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13Perio TribuneNovember 29-December 5, 2010United Kingdom Edition W arning – this is not an evidence based clini- cal abstract. This is an article based on 15+ years of experience in practice growing and developing, providing a pre- ventative regime that empowers both your team and the client in a profitable manner. Those who have the perfect preventative based practice can thankfully stop reading now (that doesn’t include me you know, there is always room to improve). Changing attitudes Dentistry has been a ‘see the problem - name the problem - fix the problem’ profession for a very long time. We were condi- tioned that way while in our safe institutions and find it hard to move to a preventative approach to our health care when we tran- sition to general practice and the time constraints and attitudes that come with it. With growing evidence show- ing common sense links with our systemic health (if you had an inflamed, suppurating, bacteria covered area on your arm the size of an egg you would expect to feel ill so why would it not be the same for the same size le- sion in the mouth?!) and our oral health we as a profession need to improve our prevention led prac- tice. This is clearly best practice. “But we do it already” I hear us all cry. “You are reinventing the wheel Mhari!” If this was the case then the incidence of peri- odontal disease and caries in the population would be decreasing, as would the incidence of litiga- tion against dental professionals in relation to periodontal issues and undiagnosed caries. It is not easy to look at what we are not doing and seek to improve but it is the only way we, as clinicians and as practices can develop and progress. The right foundations The first time your patient spends in your practice will affect how they feel about treatment and how happy they will be at the end of treatment. How much in- formation you glean from them can determine the level of suc- cess with each client. In my opinion, supported by its success in our practice, a short interview in a non-dental environment can be very useful before the patient even sets eyes on the dentist. Our receptionist, oral health advisor, hygienist and nurse can all carry out this interview and are trained to listen and repeat to show that the patients wants, needs and concerns are being understood and will be presented to the dentist. Our patient’s feedback to us is that they feel happier knowing that they have someone who knows how they feel to support them. How many times have you been to see a consultant or spe- cialist and forgotten all the things you wanted to ask. “White coat syndrome” can happen to the best of us so why should our pa- tients be immune? Using staff to provide a supportive and inform- ative role can make the patient happier and your day as a dentist more rewarding. Examples of questionnaire questions: When was that last time you had any dental treat- ment? What was your main rea- son for your visit today? Do you feel you have good dental health? Do your gums bleed? Are you sensitive to hot/cold/sweet? Do you have any worries about your mouth or treatment? Big up your team It is difficult to appreciate the role of preventative treatment as a patient and it is vital that you convey that importance and the skills of your team if you want to have a success with that cli- A prevention-based approach Mhari Coxon looks at moving your practice to prevention based dentistry as best practice page 14DTà For more information, contact BioHorizons Customer Care: +44 (0)1344 752560 or visit us online at www.biohorizons.com Laser-Lok 3.0 is the first 3mm implant that incorporates Laser-Lok technology to create a biologic seal and maintain crestal bone on the implant collar1 . Designed specifically for limited spaces in the aesthetic zone, the Laser-Lok 3.0 comes with a broad array of prosthetic options making it the perfect choice for high profile cases. SPMP10109 REV B MAY 2010 1. Radiographic Analysis of Crestal Bone Levels on Laser-Lok Collar Dental Implants. CA Shapoff, B Lahey, PA Wasserlauf, DM Kim, IJPRD, Vol 30, No 2, 2010. 2. Initial clinical efficacy of 3-mm implants immediately placed into function in conditions of limited spacing. Reddy MS, O’Neal SJ, Haigh S, Aponte-Wesson R, Geurs NC. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2008 Mar-Apr;23(2):281-288. 3. Human Histologic Evidence of a Connective Tissue Attachment to a Dental Implant. M Nevins, ML Nevins, M Camelo, JL Boyesen, DM Kim. International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry. Vol. 28, No. 2, 2008. • Two-piece 3mm design offers restorative flexibility in narrow spaces. • 3mm threadform shown to be effective when immediately loaded.2 • Laser-Lok microchannels create a physical connective tissue attachment (unlike Sharpey fibers).3 Treat small spaces with confidence Introducing the Laser-Lok® 3.0 implant For more information, contact BioHorizons Customer Care: Radiograph shows proper implant spacing in limited site. Laser-Lok 3.0 placed in aesthetic zone. Image courtesy of Michael Reddy, DDS Image courtesy of Cary Shapoff, DDS Laser-Lok 3.0 placed in Treat small spaces with confidence spaces with confidence spaces with Introducing the Laser-LokIntroducing the Laser-Lok® 3.0 implant3.0 implant