Over three million missed dental appointments could be eradicated with the introduction of a UK-wide text messaging reminder service.

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Research carried out by the British Dental Association discovered that at least three and a half million dental appointments are missed in England each year², and is a common problem across the whole of the health sector. But new research from overseas has shown that text message reminders could be a solution to improve attendance rates.

In a recent trial³, dentists in India who sent their patients a text reminder found that four in every five people attended their appointment on time. Although text messaging is used by many dental practices in the UK, it is not widespread and with an estimated 91 per cent of adults in the UK owning or using a mobile phone⁴ it is the most ubiquitous form of communication.

While it remains to be seen whether the system would eradicate missed dental appointments in the UK, it is a solution that should be given further consideration, according to Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. Dr Nigel Carter.

Dr Carter said: “At present individual practices are responsible for how they communicate with their patients. However, with such a large number of people not attending dental appointments, it’s obvious better communication is needed.

“A text message is a very simple, efficient and cost effective way of communicating in modern society. With so many mobile phones in use, it could be the answer to the problem.”

The cost of NHS dental treatment, allied with dental anxiety within the population, accounts for the reason three in every four people think twice about looking after their oral health. With basic NHS dental charges due to increase on 1 April 2012, Dr Carter believes now more than ever patients need to be informed about how important their oral health is.

Dr Carter said: “While patients may have genuine reasons for not attending dental checkups, the Foundation has previously reported on other factors, particularly financial constraints, influencing dental treatment choices.

“The general public need greater access to information to educate them on how important their oral health is. It has been proven that looking after your oral health can reduce the risk of getting infections which in turn can spread to other parts of the body. For instance, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, pneumonia, pancreatic and colon cancer are all problems made worse or even caused by poor dental health, particularly gum disease.

“If people realised that dental care is not a luxury that should be overlooked, regular checkups can identify early signs of gum disease. The cost of not doing so has health implications, not to mention more extensive cost implications.”

The research, carried out on 206 people attending outpatient clinics at the ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research (ITS-CDSR), Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, found the rate of attendance on time was found to be significantly higher in the test group (79.2 per cent) than in the control group (35.5 per cent).

CLEAN AND SERENE

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White Glo Night & Day is a unique oral hygiene system that gives you 24 hour whitening protection

White Glo, Australia's leading whitening toothpaste that has taken the UK by storm, is launching two revolutionary new toothpastes in one pack that will change the way you brush your teeth forever.

White Glo has specifically formulated Night & Day to address the distinctly different oral care needs during the day and night to provide 24 hour protection.

The new generation Night Gel with Green Tea super antioxidants will freshen and revitalise the mouth and has been designed to help to reduce morning breath as well as protect the teeth from plaque attack during the night.

The revolutionary new Day Toothpaste calls on all of the White Glo expertise to whiten,shine and polish the teeth ready for the day ahead.
The Micro-Wax Protective Shield contained in Day will help repel stains from forming on tooth enamel from food and drink.
The teeth are left appearing shinier and glossier.

The unique White Glo Night & Day is 2 products in one for 24 hour dental health protection.

Night & Day Toothpaste pack also includes a special Flosser Toothbrush.
White Glo pride themselves on their brush technology and include their stain lifter brush in every pack of White Glo.
The Flosser has been designed to work with Night & Day and comes as part of the Night & Day Toothpaste pack.

As well as removing any debris and distributing the Night Gel evenly across the teeth, the fine bristles will gently lift any coating the tongue may have picked up during the day which if not removed will directly contribute to halitosis.

Night & Day Whitening Toothpaste Pack RRP: £4.60
100g (65ml) Day Toothpaste and 85g (65ml) Night Gel

 

Researches Recruiting Patients For New Dental Implant Study

By: RED, Implantium  |  General News

A leading implantology research company is calling on dentists to help them test an innovative new treatment.

RED (Research & Education in Dentistry), the dedicated research division of UK-based dental implant supplier Implantium, is undertaking a study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and performance of Slim Onebody dental mini-implants and is on the lookout for suitable patients to take part in clinical trials.

Mini-implants are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for patients who are unsuitable for treatment with traditional implants because of factors such as poor bone quality or volume. RED is interested in working with patients who fall into any of the following categories: Cohort One – lower edentulous adult patients with unstable or unretentive lower complete dentures; Cohort Two – upper edentulous adult patients with unstable or unretentive upper complete dentures; or Cohort Three – patients with missing lower or upper lateral incisor teeth.

Julie Davies, Group Manager for Implantium, said: "Patients taking part in the study will be treated by our highly qualified and vastly experience team of dentists at the state-of-the-art Oracle Clinic in Shrewsbury.

"And as well as receiving the highest standards of treatment and care, patients participating in the research will also receive considerable price discounts. Each mini-implant will cost £50, so for some more advanced cases, patients could save up to £6,000 on the usual treatment costs. I'd urge any dentist who may have a suitable patient to contact us on 01743 466 796 or email info(at)oracledental.co.uk."

RED (Research & Education in Dentistry) is the dedicated research division of Implantium, a leading UK-based supplier of high-quality, cost-effective dental implants. Run for dentists, by dentists, Implantium is also home to the Implantium Network, a match-making service which helps place patients interested in getting an implant fitted, with skilled dentists in their local area.

Deferring Dental Treatment Unwise, Warns BDA

By: British Dental Association  | 

Concerns about the economic climate are leading patients in England to cancel dental appointments and defer treatments they need, according to research by the British Dental Association (BDA).

The unfortunate knock-on effect of these decisions is an increase in the number of patients presenting at surgeries requiring emergency treatment.

A survey carried out by the BDA found that 59 per cent of dentists questioned had seen their patients cancel appointments, while 68 per cent reported decisions to defer treatment. Unsurprisingly, given these trends, more than a third of practitioners said they had seen an increased demand for emergency treatment during the past twelve months.

Dr Susie Sanderson, Chair of the BDA's Executive Board, said:

"It's understandable that, at a time when there is widespread concern about household finances, some patients' financial anxieties are leading them to defer dental appointments and treatment. Achieving short-term money savings at the expense of longer-term health problems really isn’t wise though. Neglecting your oral health can increase both the complexity of the problems you face and the cost of the treatment you must eventually have. As well, visiting the dentist at appropriate intervals will ensure that you get the help you need to maintain good oral health."