A look ahead to the ADI Team Congress.
Challenges for the dental team continue to present for a myriad of reasons. Patient knowledge and understanding have become more discerning due to the rise of social media, but this can often bring with it unrealistic standards that must be expertly managed. An ageing population has made patient demands more complex, also introducing a host of new considerations for dental professionals.
In light of this, utilising the dental team effectively has never been more important. This includes developing clinical skills and delegating responsibilities for certain treatments, where possible. Dental implantology, for example, requires skills that span across several dental disciplines. From the clinician to the dental nurse, dental hygienist/therapist and dental technician, there are numerous roles and duties that must be shared to ensure a successful outcome in dental implant therapy.
Implant dentistry – how can it impact the dental team?
Dental implantology has unsurprisingly become a patient preference, not only for older people but for a range of adult patients from various walks of life. As such, clinicians are faced with dynamic patient needs that require a holistic approach to care. The whole dental team can be utilised to ensure patients are receiving the care they deserve. When the dental team possess additional skill sets, they can supplement the clinician’s work through reiteration of oral health advice, for example, which would contribute towards patient satisfaction and good oral health. If it falls within their scope of practice, certain team members can also take responsibility for particular clinical tasks, such as those involved in oral hygiene and dental implant maintenance.
For instance, the General Dental Council (GDC) advises that dental nurses can, under the prescription or direction of a dentist, take impressions, apply a topical anaesthetic and remove sutures once the wound has been checked by the dentist. Additionally, dental hygienists/therapists have an impressive scope of practice, which includes the care of dental implants and the monitoring and management of peri-implant tissues. A highly competent team will be well-equipped to support patients at every stage of their treatment journey.
Dentistry is a highly competitive field, where dental practices must differentiate themselves in order to compete successfully. A team that can contribute towards exceptional patient care, thanks to a diverse mix of skills, will help to bolster the success of the business. On an individual level, developing clinical skills can increase job satisfaction and open up more doors throughout one’s career.
Get the team learning
There are many varied mediums out there to advance individual team member’s clinical abilities. This could be in the form of webinars, virtual or hands-on courses, workshops or professional events. The latter is something that all dental teams should consider attending, as there are often resources catered to a variety of dental disciplines.
With so many experts coming together, dental events provide plenty of opportunities to expand one’s professional circle and make further long-lasting connections. An event with plenty of lectures and speakers from across the breadth of the profession should also be a priority to attend, especially as a team. Topical subjects can be explored in depth, drawing on the speakers’ expertise and passion in a range of topics. Keeping up with the latest developments within the industry is a prime way to expand clinical capabilities and improve patient care. This is possible outside of a dental conference, but the insight that team members will gain from attending in person will enrich the experience. In flourishing disciplines, such as dental implantology, attending dental events is a must.
The Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) has announced the theme for the Team Congress 2023 – Individual Excellence or Team Triumphs. The event takes place May 4-6 at the Birmingham ICC and there is something for everyone, with programmes for dentists, dental technicians, dental nurses, practice managers, treatment coordinators, and dental hygienists/therapists. Delegates can attend lectures hosted by world-renowned speakers and explore the major exhibition – there is also a congress dinner! The ADI Team Congress 2023 is perfect for the whole team and is not to be missed.
As dentistry advances into the future, patient demands will continue to grow in complexity. Utilising the dental team and prioritising skill development is vital to ensure that all patients’ needs are met.