As the president-elect of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), Sam Jethwa has much to be excited about for the upcoming year. Reflecting on the community that the BACD provides for clinicians interested in ethical cosmetic dentistry, Sam said, “The BACD prides itself on its openness; it is welcoming to all, no matter their experience within cosmetic dentistry. Those who have been a part of the academy know full well this is not so much a group of cosmetic dentists, but a family of like-minded individuals. Bringing all these people together to share their vast experiences within this industry, both clinical and non-clinical, means there is a chance to catch up with friends and also surround oneself with those who have been there and done it, as well as those who represent the future of the profession.”
The next opportunity for clinicians to experience the BACD community for themselves will be the annual conference in London on November 7-9, 2024. About the event, Sam commented, “Over the years, the annual conference has had a major influence on the careers of countless restorative dentists in the UK. It represents an educational and inspirational experience, but, perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates the BACD community and network. It is at events like the BACD Annual Conference where life-changing introductions and networking opportunities flourish. Learning never stops for dentists, and soaking up the atmosphere outside of the lectures and at the gala dinner is as much of a highlight as the speakers themselves.”
Sam will be hosting a workshop at the upcoming conference alongside Sheila Li titled ‘Facially-driven smile design: dental and facial aesthetic workflows for functional cosmetic smile makeovers’. Sam highlighted its historical importance, “This session marks a key moment in the BACD’s history. We will showcase, for the first time, the blend between facial aesthetics and facially-driven treatment planning. Working with Sheila, a fellow BACD board member, is special too – we have a very similar outlook on aesthetics and how we wish our patients to be treated with respect to the harmony of their features. It is difficult to achieve this using ceramics, smile design and facial aesthetics, but we will show how it can be done.
“Delegates can expect it to be a session like you have never experienced before, as we marry injectables, holistic facially driven smile design, unique smile sculpting treatment, smile makeovers, ultra-thin ceramic veneers, masseter injectable treatment, and gummy smile with live models. It will be eye-opening, with theoretical and hands-on experience included.”
Reflecting on the topic in more detail, Sam considered the common mistakes, challenges and solutions involved in facially-driven smile design, “As dentists, we do not treat the whole face. But we can help change lives by carrying out smile design dentistry with an awareness of wider treatment options, in addition tp knowing how to mitigate bruxism, and improve symmetry and gum display. This way, our patients get the best of everything. Hollywood fakery is out – it’s now about more realistic and natural aesthetic improvements – ‘Have they? Haven’t they?’ – and we will show delegates what they can it for their patient.”
Sam and Sheila will also be addressing what has become the very large elephant in the room – toothwear. A growing concern across the UK, it’s essential that clinicians have the skills and confidence to manage wear in a broad range of patients. Sam added, “Tooth wear is now what caries was in the 1980s. It is the disease that gets most of our patients. If we, as dentists, don’t know how to identify, classify and treatment plan for wear, while also educating patients to accept the treatment that will save their teeth over time, then we are simply not keeping up with the evolving needs of our UK patient base. The long-term stability of our dentistry is what matters, so utilising injectables to improve our chances cannot be ignored in the modern way to treat our patients. we will discuss this in more detail as part of the session.”
This is just one example of the standard of education and skill development that will be available at the BACD Annual Conference 2024. It will also be an event to celebrate the progression of ethical cosmetic dentistry and the achievements of the BACD.
Sam concluded, “The BACD will be celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and it will be extra special for me as the year that President Luke Hutchings passes me the reigns. Luke has been a fantastic leader, navigating the academy as it evolves and rises to new challenges.”