Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

March 14-20, 2011United Kingdom Edition 50 years of Sensodyne® innovation 1961-2011 Leading the way with Sensodyne F or the last 50 years Sen- sodyne has been at the forefront of scientific innovation into the aetiology, treatment and prevention of dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear. In Janu- ary 2011 GlaxoSmithKline celebrated 50 Years of Senso- dyne innovation by hosting a 50th anniversary symposi- um in Madrid, Spain. Experts in the field of dentistry and dental research discussed the past, present and most im- portantly the future of oral health, each presenting a pro- spective from their own field of specialism. Principal Speakers The principal speakers at the symposia included Professor Francis Hughes,1 Professor J.M (‘bob’) ten Cate,2 Professor David Bartlett3 and Professor Martin Addy. 4 All speakers agreed that dentistry had come a long way in 50 years however good oral health for all is a challenge and can only be achieved by linking treatment to patient needs. “Research into genetic profil- ing holds many possibilities.” fessor Fr a n - c i s Hughes1 . Oral Health prevention, a relatively neglected area of glo- bal health, is now key and com- mitment is needed by policy makers to prevent chronic dis- eases. “The effectiveness and contribution of fluoride tooth- pastes are undisputed, however in the future priorities should include ‘Better’ or ‘Smarter’ products that improve compli- ance, availability and afford- ability. Every one can learn to brush- however a paradigm shift in prevention needs to oc- cur, as caries prevention is very dependent on fluoride.” Profes- sor J.M (‘bob’) ten Cate2 “In future there will be re- duced government funding for dentistry practice and research, therefore there is a need for Industry and University col- laboration with research focused on clinical needs and realistic outcomes. Prevention of erosion needs changes to formulation of toothpastes which actively protect enamel and dentine from acids”. Pro- fessor David Bartlett3 “Tradionally there has been a lack of understanding of the aetiology of hypersensi- tivity and gingival recession. For dentists to offer advice they need to be educated and Industry has a role”. Profes- sor Martin Addy4 . Professor Addy called for further re- search that is fully scientifi- cally founded. “Many clinical trials on treatments for den- tine hypersensitivity belong in the realms of testimonials. Ar- eas for improvement include Objective Evaluation Criteria, better controls and evidence of stimulus response and thera- peutic action. There is a need to be able to really magnify and visualise Dentine ei- ‘Every one can learn to brush - however a paradigm shift in prevention needs to occur’ Prof Barlett & Drs Mason, Barlow and Earl take audience questions