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10 Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition | 10/2016 TRENDS & APPLICATIONS “The question is: Are clinics going to allow time for change?” An interview with dental hygienist-therapist Theodora Little, London About six months ago, London- based dental hygienist-therapist Theodora Little spoke openly about an issue that many dental clinics are facing right now: how are den- tal hygienists able to undertake essential care and thorough oral hy- giene instructions in 20- to 30-min- ute appointments? In an interview at the BDIA Dental Showcase in London in the UK this year, Theo- dora introduced to a new preven- tion concept, individual training of oral prophylaxis, that will empower patients to maintain their oral health and thereby ultimately pre- vent dental disease. Dental Tribune: Theodora, you grad- uated from King’s College London in 2013 with a diploma in dental hygiene and therapy. Why did you see a need to speak up for a change in oral hygiene instructions among dental professionals? Theodora Little: We all want to do the best for our patients, but unfortunately, owing to time constraints that we have imple- mented here in the UK, it is not possible to carry out effective and thorough oral hygiene along- side education. During my time at university, our oral hygiene instruction training was very theory-based, with a few repre- sentatives visiting to demonstrate and provide different products. Unfortunately, we did not receive any interactive practical training on brushing with an instructor, which was a shame. I learnt more about the different techniques that have been used and recom- mended over the past years. This is why individually trained oral prophylaxis, or the iTOP pro- gramme, has become more im- portant than ever. ITOP involves touch to teach demonstrations with patients, alongside verbal and visual education on the tech- niques and products, all of which help motivate and empower pa- tients to feel confident and posi- tive about brushing. You say that iTOP changes the way patients are treated—both person- ally and clinically. Yes, because one goes back to the basics and prevention is, after all, the main priority. We do not want to be seen as contributors to this drill, fill and bill philosophy. iTOP combines relationship build- ing through thorough communi- cation and education, including touch to teach. If we can take dentistry back to the basic aspect of prevention based on this phi- losophy, then we can help prevent dental disease and empower our patients to then implement pre- ventative measures on a daily basis at home. Do dental practices really have the time to implement this plan? In the UK, most dental hygien- ists have 20- to 30-minute ap- pointments. I have worked to this pressured schedule in the past, so I understand how difficult it can be to educate, carry out thorough oral hygiene and answer any ques- tions a patient may have. I was left feeling empty at the end of each day and questioned whether I was really helping and making a difference to my patients. I am now fortunate, as I work in a clinic where we have hourly appoint- mentsinordertoprovideaunique and tailored preventative service. Communication is key to success- ful education and oral hygiene; therefore, it should be a priority and hygienists should be given ad- equate time for delivery thereof. If one can educate the patient, prevention will follow and sub- sequent conveyor belt appoint- ments will be eradicated. Unfortu- nately, many people do not like change, but it is sometimes neces- sary for long-term benefits. A while ago, Chief Dental Officer for England Dr Sara Hurley said that one does not need to visit the den- tist twice a year. What do you think about this? As a hygienist-therapist from a prevention perspective, I prefer to see a patient on a regular basis. We are all human and it can be dif- ficult sometimes with life’s twists and turns to continue with a daily habit. I find habits can easily be broken when something of greater importance pops up. Therefore, many patients need regular super- vision and fresh motivation, espe- cially if they have had periodontal disease in the past. That is why I love working in a clinic that fo- cuses on prevention and individ- ual training, as I can help facilitate positive change in my patients’ lives. The way I am able to work has also changed my treatments and approach to dental hygiene. I would not feel happy working in a clinic where they offer 20-minute appointments; I would feel that I was not able to do the best for my patients, so how would I even be able to communicate with them? I have many friends who have been in this situation and I do not feel it is fair on our profession to work in this pressured manner. In addition, some patients are still frightened of visiting a den- tist, but feel comfortable seeing the dental hygienist. In the UK, as a hygienist-therapist, I too can check on the same areas as the dentist, take radiographs and make a diagnosis; therefore, many dental-phobic patients can still receive information on their oral condition. However, the priority Theodora Little © DTI “We do not want to be seen as contributors to this drill, fill and bill philosophy.” Programme summary • Designed for newly qualified dentists and experienced practitioners working in general practice. • Develops technical, diagnostic and treatment planning skills to practice modern clinical operative dentistry. • Delivers a blend of practical training, clinical practice under supervision, and seminars. Programme details • A new postgraduate diploma offered by King’s College London and King’s College Hospital. • Designed by the Department of Restorative Dentistry and taught by leading experts in Operative Dentistry. • 44 contact days over two years at the Dental Institute’s Denmark Hill Campus. Diploma in Operative Dentistry A new two-year, part-time course, starting April 2017 An opportunity to enhance youroperative skills while continuing to work in practice Find out more and apply: www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/operative-dentistry-pg-dip.aspx AD