BiteBetter Business for dentists

Issue 54, June 2011, $5.95 InC. GsT

Pr

int

Po

st

AP

Pr

ov

ed

no

: 255

003/

0751

2

The holisticpicturedr ron ehrlich’s holistic revelation

Budget blues The government gives with one hand, takes away with the other, and the profession is grateful

Improving your image The cutting-edge of imaging technology is all in one place in Adelaide, page 30

Tools of the trade:The ultimate dry vacuum system; the best soft-tissue laser, and much, much more …

That’s amoré! Dr Dean Martin sings the songs of Frank Sinatra, page 42

Money isn’t everythingBut it does affect how often you see a dentist. Page 8

1637-09_AA_A-dec 500_Harmony_Bite Mag_1A.indd 1 9/03/11 10:30 AM

News & events05. States in disarrayThe difference a dentist makes. ALSO THIS MONTH: Brits say they prefer spiders to oral health; new studies say dentistry is expensive for some; what’s going on at AHPRA? Colgate doubles its committment to the Bright Smiles program; what’s happening in Rio (and the rest of Brazil, for that matter); and much, much more …

The connectorDr Ron Ehrlich’s interest in treating stress symptoms has led him down a road to a highly successful holistic practice

20Cover story

Features

Your world16. Budget bluesWith last month’s

Federal Budget, the government has given

with one hand and taken away with the other

Your business26. Cultural implant

An Indian dentist found two of the key differences

between his home and Australia was lawyers and

the expectations of patients

30. Perfect imaging A state-of-the art

imaging service in Adelaide is showing

patients what’s possible with the latest technology

34. Finance product guideEverything you need to

know about finance for your practice, just in time for the

end of the financial year

Your tools14. New products

The latest and greatest gear including NUPRO®

Sensodyne® Prophylaxis Paste and Filtek™ Supreme

XTE Flowable Restorative, and much more

39. Tools of the tradeThe ultimate dry vacuum system; the cutting-edge

of soft-tissue lasers; ProxoStrips, and more are

under review this month

Your life46. Passions

Dr Dean Martin, ironically, likes to sing the songs of

Frank Sinatra (but not those of Dean Martin). He shares

his passion with us

Contents

Issue 67 / June 2011

16

Bite 3

Editorial Director Rob Johnson

Sub-editor Lucy Robertson

Contributors Sharon Aris, Nicole Azzopardi, Kerryn Ramsey, Lucy Robertson, Maureen Shelley, Gary Smith

Creative Director Tim Donnellan

Commercial Director Mark Brown

For all editorial or advertisingenquiries:Phone (02) 9660 6995 Fax (02) 9518 5600

info@bitemagazine.com.auSuite 4.08, The Cooperage 56 Bowman Street Pyrmont NSW 2009

Bite magazine is published 11 times a year by Engage Media, ABN 50 115 977 421. Views expressed in Bite magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Engage Media.

Printing by Superfine Printing.

39

14

30

26

This month

08

04

Co

ver

ph

oto

gra

pp

h b

y R

ich

ard

Bir

ch

7,714 - CAB Audited as at March, 2011

Photo for illustration purposes only

Includes….

As easy as A + B + C + D As easy as A + B + C + D Ultimate Choice Package Ultimate Choice Package

Anthos Classe A3Anthos Classe A3 DENTAL UNITDENTAL UNIT

*International / Continental

*Full cuspidor unit chair mounted

*PRO 01 Assistants table on articulated arm

*Timed cup filler and spittoon flush

*2 4-way Midwest modules

*Doctor and Nurses 3 way syringe

*Foot control

*Programmable chair positions

*Venus operating light chair

*A1 Patient chair with large backrest

Plus you choose…Plus you choose… An item from each category (see left):

B + C + DB + C + D Example : B + C + D could be - B) Anthos My Ray RxAc X-Ray C) Cattani Turbo Jet 1 Suction Motor D) Mocom B+ Autoclave

or or

or

or

K100 Compressor RX AC X-Ray CU2 USB Camera

Turbo Jet 1 Suction Motor

17ltr B+ Autoclave

3 x Bien Air CA 1:1 Slowspeeds

2 x Bien Air Unifix Couplings

4 x Bien Air LED Blackline Highspeeds

QUALITY VERSATILITY RELIABILITY SERVICE QUALITY VERSATILITY RELIABILITY SERVICE QUALITY VERSATILITY RELIABILITY SERVICE

1300 881 617 VIC NSW QLD SA WA See the full range of our equipment at any of our showrooms in:

Visit www.anthos.com.au E: info@anthos.com.au

Inbuilt Piezon Scaler

Pricing is correct at time of printing,

Anthos in Australia reserves the right

to adjust pricing without notice.

Delivery and installation is additional

1 x Bien Air Aquilon 830 Micromotor

A new report proves how often you visit the dentist has a direct impact on your oral health

A report released last month by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) confirms big differences in the oral health of Australian

adults depending on whether they visit the dentist regularly or not.

The report, Dental attendance patterns and oral health status, uses findings from the 2004-2006 National Survey of Adult Oral Health to show that adults with an unfavourable pattern of dental attendance have poorer oral health than those with a favourable attendance pattern.

The ‘favourable’ group includes about 40 per cent of Australian adults who have a usual dental care provider whom they visit at least once a year for a check-up.

The ‘unfavourable’ group, which includes nearly 30 per cent of Australian adults, visit varying dentists infrequently and usually for a dental problem. The re-maining ‘intermediate’ group (30 per cent) have a mixed pattern of attendance.

“While the pattern of dental attendance that people displayed did not lead to variations in the lifetime experience of dental decay, the way that decay has been managed varied significantly,” said Professor John Spencer of the AIHW’s

Dental Statistics and Research Unit. “Those with an unfavourable pattern of

dental attendance had more than three times the level of untreated decayed teeth and 1.6 times more teeth missing due to dental decay than those with a favourable pattern of attendance. Those seeking regular dental check-ups were more likely to have dental decay treated promptly, which led to less untreated decay, fewer extractions and more teeth restored.”

Gum disease was also more frequent among adults with an unfavourable pat-tern of visiting the dentist.

Adults with an unfavourable pattern of dental attendance were also more likely to report barriers to accessing dental care. In particular, they were three times more likely to report avoiding or delaying dental care due to the cost, having diffi-culty paying a $100 dental bill, and being very afraid or distressed when making a dental visit.

The number of adults with an unfa-vourable visiting pattern is sizeable and widespread across the whole population. However, unfavourable visiting is more frequent among younger adults, men, the uninsured and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and areas.

If you see this regularly, you have better oral health than a third of the population.

The difference a dentist makes

Bite 5

Dental anxiety is on the agenda in Britain following surveys by the British Dental Health Founda-tion that suggest that visiting the dentist makes people more nervous than snakes or spiders. The research echoes last month’s Adult Dental Health Survey which revealed half of adults were classified as having moderate to extreme dental anxiety.

The Foundation asked 1004 people what made them most nervous from a list including heights, flying, injections, doctors, snakes, spiders, going to hospital and visiting the dentist.

Over one in five people rated visiting their dentist as the thing that made them most nervous. Overall, statistically, heights topped the poll of biggest fears, closely followed by visiting the dentist and going to the hospital. Snakes were rated fourth and spiders came fifth.

The Adult Dental Health Survey points to having a tooth drilled or having a local anaes-thetic injection as raising anxiety levels in patients.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief execu-tive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “Everyone in the profession knows that dental anxiety is a major barrier for many people to visit their dentist. What may prove concerning is just how poorly the profession rates in comparison to doctors. The comparison with snakes and spiders may appear frivolous, but it does suggest we still have a lot of work to do to build public confidence. The issue of anxiety affects everyone in the profession. Collectively we need to work together.”

Brits prefer spiders to oral health

05

News bites

CareDent, Australia’s own oral care company, has been growing rapidly, with four new products recently added to its list of brands.

CareDent comes of age

Launching four new products in the last 12 months, expanding its

export business, and increasing sales overall, CareDent, Australia’s own oral care company desperately needed to expand its warehousing at its base in Hornsby on Sydney’s north shore.

Recently adding over 3500 cubic metres of warehouse, CareDent can confidently continue to offer the logistics that have been the cornerstone of its products success since the brands inception in 1992. CareDent supplies toothpaste, brushes, floss, interdental brushes and dental accessories to dentists, supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores across Australia and to a growing list of export markets,

New product introductions to the CareDent range in the past few months include toothbrushes; Sensitive Ultra-Soft, HastyPasty and S-Class and the highly innovative, Slides interdental brushes.

Sensitive Ultra-Soft Toothbrush With people maintaining

their dentition longer there is an increasing incidence of patients presenting with thinning enamel, receding gum lines and general sensitivity. With a specially developed splitting process which increases the number of bristle tips fourfold, CareDent’s Sensitive Ultra-Soft toothbrush delivers a soft but thorough cleaning action. The fine bristles penetrate the fissures in the surface of the teeth and the interdental spaces, massaging the gum at the same time.

HastyPastyPre-pasted toothbrush developed to provide a simple, time and cost effective solution to pre-

examination cleaning. With a low foaming mint dentifrice Hasty Pasty is the perfect single use product for when patients present with less than perfectly clean teeth.

HastyPasty brushes are not just for pre-examination cleaning but the compact head and pre-pasted brush prove popular with children and a useful tool when starting youngsters brushing.Each HastyPasty brush comes in its own cello pack and in a variety of colours.

S-Class Toothbrush Introduced into the CareDent range to allow dentists to offer their patients a modern

looking brush with a bi-material handle, compact head and soft bristles, delivering a thorough and effective clean every time. The handles can be customised with surgery details if required.

Slides Universally sized interdental brushes with coated wire and super soft nylon bristles. Slides come packed in a hygienic carry case with sliding window allowing for easy removal of each brush from the comb of 10 brushes. The unique foil mirror on each pack is especially appealing to female users who appreciate the convenience and practicality.

CareDent’s range of oral health products just keeps growing.

06

News from our partners

6 Bite

Diamond

RubySapphireE x p e r i e n

Recommend biotène as your first choice for dry mouth relief

dry mouth relief

So, when talking to your patients, think

rug check – are they taking three or more medications?

ecommend the biotène® system – helps to relieve dry mouth.

ou can make the difference to their quality of life.

If your patients are taking more than three medications, they are 50% more likely to experience

dry mouth.2 With over 500 drugs causing this condition,3 dental professionals can most certainly

play a role in managing the symptoms.

References: 1. Better Health Victoria in consultation with ADA Victoria, www.adavb.net 2. Sreebny LM, et al. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1989; 68: 419-427. 3. eMIMS August 2010. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. Australia: 82 Hughes Avenue, Ermington NSW 2115. Tollfree 1800 028 533. biotène® is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. GSK0060/UC

GSK0060 BiteAd_297x210_v3_FA.indd 1 1/04/11 10:56 AM

08

News bites

A government program to address dramatic oral

health problems in Brazil has resulted in dramatic success, according to the president of the FDI World Dental Federation. Speaking to the American Dental Association recently, Dr Roberto Vianna, FDI president and a Brazilian dentist, said that in less than seven years, the Brazilian government’s program to improve the oral health of its more than 190 million citizens has enabled the world’s fifth largest nation by size and population to reduce its incidence of caries by more than 30 per cent and increase the number of adult teeth treated by 70 per cent.

“The survey served as the basis for the creation of a national program with well-defined public policy,” said Dr Vianna in an article. “The program reaches citizens on a variety of levels.”

Because medical and dental care are provided

free to its citizens, the Brazilian government was uniquely positioned to address the nation’s oral health status in a comprehensive program, he added.

Initiatives of Brasil Sorridente cover a wide range of strategies.

However, more of the nation’s preschool and

primary school children are learning how to look after their teeth, thanks to Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) from Colgate. Colgate has announced that it is doubling its commitment to the BSBF program over the next five years, with the goal of reaching 60 per cent of Australian preschools and primary schools.

The program, designed for children aged three to nine years, brings dental health to life via toothbrush and paste packs, and activity books. Ms Dinah McDonald, a teacher at Hills Adventist College in

Castle Hill, NSW, uses the BSBF program to help her year-three students understand why it’s important to brush. She says, “I’ve incorporated the program into my health topics unit for

the past three years. The program lends itself to be adapted to a teacher’s own style. For more information or to order a BSBF kit, go to www.brushnightandday.com.au.

One third of Australians avoid or delay visits to the dentist due to the cost, an increase from about a quarter in 1994, according to a report entitled Trends in access to dental care among Australian adults 1994-2008, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). However, the report noted the total number of people visiting the dentist had increased since 1994. “Women, concession card holders, unin-sured people and those who usu-ally visited for a problem rather than a check-up, were more likely to avoid or delay dental visits,” said Dr Jane Harford of the AIHW’s Dental Statistics and Research Unit. An increased number of people reported they had visited the dentist in the 12 months be-fore the survey. “Despite this, not all Australians experienced this improvement, with notable differ-ences among population groups,” Dr Harford said.

The Dental Board of Australia has urged dental practitioners across all states and territories to check their registration expiry date and renew on time as many are due to renew by 30 June 2011—their first time under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

Board chair Dr John Lockwood said this was particularly important for dentists with a principal place of practice in ACT, NSW or SA. Practitioners can check their registration expiry date at the Board’s website at www.dentalboard.gov.au.

Cost a major factor in dental access

Practitioners urged to check registration expiry date

When my baby smiles at me I go to…ntal access

Colgate doubles commitment to Bright Smiles

Brazil has an aggressive approach to oral health issues.

Hills Adventist College students (l to r) Zachary Go, Riyantha Naidu, Alyssa Thomson and Ryan McLean

8 Bite

© 3M 2010. All rights reserved. 3M, ESPE and Filtek are trademarks of 3M or 3M ESPE AG. *Versus competitive materials tested. 3M ESPE data on file.

3M Australia Pty LimitedSydney, Australia

3M New Zealand LimitedAuckland, New Zealand F38-140781

www.3mespe.com.au or www.3mespe.co.nz

“supreme” is all you need.

For more information, visit:

The handling of both our universal and flowable

restoratives gives you effortless control.

3M ESPE’s unique nanotechnology can deliver:

• exceptional aesthetics

• Unsurpassed polish retention*

• Low wear

Filtek supreme XTe restoratives work beautifully together.

Two excellent restoratives … one versatile

system.

Filtek™ Supreme XTEUniversal and FlowableRestoratives

10 Bite

1 DROP OF BOND LASTS UP TO

24 HOURS

SuperDaps Stop Bond From Setting In The Well* For Up To 24 Hours

SuperDapTM 1 SuperDapTM

2 SuperDapTM 3 SuperDapTM 4

High/Low Speed Bur Holders

Applicator Brush Holders

Freecall: 1800 817 155 sales@erskinedental.com www.erskinedental.com.au

Exclusive Intro Offer 25% OFF PER BOX *JUNE ONLY. Please quote the code D030 to receive this offer

Narrow Deep Well Prevents Light Penetrating•Avoids Cross Contamination•Brushes Are Held Upright In The Well - Evaporation is Reduced, Efficient & Convenient•

PHONE FOR A FREE SAMPLE TO BE SENT WITH YOUR NEXT ORDER

1 Well 2 Wells 3 Wells 4 Wells

NEW

Advanced Dappen DishesTM

* Light Cured Bonds only

ED-JUNE 2011 BITE draft 3.indd 1 27/05/2011 12:43:33 PM

10

News bites

Free moneyIn a bid to improve the oral health of some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities, The Wrigley Company has partnered with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to launch The Wrigley Company Foundation ADA Community Service Grants program.

Officially launched at the recent ADA Congress in Brisbane, The Wrigley Company Foundation ADA Community Service Grants program is an initiative of Give2Asia, in partnership with The Wrigley Company Foundation. It is designed to encourage dentists to plan and implement community health programs in their local communities, to help to raise the standard of oral healthcare and education in Australia.

Up to seven $US5000 grants will

be awarded as part of the national program. Applicants must hold an ADA membership and can be a dentist or a currently enrolled dentist student and must be involved with, or planning to launch, a community project focusing on oral health.

Hamish Thomson, Wrigley Pacific managing director, said he hopes this new initiative will help to address these worrying trends.

“We look forward to working closely with the ADA and its members to address some of the difficult oral health issues facing Australia. We hope that the Community Service Grants program will result in decreasing some of these alarming statistics.”

ADA president Dr Shane Fryer said that the program will make a significant contribution to Australia’s

oral health and called for ADA members and the profession to get involved.

“We are pleased to join with The Wrigley Company Foundation for this important initiative to help raise access to oral healthcare and education in Australia. I would encourage our members to get onboard and apply—it’s not often we’re given this kind of opportunity to make such a difference to our communities,” said Dr Fryer.

Applications for The Wrigley Company Foundation ADA Community Service Grants will close June 30, 2011. For further information and to access an application form please visit www.ada.org.au.

Women and men are differentA recent study has found female

INTRODUCING THE CATTANI

PLANT-ROOMWEBSITE

Speak to the Cattani Tech Support team

today or go to the website for more

information.

Australia: 03 9484 1120

New Zealand: 0800 68 22 88

www.plantroom.com.au

WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

Your Plant-Room has a large impact on the performance and longevity of your

plant-equipment, as well as affecting the speed and quality of maintenance

and repairs.

The Tech Support Team at Cattani are here to help you with any part of the

design of your Plant-Room. Give us a call to discuss how you can create a

Plant-Room that works for you, your staff and your equipment.

...because we’re the specialists

LOCATION

Working out a location that suits your clinic and your equipment.

NOISE

Isolating noise for your staff, patients

and neighbours.

TEMPERATURE

Keeping your plant-area at an effective

temperature.

ACCESS

Facilitating maintenance &

speeding up diagnosis and repair.

SECURITY

Keeping your assets in the clinic.

CAT5821BIT

CAT5821BIT.indd 1 5/05/11 9:32 AM

Bite 13

13

News bites Looking after youso you can look after them.

‘Providing expert advice, ongoing management and support during claims.’

Ph: 02 9436 0722 Fax: 02 9436 0822Email: enquiries@mbsinsurance.com.auWeb: www.mbsinsurance.com.au

Specialising in Income Protection, Business Expenses, Life, Total & Permanent Disability, Trauma, Key Person and

Ownership (Buy/Sell) Insurances

quarter page AD BITE.indd 1 1/04/2011 7:03:01 AM

Use the power of the internet to attract new patients and increase bookings

www.dentalbookings.com.au

wina luxury escape for 2 to Hamilton island

Register your business with Dental Bookings for your chance to win between 30/03/11 and 30/06/11.

ValUeD at Up to $4,500

2 Nights at world-class resort Qualia

Open to Australian trade registrants only who sign up online or at the Dental Congress Dental Bookings stand for the Dental Bookings website. Promotion commences on 30/03/11. Entries close 11:59pm AEST on 30/06/11. The draw will take place at Level 15, Corporate Centre One, 2 Corporate Court, Bundall QLD 4217 on 06/07/11 at 10am AEST. Winner will be notified by mail and the winner’s name will be published online on 11/07/11. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Authorised under NSW Permit No: LTPS/11/01787, ACT Permit No: TP 11/00902.1.DB

0001

BIM

Register now for free

For more information please email info@dentalbookings.com.au

and male dentists differ in treatment choices. After answering a survey about aspects of care they provided, researchers discovered female dentists were more likely to recommend at-home fluoride treatments for children. Women also tended to treat more children than male dentists.

The study included 393 male and 73 female dentists. All were members of The Dental Practice-Based Research Network. This is a group of dentists and researchers in several areas of the United States, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The study appears in the April issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Female dentists were more likely than males to offer any type of fluoride treatment to adults. But women who had been practising dentistry the longest were the least likely to offer fluoride to adults. Those who had recently graduated from dental school were the most likely.

For treatment of decay between teeth, female dentists tended to be more conservative than male dentists. They recommended preventive treatment at stages of decay when male dentists tended to recommend filling the tooth. Researchers also found that recent dental school graduates were less likely to recommend fillings for early decay on chewing surfaces of teeth. This was true for both males and females. The study found that male and female dentists assessed risk for tooth decay in much the same way. They also spent equal amounts of time placing fillings and doing root-canal treatments. They worked in equally busy offices.

Other studies have shown that more recently graduated dentists are less likely to recommend fillings. They also are more likely to recommend preventive treatment at early stages of decay. The study took account of these differences in comparing dentists.

Gum disease linked to anaemiaA new study suggests that chronic periodontitis may cause a reduction in red blood cells and haemoglobin leading to the blood disorder anaemia.

The research, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found that over a third of people suffering from severe gum disease had haemoglobin levels below normal concentrations. Following a six month course of treatment to improve their oral health, all patients had improved levels of red blood cells, haemoglobin and all other clinical measures used to assess the health of the blood.

The research also suggested that women with severe gum disease had a higher risk of anaemia, compared to men. Less than three in 10 men had anaemia, compared to over four in every 10 women.

INTRODUCING THE CATTANI

PLANT-ROOMWEBSITE

Speak to the Cattani Tech Support team

today or go to the website for more

information.

Australia: 03 9484 1120

New Zealand: 0800 68 22 88

www.plantroom.com.au

WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

Your Plant-Room has a large impact on the performance and longevity of your

plant-equipment, as well as affecting the speed and quality of maintenance

and repairs.

The Tech Support Team at Cattani are here to help you with any part of the

design of your Plant-Room. Give us a call to discuss how you can create a

Plant-Room that works for you, your staff and your equipment.

...because we’re the specialists

LOCATION

Working out a location that suits your clinic and your equipment.

NOISE

Isolating noise for your staff, patients

and neighbours.

TEMPERATURE

Keeping your plant-area at an effective

temperature.

ACCESS

Facilitating maintenance &

speeding up diagnosis and repair.

SECURITY

Keeping your assets in the clinic.

CAT5821BIT

CAT5821BIT.indd 1 5/05/11 9:32 AM

14 New Products

14 Bite

New-release products from here and around the world

Filtek™ Supreme XTE Flowable Restorative offers exceptional handling and versatility 3M ESPE announces the release of Filtek™ Supreme XTE Flowable Restorative, a versatile and easy to use material that gives dentists outstanding results. A new capsule delivery option in addition to the existing syringe option brings new flexibility to a long list of indications. With flow-on-demand handling and the suitability to be used as either a liner base or a filling material, Filtek Supreme XTE flowable restorative is the only flowable dentists need. Filtek Supreme XTE flowable restorative’s outstanding properties provide excellent, lasting results, flowing where dentists need it to and staying where they want it. The product is easy to apply from either capsules or syringes, and under pressure it becomes more liquid and quickly flows where it’s needed. Then, once placed, it returns to its original viscosity and holds its shape with no slumping or running. As part of the complete Filtek Supreme XTE system, the flowable restorative uses the same unique nanotechnol-ogy as the recently introduced Filtek Supreme XTE universal re-storative. This offers advantages such as excellent aesthetics, unsurpassed polish retention and low wear. The shrinkage has also been lowered by almost 20 percent. For more information, visit www.3MESPE.com.au, www.3MESPE.co.nz or call Cus-tomer Service Au: Ph: 1300 363 454, NZ: 0800 80 81 82.

NUPRO® Sensodyne® Prophylaxis PasteDENTSPLY Australia is pleased to announce the release of the new NUPRO® Sensodyne® Prophylaxis Paste with Fluoride and NovaMin®*. NUPRO® has been proven in studies and trusted for over 20 years to deliver the results that clinicians require from a prophylaxis paste. NUPRO® Sensodyne® Prophylaxis Paste is powered by NovaMin®, a unique, patent-protected technology that releases calcium phosphate to occlude dentine tubules for immediate relief of hypersensitivity, with no extra steps to the procedure. Compared with competi-tive formulations, NovaMin® provides excellent fluoride and calcium release due to moisture-activated release of calcium phosphate rather than being dependent on acid or mechani-cal agitation. NovaMin® remineralization technology forms significant amounts of hydroxy carbonate apatite crystals within minutes of application. NovaMin® particles attach to the tooth surface and continue to release ions and remineralise the tooth surface after the application. Because NovaMin® integrates desensitization directly into the prophylaxis paste; it saves time for the clinician whilst providing a more comfortable experience for patients with hypersensitivity. For your free sample or for fur-ther information, please contact DENTSPLY on 1300 55 29 29 (Aus) or 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77) (NZ), or email info@mae-strodental.com.au, or go to www.maestrodental.com.au.

Fridolin - Children’s Treatment UnitAdjustable dental unit consisting of Triple syringe 2 x fibre optic linesLED Operating lightSelf contained water supplyAdditional built in options available

Exclusive Distributor:William Green Pty Ltd – 02 8865 0300

www.gskoralhealth.com.au

Recommend Sensodyne iso-active to:

✔ The 1 in 3 people who suffer sensitivity4

✔ Sensitivity sufferers looking for an innovative delivery system

✔ Who are not currently treating their sensitive teeth

Sensodyne iso-active® foaming gel

References: 1. Gross RC et al. Presented at the General Session and Exhibition of the Pan European Federation of the International Association for Dental Research (PEF IADR) 2008, September 10–12. London, England. Poster 467. 2. Hall PJ et al. Presented at the General Session and Exhibition of the Pan European Federation of the International Association for Dental Research (PEF IADR) 2008, September 10–12. London, England. Poster 466. 3. Leight RS et al. J Clin Dent 2008;19:147–53. 4. Addy M. Int Dent J 2002;52:367–75. For the relief of sensitive teeth. Sensodyne® and iso-active® are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. GSK0102/UC

*Compared to a regular marketed toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate.Sensodyne® contains potassium nitrate.

Sensodyne iso-active is a modern format with new gel-to-foam technology that is designed for younger people with sensitive teeth

• Penetrateshard-to-reachareasforadeeperclean1

• Deliverssignificantlymoreactiveagents(potassiumandfluoride)fordispersioninthemouth2*

• Providesall-roundsensitivityprotection,eveninhard-to-reachareas3

GSK0102_Iso_Bite_Ad_210x297_v1 FA.indd 1 22/03/11 11:55 AM

16Your world Federal Budget

n an impressive sleight-of-hand trick, the Federal Government has managed to whisk money away from dental treatment and replace it with a promise that something else may happen in the future. In last month’s Federal Budget, Treasurer Wayne Swan announced the closure of the Medicare chronic disease dental scheme, and the funding of new dental internship placements. The government has always promised that the closure of Medicare Dental would free up funds for a renewed Commonwealth Dental Health Program, although there is

no mention of such a program in the current budget.In his budget speech, the Treasurer said, “We are already

guaranteeing $16.4 billion in additional growth funding for public hospitals over six years, and another $3.4 billion over four years for emergency departments, elective surgery and 1300 sub-acute hospital beds. An extra $53 million will improve access to public dental services, particularly for those on low incomes, as a first step towards significant reform in 2012-13.”

The $53 million that's being spent is on internships—a recommendation of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission report two years ago. The government is using the internships as a way of targeting dental care in rural and remote communities. Dr Shane Fryer, president of the ADA, said that in providing these 50 placements per year, the current mal-distribution of dentists will be partly remedied and at the same time it will provide these graduates with a meaningful educative experience. “The ADA is pleased that some of our long-term concerns have been heeded and anticipates further dialogue with government to maximise this initiative,” he said.

In a further move to start addressing other concerns in oral care in Australia, the Federal Government also announced

the establishment of an Advisory Council to consult the Government on dental policy for the next 12 months.

The general consensus to the budget’s offerings appears to reflect the Treasurer’s ‘significant reform’ next year. For example, the Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert was positive about the extra $53 million as a “down payment on national dental care is a promising start to what will be a significant change to Australia’s health care system. This $53 million investment will benefit low-income

earners in the public health system. Developing a national Denticare system has been a long-held Greens policy and has the capacity to improve the health outcomes for millions of Australians. We’re now looking to next year’s budget, with the Government saying dental care will be a priority issue.”

The Greens are also claiming the establishment of an Advisory Council as a win for them. “Effective long-term change to dental health must be implemented with care and financial responsibility and the Council will be an important part ensuring that is the case,” Senator Siewert said.

Of greater concern was the announcement that Medicare

With last month’s Federal Budget, the government has given with one hand and taken away with the other

Budget blues

16 Bite

Article Helen Mellunwellun

“The ADA is pleased that some of our long-term concerns have been heeded and anticipates further dialogue with government to maximise this initiative.”Dr Shane Fryer, President, ADA

The consensus is, this Budget is good if next

year's is better.

dental would be axed. Although the Government has been trying to close the scheme since 2007, it has been consistently blocked from doing so in the Senate.

Although the ADA has never supported Medicare dental, Dr Fryer says, “The closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) will leave many chronically ill patients without subsidised access to much-needed quality dental care. To leave patients who have been reliant upon the support for the past four years without any replacement will have devastating consequences for their whole treatment.”

Still, the Government’s moves have been cautiously welcomed by the ADA, and others. Associate Professor Julie Satur from the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA) told the ABC, “Naturally we are quite disappointed that there hasn't been immediate funding attention and that in fact there is probably some loss of funding, but we are very keen to work with them over the next 12 months to consider new ways to deliver dental services and use our existing resources in better ways."

Professor Satur said that while a dental scheme would be costly, it is something her association supports. "It is quite contested and there are questions about how costly it will be, but ADOHTA certainly supports that because that would then link dental into mainstream health service delivery and funding considerations," she said.

The ADA is maintaining a positive face too, hoping the next step in the process of funding dental care looks something like their DentalAccess proposal.

Dr Fryer said, “For a number of years we have raised concerns with the Federal Government about the issues of access to dental care encountered by many Australians. These issues are faced by Indigenous Australians, those in regional and rural areas, those from lower socio-economic standing and those with special needs.

“The Budget shows a commitment from the Federal Government to begin addressing the issues regarding dental care and access over the past few years. The ADA approached the Federal Government with a funding policy to address these key issues. The policy, DentalAccess, targets funding towards Australians most in need of support to access quality dental care. If the CDDS is to be closed, then DentalAccess must replace it. "

Dr Fryer continued, “The ADA looks forward to working as a key member on the Advisory Council to address the groups of Australians that require the most support to access dental care. We're hopeful DentalAccess will be seen as the next step to reforming the way in which needy Australians access dental care, by focusing funding on the most disadvantaged first.”

Federal Budget

18 Bite

ADA President Shane Fryer: hop-ing DentalAccess is the next step in the reform process.

Why choose us?1. Industry experience: we have 35 years of

dental experience.2. Specialist advice: we work in the dental industry only

3. Practical training: we train at your practice, on your terms.

Does your practice meet its obligations?Ensure your Dental Practice meets the Government guidelines for infection control with the support of experienced training provider.

We offer a practical “hands on” program for dentists and staff covering all facets of infection control.

The half-day workshop is conducted at your practice and will provide practitioners with CPD hours.

This training program exceeds regulatory standards, safeguards patients and staff and creates “real” opportunities for productivity

improvements and costs savings.

Davineintervention excellence in dental services

mobile 0415 949 001 fax (03) 9332 3484

visit www.davineintervention.com.au email teresa@davineintervention.com.au

Practical infection control training for your dental practice.

Ask about our Practice

Manual

Davine_Intervention2.indd 1 14/04/11 12:31 PM

REVIEWERS WANTEDWe want you to write for Bite!

Every issue we’re asking dentists to review their tools—telling us in a couple of paragraphs what they love about them and what they don’t like. Check out the reviews starting on page 39.

There’s only two rules—you have to be a practicing dentist, and it has to be something you use. The whole idea is to start a conversation between our readers. We don’t want to tell you what to buy. We want your peers—the people actually using the equipment—to guide you to what’s good and what isn’t.

If you’d like to write a review, email Rob Johnson at rob@engagemedia.com.au, and he’ll tell you what’s involved.

Dynamic. Direct. Durable.

New dynamics for your practice

The CRANEX® 3D provides high

quality dental imaging system with

top performance and ease of use for

demanding dental clinics. The CRANEX®

3D combines panoramic imaging

with optional Cone Beam 3D and

Cephalometric solutions bringing new

dynamics to dental practice.

The CRANEX® 3D makes 3D imaging

easy and fast – the PickPoint TM freely

selectable imaging area in dental arc and

the EasyScoutTM view ensure accurate

patient positioning.

61 × 41mm 61 × 78mm

CRANEX® 3D FOV´s

Manufactured by: SOREDEX Tel. +358 10 270 2000 info@soredex.com P.O.Box 148, FI-04301 TUUSULA, Finland

Local authorised and trained dealers in your area, providing QUALITY after-sale support.

CALL 1300 60 28 58 for a listingor visit www.australianimaging.com.au

efore you ever set foot in the door of the Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, you know it’s going to be different. The virtual tour on the website tells you that, triggering a personalised video welcome from dentist Ron Ehrlich. Indeed the site contains a wealth of material not only on the practice philosophy and common dental issues, but also uncommon health

and well-being advice that integrates dentistry into the holistic view of health and the body that Ehrlich champions.

It’s a view of dentistry he’s spent a lifetime developing. “I only wish I knew as much as I thought I knew when I graduated,” chuckles Ehrlich, who established his practice 30 years ago at the ripe old age of 25. Unusually too, it’s a practice-within-a-practice, located in the Sydney Dental Centre which Ehrlich established with his older brother Joshua Ehrlich, who already had a practice, two years after he set out on his own. While the holistic approach is championed by Ehrlich the younger, the entire practice incorporates a patient-centre approach and maintains certain clinical standards—like no amalgam and the consistent use of rubber dams—practice-wide.

“My brother is a counterpoint; he’s a good balance for me,” says Ehrlich of the relationship. “It’s definitely an interesting relationship. I’ve bounced ideas off him. At times it’s frustrating. We’ve worked together 31 years. We still get on well, still are friends, but we’re very different. We attract different patients. Some people just want their teeth done.”

It is how to approach these patients that defines both the clinical treatment and the practice’s management. “Most patients aren’t focussed on anything other than having their

teeth fixed. And most specialists—as dentists are—just focus on the tooth attached to the person. But a patient-centred approached is focussed on the person attached to the tooth. That’s what’s different,” says Ehrlich.

Thus the initial consultation takes a full hour. “I carefully listen, carefully examine. I take them on a tour of their mouth with an intra-oral camera.” He adds it’s essential here that the dentist takes the lead. “It’s really important at the first appointment for us to set the agenda, the tone of the appointment and

the relationship. Even if they’re there for one tooth.” It’s an approach that permeates every aspect of the practice.

“The message from the top is, when a person walks in the door they are the star of the show. It’s a practice management tool and a practice treatment tool. You have to believe it yourself. You have to have staff who will support you on this.”

While the presentation is slick and the philosophy highly integrated, Ehrlich’s journey to a holistic approach began more organically, starting in 1984, when he found he was treating a lot of people for tension headaches, backaches and jaw problems. He observed that while these all had a stress component, there wasn’t a good model for treating it. So he went about developing one, first breaking ‘stress’ into its

Dr Ron Ehrlich’s interest in treating stress symptoms has led him down a road to a highly successful holistic practice

20 Bite

Your world Profile

The

20Article Sharon ArisPhotography Richard Birch

“A patient-centred approached is focussed on the person attached to the tooth. That’s what’s different about it.”Dr Ron Ehrlich, Sydney Holistic Dental Centre

Dr Ron Ehrlich: “I only wish I knew as much as I thought I knew when I graduated.”

Cover story

components: emotional, environmental, structural/postural, nutritional and health-of-mouth. In 1985 he produced his first brochure on the subject. Even today it’s a treatment model that forms the backbone of his practice.

Next he focussed on occlusion, beginning with restorative work that he’d gained some confidence in doing in the UK where he’d worked for his first two years post-graduation. “When you start to look at occlusion, very few people have perfect

occlusion—so everyone looks like a patient, but some seem to be healthy,” he admits. This in turn led to a focus on jaw joints and clicking joints and as the neck bone is connected to the backbone, and the backbone is connected to the shoulder bones—another element of the integration was born.

Then he started studying the muscles attached to the bones, first those relating to mastication. “Four or five of those muscles are at the back of the neck, so then you’re looking at the muscles at the back and at the front.” Pretty soon, he says, “you realise all TMJ (pain related to the temporomandibular joint)—chronic headaches, jaw aches, neck and back pain—is interrelated.”

It was his developing reputation for treating these problems that led Ehrlich to the next big change in his practice: no more amalgam. “I was getting referrals from chiros who were hammering me with ‘amalgam is an issue’. I had all the arguments as to why it wasn’t a problem,” he recalls, drawing on his initial clinical training. But then he happened to have a patient whose amalgam filling had fallen out, a filling he’d put in

22 Bite

The mouth-body connectionPatrick Forman, a technical officer in the School of Psychology at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, is the first to admit his oral health wasn’t good for some time—his gums would bleed and he got used to ignoring toothaches. Then three years ago, his health progressively worsened, culminating in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, chronic colds, health palpitations and skin cancers. Nothing seemed to help: “I tried all sort of the Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, a cleansing diet. I gave up wheat and dairy for a while. I knew it was an immune system problem. I was trying to bolster that,” he says. None of it worked. But with bad tooth abscesses he finally had a couple of teeth taken out by a local dentist. Incredibly, some of his symptoms improved. So his holistically-oriented GP referred him to Ehrlich who removed five more teeth, put him on a strict hygiene routine, fitted dentures and recommended dietary changes. “Within a month, my knees started getting better,” recounts Forman. “The psoriasis began disappearing. No more heart problems. It just got better and better all the time.” Extraordinarily, he decided to make a second attempt at a bike ride he’d had to abandon the previous year—riding all the way from Perth to Bathurst. This time he made it.

James Rickard, a director of photography, had got to the point where he took a perverse kind of pride in having bad teeth. “My mouth was an absolute mess. I hadn’t been to the dentist for a very long time,” he confesses. When it finally came time to deal with the chronic tooth pain and infection, Rickard, already a heath-enthusiast, sought the advice of his younger brother Gus who runs a healthy lifestyle gym, Origin of Energy. Gus recommended Erhlich. “My lifestyle dictated in most part by health choices. I was looking for a dentist who wasn’t only leading in the field but progressive in practice,” says Rickard. “One who offered natural medicine and dietary solutions rather than pills.” Now, with four wisdom teeth extracted and waiting on some new crowns and veneers, Rickard is more than happy. “There is an effort in the whole practice to provide a relaxed treatment plan. To experience that at a dentist was unique to me. I was treated as an individual not as ‘patient x’.” And while he was already onto the dietary stuff, “I had no idea about the link between mouth, headaches, postures jaw and breathing,” he says. “That was a new understanding. It really made me aware of how I take my mouth for granted—how it’s connected to the rest of the body.”

Ehrlich banned amalgam in his practice when he realised how much leaked out of fillings he’d done.

exhibi t ing dental industry excel lence

five years earlier. So he sent it off to the government laboratory for testing. “It should have been 50 per cent mercury, but it came back 37 per cent,” Ehrlich recounts. He repeated this experiment five times. “Each time it came back with much less mercury in the filling than I’d put in.” That was the end of amalgam in the practice.

“The amalgam mercury issue is one of the aspects of health I have trouble with in the public health,” he says. “To be a health professional and still think its OK to place mercury in the body… What do you do with

the scrap of amalgam after treatment? You can’t place it in the toilet or the garbage or down the sink.” Having concluded that what he’d been taught about amalgam at university was simply wrong, he began to ask ‘what else isn’t right?’ This led him to look at how changes in diet and health can affect the mouth.

Remarkably, given the extra attention that such a practice demands, Ehlich has been able to maintain an extraordinary work-life balance that still pays off financially. When he was 25 he had his first daughter, so dropped to working four days a week. When daughter number two arrived four years later he went to three-and-a-half days. He’s never gone back up. Yet he maintains he is just as financially productive as the majority of dentists. “Dentistry is unique. A lot of dentists don’t

understand there’s a point of diminishing returns. Working five-to-six days a week to earn a lot is a total misnomer. We have the ability to earn a very good income and have a good work/life balance.” Last year he took the equivalent 10 to 12 weeks’ holiday. He says (as someone who has also seen the books on other practices in his capacity as a consultant) that he earned the same as many people working five days a week, who only took four-to-six weeks’ holiday.

It’s also allowed him time to develop his interest in education, and he now gives talks to other health professionals and the public about his approach. He’s also very engaged in using the tools of social media, and alongside the very developed website he has a Twitter feed and has just relaunched his personal website, www.drronehrlich.com, that combines a blog with additional health information and details of keynotes and workshops he’s given. “From a health perspective my greatest hope is that through social media, used as an educational information tool, we can sidestep the marketing barrage of the food and pharmaceutical industries,” he says.

He remains as energised by dentistry as when he graduated. “I’m very happy in my practice after 32 years. Technically I’m getting better all the time. I’m only 55. I can see myself working for the next 15 years. I have no thoughts of retirement. Last year I told my staff ‘this has been the best year’,” he recounts. “But I said that the year before, and the year before that too.”

Cover story

24 Bite

*Applies to professional and retail pack separately - Offer expires 30th June 2011Ph: (02) 9987 4891 Toll free 1800 800 303 E: sales@caredent.com.au Web: www.caredent.com.au

Flexible plastic-coated wire - High quality Tynex® nylon bristles

Each brush supplied with a cap - Cap doubles as a handle extension

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE*

ProximAllInterdental Brushes

Retail Pack - $39.6050 individually sealed brushes

Professional Pack - $27.5012 packs of 4, per box

CareDent

Call Toll Free 1800 800 303

ProximAll Advert Bite Magazine June 2011.indd 1 1/06/2011 1:35:32 PM

Stronger...

2146

/03/

2011

...for greater peace of mind

Up to 25% stronger for outstanding durability* Superior fracture and wear resistance

for reliable posterior restorations* Simple procedure – no conditioning or coating

NEW

For more information, contact your local DENTSPLY Territory Manager or visit:AU: www.dentsply.com.au • 1300 55 29 29 • NZ: www.dentsply.co.nz • 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77) *Data on file

2146 Chemfil Rock Bite ad.indd 1 3/03/11 3:05 PM

26Your world Implant dentistry

mplants are an area of dentistry where there is increasingly more demand than skilled practitioners to meet it. In some countries that can lead to poor outcomes for patients. Dr Ram Shanker Das has a particularly keen perspective on the issue.

His journey from a well-established career in dentistry in his native India to setting up a successful practice in Australia with his partner Dr Chitra Das, Brisbane’s Divine Smiles, has taught him a lot about the comparatively high standards of Australian dentistry—especially in difficult areas of practice where training tends to be ad hoc or

not happen at all. Nowhere is the contrast more dramatic than in implant surgery, Dr Das says.

“There is no control over who can and who can’t place implants in India, and some practitioners probably shouldn’t be doing it. The reason they do is that there’s really no accountability if they do a bad job.”

The contrast has more to do with lawyers than dentistry—and with the expectations of patients. “There is much less litigation in India, which means that patients are much more accepting of what would probably be considered malpractice in Australia,” Dr Das says. “They basically accept that you do your best, and if it doesn’t work out as intended, the practitioner rarely faces any consequences.”

A lot of Indian patients who have been advised to get implants leave the surgery worse off than when they arrived, Dr Das says, but that’s not the same as saying the skill level in Indian dentistry is low. In Dr Das's opinion, it’s just that it’s much easier to get away with being an incompetent dentist.

With the significant expansion of the implant industry in recent years, more patients are opting for implants under advice from their dentists. If just one per cent of the Indian population opts for an implant—a not unreasonable assumption, Dr Das says—business-seeking dentists have a national case load of one million from which to draw. That’s a lot of potential revenue and a powerful lure for the semi-skilled.

Implant training worldwide has historically been sponsored by companies that make implants, though dentist-run institutions are growing in number.

One noteworthy example is the Dan Brener Implant Institute in North Sydney, where Dr Das studied. “I feel that a formal training program is necessary. You really need to get it right every step of the way, particularly the surgical phase. You plan from the top down, and if what happens at the bottom isn’t done properly, the top won’t hold up.”

That’s a common scenario when it comes to second-rate implant work, Dr Das adds. Dr Brener, who graduated from the Sydney University Dentistry faculty in 1983 and won the

Port Dental Prize, went on to earn a Master of Dental Science in prosthodontics at the university in 1987. Later, he became a clinical associate in the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Sydney, helped set up the Post Graduate Prosthodontic Programme, and lectured for the Implant Diploma program.

The growth of implant-specific academic and training programs is an indication of how far the practice has come since its shaky beginnings. In a paper published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2008, University of Sydney based authors PJ Henry and GJ Liddelow say: “Early dental writings described approaches to implanted dental replacements, however the natural history of failure clearly established that the concept involved considerable difficulty and uncertainty… failure rates and complications were so high that by 1960 the dental establishment had come to consider the practice as dubious and consequently in many parts of the world implants were viewed with scepticism and discontinued.”

One reason implant surgery is on the rise these days is that

An Indian dentist found two of the key differences between his home and Australia was lawyers and the expectations of patients

Cultural implant

26 Bite

Article Andy Kollmorgen

“If just one per cent of the Indian population opts for an implant—a not unreasonable assumption—business-seeking dentists have a national case load of one million to draw from.”

Dr Ram Shanker Das and Dr Chitra Das of Brisbane's

Divine Smiles.

potential patients have unprecedented access to information, Dr Das says. The internet has played a huge role. “Sometimes they know more than you do.” And as the GFC slowly recedes, more patients are willing to pay for the procedure.

The largest manufacturers of implants worldwide, Switzerland’s Nobel Biocare, said in its April report that the company is enjoying 10 per cent annual growth in the US and took in $EUR143.5 million in revenue in the first quarter. The global implant market is expected to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years, with emerging markets leading the way. Canada-based consulting company, iData Research, has forecasted that market volume for dental implants in India and China will exceed $US400 million by 2017. Double-digit growth is also predicted for Brazil.

"The de-regulation of dental care services in China and India has fuelled growth of private dental clinics in major urban centers," Dr Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData, told the online publication Dental Tribune in January this year. "In addition, the low cost of labour has kept implant procedural costs relatively low, promoting dental tourism from countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia.”

Implants are becoming a necessary skill set for general practitioners looking to widen their customer base, but there are still plenty of misconceptions and fears on the part of patients. There are clear-cut cases where implants are necessary, Dr Das says, but whether to completely remove the tooth can also be a

judgement call. “Sometimes an implant is not the right answer, and we believe in saving the tooth whenever possible. Some patients would simply like to avoid surgery. In borderline cases, we let the patient decide. We don’t talk about fears or anxieties or about whether sedation will be required until it’s clear that an implant procedure will go forward. The truth is, it’s usually less traumatic for the patient than an extraction.”

Whether it’s personally or legally traumatic for the practitioner depends on how well they’ve prepared, Dr Das says. “I think anyone who gains the skills and confidence and respects the craft will serve the patients’ best interests.”

Implant dentistry

28 Bite

After falling out of favour, implants are becoming a more viable option for many patients who can afford them.

Australia: www.dentsply.com.au • Tel: 1300 55 29 29New Zealand: www.dentsply.co.nz • Tel: 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77)

DENTSPLY and American Express have forged a strategic relationship to offer Dental Professionals access to a rewards program that encourages choice and flexibility.

Alliance now offers you the option to join with either a Gold or Platinum American Express Card. Why not contact your local Territory Manager today to learn more about Alliance and how you can turn your business expenses into rewards.

2212/06/2011

Turn your business expenses into rewards

Alliance

Diamonds, Carbide Cutters & BursMEISINGER‘s Black Cobra Line is designed to be particularly resistant to daily heavy use in modern laboratories and surgeries.

The excellent features of the Black Cobra diamonds, carbide cutters and burs are enhanced by the special CARBOCER© diamond-like carbon coating which provides extremely hard, wear resistant, low-friction, corrosion resistant surfaces while retaining the original surface properties.

This coating lends these instruments the characteristic black colour, which is non-dazzling. Additionally, they are resistant to acids, alkalis and organic substances and are thermally stable up to 450°C (842°F).

All CerAmiC – CAD/CAm Designed for polishing high performance dental ceramics, such as IPS Empress and IPS e.max (lithium disilicate).

OCClusAl reDuCtiOn Patented diamond burs that enable access to the pits and fissures of the tooth from a vertical orientation, with a unique angled stop that limits depth.

#2608 Polishing Kit

(All Contra Angle)

$232.00 + GST = $255.20

#2609 Polishing Kit

(Laboratory Handpiece)

$410.00 + GST = $451.00

#2742 Black Cobra Cutter Standard Set

$370.00 + GST = $407

#2720 Black Cobra Diamond Set

$215.00 + GST = $236.50

#2730 Black Cobra Carbide Set

$275.00 + GST = $302.50

neWBlack Line

#02565 Occlusal Reduction Kit

$194.00 + GST = $213.40

Available in Australia from Ivoclar Vivadent. To order contact customer service on

1300 486 2527

#2740 Black Cobra Full Cutter Set

$525.00 + GST = $577.50

30Your world Imaging

s a dentist, you probably remem-ber the old days of having one dental hygienist, who used to double as a receptionist if you were a small practice. Your pa-tients would all be local and you would know them all, and their families, on a first name basis.

You would throw a few old magazines on the coffee table at

reception, converse regularly with your patients and see them on cue every six months if not before.

How times have changed. Not only have the style and range of dentistry premises changed over the years, but the range of services on offer too. Wide-screen televisions, interactive games, interiors designed like TV studios all encompassed with the most important aspect of all—qualified dentists with the latest equipment available.

This has never been more evident than with InCiDental Imaging in Adelaide. This dedicated dental imaging practice uses state-of-the-art technology in purpose-built stand-alone facilities. Just over four years ago the only referral-based dental imaging practice in the CBD of Adelaide closed its doors. The many dentists and dental specialists, who had come to rely on the consistently excellent images and reporting, were left with no choice but to refer their patients to more outlying facilities.

This change prompted a number of those practitioners to contemplate the possibility of establishing a new centre for their patients’ convenience. Also, it was clear that the emerging 3D

Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography technology was rapidly coming of age and offered substantial benefits for diagnosis and treatment planning in many situations. Much time and investiga-tion was spent to launch a new imaging clinic.

The result is InCiDental Imaging, a stand-alone, dedicated dental radiology centre, which operates completely separately, and at arm’s length, from any dental practice. It boasts a Vat-ech Reve 3D machine, chosen for the centre for a number of

reasons, but especially for its versatility. The machine can pro-duce conventional OPG, Cephalogram and hand-wrist images as well as a full range of 3D volumetric investigations.

Images are taken by fully qualified, experienced and pas-sionate radiographers. The entire range of dental radiographs can be taken at the practice, including periapical and bite-wing images using a separate digital dental x-ray machine.

“3D images ranging from full head scans to fields of view as small as 5 x 5cm are possible with the Vatech machine,” Anne Lucas, InCiDental Imaging radiographer, says. “The ability to

A state-of-the-art imaging service in Adelaide is showing patients what's possible with the latest technology

Perfect imaging

30 Bite

Article Louis White

“It was clear that the emerging 3D Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography technology was rapidly coming of age and offered substantial benefits for diagnosis and treatment planning.”

Your business hygienistsCi bla alissit ad tat ipit utet prat dolore

Distinguish yourself

DENTAL INSTITUTE Distance Learning

MClinDent Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics

MSc Aesthetic Dentistry

Taught using a blended learning approach with face-to-face training in Sydney. A unique education experience with access to world-leading experts from your home, office or practice.

Start date: January 2012

Booking deadline: October 2011

www.kcl.ac.uk/distancedentistry

reduce the field of view to the specified area of interest greatly reduces the radiation exposure to the patient. This feature is im-portant. Compared to conventional CT, the radiation exposure from CBVT is significantly less. However, it is somewhat higher than conventional plane film exposures.”

All images are fully reported via teleradiology by qualified Australian medical radiologists with dental experience. Proper reporting of images was seen as imperative, particularly for the 3D scans. The volume of information contained in these images and the need to carefully scroll through the three planes is something currently outside the usual experience of most referrers. The risk of missing a significant feature or coincidental pathology is reduced by proper reporting.

An important goal in the setting up of InCiDental Imaging was to minimise or eliminate any out-of-pocket expense for patients, a goal which has thus far been achieved.

“InCiDental Imaging has been, and continues to be, diligent in trying to educate referrers about the appropriate uses and requesting protocols for 3D CBVT imaging,” says Jan Miller, practice manager. “As well, training is provided to assist in the use of the operating software, which is embedded in each disc carrying the imaging information. The software is relatively user friendly and interactive, however, a half-to one-hour group training session, or one on one with one of the radiographers, significantly hastens the learning and familiarity process.

“The 3D images themselves open up a whole new world of viewing and investigating dental and maxillo-facial structures. Understandably, one of the most frequent applications is for surgery planning —both major orthognathic and more minor procedures. The imaging is ideal for implant surgery planning. The ability to visualise and track the mandibular nerve in 3D can almost eliminate the risk of inadvertent damage to this structure.”

Previously hard to detect pathology and lesions make CBVT invaluable for specific applications in endodontics and periodontics as well as the ability to visualise root fractures, resorption and ankylosis and track root canals. Impacted and displaced teeth can be accurately located. Sinuses and TMJ can be imaged in 3D. Airways can be traced. Craniofacial anomalies and asymmetries can be fully assessed.

“When CBVT was first emerging, cynics characterised it as technology looking for an application,” Lucas says. “Some of those same cynics are now saying that it has become the gold standard for many diagnostic and planning applications.”

Imaging

The equipment at InCiDental was chosen for its versatility.

Bite 33

Distinguish yourself

DENTAL INSTITUTE Distance Learning

MClinDent Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics

MSc Aesthetic Dentistry

Taught using a blended learning approach with face-to-face training in Sydney. A unique education experience with access to world-leading experts from your home, office or practice.

Start date: January 2012

Booking deadline: October 2011

www.kcl.ac.uk/distancedentistry

Dental Wear™ is the industry leader when it comesto the innovation of dental tunics for both men andwomen. We bring innovation, style, comfort, but most ofall functionality to all of our garments.

The use of Dental Wear Durapel™ gives our garmentsthe ability to repel the everyday problems of being inclose proximity to patients within your surgery yet islight weight and breathable. It repels blood, saliva, fixer,and bleach plus most other liquids used on a day to daybasis, even caries detector. It also repels dirt and oil basedproducts allowing you to keep that clean fresh look.

Our garments will also aid in protection against crossinfection via the use of Dental Wear Anti-Bacterial™. Thistreatment kills hepatitis, E.choli, staph and golden staphon contact.

We recognize that dentists are not only ourcustomers, but also special individuals who make atremendous and integral contribution to people’shealth. It is only right that they have the best uniform forthe job. The Dental Wear™ Uniform.

Check the website for full details

www.dentalwear.com.au

The Perfect Fit

*Offer valid until 30 June 2011. Not valid with any other offer.

To rent or buy?

Research shows that many den-tists and doctors spend about 25

years building their practice in one location or region, so it’s worth considering whether renting or owning your practice premises is the best wealth creation strategy in the long term.

When starting out, many professionals choose to lease their premises because of the lower entry costs. But a five year lease with a five year renewal option can cost as much as an outright purchase of your practice premises.

If you rent, your landlord receives a steady income. Your rent can increase and you may be required to vacate the premises at the expiry of the rental agree-ment which impacts your local client base if you can’t find alternative premises in close proximity.

Buying your premises gives you the flexibility of choosing a repayment structure to suit your cash flow, whether you take out a fixed or variable rate loan.

Speak to your accountant or financial adviser, real estate agents in your area, colleagues who own their

own premises, a special-ist financier and property buying consultants to get a broad range of opinions.

To get the best possible outcome, discuss your needs with finance special-ists who have helped thou-sands of your colleagues take the step to owning their own practices by under-standing your profession and evaluating your individ-ual circumstances. Investec Professional Finance offers up to 100% finance for owner-occupied commercial premises, no ongoing fees, fixed or variable and line of credit financing, interest

only or principal and interest payments – and all with no other security required.

Barry Lanesman from In-vestec Professional Finance is a registered dentist with private practice experience and over 20 years involve-ment in financing dental practices. He has played a key role in the development of specialist finance for the dental profession. £

34Finance product guide

Advertorial

offer the best care with the best equipment, why wouldn’t you?Equipment, fitout and practice assets are critical to the way in which you run your practice and care for your patients. Investec Professional Finance has a range of finance structures where you can select repayment options to suit your cashflow, enabling you to update your equipment now and be best placed to treat your patients’ needs.

Be at the forefront of your profession. Contact your local banker, call 1300 131 141 or visit www.investec.com.au/professionalfinance.

Asset Finance • Commercial Property Finance • Deposit Facilities • Goodwill & Practice Purchase Loans • Home Loans Income Protection & Life Insurance • Professional Overdraft Investec Experien Pty Limited ABN 94 110 704 464 (Investec Experien) is a subsidiary of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 AFSL 234975. All finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice.

Exper ien

34 Bite

Investec Experien Pty Ltd ABN 94 110 704 464 (Investec Experien) is a subsidiary of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 (Investec Bank). All finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.

Bite 35Bite 35

To rent or buy? Who needs a relationship manager?

It will come as a surprise to few that the latest research of customer satisfaction with the

major banks has plum-meted in the dental & SME segment; especially since banking relationship managers (RM’s) have replaced the old style bank managers.

Unfortunately RM’s spend the majority of their time on paperwork, and often see their RM role as a mere stepping stone to other roles within the Bank. RM “churn” remains at high lev-els with the average tenure of an RM at 1.7 years.

Dentists are tired of hav-ing to re-educate their new RM’s and are moving to specialist finance brokers.

Specialist finance advocates such as Finlease are knowledge-able and experienced in the dental field, and they’ll use a number of financiers. Information is gathered from the client ONCE and the on-going process is managed holistically.

Final document signing should always be done per-sonally at a time and place that is suitable to the client, often after office-hours or on week-ends.

The best thing about money is that, (once you’ve got it), Westpac’s money, Bank of Queensland’s money or Macquarie Bank’s money is just as good as NAB’s or ANZ’s.

So why don’t I just call all of the banks myself?Four reasons. 1. Time... Recorded mes-sages and wearing out your fingernails pressing “ONE” either costs practice time or family time.2. Credit departments within banks require detailed and compelling business cases. 3. Volume... Finlease intro-

duced $350M in 2010. 4. There is true wisdom in spreading your debt.

A good specialist offers a single point of contact so that clients never have to talk to the bank.

Finlease visits each client to gain a full understanding of their practice and then reverts with a proposal. If it’s acceptable the client may proceed. If not, the client may decline with no obligation, sure in the knowledge that all details are archived for the next purchase. £ Provided by Steve Daley, ph: 0448 480 405

35Finance product guide

Advertorial

Investing for growth By Nick Aronson, General Manager, The Leasing Centre

Small and medium businesses are the lifeblood of the Australian

business community. They account for 73% of all businesses and employ 42% of local workers1. However, many small and medium businesses face a serious challenge when it comes to growing their businesses – the issue of funding.

The problem becomes clear when we take the example of dental practices. To develop their businesses and gain competitive advantage, dental practices need to invest in cutting

edge equipment such as dental chairs, x-ray machines and oral cameras. However, dental equipment is expensive.

Outright purchase of equipment can be problematic. It depreciates quickly as research evolves and new products are developed. It also involves a large outlay of funds which can have a serious impact on cash flow. Upfront purchase of equipment is not tax effective. It also restricts the practice from updating or changing equipment as new innovations hit the market, reducing the ability to provide

the cutting-edge dental care that patients need.

A viable option for practices wanting the flexibility to acquire the latest dental equipment is financing. Organisations such as The Leasing Centre specialise in financing dental equipment. The Leasing Centre offers tailored solutions designed to secure dental equipment, while being flexible, tax effective and cash flow friendly. The Leasing Centre believes every equipment finance strategy should be designed to help bridge the gap between growth objectives

and budget limitations, to ensure dental practices get the best investment for their business. Our solutions allow you to upgrade your equipment as new technology becomes available.

Having a flexible finance facility option in place allows you to spread payments over the useful life of the equipment. Additionally, finance facilities are often tax friendly with monthly payments 100% tax deductable if used for business purposes, making them a cost efficient way to finance new equipment.

36Finance product guide

Advertorial

Need access to cutting-edge equipment such as x-ray machines & oral cameras without impacting cashflow? The Leasing Centre can design tailored flexible finance solutions to help your dental practice grow.

Unlike banks and other medical finance companies, our flexible, tailored finance allows you to upgrade your equipment as new technology becomes available while being tax effective and cashflow friendly.

Since 1992, The Leasing Centre has been at the forefront of Australian equipment finance. Our specialists are experts in their fields, having experience across a variety of industries and markets. This industry knowledge has assisted tens of thousands of customers, large and small. Service is our success and we look forward to supporting your business.

ACCESS MARKET-LEADING EQUIPMENT WITH THE LEASING CENTRE’S FLEXIBLE FINANCE SOLUTIONS

For more information or to discuss tailored finance solutions to suit your practice’s needs, contact The Leasing Centre on 1800 640 738

or visit www.theleasingcentre.com.au

36 Bite

1Reckon 2010 Annual SMB Business Survey

Bite 37Bite 37

Investing for growth By Nick Aronson, General Manager, The Leasing Centre Master your cash flow

Medfin, an Aus-tralian leader in healthcare finance is pre-

senting a series of practi-cal, half day seminars, aimed at assisting dentists to improve their cash flow management skills.

Partnering with Momen-tum Management—dental industry specialists in practice improvement consultancy and training—Medfin successfully hosted its inaugural “Master your cash flow” seminar in Mel-bourne, earlier this year.

Responding to the positive feedback from the

Victorian participants, the cash flow workshop is now scheduled for a national roll out with dates set for Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Geelong, Adelaide and Perth.

Using dental industry examples, the seminar of-fers key insights on how to achieve personal and busi-ness goals while maximis-ing practice earnings.

The course content includes: budgeting, production planning, daily goals, tips to ensure your turnover covers expenses and produces income

and a real-life look at how much it costs to be YOU!

Momentum Manage-ment’s experienced and engaging speakers make this an event that really

is both informative and entertaining. For further information or registration please visit medfin.com.au or email marketing@medfin.com.au.

37Finance product guide

Advertorial

medfin.com.auMedfin – finance for your: Car • Equipment • Practice • Property* • Cash flow needs

Because we do not know your personal or business objectives please consider whether this product is appropriate for your circumstances. Available to approved customers only. Subject to credit assessment. Terms and conditions available upon application. Other fees and charges apply. *Credit providers on residential investment products for individuals are National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 and Medfin Australia Pty Limited ABN 89 070 811 148. A wholly owned subsidiary of National Australia Bank Limited, and part of the NAB Health specialist business. (B5/11)

Buying a residential investment property?

When you first start thinking about investing in a residential property, talk to Medfin about your plans.

Our Residential Investment Property Loan offers you the opportunity to:

Save moneyPay NO Lender’s Mortgage Insurance.

Free up your personal fundsWithin approved limits you can borrow a high percentage of the purchase price of your property.

Reduce monthly repaymentsTake advantage of Medfin’s INTEREST ONLY payment option.

Want more information? Call your local Medfin Relationship Manager today on 1300 361 122 or visit medfin.com.au and request a quote.

Learn how to master your money with Medfin and Momentum.

Integrating desensitisation into your prophylaxis procedure

Sensodyne® and NovaMin® are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

The protection behind the polish

• Unique NovaMin® calcium-phosphate technology

• Occlusion of dentine tubules1, 2

• Immediate relief of sensitivity for your patients1

• PLUS the stain removal strength you trust

• Gluten and dye free

Register on-line for your free sample today:www.dentsply.com.auwww.dentsply.co.nz

Australia: www.dentsply.com.au • Tel: 1300 55 29 29New Zealand: www.dentsply.co.nz • Tel: 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77)

References: 1. Burwell AK, Litkowski LJ, Greenspan DC. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin®): remineralization potential. Adv Dent Res. 2009; 21:35-39. 2. Ramoji RMV, Swathi D. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate: a promising desensitizing agent. Ann Essences Dent. http://aedj.in/2.4.148-150. Accessed November 9, 2010.

For further information or to place an order, please contact your local DENTSPLY Sales Specialist or the Client Services team on AU: 1300 55 29 29 or NZ: 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77).

Prophylaxis Paste with NovaMin® • Bio-available Calcium Phosphosilicate

PROFESSIONAL

POWERED BY NOVAMIN®

P e r f o r m a n c e m e e t s P r o t e c t i o n

AvAilAble

while sTocks

lAsT22

11/0

6/20

11

2211 Nupro Bite ad.indd 1 1/06/11 2:08 PM

Bite 39

Tools of the tradeThe ultimate dry vacuum system; the cutting-edge of soft-tissue lasers; Proxostrips, and more are under review this month

Bite 39

Cattani Dry Suction Systemby Dr Robert Harper, Richmond Fine Dentistry, Richmond, VIC

When I set up my practice six years ago, it was an ideal opportunity to future-proof in terms of ultimate hygiene. In other practices, I’d noticed that wherever there is a dental lathe or a laboratory handpiece for grinding dental appliances, the dust goes everywhere. In order to remove all that dust and all the pollutants from the immediate environment, I had Cattani design this system and fit it.

What’s good about itI have a number of extraction points throughout the practice. These are placed in various walls so the cleaners can just plug in and start vacuuming. The noise level is kept down because the motor is off-site.

A key extraction point is in the floor of the laboratory. A small hatch can be kicked open in the skirting board, which turns the suction on, and any dust can be swept into it.

There are three other extraction points in the laboratory. We use a lot of nasty chemicals in dentistry and no-one really knows what the result of long-term exposure to all those chemicals might be. This system provides a safe and healthy work environment for the staff and for patients.

What’s not so goodYou need a regular maintenance schedule to keep the system working efficiently. It would be more or less impossible to retrofit a system like this unless the surgery was built in a house on stumps. It is something that new surgeries should consider.

Where did you get itCattani.

Hoya Diode Soft Tissue Laserby Dr Laurie Kobler, Integrity Dental, Dural, NSW

About six years ago, I bought a combination hard and soft tissue Erbium laser. I then realised there were times when having a dedicated soft tissue laser was going to be significantly beneficial and worth the investment. So I purchased the Hoya diode laser.

What’s good about itIt’s very simple to use. You initiate the fibre and then it’s ready to cut soft tissue with negligible bleeding. It also cuts with such minimal discomfort, I’m able to use it without local anaesthetic for minor soft tissues procedures. I mostly use it for restorative procedures but it is also quite useful as a root canal disinfecting tool. The fibre is about 600 microns in diameter so it can pass quite a long way into a canal. The uninitiated laser energy kills bacteria and disinfects the prepared canal very effectively. It can also be used to disinfect periodontal pockets in the initiated and uninitiated phase. The initiated fibre will cut the inside of the soft tissue in the pocket and the uninitiated fibre disinfects the pocket.

What’s not so goodEvery time the glass fibre that carries the laser from the unit to the handpiece is used, it must be trimmed again. When using the unit, everyone in the room must wear safety glasses. I use magnification for virtually every procedure, so I had to construct a system whereby I can use magnification while wearing the safety glasses. It took a while to sort out but it works fine.

Where did you get itHenry Schein Halas.

39Your tools

Reviews

Integrating desensitisation into your prophylaxis procedure

Sensodyne® and NovaMin® are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

The protection behind the polish

• Unique NovaMin® calcium-phosphate technology

• Occlusion of dentine tubules1, 2

• Immediate relief of sensitivity for your patients1

• PLUS the stain removal strength you trust

• Gluten and dye free

Register on-line for your free sample today:www.dentsply.com.auwww.dentsply.co.nz

Australia: www.dentsply.com.au • Tel: 1300 55 29 29New Zealand: www.dentsply.co.nz • Tel: 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77)

References: 1. Burwell AK, Litkowski LJ, Greenspan DC. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin®): remineralization potential. Adv Dent Res. 2009; 21:35-39. 2. Ramoji RMV, Swathi D. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate: a promising desensitizing agent. Ann Essences Dent. http://aedj.in/2.4.148-150. Accessed November 9, 2010.

For further information or to place an order, please contact your local DENTSPLY Sales Specialist or the Client Services team on AU: 1300 55 29 29 or NZ: 0800 DENTSPLY (33 68 77).

Prophylaxis Paste with NovaMin® • Bio-available Calcium Phosphosilicate

PROFESSIONAL

POWERED BY NOVAMIN®

P e r f o r m a n c e m e e t s P r o t e c t i o n

AvAilAble

while sTocks

lAsT

2211

/06/

2011

2211 Nupro Bite ad.indd 1 1/06/11 2:08 PM

Your tools Reviews

40 Bite

Intensiv ProxoStripsby Dr Erna Melton, The Trower Road Dental Surgery, Casuarina, NT

ProxoStrips are diamond-coated finishing strips for interproximal use. They’re great for taking off overhangs or making space in between teeth if it’s a little tight when placing a matrix band. They’re also used for finishing the edges of fillings. I first started using them when our sales rep swore blind that I would like them better than what I was using at that time. He was absolutely right.

What’s good about itEach strip contains two grit sizes. One end is rough at 40 micros and one end is smooth at 15 microns.

They have good handles that makes them easy to hold. They don’t have sharp edges like other brands that lead to lacerated gums, cheeks and lips. Patient response can be a little negative as nobody likes having their teeth sawed with diamond-coated strips. However they like them better if they don’t go home with cuts.

Despite being smaller in size and finer in grade, they are extremely tough. You can put a lot of force on them without them snapping or breaking. They are also autoclavable. Depending on how vicious you are with them, it’s possible to get a few uses out of each strip.

ProxoStrips might be just an old idea with a new twist but they are simply much better than any other strips on the market.

What’s not so goodThey’re a bit expensive, particularly if you are only going to use each strip once. They work out at about $20 each.

Where did you get itQuinn Dental.

PrepCheckby Dr Rick Spencer, Spencer & Day Dental, Strathfield, NSW

PrepCheck is used to accurately reduce the height of teeth during crown preparations. It works like articulating paper and comes in three different thicknesses— 1 millimetre for gold preparations or gold crowns, 1.5 millimetres for porcelain fused to metal, and 2 millimetres for all ceramic restorations.

What’s good about itThe patient bites on the PrepCheck and it leaves little marks where the tooth needs more reduction. It’s made of rubber so when the patient bites down, it should slide out easily if there has been adequate reduction. If the tab is difficult to remove, then it indicates that greater reduction is required. As the dentist is assured that enough has been taken off the tooth, it means there is less need for expensive remakes.

This product is particularly useful on second molars. It’s hard to see right at the back of the mouth and these teeth are generally quite short. When doing a crown preparation, you need 3 millimetres of the height left for retention and on second molars you’re really struggling to get those 3 millimetres. Once again PrepCheck helps the dentist by ensuring minimal but adequate tooth reduction has occurred.

What’s not so goodThey come in boxes of 50 for $160 so the only disadvantage is that they’re $3.20 each.

Where did you get itAmalgadent.

Scientific works cited: 1. Petrou I et al. J Clin Dent. 2009;20(Spec Iss):23-31. 2. Cummins D et al. J Clin Dent. 2009;20(Spec Iss):1-9. 3. Nathoo S et al. J Clin Dent. 2009;20(Spec Iss):123-130.

YOUR PARTNER IN ORAL HEALTH

Close picture box here for non bleed item

TREATMENT PROGRAM

TM

A breakthrough: Pro-ArginTM Technology

With Pro-Argin™ Technology, you can finally provide instant* and lasting relief from dentine hypersensitivity using the Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Treatment Program:

• In-office desensitising paste • At-home everyday toothpaste

Pro-Argin™ Technology works through a natural process of dentine tubule occlusion that attracts arginine and calcium carbonate to the dentine surface to form a protective seal that provides instant* relief.2

* Instant relief achieved with direct application of toothpaste massaged on sensitive tooth for 1 minute. Brush twice daily.

In Vitro SEM photograph of untreated dentine surface.

The tubules that lead to sensitivity are open

BEFORE1

In Vitro SEM photograph of dentine surface after application.

The tubules are plugged for instant, lasting relief

AFTER1

The results are revolutionaryInstant relief achieved with direct application of toothpaste massaged on sensitive tooth for one minute and continued relief with subsequent twice-daily brushing3

Visit www.colgateprofessional.com.au to learn more about how instant relief from dentine hypersensitivity can impact your practice.

Finally, instant* sensitivity relief patients can take home.

Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Toothpaste

Positive control:Toothpaste with 2% potassium ion

Negative control: Toothpaste with 1450 ppm fluoride only

Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ ToothpastePositive control:Toothpaste with 2% potassium ionNegative control:Toothpaste with 1450 ppm fluoride only

Instant relief with direct application and continued relief with subsequent twice-daily brushing8

Air

bla

st s

ensi

tivi

ty s

core

2

3

1

0Immediate 3-dayBaseline

70%60%

Sens

itiv

ity

relie

f

improvement

When applied directly to the sensitive tooth with a fingertip and massaged for 1 minute, Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Toothpaste provides instant sensitivity relief compared to the positive and negative controls. The relief was maintained after 3 days of twice-daily brushing.

+ Source - 2009 Professional Tracking Study (data on file)

From the maker of the #1 recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth+

42 Bite

For the past 12 years, I’ve been hosting a three-hour radio show on Curtin FM 100.1, which is a com-

munity station here in Perth. I put together a program of songs that were released this week in rock ’n’ roll history. It could be that Michael Jackson released ‘Billie Jean’ this week or Elvis Presley released ‘Viva Las Ve-gas’. It takes a lot of planning and research to put the show together.

“It was my mum who first encouraged me to get involved with radio. She used to listen to Curtin FM and heard an announcement saying that the station was running courses in radio presentation. I was intrigued by the idea and decided to give it a go. The train-ing ran for 15 weeks and I’ve loved it ever

since. During my three-hour program, whatever music I put on air is what I have chosen. I give away a lot of prizes so I get to speak to the listeners who call the station.

“I also enjoy sing-ing and have a CD coming out soon. I made the album in

memory of my mother who passed away two years ago. It’s a collection of nice easy-listening ballads with a bit of light pop as well. I’m getting a lot more singing gigs now and when I’m on stage, the stress of the day can just be released. It doesn’t matter whether it’s ‘My Way’ or ‘New York, New York’ or a U2 song—it just seems to release the good hormones.

“A lot of people ask whether I sing Dean Martin songs but I prefer performers like Frank Sinatra or Bobby Darin. I actually play a lot of Dean Martin on my radio show but I don’t sing his songs.

“Dentistry is so intense that I tend to look at the singing and the radio show as stress relief. It’s amazing to think that I’m sitting in my little studio and my show is being broad-cast all over Perth. I often think about how many people are listening and the fact that they are allowing me into their homes. I love radio; I could see myself doing it every day.

Dr Dean Martin Dean A. Martin Dental Surgery, Dianella, WA

42Your lifePassions

“I’m getting a lot more singing gigs now and when I’m on stage, the stress of the day can just be released”

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: M

ike

Du

ffy

GETTING CLEAN DRY AIR NEEDN’T BE SO RISKY.

Jun-Air oil-less compressors come with a full fi ve year warranty and the support of the world’s leading compressed air equipment supplier. Made in Denmark and now available in Australia. The most reliable air is Jun-Air. Made in Denmark

For your local distributor contact West Coast Dental Depot on (08) 9479 3244, fax (08) 9479 3255 or email air@westcoastdental.com.au

WCDD_12919_Bite Ad_A4.indd 1 2/3/10 11:51:45 AM