NEWS The BDJ News section accepts items that include general news, latest research and diary events that interest our readers. Press releases or articles may be edited, and should include a colour photograph if possible. Please direct your correspondence to the News Editor, Arveen Bajaj at the BDJ, The Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW or by email to [email protected]

DCP health checks Smiles all round Dental care professionals (DCPs) registering with the General Den- tal Council (GDC) will be able to ask either their employing or supervising dentist or a doctor to sign their health certifi cate, following changes made by the Council. Dental technicians and dental nurses who do not work in a clinical environment will need to make a self- declaration about their health and confi rm they do not have any clinical contact with patients. The GDC says the registration appli- cation process enables it to assess an applicant’s fitness to carry out their professional duties - DCPs applying for registration need to provide cer- tain information about their profes- sional training, character and health. The changes are in recognition of the Dunmurry Dental Practice has won an award at the prestigious Belfast Business Gala Awards fact that some roles are more exposure- ceremony which took place in the City Hall recently. The award was given to the company that ‘displayed a strategic approach to business, successful implementation and has good prospects for prone than others and therefore carry the future’. different degrees of risk for patients. Philip McLorinan, Prinicipal Dentist and Owner said, “I was surprised but delighted to win the Applicants who may have already award, however the team have worked exceptionally hard to deliver a high quality service and to paid for medical examinations as part of build the new business”. the application process, who would not Since Dunmurry Dental Practice opened two years ago, the emphasis on patient satisfaction require them under the new guidance, has been evident throughout the service, and has resulted in the practice winning three other awards since opening: fi nalist in Lisburn City Business Awards 2004, New Business Marketing will be eligible to apply to the GDC for Award (CIM-All Ireland) 2005 and Highly Commended in the Dental Awards – Practice Marketing a refund. For more information visit 2006. The Practice has also been nominated as Best Practice in the UK Awards to be www.gdc-uk.org/Potential+registrant/ held later this year. or call 020 7887 3800. Pictured above, Philip McLorinan, with Debbie McLorinan, Paula McCarthy, Tracey Campbell, Debbie McKinney, Sharon Boyle, Denise Campbell, Cathy Smith, Maria Nolan and Joanne Jenkins.

GDC prosecutes non-dentist over The General Dental Council (GDC) has The case was heard at Norwich Mag- whitening can be dangerous, particu- challenged in court for the fi rst time the istrates Court on 26 October. The GDC is larly in the hands of unregistered pro- practice of non-dentists offering tooth- seeking a landmark ruling so that it can fessionals. We believe that, for public whitening treatments. The GDC brought stamp out the practice by non-dentists. safety, only registered dentists should a case of alleged “illegal practice of den- Dental professionals have contacted the be permitted to carry out tooth whit- tistry” against Ben Nahab, who pleaded GDC expressing concerns about the safety ening procedures or provide clinical guilty. He had performed a tooth whit- of non-dentists offering such a service. advice about such treatments. If we ening procedure in May 2006. Mr Nahab GDC President Hew Mathewson receive information that suggests an was convicted, and ordered to pay a fi ne said, “The General Dental Council’s unregistered person may be practising plus costs and compensation. priority is to protect the public. Tooth dentistry illegally, we will investigate.”

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 201 NO. 11 DEC 9 2006 691 NEWS New target for treating Correction In a previous issue of the BDJ (BDJ 2006; 201: 555) we incorrectly printed craniofacial pain that Mouth Cancer Awareness Week A new study, published in the Journal of citonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), was run by the Mouth Cancer Founda- Neurochemistry, identifi es a key interac- and brain-derived neurotrophic factor tion. Mouth Cancer Awareness Week tion between head and neck nerve cell (BDNF). Previous studies found that dur- is co-ordinated by the British Dental proteins that may help shed light on ing a migraine attack, the stimulation of Health Foundation and is supported migraines and temporomandibular joint trigeminal nerve cells releases CGRP at by a number of organisations, includ- disorders the peripheral end of the cells, widen- ing the Mouth Cancer Foundation. Researchers at Oregon Health & Sci- ing blood vessels in the brain coverings See story ‘If in doubt, get checked ence University’s School of Dentistry called meninges. out’ on page 694. have uncovered an interaction between Widening the blood vessels increases two proteins in the nerve cells that carry the fl ow of blood through the menin- pain information from the head and neck ges and initiates an infl ammatory proc- to the brain. ess that likely contributes to the pain They claim that the fi nding could play experience. Recent clinical studies show Volunteers wanted a signifi cant role in the development of that blocking CGRP helps alleviate therapies to cure migraines and other migraine pain. for new contract craniofacial pain conditions like TMJ The discovery by Dr Balkowiec and (temporomandibular joint) disorder. her team points to BDNF being a likely research “Our discovery reveals the complexi- culprit behind head pain - a previ- The BDA is inviting dentists from ties of pain signalling mechanisms from ously unknown fi nding. The OHSU team England and Wales to get involved the head and neck to the brain,” said Dr found that the stimulation of trigemi- and tell the Association what they Agnieszka Balkowiec, principal investi- nal nerve cells, as experienced during a think about the changes that have gator, OHSU School of Dentistry. migraine attack, leads to release of not occurred to NHS primary dental care She explained that head pain is sig- only CGRP, but also BDNF. The study services. nalled to the brain by the trigeminal also found that BDNF is released by It is seeking volunteers for focus nerve. The trigeminal nerve also con- CGRP when trigeminal nerve cells are groups to be held during January and veys other types of sensation, such as not stimulated. In fact, said Dr Balkow- February 2007 at various locations. touch and temperature, from numerous iec, CGRP’s role at the central end of the All the meetings will be held in the structures of the face, including the trigeminal nerve cells is likely to be the early evening and refreshments and a skin, ears, cornea, temporomandibular facilitation of BDNF release. BDNF has buffet supper will be provided. Every- joints and teeth. Studies suggest that the previously been shown to play an impor- one who puts themselves forward will trigeminal nerve provides the signal- tant role in pain signalling from other get entered into a draw to win £50 ling pathway for pain associated with parts of the body, but this is the fi rst time worth of BDA shop products. migraines, TMJ disorder, periodontal it has been considered to be a factor in According to the Association, the pain, dental surgical pain, trigeminal head pain. focus groups are a major part of its neuralgia, head and neck cancer pain, “What we now need to better under- programme of research which is look- and other neuropathic and infl ammatory stand is how the interaction between ing into the impacts of the reform to pain conditions. CGRP and BDNF affects pain signalling NHS dentistry. The OHSU study focused on two to the brain in various disorders,” said The purpose of the focus group will trigeminal nerve cell proteins: cal- Dr Balkowiec. be to share experiences with each other with the aim of preparing a detailed S-W-O-T analysis (Strengths- Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) of the reforms. The fi ndings will also feed into the BDA’s broader policy development work, so will directly affect the policy position being made by the organi- sation. It is looking for a broad, and representative, range of participants from across England and Wales. If you are interested in helping, send an email to bdafocusgroup@bda. org by Friday 15 December stating your name, address, contact email or phone number and the focus group meeting location you prefer – London, Cardiff, Leeds, Manches- ter, or Birmingham. If you have fur- ther questions please contact Dan Berry (Acting Head of Secretariat) at [email protected].

692 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 201 NO. 11 DEC 9 2006 NEWS

Laser dentistry and prehistoric teeth Laser dentistry has helped researchers discover more about the diets of our early human relatives. University of Utah sci- entists improved a method of testing fos- sil teeth, and showed that early human relatives varied their diets with the sea- sons 1.8 million years ago, eating leaves and fruit when available in addition to seeds, roots, tubers and perhaps grazing animals. Study co-author and geochemist Dr Thure Cerling says the study of the now-extinct, ape-like species known as Paranthropus robustus is important because it “shows that the variability in human diet has been ‘in the family’ for a very long time. It is this variability that allows modern humans to utilise foods from all over the world.” The researchers used a laser to remove tiny samples from four 1.8-million- year-old fossilised Paranthropus teeth, Early human relatives varied their diets and then tested the samples to deter- mine the ratios of two isotopes or forms for relatively large teeth and a strong, the way in which they use photosyn- of carbon. heavy jaw. thesis to convert sunlight, water and “By analysing tooth enamel, we found Passey improved the laser technique carbon dioxide into plant matter and that they ate lots of different things, and by fi ne-tuning the method to han- oxygen. Carbon isotope ratios revealed what they ate changed during the year,” dle very small samples like human- the extent to which the relatives of says University of Utah geology doc- sized teeth. He says. “If you tried the early humans ate so-called C3 plants, toral student Ben Passey, a co-author of previous method on a human tooth, you which include fruit and leaves from the study in journal Science. would blast a hole clear through the trees in both the forest and savanna, Passey used a laser to remove and enamel, and museum curators wouldn’t and C4 plants, which grow mostly on vaporise tiny samples of enamel, which like that.” the savanna and include potato-like then were analysed in a mass spectrome- The laser was used to remove samples tubers, grasses, and seeds and roots ter to determine the ratio of rare carbon- at various points along the length of the from grasses. If the early hominids ate 13 to common carbon-12. “The previous tooth, which is marked by tiny ridges meat from grass-grazing animals like way to sample tooth enamel was to take a called perikymata. They run parallel to antelope, the C4 ‘signal’ also showed up dental with a diamond-impregnated the tooth’s crown and represent tooth in their teeth. drill bit and basically grind away at the growth, similar to tree rings. Periky- “Hominids were taking advantage of tooth, collect the powder and then ana- mata are produced under the gums dur- seasonal differences in food items in a lyse that,” Passey said. ing the animal’s juvenile years, when savanna environment,” Dr Cerling says. In the past decade, researchers have teeth are growing. “We cannot tell if they were carnivores used laser ablation to remove and ana- Each laser sampling vaporised enamel or scavengers, but it is possible their lyse tooth enamel samples from the that formed during several months and diet included animals. We are picking large, fossilised teeth of prehistoric thus represented what Paranthropus ate up that signal.” horses, rhinos and elephants to deter- during that period. By taking several Dr Cerling said the study “shows that mine the animals’ diets. samples off the length of each tooth, the our early human relatives were able Until now, lasers were too destruc- researchers reconstructed a few years of to eat a varied diet and therefore were tive to use on the smaller teeth of each creature’s diet. more adaptable in savanna environ- human ancestors and their relatives – The research found that plants fall ments than other primates who had a even those of Paranthropus, known into two broad classes depending on more restricted diet.”

Patient risk assessment tool The American Academy of Periodon- submitted, a calculation based on Death notice tology has released an online tool to the PreViser formula, determines Eric George Searle, DFC, LDSRCS, help patients determine risk for peri- whether the patient is at low, medium, passed away peacefully at his home odontal diseases. The tool, which is or high risk for developing periodon- at 2 Fantona Close, Church Road, located at www.perio.org/consumer/ tal diseases. An individualised pro- Worth, West Sussex on 4th November 4a.html, includes a short question- fi le report appears, including referral 2006. naire for patients to complete. Once recommendations.

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 201 NO. 11 DEC 9 2006 693 DIARY If in doubt, get checked out Mouth Cancer Awareness Week was Carter commented, “Early detection offi cially launched at the House of of mouth cancer increases survival January Commons last month. The campaign, chances from just one in two to around which ran from 12-18 November, is co- nine out of ten, so increased aware- 1st International meeting on Cold ordinated by the British Dental Health ness is vitally important.” For more Laser Therapy in Dentistry Foundation and is supported by a range information visit www.mouthcancer. Date: 18 January 2007 of organisations and companies. The org. Pictured below from left to right, Venue: New Orleans, USA tagline for the campaign was ‘If in doubt, Chief Dental Offi cer for England Barry Tel/Fax: (888) 891-6485 get checked out’ and was launched Cockcroft, Professor Saman Warnaku- by Chief Dental Offi cer for England, lasuriya, Professor of Oral Medicine 5th Annual North American Barry Cockroft. Speaking ahead of the at King's College London, and Dennis launch, Chief Executive of the British Carroll, President of the British Dental Orthodontic Conference for Full Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Health Foundation. Face Orthodontic Study Group Date: 19-21 January 2007 Venue: New Orleans, USA Tel/Fax: (888) 891-6485

Setting up in practice Date: 19 January 2007 Venue: BDA Lecture theatre Tel: 020 7563 4590 Email: [email protected]

February

Moving to private practice - conversion and beyond Date: 23 February 2007 Venue: BDA, London Tel: 020 7563 4590 Email: [email protected]

May Children’s clinic opened The department of paediatric dentistry of tive procedures and inhalation sedation ADI 20th Anniversary Congress the University of Newcastle Dental Hos- facilities in each individual surgery Date: 3-5 May 2007 pital & School, Richardson Road, New- as well as three in the open clinic. The Venue: ICC in Birmingham castle upon Tyne, was offi cially opened newly refurbished department was offi - www.adi.org.uk recently following the refurbishment of cially opened by Professor JJ Murray the clinic. CBE, past Dean of the Dental School and BDA British Dental Conference The refurbishment programme started also Scientifi c Advisor to the BDJ. and Exhibition 2007 at the end of June 2005 and all the old Pictured from left to right, Dr Ben Cole, Date: 24-26 May 2007 equipment was completely removed and Consultant & Head of the Children’s’ Venue: Harrogate International replaced by brand new units in a project department; Mr Dave Jacobs, Consultant Centre (HIC) that cost around £1.4 million. & Clinical Director of the Dental School, The new department has twenty chairs Sir Miles Irving, Chairman of the Trust Tel: 020 7563 4590 in an open clinic format and fi ve chairs Board, Prof. J J Murray, Prof. R A Sey- Email: [email protected] in individual surgeries. The department mour, current Dean and Mr L Fenwick, also has three ceiling mounted operating Chief Executive of the Newcastle upon June microscopes used for advanced restora- Tyne NHS Foundation Trust.

14th Annual Congress of the Turkish Dental Association Date: 11-17 June 2007 Venue: Lütfi Kirdar Convention Center, Istanbul, Turkey Email: tdbkongresi.com www.tdbkongresi.com

694 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 201 NO. 11 DEC 9 2006 BDA honours outstanding contributions to dentistry A former editor of the British Den- professional development to the Lon- tal Journal has joined the BDA’s Roll don Postgraduate Medical and Dental of Distinction in honour of his out- Deanery. standing service to UK dentistry. Dr Dr Heath is a Member of the Faculty Mike Grace was among six individuals of General Dental Practice and a Fellow from the dental community who were in of the Royal College recently honoured by the BDA at the of Surgeons. Dr Ross, now semi-retired, organisation’s inaugural Honours and is dental advisor to Buckinghamshire Awards Dinner, supported by the Brit- Primary Care Trusts and runs a domi- ish Dental Trade Association. ciliary service for care home residents. The ceremony, held at London’s Lang- All three recipients have held high ham Hotel, saw the award of three BDA offi ce within the Association at local Fellowships, the John Tomes Medal or national level, and have made major and two new entries to the BDA Roll of contributions to vocational training Distinction. and professional development. Dr Grace and Hon Alderman John The John Tomes Medal, given to Charlton were entered on the BDA’s an individual in recognition of their Roll of Distinction, honouring their scientifi c eminence and outstanding outstanding service to UK dentistry. service to the dental profession, was Dr Grace has been involved with train- awarded to Professor Elizabeth Treas- ing and consultancy in management ure, Dean and Professor of Dental both within and outside dentistry and Public Health at Cardiff University’s also in undergraduate and postgradu- School of Dentistry. Professor Treas- ate education, as well as vocational ure’s research activities have played an training and dental publishing. Hon important role in the debate on water Alderman Charlton is a director of the fl uoridation; she is also an expert on British Fluoridation Society and Chair dental workforce. of the University Hospital Birmingham The event, hosted by BDA Presi- NHS Foundation Trust. dent Dr Sue Greening, was attended BDA Fellowships, awarded in rec- by 200 members of the dental com- ognition of outstanding and distin- munity including dentists, dental care guished service to the BDA and the professionals and other stakeholders. dental profession, were conferred on Dr Speaking after the event, Dr Green- Ruby Austin MBE, Dr Janet Heath and ing said, “We are delighted to hon- Dr Celia Ross. our six individuals who have made Dr Austin is a Member in General tremendous contributions to the Dental Surgery of the Royal College of advancement of both dentistry and the Surgeons, a Fellow of the Faculty of BDA. The BDA is pleased to recognise General Dental Practice and an advisor the signifi cant achievements of each of on vocational training and continuing our winners.”

Former BDJ editor Dr Mike Grace receives his award from Susie Sanderson, Chair of the BDA’s Executive Board.

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 201 NO. 11 DEC 9 2006