Northern Ireland Dental Show is a blast!
On what was one of the windiest days of the year the DLA hosted Northern Ireland’s Dental Show, a coming together of Northern Ireland’s Dental Care Professionals and Trade. Following the unparalleled success of the 2005 Show, this year’s event was held again at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
The day kicked off with a welcome note from the former Chief Dental Officer of Northern Ireland, Doreen Wilson. In what appeared to be a speech from the heart, Doreen congratulated the DLA on our commitment to developing dental technology events in the province. She went on to discuss the importance of the dental team working together now that all members were being professionally recognised by the General Dental Council.
She also made reference to the change at the Department of Health since her retirement and that in early 2007 she expected announcements to be made regarding a new dental contract for Northern Ireland.
After her speech the NI Chairman, Trevor Dundee, and DLA chairman, Alan Petrie, presented Doreen with a bouquet of flowers and a gift, as a token of our appreciation for all the support she has shown the DLA over the years.
Morning presentations – from statutory registration to Smile Design
The conference then offered a choice of topics.
In the main hall was David Smith talking about statutory registration for dental technicians. His presentation included practical advice on how to complete the application form, information on ethical responsibilities and a time frame for registration.
In the second hall Chris Allen, the CDTA’s Chief Executive, spoke about the future of dental technology and the opportunities open to qualified dental technicians who wish to attend the George Brown Course, now that clinical dental technology has been recognised by the GDC.
And in the third room, Pam Swain, chief exec of the BADN, made a presentation to Northern Ireland’s dental nurses about the specifics of registration for dental nurses and the ways that BADN can assist them in this process.
After morning coffee, all groups assembled together in the main hall for Chris Orr’s presentation. Stephen Ginn from McDowell and Service Dental Laboratory says: “Dr. Christopher Orr gave a thorough presentation on how to promote excellence in cosmetic dentistry.
He explained his concept of Smile Design and the importance at the outset, of visualising the outcome of complex aesthetic cases with the use of study models and diagnostic wax-ups. He emphasised that good communication between the clinician and the technician was the blueprint for success in such cases. Dr. Orr went on to demonstrate the advantages of alternative impression techniques, preparation design and temporisation, and finally showed us the reasons why he favoured certain ceramic restorations over others, before discussing how to fit and finish the cases. Overall, a very informative and entertaining presentation.”
This was followed by lunch with a well-attended dental trade exhibition for the delegates of the conference.
Afternoon presentation – next generation all-ceramic
In the afternoon keynote speaker Oliver Brix gave a presentation on the all-ceramic IPS e.max Ceram. He gave a deep insight into both its composition and its applications. IPS e.max Ceram is a nano-fluorapatite glass-ceramic material, and because it has apatite crystals in the nanometer range, it combines translucency, brightness and opalescence.
Oliver Brix explained that he finds working with the material very rewarding because of its easy handling characteristics and aesthetic potential. Patient demand is driving the challenge to copy nature and match natural shades and in Oliver Brix’s view IPS e.max Ceram fulfils the dream of being able to tackle almost the whole range of indications with a single system. He backed this up with a series of inspiring case studies ranging from single tooth restorations to complete dentures, with reference to minimally invasive treatments such as veneers and cantilever and inlay-retained bridges.
It’s not all hard work you know!
Many lab owners who attend DLA events tell us that while the content of the event is important, getting together with other lab owners and technicians is still one of the biggest attractions. There were many opportunities with a golf tournament, go-kart racing and socialising at the bar.
