JULY 2022
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Welcome
WELCOME I don’t need to tell you that it’s been a difficult couple of years in dentistry. Despite everything, it was so good to finally be able to present the Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) in Birmingham and welcome you all back for an event dedicated to the entire lab team. In fact, this sense of community and togetherness was a highlight of the event for many. Lab owners, dental technicians, CDTs, trainees, technology developers and suppliers, training providers and more were all in attendance and keen to make the most of this opportunity to engage with the wider profession in-person after
much time apart. There was a sense of positivity in the air, and it was amazing to see friendships rekindled, professional relationships strengthened, and new connections made. The trade floor was the perfect place for networking, but many also joined us for drinks at the end of the first day. While browsing the exhibition, there were several stands showing the latest technologies and innovations, materials and concepts. Delegates could get hands-on in many situations, watch demonstrations and seek bespoke advice from the product experts directly. This was the ideal accompaniment to the two-day educational programme, which was presented by a diverse range of individuals and organisations. The brand-new Digital Dentistry Accelerator Forum proved popular, exploring the changing face of digital dentistry and offering some interesting insights into what the future may bring. Plus, the DTS Lecture Theatre and OTA Seminars offered a varied array of topics from milling solutions to education pathways, predictable implant reconstructions, innovative denture workflows and so much more. Given the growing awareness around mental health in the profession, this also featured in several of the theatres.
Support the lab team in maintaining their mental and physical wellbeing is just as important as helping them enhance their technical skills. Given the increased pressures that so many dental technicians have been up against in the last two years, this was an essential part of the DTS programme and one that was extremely well-received by all in attendance. A special thanks must go to the Dental Laboratories Association (DLA) who provide their support and collaboration every year to make DTS what it is. We are also very grateful to all the other professional bodies, charities, exhibitors and sponsors who helped shape the event – we couldn’t do it without you. We were very pleased with DTS 2022, but we’re always looking to improve upon our offerings each year. If you have any topics you’d like covered or speakers you’d be interested in hearing from for 2023, just let us know – you can get in touch through the website. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy browsing these summaries of key sessions and events from this year’s DTS.
Alex Harden Group Event Director Dentistry Show Portfolio
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DTS is back
DTS IS BACK For the dental laboratory team, staying up-to-date with the latest products, skills and technologies in the profession is a must. Though made more difficult in recent years for obvious reasons, the benefits of face-to-face learning and interaction are multiple for technicians and lab owners looking to enhance and broaden their capabilities for career progression and business growth. The Dental Technology Showcase (DTS) 2022 provided an excellent opportunity to review best practice, share experiences and gain fresh ideas for the development of lab services through face-to-face interactions.
In the DTS Lecture Theatre, delegates were able to join an array of sessions looking at everything from milling processes to mental health in the lab, educational pathways and anterior dental morphology. Davide Accetto’s session on “Digital Dentures – Are they ready?” was particularly well received, providing a realistic and honest review of modern technologies and how the digital denture workflow can be utilised in the laboratory. Davide covered how digital solutions can benefit communication between the dental team and with patients, highlighting the benefits of standardisation that come with digitising the denture manufacturing process. Advocating for digital in terms of cost, customisation and longevity, Davide made a strong case for the readiness of today’s digital dentistry for denture fabrication. Delegate Daniel Cascella, CDT at Tauris Dental Prosthetics, said: “Davide’s session was very informative for the future. There has been a good range of speakers and subjects and we have visited several stands – we’re interested in 3D printing
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“There has been a good range of speakers and subjects and we have visited several stands – we’re interested in 3D printing for dentures. I would recommend DTS to others.” for dentures. I would recommend DTS to others.” Another highly popular lecture was given by Dr Gulshan Murgai, who discussed “Vita – Chairside and lab digital dentistry solutions”, sharing his own journey and motivations to change his workflow. Highlighting the importance of support and training for the dental team when introducing these technologies, he showed how digital dentistry can be used to make your dental business stand out. Attendee, Lisa Perchal, ceramist at Evolution Dental Studio, commented: “This was very informative, introducing new materials in the CAD world of digital dentistry.”
Brand new for 2022 was the Digital Dentistry Accelerator Forum, which put an even brighter spotlight on digital technologies and workflows. This highly focused programme enabled technicians to take a closer look at some of the challenges and solutions within the field. Doug Watt, for example, kicked off the programme with a session about the digital workflow in general and how to successfully implement milling and 3D printing technologies for the best results. Sharing his experience at the show, he commented: “Really good show, very busy and great to get to back and see people again.” Later sessions covered how to build a
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DTS is back
digital lab and sell it, 3D printing protocols and more. It was well supported by the trade exhibition just outside, where delegates could seek bespoke information and advice from product experts to further understand how they could make digital work for them. The OTA Seminars provided a third source of education for DTS delegates, delivered in collaboration with the Orthodontic Technicians’ Association (OTA). Speakers engaged with delegates to discuss quality assessment of orthodontic appliances, prosthetic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients, snoring and sleep apnoea devices and more. There was also an enlightening session about “Mental health wellness in dentistry”, delivered by dental technician, Sarah Davies-Hibbert. Sarah encouraged delegates to take time for themselves and detailed how they should use this time to actively address their anxieties before the stress becomes too much. She even included a moment of reflection there and then for individuals to consider their own situations and think about what they could do to better support their mental wellbeing. Throughout the two days, delegates, speakers and trade representatives had the opportunity to connect with others from the profession. Just as important
as learning, networking with friends and colleagues is integral to everything from skill development to career progression. Being able to catch up with peers inperson was clearly appreciated by all in attendance – plus visiting lab teams had some time together away from the business for team building opportunities as well. General delegate feedback for DTS 2022 included Ashley Doran, dental technician from Peter Gange Crown & Bridge Specialist Ltd, who said: “There was plenty variety of stalls and products/services. Overall well-planned
with lots of information and services to browse.” O. De-Ath, lab manager at Broadgate Dental, added: “There was a great variety of trade and a great lecture programme, plus it was very well organised. It was good to connect with colleagues.” With the return of in-person events, we have all been reminded of the value and power of face-to-face interaction. DTS may be over for another year, but the connections made, and lessons learnt will remain important for individuals for many months to come.
EXHIBITOR PROFILE STRAUMANN GROUP The Straumann Group was delighted to meet many dental technicians at DTS who share our passion for delivering high-quality, predictable and streamlined services. It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our state-of-the-art technologies and solutions. Among the products on display were those within the Medentika portfolio, providing precision-engineered abutments and restorative components to meet the needs of various cases. We also showcased the whole range of 3D printers offering something for labs of all sizes.
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All our solutions are backed by science and have been thoroughly tried and tested by professionals on the ground to ensure their effectiveness, efficiency and durability. We are always listening to feedback and making changes wherever we can to better support professionals in the lab. If you missed us at DTS, or if you have further questions about our products or services, please contact your local representative or visit www. straumann.com.
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Mental health
MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS IN THE DENTAL LABORATORY Awareness surrounding mental health has increased drastically in the past few years. We now have a much greater appreciation for how mental wellbeing can impact on an individual, their quality of life, their work and their happiness. Continuing to improve understanding and spread education among the profession on the topic is essential if we are to create the best possible environment for dental technicians. Sarah Davies-Hibbert spoke on the subject as part of the OTA Seminars at the recent DTS. An open and approachable speaker, she made the session relatable to all and encouraged delegates to look at their lives to see where they could better support their own mental health. When was the last time you had a day to yourself, or an afternoon spent doing something you like to do? Sarah highlighted the importance of “you time”, not only for your sanity and wellbeing, but also for the sake of your family and your work. None of us can operate at our best when we’re burnt out, exhausted and always on the go. Sometimes, taking a few hours out of work – though it feels counter-productive – can help you reset and get through your to-do list more efficiently when you return. In a similar vein, Sarah encouraged delegates to be more proactive in areas when they have issues. If you can’t sleep, don’t just lay there counting down the hours until you must get up. Instead,
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do something about it – read a book, listen to music, use essential oils. For future, set up a routine before bed that will help you relax and encourage better sleep, perhaps cutting out caffeine in the afternoon or not drinking alcohol. Sarah went on to talk about anxiety. Though none of us are complete strangers to the feeling, it’s essential that we acknowledge when our anxiety is growing and how to stop it from taking over our lives. Identify where it’s coming from, what’s causing it and challenge anxious thoughts to give yourself some balance. The incredibly sad reality is that anxiety and depression can consume an individual until the point that they feel there’s no return – preventing it from getting to this stage is essential. That said, Sarah was very clear that we cannot all be 100% happy 100% of the time. Allowing time to feel and process negative emotions is important; simply ignoring them all the time is not a healthy approach. Getting delegates involved, Sarah
provided a few minutes there and then for the audience to reflect on their own mental health, to think about whether they too had felt the build-up of anxiety and what they might do at home or in the lab to make a positive change in their lives. Offering a more structured approach for the laboratory, delegates were introduced to a mental wellness framework. Sarah encouraged everyone to look at the document and ensure that their businesses were following the guidance, including the appointment of a wellness lead in the lab, stress awareness training, mental health first aid training and mechanisms for peer support. Delegates took several important messages away from Sarah’s session, including the reinforcement that support for mental health and wellbeing remains critical in the dental laboratory. We have all felt under pressure in recent times, so ensuring there are protocols in place to help those who are struggling is a must.
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Digital workflows
DIGITAL WORKFLOWS The new Digital Dentistry Acceleration Forum proved popular among delegates at this year’s DTS, with a programme dedicated to all things digital. Among the sessions was Dr Douglas Watt providing “An overview of digital workflows in general practice”, sponsored by 3Shape. Doug presented some cases to show what the adoption of digital technologies can help the dental team achieve in practice . He also discussed the Trios intraoral scanner, outlining some of the pitfalls that professionals often face and how to overcome them. As is important with any type of dental treatment, the quality of planning will have a direct impact on the outcome achieved. As such, Doug took delegates through some of the 3Shape planning software, highlighting where inter-team collaboration is facilitated for a smoother workflow for all. He shared practical tips on how to use the technology and also discussed his personal experience for delegates to learn from. Comparing some of the pros and cons of analogue versus digital dentistry, Doug offered a relatively balanced argument, though he – of course – favoured digital. He looked at the evidence-base
behind traditional techniques against the cost of materials, the treatment time required and the patient experience. For digital, the increased accuracy and predictability remains king, though the speaker did acknowledge that no concept is without any challenges. Though beneficial in many ways, digital workflows still require a fairly substantial initial investment. and Moreover, there is a steep learning curve for professionals to get to grips with the capabilities and features of the technology they introduce. Training is, therefore, an important consideration for any lab team looking to implement new digital technologies, if they are to maximise on the investment and deliver exceptional services for their clients
and their patients. Though the initial investment cost may be a concern for some, Doug was adamant that this cost was worthwhile when you ensured that the technology was fully utilised. In fact, delegates were urged to look closely at the potential for digital in their businesses as this is no longer something for the future – it is very much important in today’s dentistry. For most professionals, digital is also more accessible than it was only a few years ago, meaning that more labs can benefit from its capabilities. As in all the sessions at DTS, this lecture ended in the opportunity for delegates to interact with Doug and colleagues to further discuss any points of interest. The question about whether digital solutions offer a greener alternative for dentistry came up during this part of the session, with most agreeing this to be another benefit of the digital workflow. After the session, Doug commented: “Really good show, very busy and great to get to back and see people again.” For any dental labs not yet fulfilling their digital potential, now may well be the time to invest in solutions and in the future of the business. Dentistry is becoming ever-more digital, so being able to keep up with the latest trends and, more importantly, being able to deliver exceptional work, will be essential to each lab’s success for the future.
‘There is a steep learning curve for professionals to get to grips with the capabilities and features of the technology they introduce. Training is, therefore, an important consideration.’
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