Dental Tribune South African Edition

10 Press Releases Dental Tribune South African Edition - October 2013 Wright Millners Undergoes a Brand Transformation Since our inception in 1903, we’ve come a long way since our green and gold days as Millners Dental Suppliers. You may have noticed a recent colour change to our logo from green and yellow to blue and grey. With the recent focus on Swoosh branded products, we have made the decision to align our company branding with that of Wright Cottrell. This new logo, although a simple colour change, reinforces Wright Millners as a recognisable, global brand under the Wright Health Group. Jill Rethman, Cristina Cadima, Mário Rui Araújo, Tjeerd Blom and Dagmar Else Slot - winners of the Sunstar World Dental Hygienist Awards. Oral hygienists help prevent “biggest killers” According to Professor Robin Seymour, keynote speaker at the 19th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) being held in South Africa this week, oral hygienists can “help prevent some of the biggest killers of our time” due to the link between oral health and systemic diseases such as heart disease and poor pregnancy outcomes. Seymour was addressing around 600 delegates from 30 countries who have gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to share the latest oral health techniques, products and research. He advised dental professionals to warn their patients that “if you ignore what is going on in your mouth you do so at your own peril.” He also stated that a health care system that treated oral diseases effectively could save a fortune on cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medication. The theme of the Symposium, which is being held for the first time on the African continent, is ‘Oral health - Vital Link in Achieving Total Health’. Seymour’s lecture discussed the strong evidence on poor oral health as a risk factor for coronary heart disease and low birth-weight babies. He said it has also been linked to a long list of conditions including poor diabetic control, Alzheimer’s disease, some types of cancer, male and female infertility, obesity, stroke, pulmonary infections, and erectile dysfunction. “Dental hygienists are increasingly recognised as health care professionals who play an important preventative role,” said Jill Rethman, Director of the Sunstar Foundation and spokesperson for Sunstar GUM, principal sponsor of the ISDH. The 2013 Sunstar World Dental Hygienist Awards recipients presented their winning papers, showcasing the serious academic credentials of modern-day dental hygienists. The winners are Dagmar Else Slot from Holland, Mário Rui Araújo and Cristina Cadima from Portugual and Tjeerd Blom also from Holland who won the Student Research Category for his review of research on the effect of mouth rinses on oral malodour. Seymour said that dental health is entering a new era and dental professionals should be recognised for the role they play in health care delivery. “Periodontal disease is readily treatable and readily preventable. The potential impact of dental care on several life threatening conditions should place it higher on the health care agenda.” International Symposium on Dental Hygiene – 14 to 17 August 2013, South Africa Dr Rucastle and his new Stern Weber S280TRC Dental Chair. Istrodent would like to congratulate Dr Rucastle for the purchasing of the first Stern Weber S280TRC in South Africa. Dr Rucastle’s new surgery in Benoni boasts some of the best equipment and diagnostic tools in the industry. The modern design of his surgery which is full of vibrant colours will ensure that all his patients feel relaxed and comfortable at all times. We wish him many years of success and happiness in using his new chair. Istrodent sells first Stern Weber S280TRC in South Africa