Lured from around the country by the promise of verifiable CPD tailored to the whole team, technological innovations,
exclusive offers and a networking program bringing together old friends and new collaborations, a reported 8,000 delegates made their way to Birmingham’s NEC for The Dentistry Show last month; they were not disappointed.
Over 10,000 hours of verifiable CPD was undertaken by this year’s attendees in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. The educational offering ranged from bespoke theatres devoted to specialist clinical disciplines to topical discussions of new regulation, legislature and the pilot schemes.
This year marked the debut of new elements to The Dentistry Show’s enticements; for the first time the show’s repertoire included an EndoLounge – featuring the latest in endodontic dentistry; a Facial Aesthetics Theatre – a fitting response to the phenomenal surge of interest in cosmetic dentistry from both the profession and its patients; a Compliance Clinic – hosted by Apolline, a much needed program of lectures aimed at unravelling the uncertainties of the industries shifting landscape; and LaunchPad UK – a platform used by 70 trade exhibitors this year to present their newest products and services.
The Dentistry Show’s platform partnership ensured a well-rounded offering. Dental nurses were able to attend the British Association of Dental Nurses’ 75th National Dental Nursing Conference, while dentists had the opportunity to attend Dental Update’s prestigious annual Study Day. Trevor Burke, editorial director of the journal, chaired the event and was joined by members of Dental Update’s editorial board who delivered a thought provoking and well-received day of insight and education. The renowned speakers included Professors Jonathon Sandler, Avijit Banerjee and Crispian Scully; the topics discussed included minimally invasive dentistry, amalgam alternatives, the recent trend for short course orthodontic training and the emergence of diseases and oral health care.
The social programme of The Dentistry Show also hosted the 2015 Dental Awards. The ceremony took place on the evening of Friday 17th, and afforded a much needed chance to relax after a long day for delegates and exhibitors. Attendees were able to celebrate and be inspired by the achievements of their peers whilst enjoying a four course meal and entertainment.
As well as the invigorating new additions and partnerships to this year’s Show there was also the return of many familiar, well-established programmes and events from previous years. The GDP Theatre, the Core CPD Programme, the Dental Business Theatre, the Aesthetics Conference, and the Hygienist and Therapist Symposium were all present and offering instruction in an array of clinical and professional topics. Speakers included Bob Khanna, Nadine Skipp, Krishan Joshi and Fiona Sandom.
Trade exhibitors turned out in force with 400 stands offering everything from amalgam to zirconia; give-aways and gimmicks were abundant and effective in drawing in the crowds.
Once interest had been peaked with apple-flavoured ice-cream, branded pens and toothpaste samples the teams behind the eye-catching stands took the opportunity to meet their customers, gathering feedback and researching the market, explaining the benefits of new products, offering exclusive deals and of course making those all important sales.
The Dentistry Show is always a magnet for product launches and this year was no exception. Showcasing surgery equipment, the stands of A-Dec, Takara Belmont and Dentsply were particularly striking. Dentsply offered two new innovations this year. WaveOne Gold, developed by endodontic professionals, is a reciprocating file system with a range of additional benefits added since its previous rendition, while X-Smart iQ, is a digitally controlled cordless
endodontic motor designed for continuous and reciprocating motion.
The materials market also broadened with a number of product launches. 3M Espe introduced Filtek Bulk Fill, a onestep bulk placement solution for use in posterior restorations; GC UK unveiled Initial LiSi, a specialised veneering ceramic designed for lithium disilicate frameworks, and Voco presented Admira Fusion, its first restorative material combining Ormocer with nanohybrid technology.
Software and systems saw new entries from Planmeca with Romexis Smile Design and two from Sirona with Cerec Ortho 1.1 and new facets for Cerec Omnicam. The Romexis Smile Design programme is a design tool that integrates visual communication and treatment planning for greater patient acceptance. Sirona’s announcement
unveiled the possibilities of using Cerec Ortho software and Cerec Omnicam to submit digital impressions for Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
The field of implants welcomed a variant on the Straumann Variobase Abutment which is now available with a customisable abutment height of 5.5mm down to 3.5mm, and Nobel Biocare exhibited its cement free complete posterior solution which offers an easy way to work with tricky posterior placements.
The consumer product market was also represented by a large number of exhibitors including teams from Colgate, Oral-B, Philips and Waterpik. Both Philips and Waterpik offered new additions to their water flosser ranges with Philips’ Sonicare AirFloss and Waterpik’s Ultra Professional.
Whether buying or selling, imparting wisdom or absorbing it, The Dentistry Show 2015 provided an opportunity for the industry in its many aspects to come together, to communicate and to share innovation. The inclusive and
accessible nature of The Dentistry Show is what makes it a platform for the entire industry and will ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.