The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is an extensive source of information and support for those working in the field of aesthetic dentistry. Offering many various accreditation and educational opportunities, the BACD provides easy access to study groups and training courses for all members of the dental team.
One of the main highlights of the dental year is the BACD annual conference. This event is specially designed to facilitate the development of knowledge for all dental professionals in attendance. International experts, considered leaders in their fields, give lectures and workshops on a wide range of topics, offering advice and guidance to delegates. This also provides attendees with the chance to learn all they need to know about the latest techniques, materials and procedures from those at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry.
This year's conference entitled 'Cosmetic interfaces, bringing it all together', will be held November 22-24, at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. Amongst the speakers at the conference will be product specialist Peter Nutkins from Prestige Dental, who will be holding a workshop on vacuum forming techniques.
He comments: 'The workshop I will be running at the conference will be a hands-on introduction to model making and vacuum forming techniques, to create bleaching trays, mouth guards, and sports guards. I was asked by the BACD meeting organisers to repeat the workshop which was so successful in 2007 and 2008, both were well attended with excellent feedback.
'I think what has prompted the need for a workshop at this time, is the increase in scope of practice for dental nurses, hygienists and therapists. The expansion of their responsibilities now includes using vacuum forming techniques to make products like bleaching trays, so this is very much a current issue. With this in mind, the focus of the workshop will be on these members of the dental team, although all are welcome.'
When discussing why the company chose to return to the BACD conference, Peter outlines the benefits to them as well as those to dental professionals attending the seminars and workshops. 'From my point of view this conference is a great place to generate a higher company profile, and I believe delegates who attend enjoy the workshops, and are able to learn something useful from them. For this reason, I hope delegates leave the workshop this year with a better understanding of how to produce quality study models, and are able to use vacuum forming to manufacture first-class appliances.'
The BACD conference is recognised as one of the highlights of the dental year, and Peter encourages those who work in all areas of dentistry to be present. 'It is definitely an important event for all members of the dental team to attend, as the BACD offers a very professional service, and its core values are completely relevant to dentistry today.'