Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

abilities. To learn more visit www.makaton.org. I also discussed PECS – Pic- ture exchange Communica- tion System, and how using pictures and words to form a story book and order of treat- ment can reduce anxiety and increase compliance. This topic led nicely into the third speaker of the day Paul Greening who discussed the Mental Capacity Act. Here he discussed the learning dif- ficulty and communication is- sues when it came to many pa- tient groups, including those with dementia. With one in three over 65s going to die with some form of dementia, this is a real and relevant topic for discussion with all dental professionals, not just those in Special Needs Units. He ex- plained the three criteria for consent very well and in an easy to understand form. The criteria he discussed were: • Can I understand what you are saying to me? • Can I remember it for a pe- riod of time and weigh the information? • Can I come to a conclusion? • Can I communicate this to you? If the answer is no to any of these questions then you can- not assume patient consent. In this situation, you either need to seek consent from a party with authority, not al- ways the parents, family or carers, or ask for someone to come and act as an independ- ant on the patients behalf. They would ask the questions and help you to come to the right choice for the patient. There are exceptions to this rule. When the patient’s life is in immediate danger then the healthcare professional will be allowed to make the decision in their patient’s best interests. I would feel this would be a rare occur- rence in dentistry. There are also the considerations re- quired for when the patient was able to decide previously but is now no longer able. That patient may have had very clear opinions on cer- tain forms of treatment and if aware of their condition its rate of deterioration, made and Advanced Capacity for Treatments document with their attorney where they documented their wishes while still able. All of the talks and prob- lems they looked at were re- solved with good understand- ing and communication with the patient. Communicating with someone with a disabil- ity and or learning difficulty cannot be achieved by speak- ing louder and more slowly! The day was incred- ibly positive and showed a great respect and desire for good quality treatment for this ever expanding patient group. What it also highlight- ed to me was a need for good postgraduate lectures, work- shops and training in this field to better serve us in the dental profession which in turn will better serve the pa- tient to obtain and maintain a good level of oral health; our ultimate goal. DT DCPs page 18DTß MicroThread™ – biomechanical bone stimulation OsseoSpeed™ – more bone more rapidly Conical Seal Design™ – a strong and stable fit Connective Contour™ – increased soft tissue contact zone and volume BioManagement Complex™ The success of an implant system cannot be determined by one single feature alone. Just as with all natural systems, the delicate balance is maintained by  the interaction of different but equally important features. The ASTRA TECH Implant System supports this natural balance through a unique combination of interdependent features – the ASTRA TECH Implant System BioManagement Complex™ . It is designed to ensure long-term clinical success by stimulating bone growth, providing bone preservation, soft tissue health and architecture. To put it simply: function, beauty and biology in perfect harmony. DENTSPLY Implants UK & Ireland, Brunel Way, Stonehouse, GL10 3GB Phone: +44 (0)845 450 0586 Fax: +44 (0)1453 793200 Email: implants.uk@dentsply.com Web: www.dentsplyimplants.co.uk 78786-GB-1208 BioManagement Complex .indd 1 26/10/2012 15:24:55 November 12 - 18, 2012United Kingdom Edition “If the answer is no to any of these ques- tions then you cannot assume patient consent.” 20 About the author Mhari Cox- on. Mhari has 20 years’ experience in dentistry, working as a nurse, re- c e p t i o n i s t , oral health advisor and ultimately hygienist in a variety of practice environments. She is passionate about her profession. At present, she works as Senior Professional Relations Manager for Philips Oral Healthcare and clinically as a hygienist in central London. In 2006 she was the Dental Awards hygienist of the year, and was highly commended in 2010. 2011 saw her placed 15 in the Dentistry Top 50 most influential people in the UK.