Dental Tribune United Kindom Edition

L-R - Tania and Hannah O’Dowd A snapshot of Keith’s journey July 30 - August 5, 20122 News United Kingdom Edition T he number of cross- generational orthodon- tic treatments is on the rise, according to the British Lingual Orthodontic Society (BLOS). Members of the society are reporting more instances of parents and children embark- ing on treatment together and sharing advice on their braces, their hygiene and their diet, as well as going to the practice together for shared appoint- ments. Tania O’Dowd and her daughter Hannah are a clas- sic example of the new trend. They have lent their brace- free smiles to a new leaf- let produced by the British Lingual Orthodontic Society (BLOS). The leaflet highlights why lingual braces are such an attractive method of teeth straightening, for both patients and professionals. Angela Auluck is a member of the BLOS committee and she is currently treating a moth- er, father and daughter from the same family. “The mother brought the daughter for an appointment and decided she would opt for lingual braces while her daughter had con- ventional braces. Then when the father realised he could have treatment without anyone knowing, he decided to have lingual braces too!” Lingual braces have all the advantages of fixed braces but are conveniently placed be- hind the teeth to remove any potential for embarrassment. Research carried out over the last few years also shows that lingual braces are have other benefits. Buccal surfaces are considered to be more caries prone than lingual surfaces. Furthermore, lingual brackets are shaped to fit the morphol- ogy of the teeth and seal almost the entire surface. One study completed in 2012 on groups of young people shows that lin- gual treatment is less damag- ing to the health of the teeth. The researchers analysed for white spot lesions (WSL) and the number of WSL that developed or progressed on buccal surfaces was 4.8 times higher than the number of WSL that developed or pro- gressed on lingual surfaces. In short, decalcification was near- ly five times more likely and over 10 times worse with a labi- al appliance than a lingual one. The other significant differ- ence is in what is achievable with lingual appliances com- pared to clear aligner systems. Research published last year showed the difference between what was planned and what was achieved with lingual ap- pliances was minimal. Baz Parmar, Chairman of BLOS, commented: “Many of our members are seeing the same trend of parents and children going into treatment together.” DT Cross-generational orthodontic treatments on the rise K eith Pearson, President of the British Orthodontic Society is raising funds for research which will be targeted at finding the evidence base for the value and importance of ortho- dontic treatment to patients, both young and old. This will directly benefit all those in clinical prac- tice, for in the years to come pres- sures will mount on the funding of the provision of such treatment, particularly within the NHS. Keith, who is an Orthodontic Specialist in practice in Becken- ham, Kent, is currently walking as a ‘pilgrim’ along the way of St James to Santiago de Compostela for a total of nine days and cover- ing 180km to reach Santiago de Compostela where the European Orthodontic Meeting is being held later in June 2012. The BOS has been in com- munication with Keith during his walk and in one of his more plain- tive missives he reports: “Walked all day Sunday. High winds and cold temperatures. Stayed in Mo- linesca overnight. Walked on to O, Cebreiro mainly uphill all day and indrivingrain,totallysoakedlook- ing like a drowned rat tonight.” Another entry reads: “Over- night in O,Cebeiro a very small village built almost entirely of graniteandconsideredtobeoneof the wettest and windiest in Spain! Tuesday. Slightly less arduous in that the weather has improved but still overcast and cold but only drizzle today. Overnight in a rectory just outside Sarria, home cooking and absolutely wonderful, I might even come back here!” He also reports: “Wednesday a very long day made easier by the sunshine at long last! Tonight in Portomarin, a town which was rebuilt, having been transported up the valley which was later flooded to create a huge reservoir. Tonight’s accommodation not too good as the room resembles a large garden shed with integral shower cubicle, but at least it’s a bed for the night.” The vital funds brought in by Keith’s Herculean effort will make a significant contribution to future orthodontic research. There is still time to applaud Keith’s mo- tives - and his stamina, by donat- ing to The BOS President’s Fund. Please visit www.justgiving.com/ KeithPearsonsWalk. Alternatively cheques can be made payable to BOSF and sent in an envelope marked for ‘The President’s Fund’ BOS Head Office, 12 Bridewell Place, London EC4V 6AP. Anyone who would like to contact Keith about the walk or the President’s Fund can do so by emailing to pearsonkj@ aol.com. He will report back about his walk and the amount of money raised at the end of June. DT Walking the footsteps of saints T he Department is consult- ing on a new adult safe- guarding power. As stated on the Department of Health web- site: “Our aim for adult safe- guarding is to ensure there is a clear legal and policy frame- work, enabling the most effective local arrangements and practices to protect adults at risk of abuse and neglect. “We have based our approach to new safeguarding interven- tions with reference to the Law Commission’s recommendation that new legislation “should not include any new compulsory or emergency powers unless Gov- ernment decides that such powers areneeded”(Recommendation41, page 122, Adult Social Care: Law Commission No 326). “We do not want to intervene in people’s lives unnecessar- ily. However, we are aware of the strong feeling from some that a specific power of entry in the cir- cumstances set out in this consul- tation could give an opportunity to offer timely information and ad- vice, and ensure that people who are unable or unwilling to ask for help can have their voices heard. “Through this consultation we are seeking evidence from your experience as to whether this would be an effective, proportion- ate and appropriate way to sup- port the duty to make enquires proposed in the draft Care and Support Bill.” The consultation will run from 11 July until 12 Octo- ber 2012. Comments received after 12 October 2012 will not be considered. Please submit your com- ments by email to safeguarding- consultation@dh.gsi.gov.uk or by post to: Quality and Safety Team, Department of Health, 124 Wel- lington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG. To download the Consultation on New Safeguarding Power PDF visit www.dh.gov.uk/health http:// www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/07/ safeguardingadults/ DT • Smile-on and KSS Deanery have come together to pro- duce Vulnerable Patients, an eLearning resource which addresses the role of dental, other healthcare profession- als, and carers in safeguard- ing the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Featuring 1.5 hours of CPD, this pro- gramme will help dental profes- sionals identify potential signs of abuse and neglect and under- stand what to do when you sus- pect abuse. The programme also gives guidance on how to treat vulnerable patients in prac- tice and the issues surrounding treatment ie consent and hy- giene instruction. For more information call Smile-on 020 7400 8989 or email info@smile-on.com. Consultation on a new adult safeguarding power