The Aesthetic Team:
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Success
By Ian Taylor, Castle Ceramics Dental Laboratory, Tamworth
The venue for the third BACD Annual Conference was the Britannia Hotel in London Docklands with a wide variety of speakers spread over 3 days, 16th-18th November 2006.
Background to the BACD
As an affiliate of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry the BACD members are part of the world’s largest organisation of cosmetic dental professionals which includes dental technicians: they recognise we play an ever increasing role in today’s cosmetic treatments. Back in spring 2006 I joined as a full member to keep up with the fast changing pace of aesthetic dentistry, and to develop my skills to meet the demands of the dentists interested in smile designs. I have quite a few clients who are members who share a passion for achieving superior aesthetics, and we learn together.
From a dental technician's perspective there is a lot to see and enjoy.
Hands-on Workshops
There was something for everybody, hands-on workshops teaching best practice impression techniques, Academy accreditation, what the examiners will be looking for with guidelines and tips for the dental technician.
- Demonstrations and role play on how to get the best from your camera,
- Dr. Jay Padyachay gave delegates guidance relating to Photographic requirements for BACD dentist and technician Accreditation exam presentations. Accreditation by the BACD is a challenging and rewarding goal and should be considered an incredible learning experience as well. As you refine your photographic technique, you will also be reviewing and critiquing your work! The photographic requirements are critical since it is primarily through a PowerPoint slide presentation that a technician working closely with their dentist demonstrates their ability to achieve excellent clinical results
Speaker Highlights
- Tony Knight, former winner of the Probe Dental Awards ‘Lab of the Year’ presented 3 technologies he uses in his lab, Pressable, CAD CAM and cosmetic imaging.
- Lee Culp shared the podium with Dr. Sesemann. Lee is an outstanding technician; he covered the importance of diagnosis and treatment planning between dental practice and laboratory to achieve of fit, function and form. An excellent presentation lasting all day detailing the clinical and technical restorative processes.
- The finale: Trevor Langchild, dental technician, born in Brighton UK and now lives and works in Toronto Canada. Trevor is totally involved in the treatment plan and helps identify the material selection: From CAD CAM, to layered E-MAX Pressed Ceramic, also of interest:-
• Smile Identification
• Material selection
• Anterior checklist
• Communication
In my opinion his presentation was the highlight of the whole Conference. If you get the chance, go and see him.
The demand for aesthetic and Implant restorations has never been higher and more and more people are willing to pay to have those demands met. Look out for forthcoming BACD events in the dental press.
Coming Soon to BACD
Booked for the 2007 Annual Conference in November; Dr. Ed McLaren (Dentist and Master Ceramist) will be one of the key note speakers, in my opinion, he is worth the entrance fee alone!
