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7NewsUnited Kingdom Edition November 29-December 5, 2010United Kingdom Edition A s part of the 2010 BDTA Dental Showcase, Denp- lan was recognised as the winner of Exhibiting Magazine’s ‘Best Large Stand’ category! Exhibiting is the UK’s lead- ing exhibition and events maga- zine, which conducted an inde- pendent review of all the stands at this year’s showcase. Editor, James Barrett, com- mented that: “The Denplan brand was very well represented by its stand and staff. Staff were bright and attentive and the stand design, promotional givea- ways and staff attire all linked in to its brand values and image.” The Denplan stand asked “Do you do Denplan?” and demonstrated that it is the only dental payment plan brand that consumers can ask for by name. Denplan’s Managing Director, Steve Gates added: “Our stand this year was designed to high- light the unique benefit that our brand offers members. “The BDTA has been a great success for us this year and this award is the icing on the cake, recognising the team spirit and hard work of our Events team and all the staff on the stand.” DT Denplan Awarded ‘Best Large Stand’ at BDTA A dental practice in Sur- rey is offering free screenings for oral can- cer to support Mouth Cancer Action Month. Throughout November, the Montrose Smile Studio in Mon- trose Avenue, Whitton, is offer- ing patients a free screening test, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month. As has been stressed through- out Mouth Cancer Action Month, oral cancer is fast becoming com- mon in the UK, however, many people are unaware of the symp- toms and signs to look out for; consequently many are failing to see a doctor or dentist until their condition is at an advanced stage. Therefore, the aim of the campaign is to promote regular appointments in order to ensure early detection and treatment. The Montrose Smile Studio is raising awareness by using the slogan which accompanies the campaign ‘If in doubt, get checked out’; in addition to the screening programme, the surgery is also providing patients with leaflets and information about symptoms and causes of oral cancer. Dr Nigel Carter, from the British Dental Health Foun- dation, is urging members of the public to see their dentist for a check-up every six to twelve months. It is be- ing asked that people keep an eye out for symptoms of oral cancer and make positive changes to their lifestyle hab- its, in order to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Drinking regularly and smok- ing have been identified as the major risk factors of oral cancer and a poor diet, lacking in fruit and vegetables, can also increase the risk. Symptoms and signs to look out for include red or white patches in the mouth, unusual swelling or lumps in the throat or mouth and sores which do not heal for a long time. DT Free screening for oral cancer A t the recent BDTA Show- case Sally Simpson, (pic- tured), was installed as the new President of the Brit- ish Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy, BSDHT. Sally takes over from Marina Harris. who has completed her two-year term. Sally has been a member of the BSDHT from when she was a student at King’s College in Lon- don in 1995 where she was study- ing to be a dental hygienist. She subsequently joined her BSDHT regional committee and held the positions of Honorary Treasurer and Regional Representative on the National Council. Since then Sally has acted as a consultant to the dental trade industry, work- ing closely in the development of equipment aimed at the DCP markets and has been a mem- ber of the Executive Committee for the last four years. Sally be- came President Elect two years ago and will serve a two-year term as President. Speaking at the Annual Gen- eral Assembly of Members Sally said: “ It is an honour and a privi- lege to become BSDHT President, I am committed to representing the views of our membership, promoting our profession and organisation, and continuing the work of past presidents and ex- ecutives in further developing relationships with other major organisations in Dentistry and Healthcare.” The President of the BSDHT, leads an Executive Committee of 10 that is responsible for the day- to-day management of the Soci- ety. The President also heads the BSDHT Council, which ratifies recommendations made by the Executive, sets budgets and en- sures that the aims of the Society are being met. The British Society of Den- tal Hygiene & Therapy, BSDHT (formerly British Dental Hygien- ists’ Association, BDHA) was set up in 1949 by a group of 12 den- tal hygienists who felt the time was right to organise a profes- sional association to represent the interests of their profession. More than 60 years later, the BSDHT is a nationally recognised body that represents more than 4,000 members across the UK and beyond. The Society’s aims are to: • Represent members at national level, particularly in the political arena. • Provide services to members. • Support members on issues which affect their working lives. • Produce a publication that edu- cates, updates and inspires. • Provide CPD opportunities, both locally and nationally. • Help members to find employ- ment and provide guidance on contractual matters, as well as salaries, and access to a 24/7 le- gal helpline. • Listen to members and respond accordingly. DT New BSDHT President