dough’, a particular advantage if you are using an injection moulding protocol. It is easy to trim and, thanks to its unique Multi-Matrix Technology, your dentures will be resistant to fractures and breakages. Give your clients and their patients prostheses that last, and consider adding the Kemdent Acron Hi - High Impact Denture Base Acrylic into your dental repertoire.

As the population continues to age, every sphere within healthcare will need to strategise on the most ideal approaches to support older adults and their varying requirements. Every patient deserves to enjoy the pleasures of a functioning dentition that looks and feels natural. Producing work that is of an optimal quality will not only satisfy your clients, but will restore the confidence and manage the oral needs of the nation’s golden agers too.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256

p.10662. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/20/10662/htm [Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

iiHutton,

[Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

iiiToniazzo, M.P., Amorim, P. de S., Muniz, F.W.M.G. and Weidlich, P. (2018). Relationship of nutritional status and oral health in elderly: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition, [online] 37(3), pp.824–830. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026156141730105X [Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

ivZhang, J., Leung, K.C.M., Chu, C.H. and Lo, E.C.M. (2019). Risk indicators for root caries in older adults using long-term social care facilities in Hong Kong. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, [online] 48(1), pp.14–20. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdoe.12495 [Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

vChan, A.K.Y., Tamrakar, M., Jiang, C.M., Lo, E.C.M., Leung, K.C.M. and Chu, C.H. (2021b). A Systematic Review on Caries Status of Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 18(20),

viGil-Montoya, J., Ferreira de Mello, A.L., Barrios, R., Gonzalez-Moles, M.A. and Bravo, M. (2015). Oral health in the elderly patient and its impact on general well-being: a nonsystematic review. Clinical Interventions in Aging, [online] 10, p.461. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4334280/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2022].

viiThomson, W.M., Ferguson, C.A., Janssens, B.E., Kerse, N.M., Ting, G.S. and Smith, M.B. (2020). Xerostomia and polypharmacy among dependent older New Zealanders: a national survey. Age and Ageing, [online] 50(1), pp.248–251. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/50/1/248/5874843 [Accessed 12 Sep. 2022].

viiiDentaly.org. (n.d.). UK Dental Facts, Figures and Statistics for Kids and Adults . [online] Available at: https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-facts-statistics/ [Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

ixBecker, W., Hujoel, P., Becker, B.E. and Wohrle, P. (2015). Dental Implants in an Aged Population: Evaluation of Periodontal Health, Bone Loss, Implant Survival, and Quality of Life. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, [online] 18(3), pp.473–479. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cid.12340 [Accessed 9 Sep. 2022].

Select the right restorative components for your convenience

Choosing the right restorative components for your implant restoration cases is vital for achieving successful results. 1 Not only will selecting well suited restorative components minimise the risk of abutment screw loosening and fracture, 2 but you will also make the process easier for yourself. Choosing components which are compatible with a range of implant systems allows for a more convenient workflow. When presented with patients who have implants from various suppliers already in place, the ability to restore them all using the same range of reliable abutments and components will significantly simplify your workflow.

IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING THE RIGHT ABUTMENT

Due to the growing demand for dental implants, there are now more options than ever to choose from. However, when it comes to the overall success of the restoration, the components you choose can have a huge impact.

To achieve a stable restoration, it’s essential to select components which maximise the fit of the connections between the implant and the abutment. The smaller the gaps between the abutment and the implant, the less likely a bacterial infection becomes. Bacteria may colonise on the implant surface, leading to inflammation in the soft tissue. The infection can be reversed at this stage, however, if the bacteria reaches the bone, it can cause peri-implantitis.3 Reduced gap dimensions between the abutment and implants will also decrease rotation and increase axial stabilisation.

Plus, minimal gaps between the implant and abutment lessens the “micro-pump effect” as well as the force exerted on the abutment screw, decreasing the likelihood of abutment fracture. 4

CONVENIENCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE ON QUALITY

It is the restorative dentist’s responsibility to select the most appropriate component for the patient’s implant system. 5 There are many options for restorative components currently on the market, so dentists should consider compatibility, ease of use, and aesthetics when making their decision.

Especially when it comes to restorations in the aesthetic zone, dentists should make aesthetics, as well as functionality, a priority. Selecting an appropriate abutment can allow you to correct issues encountered when an ideal implant position has not been achieved. By choosing an angled abutment in these cases, you can screwretain the restoration while moving the access hole and avoiding compromised aesthetics. The type of material chosen for the abutment can also have an impact on aesthetics.For example, while titanium is excellent functionally, if placed in the aesthetic zone, it may present a greyish hue where there is thin gingivae. So, when working in the anterior, it may be favourable to choose an aesthetic material such as ceramic.

Where possible, dentists need products which enable the use of the same prosthetic interface in different cases, to simplify the workflow. 6 For most clinicians, it would be impossible or at least highly impractical to have every manufacturer’s component on hand in

your practice. So how do restorative dentists ensure access to abutments which enable both ease of use and convenience in a wide range of cases?

This is why multisystem components are so advantageous to clinicians today. Those available from leading brands are also easy to use, help lower the risk of error, and lessen the likelihood of complications. To ensure you are using quality, well designed, reliable products, choose a reputable company who offer a guarantee and are dedicated to precise design.

SELECTING THE RIGHT COMPONENTS FOR YOUR PRACTICE

Components which are compatible across a range of implant systems offer dentists convenience, while maintaining quality and value. Choosing the right solution for each case will help you to further streamline your treatments and improve aesthetic outcomes in a wide range of cases. The Multi Platform Systems (MPS) from Medentika®, a Straumann Group brand, are compatible with all the major implant systems available on the market, for a more efficient experience. They are also refined to be excellent quality, while still being cost effective - allowing you to source abutments to fit any implant all from one place.

Prioritise your convenience, without compromising on quality. Know that you are providing your patients the best care

possible, while staying within your budget and ensuring you are using products of the highest quality. Multisystem components are a convenient, cost effective solution for your implant restoration cases - while still being high-quality. Plus, multisystem abutments from leading providers are able to produce fantastic aesthetic and functional results across a range of implant systems, ensuring you and your patients are able to achieve predictable results.

For more information, please visit https://www.straumann.com/ medentika/us/en/dentistry.html

REFERENCES

1Benakatti, Veena, Jayashree Arun Sajjanar, and Aditya Ramnarayan Acharya. "Dental Implant Abutments and Their Selection--A Review."

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences 10.35 (2021): 3053-3060.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Veena-Benakatti/ publication/354725785_Dental_Implant_Abutments_and_Their_ Selection_-_A_Review/links/627ce58c973bbb29cc78a22f/DentalImplant-Abutments-and-Their-Selection-A-Review.pdf

2Rathee, Manu, Mohaneesh Bhoria, and Priyanka Boora. "An insight into dental implant abutment selection criteria: an overview." Journal of Advanced Oral Research 5.3 (2014): 1-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2229411220140301

3Cardozo, Ricardo, et al. "Analysis of the abutment-implant platform gap in internal hex dental implants." (2017).

file:///Users/officeone/Downloads/11analysis-of-the-abutmentimplantplatform-gap-in-internal-hex-dental-implants.pdf

4Straumann Medentika®. Section Cuts. (Date accessed: 09.08.22) https://www.straumann.com/medentika/us/en/professionals/mps-multiplatform-systems/section-cuts.html

5Smith, Charles T., Norman J. Schuman, and Waletha Wasson. "Biomechanical criteria for evaluating prefabricated post-andcore systems: A guide for the restorative dentist." Quintessence international 29.5 (1998). http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/qi/ qi_29_5_smith_4.pdf

6Straumann Medentika®. MPS Multi Platform Systems. (Date accessed: 09.08.22) https://www.straumann.com/medentika/gb/en/professionals/ mps-multi-platform-systems.html

VITA MFT FOR EVERYBODY!

Function and aesthetics: What else do you need for an economic denture solution?

By Denturist Darius Northey (Buderim, Australia)

Do you wish to offer your clients a solid and economic prosthetic solution with efficient functional workflows and aesthetic results? That’s possible with VITA Multifunctional Teeth (MFT), which offer all of these features at the same time: reproducible and reliable rehabilitations for a fair price performance ratio.

SIMULATING MOTHER NATURE

The morphology of VITA MFT Anterior is designed according to aesthetic rules. Its tooth axis, angle characteristics and dimension of the basal tooth neck simulate the shape of natural front teeth. The surface texture establishes a life-like appearance and the structural composition conforms the tooth anatomy. The well-arranged neck, dentin and enamel layers lead to an aesthetic play of light and colours with harmonic shade gradients and reflecting mamelon structures.

FUNCTIONAL REPRODUCIBILITY

Due to the occlusal surface design, the centric position can easily be found. This leads to a reliable and time-saving reproduction of

the function without extensive grinding. The posterior teeth can be used universally with any occlusion concept because of the multifunctional occlusal surface design. They standardize the workflow of the set-up and provide constant and solid results. This routine helps increase the general productivity.

NEW CENTRIC RELATION

In the following case, the denturist Darius Northey (Buderim, Australia) demonstrates how efficient and aesthetic results can be created with the copy denture technique using VITA MFT. The teeth of the patient’s old, unstable dentures were severely worn. The vertical dimension was diminished and a malocclusion established. The dentures were stabilized with soft relining material in order to find a new, raised centric relation. After that, both dentures were copied with the help of a silicone matrix and articulated in the determined centric relation.

FIG.1: The lower denture with worn teeth after intraoral soft relining. FIG.2: A new centric relation was determined with the old dentures to raise the diminished vertical dimension. FIG3: Initial lab putty base with a land area for the duplication of the lower denture. FIG.4: The completed silicone matrix on the lower denture after isolating the land area with Vaseline.

COPY DENTURE TECHNIQUE

The teeth of the copies were gradually reduced and then set. Mucodynamic impressions were taken with the new set-ups, which were poured and rearticulated after the successful clinical try-in. Finally, the rehabilitations were processed in polymer, finished and polished. The results were functional and aesthetic rehabilitations which had been manufactured efficiently and economically. The frail patient was very satisfied with the quick procedure and the outcome.

FIG.2

PHOTOS FROM TOP ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT) FIG.5: The VITA MFT Anteriors with their natural morphology and life-like play of light and colours FIG.6: The duplicated dentures were articulated according to the centric registration FIG.7: The teeth of the copy dentures were gradually reduced and then set FIG.8: The bite was raised two to three millimeters according to the new centric relation FIG.9: After the front set-up had been realized, the molar areas were reduced and replaced with VITA MFT Posteriors FIG.10: The completed set-up situation before the mucogingival anatomy was waxed FIG.11: During the phonetic try-in, the patient felt very comfortable FIG.12: The occlusion was checked and minimally optimized on the patient FIG.13: After the successful try-in, mucodynamic impressions were taken with the duplicated denture bases FIG.14: After a medium body impression, light body was applied for the next impression step FIG.15: The final mucodynamic impressions. Heavy body was additionally used on the lower set-up base FIG.16: Both mucodynamic impressions were poured with vacuum mixed stone gypsum FIG.17: The rearticulated and waxed set-ups could be transferred into polymer FIG.18: First occlusion check, after the wax set-ups were processed in polymer FIG.19: The final dentures in the articulator after high-gloss polishing FIG.20: The natural play of light and colours in the aesthetic zone FIG.21: Pink and white aesthetics harmonized. The lingualized occlusion offered reliable function FIG.22: The patient was very pleased with the aesthetic outcome of her new rehabilitations FIG.23: The new dentures looked very natural and harmonized well with their intraoral environment.

Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation MSc KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

Ranked 1st in the UK for dentistry (QS World University rankings 2022), the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London offers high-intensity, hands-on postgraduate education, to bring students to the forefront of their field, whether undertaking specialist training or enhancing their skills via blended learning.

In addition to on-campus study, King’s delivers dental education and training to students from over 50 countries via six distance learning master’s programmes. Designed to meet the professional development needs of practitioners, all include face-to-face training blocks for hands-on experience in a traditional teaching environment and interaction with peers and expert teachers.

Professor Trevor Coward, Programme Director for Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation MSc and Honorary Consultant in Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Rehabilitation, has made significant progress in improving the process and treatment of patients requiring facial prostheses.

Professor Coward and his team have developed a new and more reliable method, repurposing 3D printing technology to replicate the prosthesis effectively reducing the cost and speeding up the process.

Professor Coward’s innovative 3-year blended learning MSc programme provides an excellent opportunity for maxillofacial prosthetists, prosthodontists and technologists to enhance their technical skills, including in cutting-edge digital technology, and develop higher standards in clinical practice, specifically in caring for patients requiring facial rehabilitation as a result of trauma, congenital deformity or cancer.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Clinical area; Students’ laboratory; Face-to-face training; Finished coloured prosthesis; Wax pattern ready for patient.

Delivered by renowned experts in the field, the programme is further supplemented by the unique handson training component delivered at Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India. Students experience intensive teaching and practical training for 9 days in Year 1 and 11 days in Year 2 under expert one-to-one supervision. They treat and fabricate a range of indwelling eyes, implant retained auricular and orbital prostheses for patients from all over Maharashtra and some from as far away from the foothills of Nepal.

“Our face-to-face course in Pune is another reminder that we must not forget to help the people who need it the most. In two weeks in March, we are able to work as a team making positive changes in the lives of the patients that we treat. Facial prostheses restore confidence in their appearance and enable patients to make social interactions a little easier.

It is a rewarding and humbling experience and the patients that we treat are enormously grateful, giving you a whole new perspective of life and to know that your work can help in the health and well-being of a person.” says Naimesha Patel, Senior Lecturer in Maxillofacial Prosthetic Education.

For more information on this course, please visit kcl.ac.uk/mfpr

TO READ THE FULL

LEARNING AIM

The questions are designed to help dental professionals keep up to date with best practice by

articles in the present journal covering Clinical, Technical, Business, Personal development and related topics, and checking that this information has been retained and understood.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To understand and study the key factors and benefits of

MFT and how it can affect the function and aesthetics of relining teeth.

LEARNING OUTCOME

By completing the

successfully

FREE VERIFIABLE ECPD

will have

and reinforce

in the

to

knowledge

Verifiable ECPD as you need it via the DentalTechnician

VERIFIABLE ECPD FOR THE WHOLE DENTAL TEAM

VITA MFT for Everybody! Function and aesthetics: What else do you need for an economic denture solution? By VITA

Q1. The XXX of VITA MFT Anterior is designed according to aesthetic rules?

A - Selection

- Revision

- Arrangement

- Morphology

Q2. Its tooth axis, angle characteristics and dimension of the XXX neck simulate the shape of natural front teeth.?

A - Alveloar B - Basal tooth

C - Cortico basal

- Biocortical

Q3. The well-arranged neck, dentin and enamel layers lead to an aesthetic play of light and colours with harmonic shade gradients and reflecting XXX structures.?

A - Incisor B - Enamel C - Mamelon

- Molar

Q4. Due to the occlusal surface design, the XXX position can easily be found. ?

A - Centric B - Under C - Top D - Right sided

Q5. The XXX teeth can be used universally with any occlusion concept because of the multifunctional occlusal surface design?

A - Posterior

B - Anterior

C - Maxillary

- Mandibular

Q6. The teeth of the patient’s old, unstable dentures were severely worn. The vertical dimension was diminished and a XXX established?

A - Crossbite

- Overbite

- Malocclusion

- Protrude

Q7. The dentures were stabilized with soft XXX material in order to find a new, raised centric relation?

A - Elastic B - Resin C - Relining D - Silicone

Q8. XXX impressions were taken with the new set-ups, which were poured and rearticulated after the successful clinical try-in?

A - Mucodynamic B - Hydrocolloid C - Polysulphide D - Elastomeric

Q9. Fig.1 : The lower denture with worn teeth after XXX soft relining?

A - Acrylic B - Bio material C - Silicone-based D - Intraoral

Q10. Fig. 2 : A new centric relation was determined with the old dentures to raise the XXX vertical di-mension.

A - Diminished B - Eroded C - Worn D - Reduced

Q11. Fig. 6 : The duplicated dentures were articulated according to the centric XXX?

A - Position B - Registration C - Evaluation D - Relation

Q12. Fig. 8 : The bite was raised two to XXX millimetres according to the new centric relation?

A - Three B - Four C - Five D - Six

516135 A/C No 79790852

Selling your business

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT (Part 8 of 10)

By Richard T Lishman Managing Director of the 4dentists Group of companies

Richard Lishman, award-winning Founder of The IFA’s –a specialist firm of Independent Financial Advisers that provides guidance and advice for some of the wealthiest individuals and businesses in the UK and around the globe – heads this series of editorials for lab technicians.

Previously, our character, Bridget Crown, expanded her business empire by opening an additional laboratory. Now, as she heads towards the end of her career, Bridget has decided she wants to sell her company.

From a financial standpoint, Bridget will have a lot to consider at this juncture, and the practicalities and what can be achieved with the sale will be dependent on a number of factors. So, what sort of aspects should Bridget be bearing in mind?

Start with expectations

To begin with, anyone thinking of selling their business should examine their expectations and what this will mean for them. Does Bridget want to continue working at her laboratory but just have less responsibility? What sort of cash sum is Bridget hoping for? Does she have a set timescale in which she wants the business to sell?

These questions are a good starting block, as the sale process will undoubtedly be guided by Bridget’s thoughts of the future and what she hopes to achieve. Ok, so let’s imagine Bridget does want to keep working, and that she wants to maximise the price she can get for her business rather than selling quickly for convenience.

A business valuation

Now that Bridget has her goals, she should begin with a business valuation. There are quite a few available avenues here, so she will need to look into the options and choose a valuation service that is best suited to the nature of her business. This is a great starting point and will give Bridget an educated estimate on business worth depending on assets, profitability and even reputation. It can also reveal any problems with her current business model and generate discussion about which areas of her company need improvement to make it a more appealing prospect for potential buyers.

Preparing a business for sale

Selling a business can be a complex process. Bridget will not only need to bear in mind the immediate ramifications of selling it, but also the long-term impact that this will have on her staff and her finances moving forward. Plus, Bridget has opted to continue working, so she needs to find a buyer that will allow her to remain post sale.

As Bridget is keen to maximise the sale price for her business, there are various steps she can take to make it as appealing to buyers as possible. For example, ensuring that her team is strong and the corporate structure is sound will instantly help her business be more attractive to potential buyers. This will mean that they won’t have to deal with changing the company structure too much or look to hire new workers etc. unless they want to.

She should also make sure that everything is in good condition. Any broken equipment ought to be fixed, any minor repairs to the business premises should be carried out and everything should be in good working order. Additionally, any outstanding disputes or questions from suppliers or the dentists that Bridget worked with should be resolved and

all contracts and leases should be organised and accessible so that the new owners can effectively continue business as normal if they choose. There’s also a lot to be said for making sure that all accounts are up-to-date so that any potential buyers receive a clear picture of what they are investing in.

Taxes and selling

Unfortunately, one aspect of selling a business is navigating the taxes that this decision entails. Any profit made on a business sale that exceeds the tax-free allowance will be subject to Capital Gains Tax. There are certain reliefs available, though.

If Bridget has owned the business as a sole trader, she should be eligible for Business Asset Disposal Relief – a discounted rate of 10% Capital Gains Tax. Gift Hold-Over Relief may also be an option if Bridget wants to give away business assets or sell shares for less than they are worth to the new buyer. This way, Bridget could transfer the responsibility of the Capital Gains Tax to the buyer and avoid being taxed herself. This is never as easy as it seems, however, and it’s likely there will still money that Bridget would be taxed on if she takes this route.

Advice is essential

Selling a business is a big decision, and this article only touches on some of the avenues that Bridget will have to explore in order to make a sale that works best for her.

It’s vital that anyone looking to sell their business receives tailored advice such as that given by the expert team at The IFA’s. This way, you can navigate the taxes and other expenditures that selling a business involves as well as receive truly bespoke advice that will help you to reach your sale goals.

For more information, please call 0845 345 5060 or 0754 336 8478 or visit www.theifas.com

NEXT ISSUE : BRIDGET DECIDES TO RETIRE…

WHAT WILL IT TAKE? A LABORATORY’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

From the launch of S4S London in January 2020 to today it has been a journey of ups and downs, stresses and success, losses and wins. This article will address how growth mindset has kept us moving onwards and upwards through some of the toughest times businesses have seen in recent times.

By Jinesh Patel Managing Director at S4S London Limited

Giants in the industry (S4S UK Ltd) and our small family run Business (H M London limited) looked to come up with a business concept to suit a like-minded Laboratory service in 2019. Myself as director of H M London was hoping to take our small family run Orthodontic Lab to the next level and hope for a merger with S4S UK would help us go to the next level. Indeed, this was territory I hadn’t been involved in ever, and lots of changes loomed as we got closer to coming up with a deal that suited both companies.

A small business looking to move to the next level in our industry meant that hard work and dedication to making it happen was necessary. in late 2019 we started processes in changing our systems and infrastructure in light of the big launch date. Big changes were happening and a lot of adjustments being made to facilitate the business to organically grow over the next few years. The changes included a management system being installed to book in and book out our incoming work and creating a work flow on a digital platform the negated the slow manual processes of the past.

Time had now come to launch our new business in January 2020 starting with around 98 clients and hoping to grow faster than we ever have.

We start during the launch of our company (S4S London Dental Laboratory) in 2020 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, where spirits were high and the exciting news of our launch drove our business to great ambitious highs. We set out with a yearly plan of growth, which was quite achievable within the first year of business. Soon after launch we were hit with the closure of the business for 3 months at which infection rates of Covid-19 were at its highest. This left us in territory that no one expected and loomed uncertainty in our progress. During this time, we were sceptical of how the re launch would go once the lockdown was lifted. Was it going to be slow? Or would we survive this hard time?

Our management team worked tirelessly in the background to ensure that we took this opportunity to bounce back with a bang. This meant that we expand our customer base increase or service levels and win contracts during the time of doubt.

Since the closure we have come a long way from a small family business working out of our garage with only 4 employees to now entering a new chapter into an exciting new state of the art, purpose designed premise based not too far from our current location. The move comes through continuous month on month growth in sales, plans to expand even further over the future and also to

facilitate the increasing growth in our team. Our current staffing levels showed for quite some time that we were outgrowing the current lab space and needing to work more efficiently in a larger space.

Our biggest win was the increase in Digital workflow through gaining clients with our digital workflow setup. This major increase in work encouraged us to upscale our digital production power to ensure we kept up with demand. Even to this day I still believe we will continually increase our 3D printing power to be able to access the ability to take on more and more.

Going back to the move, it will bring massive changes in the lab and the way we work to increase efficiency, productivity and service levels by using technology to meet deadline criteria and forecast day to day work in advance. Our team will adapt and grow through this transition, which can be challenging in itself, as change can sometimes lead to its own problems. With this all-in mind I am confident that we will continue to serve our customers faultlessly through this change and aim to progress our company to meet the needs of their businesses.

To summarise this all I would have to say that the growth post pandemic was down to the quality, service and integrity my team put on the table and this couldn’t have been achieved without great partners, in UK giants S4S UK backing us all the way. The substantial growth in customer base means that we are now sitting on over 500+ active customers and still growing day on day.

I look forward to updating the readers of this magazine on the move further down the line. It will be an integral part of our journey to expand, grow and be a powerhouse laboratory for our customers.

I would finally like to finish on thanking the people involved in the process at S4S (UK) and Iain at Techsystems who have worked amazingly to upgrade our systems and workplace to a modern laboratory it will be.

I once was told that all successes come through perseverance and attitude to change. With this motto I accept that we will continue to persevere and have a positive attitude to change as a company and to adapt to the future of what is now S4S London limited.

TOP: The new lab will be complete to move in by Mid-October 2022 MIDDLE: Building work continues BOTTOM: Designated Digital area for processing 3D digital files and 3D Printing

Scanning spray with no side-effects

Walter Stein Dental Laboratory uses the self-evaporating scanning spray SCANTIST 3D

In digital dentistry, transparent and shiny surfaces such as models, titanium structures, crowns and prostheses have to be matted for scanning purposes. Now there is a new scanning spray, SCANTIST 3D, which gives surfaces a fine, homogeneous matt coating. The spray coating does not have to be removed after scanning because the spray completely evaporates. In addition, SCANTIST 3D is free of pigments such as harmful titanium dioxide.

Walter Stein Dental Laboratory has been using SCANTIST 3D for extraoral scans for several months.

The owner, Walter Stein, who has been running the almost 100-year-old family business for years, sees lots of benefits with SCANTIST 3D compared to conventional dental sprays - especially in terms of hygiene and health. His 45 employees are also impressed by the spray.

The dental laboratory produces the entire repertoire of fixed and removable dental restorations, and has made a name for itself with its high-quality dental products and by using the latest technologies. At the Stein laboratory, all dental prostheses are produced to the highest standards using state-of-the-art equipment. Digital fabrication is used in almost all areas.

Walter Stein Dental Laboratory uses digital processes

Equipped with numerous software applications, almost every process is digital at the Walter Stein laboratory, from work preparation to the fabrication of removable dental prostheses. Continuous training keeps the team up to date, and almost all the employees are involved in the digital processes. They scan models and design dental restorations, which are printed, machined, and processed.

Extraoral scans

If surfaces are shiny, transparent, or translucent, they are very difficult for the scanner to capture.

With transparent surfaces, such as an occlusal splint, the light passes through the surface, so the sensor cannot record the surface structure adequately, if at all. The same applies for translucent surfaces, such as many ceramics or waxes, as the light beam is not reflected by the surface itself, but by a point inside the model.

Reflective surfaces such as telescopic dentures and implant abutments are also problematic because they focus the scanner light and do not reflect it back diffusely. Pronounced recesses also pose a challenge. The light beam from the scanner causes reflections on the walls of the model, resulting in incorrect data.

To scan these surfaces, they must be prepared in advance, and scanning sprays are often used for this purpose.

Hazardous substances in many conventional dental sprays

At Walter Stein Dental Laboratory, the staff have many years of experience with scanning sprays. “Using scanning sprays always made us feel a bit uneasy in the past. But we didn’t have a practical alternative until now”, according to Walter Stein. The owner of the dental laboratory is particularly concerned about the health aspects. Many conventional sprays contain pigments and titanium dioxide, which are said to have carcinogenic effects.

As it cannot be completely avoided that the staff may also be exposed to the spray mist when the objects are being treated, Walter Stein has taken appropriate precautions. These include an extraction system, activated by a foot pedal, which removes the harmful pigments via a funnel. The hazardous contamination is considerably reduced, but not completely prevented because the spray mist spreads everywhere. In many small laboratories that do not have an extraction system, the model is usually kept in a deep container to limit the spread of the spray mist.

Spray coating adheres stubbornly Conventional sprays adhere stubbornly to surfaces and are very difficult to remove. This is time-consuming and detrimental to hygiene. The coating can never be completely removed; a residue will always remain on the objects and the surroundings. In addition, conventional sprays are often very coarse, which easily leads to an uneven spray coating. The actual surface data cannot be recorded correctly, which affects the accuracy of fit of the dental prostheses.

SCANTIST 3D dental spray – no pigments, homogeneous spray coating, complete sublimation

SCANTIST 3D scanning spray has been around since 2021.

At Walter Stein Dental Laboratory, it has been in use for a good eight months and the team is thrilled.

SCANTIST 3D can be applied in a very thin and even layer, meaning that the scanners capture accurate surface data. The reliable data quality enables precise fabrication of the dental restorations. Moreover,

SCANTIST 3D adheres to all the surfaces and is dry to the touch, making it particularly easy to use. What is special about the spray is that it evaporates by itself, thus completely eliminating the need for costly and timeconsuming cleaning.

An entire work step is saved. Since the spray coating completely evaporates after approximately 20 minutes, the whole process is very hygienic.

“But the most important thing for me”, emphasizes Walter Stein, “is that SCANTIST 3D is free from harmful pigments and does not contain any titanium dioxide. The health aspects are becoming more and more important, especially among younger staff members,” Walter Stein is proud of his team’s commitment and accomplishments. “For me it goes without saying that creating good working conditions is a must. My employees have made clear their preference for SCANTIST 3D because of both its ease of handling and the health advantages. I’m totally with them on that.” says Walter Stein explaining the decision to choose the new scan spray.

Dental and scanning expertise

SCANTIST 3D is a young product and Walter Stein, with his wealth of experience spanning over 30 years, has introduced important parameters to optimize the spray, for example in terms of the application time and coating thickness. Thanks to the know-how of scan experts and dental specialists, SCANTIST 3D has been optimally adapted to the needs of dental laboratories. “The Walter Stein team is very interested in continuous improvement. We gladly took on board constructive criticism of our scanning spray and incorporated it into the development”, explains Prof. Dr. Sebastian Gell, co-founder of SCANTIST 3D. Thus SCANTIST 3D was optimally geared towards the needs of modern dental laboratories.

ABOUT SCANTIST 3D

l The young SCANTIST 3D team comprises engineers, inventors, and scientists who have set themselves the task of improving and simplifying scanning processes for dental restorations. With their extensive experience in the field of 3D scanning, the engineers are fully aware of the problem of permanently adhesive scan sprays and the laborious cleaning processes. Consequently, the team is working on ideal solutions to make life easier for users in the dental CAD/ CAM field while, at the same time, considerably increasing the quality level of scan sprays.

www.scantist3d.com

ABOUT WALTER STEIN DENTAL LABORATORY

l Walter Stein Dental Laboratory, based in Bochum, Germany fabricates functional, long-lasting and aesthetic dental prostheses from high-quality dental materials. Its state-of-the-art facilities include CAD/CAM programs, intraoral and extraoral scanners, 3D printers and industrial milling devices. The digital workflow means that all the work steps are efficiently coordinated. The almost 100-year-old family company is run by the owner Walter Stein. The team comprises over 40 highly qualified dental technicians and service employees, who produce virtually the entire repertoire of dental restorations.

Scantist3D is currently establishing its international distribution network and is therefore looking for resellers and distributors worldwide. Inquiries about a possible cooperation can be sent to info@scantist3d.com

www.stein-zahntechnik.de

w Predictability and durability are all musthave factors when it comes to choosing flexible solutions for your dental laboratory. It is no wonder that so many dental technicians invest in the Straumann Group for highquality products and support.

Medentika®, a Straumann Group brand, aids dental technicians in producing robust and reliable solutions for their clients. The range includes multi-platform compatible components, which have been expertly engineered with exceptional German craftsmanship. Medentika® solutions are also compatible with all major implant systems.

It is easier now more than ever to optimise your workflow with Medentika® solutions, as they are available at an affordable price, making them a highly accessible option.

If you’d like to discover more, get in touch today. For more information, visit the website today: https://www.straumann. com/medentika/en/professionals.html

CREATECH MEDICAL AT YOUR LAB’S SERVICE

w From the Straumann Group, Createch Medical provides a range of high-quality services to laboratories with or without a scanner. Createch is at your lab’s service!

Outsourcing will save any initial outlay, if resources are limited, in order to offer your supplying dentists added value. Services include Createch additive, allowing you to avoid other associated challenges, such as not having the in-house manufacturing services.

Createch offers fast production and predictability through this direct-to-lab milling service. There are a variety of dental framework options through the use of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) manufacturing, with a 10-year guarantee on prosthetics.

Let Createch help you do more, and achieve excellence.

Register for your account with Createch Medical at http://www.createchmedical. com/en/file-sending/login-registro/ For more information on the Createch Medical direct-to-lab milling service from the Straumann Group, visit https:// www.straumann.com/gb/en/dentalprofessionals/products-and-solutions/ implant-borne-prosthetics/products/ createch-medical.html

MEDENTIKA ® , A STRAUMANN GROUP BRAND NEVER COMPROMISE ON QUALITY

w The new screwdrivers “Screwdriver Lab” by Zirkonzahn are conceived to fix and loosen different screws on the model. To work flexibly and efficiently, the screwdrivers are available in different lengths and for different implant systems. The system library is constantly expanded. The screwdrivers can be stored safely and orderly into a special holder, the Screwdriver Holder MagPrism, which can contain up to three Screwdrivers Lab. The Screwdriver Holder MagPrism shows a magnetic surface permitting the combination of several holders to store additional screwdrivers.

The head of the Screwdriver Lab is marked with a colour code indicating the implant system. The same colour coding can be found on the screw supplied with the screwdriver: this coloured screw is inserted into the thread of the Screwdriver Holder MagPrism, allowing for an easy identification of the screwdriver and its related slot in the holder.

To fix and loosen abutments and abutment screws in the patient`s mouth or on the model, the Universal Screwdriver Set is also available, including screwdrivers and tools.

ZIRKONZAHN

MODEL AND RELATED HOLDER FOR A SAFE STORAGE

Set Screwdriver Lab and Screwdriver Holder MagPrism

Maxillofacial