As part of Dentsply’s Investing in better dentistry initiative, the experienced team took the opportunity at 2009 BDTA Dental Showcase to provide details of its continuing support of the dental profession.
With the recent report from Prof Steele, it is clear the pattern of dental treatment is set to change, with a greater focus on preventive dentistry.
What is also clear is, with difficulties over the new contract, there is a real concern over how dentists will be able to achieve results with greater demands upon their most valuable resource; their time.
Dentsply contributed to the discussions with Prof Steele’s team over how to address the concerns of the future of dentistry. This is just one small way in which the company has had an impact. By working in partnership with practitioners, Dentsply is able to support the dental profession and achieve the common goal of providing better patient care.
In a recent address to the profession, the vice-president and general manager of Dentsply, Gerry Campbell, spoke about the three areas where the company seeks to support dentistry, through innovation, quality assurance and training.
Innovation
Dentsply is involved in dental research around the world. Currently there are 350 research associates working on the innovation and design of the next generation of products. Often dealing with advanced materials and ideas, experts from different backgrounds and specialities are supported in developing what their specific markets will be using in the future.
Dentsply works with research and development programmes throughout the UK and globally. By introducing students to research programmes, the company helps to foster a desire to achieve greater results through the improvement in equipment and techniques, to the benefit of the entire industry. Dentsply also provides a grant programme, giving dental schools access to the latest products so their students can gain a taste of working life after graduation through practical, hands-on learning.
As well as a student research programme, Dentsply also helps to encourage the drive for greater knowledge through the Teacher and Student Clinician of the Year Awards.
By supporting research and development in the global dental industry, Dentsply is presented with the challenge of selecting the right products to suit the UK market. This requires a partnership with dental professionals, who provide invaluable feedback on recent developments, to ensure only the best tried and tested products are brought to market
Communication and training
The process of innovation doesn’t end at the laboratory or research faculty. An integral part of the innovation is the feedback gained from dental professionals. Dentsply thrives on the information provided through various channels and an important means of communication is through regional advisory boards. These present an opportunity for Dentsply to present the latest prototype of new products to dentists, to establish whether it achieves its primary aim: making treatment easier and more efficient. The regional advisory boards also allow the product development teams to learn more about what it is dentists need to make their day-to-day practice better.
The invitation to join a regional advisory board is open to all professionals with an interest in aiding the development of new products and services.
Through innovation of new products comes the development of new techniques. Even when there appears to be a great deal of similarity between new and old versions, often a different methodology is required in order to optimise performance. Communicating that knowledge is an important element in the way Dentsply continues to support its aim of better dentistry.
With the needs of today’s professionals in mind, the opportunities to share knowledge and understanding are varied and flexible, to best suit the practitioner’s convenience. The focus for Dentsply is to provide hands-on, practical training with verifiable CPD points whenever it suits the practice; whether that be morning, lunch, afternoon or evening, for nurses, hygienists or dentists.
Additionally, the company is happy to present to a wider audience, through local dental committee meetings, for example. All aspects are provided for by the company, from venue to specialist speakers and materials for hands-on training. A wider audience can also be reached through internet-based learning and ‘webinars’; a chance to access the latest knowledge from the convenience of your own home or office.