2024 AFN Virtual Conference

Hear from Mark Allan, General Manager of Bupa Dental Care to begin your morning of learning, we hope you enjoy your chosen sessions with our fantastic group of speakers.

GDC development outcome:

A

Aim of presentation:

The aim of this course is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills essential towards managing patient complaints effectively in dental practice, including enhancing their awareness of why patients complain and the crucial role of the entire dental team in preventing and handling patient complaints. 

Objectives for the session: 

During this session  participants will be able to understand how to:

• Outline the reasons why patients commonly complain including unmet patient expectations, adverse treatment outcomes, communication breakdowns 
• Identify the channels through which patients can complain and the procedural differences between the NHS and Private settings 
• Understand the crucial role of communication in preventing, deescalating and managing complaints effectively.
• Analyse how the entire dental team can impact the patient journey and how this relates to patient complaints 
• Reflect on patient feedback and complaints to identify areas for improvement towards enhancing patient care
• Discuss their regulatory, legal and ethical obligations as dental professionals in relation to navigating patient complaints
• Recognise the importance of seeking advice and guidance from their indemnity provider and the support that is available to them.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Describe the need for handling patient complaints promptly and effectively in line with their regulatory, legal and ethical obligations as dental professionals
• Apply effective communication techniques to prevent, deescalate and manage complaints promptly and professionally
• Recognise that preventing and managing patient complaints effectively is a team effort and their role in it
• Implement strategies to help harness the value of patient feedback and complaints towards harnessing patient care.
• Demonstrate an understanding of when, why and how to seek advice and guidance from their indemnity provider and the support that is available to them

GDC development outcome:

 C

Aim of presentation:

Delegates will have a broader understanding of the relationship between perio and diabetes and the effects of treatment on both and also how to implement changes in practice to ensure diabetic-perio patients are managed effectively.

Objectives for the session:

The aim of this session is to: 

• Review the scientific rationale for periodontal disease and its link to diabetes
• Discuss the scientific evidence to support the relationship between diabetes and perio
• Understand the impact of periodontal treatment of diabetic control and vice versa
• Consider the practical implications of managing diabetic perio patients in the dental practice.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session delegates will be able to :

• Explain the scientific rationale underpinning the link between periodontal disease and diabetes, including shared pathophysiological mechanisms.
• Critically evaluate current scientific evidence supporting the bidirectional relationship between periodontal health and glycaemic control in diabetic patients.
• Describe the impact of periodontal treatment on diabetes management, and conversely, the effects of glycaemic control on periodontal disease progression and treatment outcomes.
• Apply evidence-based strategies for the assessment, treatment, and ongoing management of diabetic patients with periodontal disease within a dental practice setting.

GDC development outcome:

 C, D

Aim of presentation:

To describe the mechanisms of lingual and inferior dental (ID) nerve injuries and to demonstrate evidence-based interventions for their repair.

Objectives for the session:

To demonstrate evidence-based interventions for the repair of lingual and inferior dental (ID) nerve injuries.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session you will: 

- Gain knowledge on the lingual and ID nerve and the injuries that can occur.  

• Understand evidence based interventions for repair.        

GDC development outcome:

 C

Aim of presentation:

Dr Loh has extensive implant and restorative experience and education and has seen a distinct lack of in-depth educational programs related to restorative implantology. He has also seen surgical implantology taught distinctly separately to the restorative aspect. He aims to fill in the gaps by providing education in restoratively-driven implant treatment and implant surgical guide design, and link the restorative and surgical aspects together.

This webinar will cover the importance of in depth assessment of single unit dental implant positioning.  It will discuss the effect an adequeate assessment and implant positioning has on choice of restorative components and outcomes and how to mitigate negative outcomes.

Objectives for the session:

• The aim of this session is to show how implant alignment influence the choice of restoration components and long term outcomes.  It will: Educate dentists restoring implants on what the 5 criteria are for ideal positioning
• How to clinically make assessments whether an implant is positioned correctly
• Demonstrate how the restorative components are influenced by errors in correct positioning
• Describe the long term outcomes of errors in correct positioning and some methods to mitigate negative outcomes
  
  

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this session you will:

• Understand what the 5 criteria are for ideal implant positioning
• Be more aware of how to clinically make assessments whether an implant is positioned correctly
• Understand how the restorative components are influenced by errors in correct positioning
• Understand the long term outcomes of errors in correct positioning and some methods to mitigate negative outcomes

GDC development outcome:

C

Aim of presentation:

This session will cover the latest uses of AI in digital dentistry, featuring improvements in 3Shape’s new DX Plus platform for automated diagnosis and 3Shape’s latest Automate platform - including the new fully automated bridge design.

Objectives for the session:

This session will showcase 3Shape’s new breakthroughs in implementing AI into dentistry. It will cover: 

• Introduction to 3Shape
• How 3Shape are using AI to revolutionize the dental industry
• Introduction to TRIOS 6 and DX
• Automate by 3Shape

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session you will:

• Be able to recognize the potential benefits of using AI in digital dentistry, particularly concerning efficiency and accuracy.
• Be able to consider how 3Shape's new AI features could impact their own digital dentistry workflows.
• Be informed about ongoing developments in AI applications within the dental industry.

GDC development outcome:

A C & D

Aim of presentation:

This online session will outline the importance of tailored oral health advice for orthodontic patients aligned with the correct use of the specific orthodontic oral care products. It will give you an overview from Curaden on advice and appropriate products to support Orthodontic patients for better oral health outcomes.

Objectives for the session: 

During this session we'll cover: 

• How to understand what a patient understands regarding oral health and the role they can play with DHCP support
  
• How to align specific orthodontic oral health advice to appropriate oral care products.
  
• How to better coach orthodontic patients on self-oral care techniques.

Learning outcomes:

By attending this session you will: 

• Gain an understanding of  the importance of tailoring oral health advice for individual orthodontic patients based on their needs.
• Understand how to support patients to use appropriate orthodontic oral care products on a both a preventative and ongoing maintenance basis.

GDC development outcome:

B

Aim of presentation:

This session will give delegates the tools they need to extend their careers, while avoiding pain and injuries.

Objectives for the session: 

• Debunk common misconceptions about posture, movement, and musculoskeletal pain in dental practice.
• Highlight the latest research on back pain prevention and management in clinical settings.
• Demonstrate practical, easy-to-implement techniques to reduce strain during patient care.
• Explore ergonomic adjustments and micro-movements that make a measurable difference over time.
• Empower dental professionals with actionable steps to protect their bodies and extend their careers.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify common myths about posture and musculoskeletal pain in dentistry — and understand what the evidence actually says.
• Recognise the early signs of work-related musculoskeletal strain before it becomes chronic.
• Apply simple, movement-based strategies during the working day to reduce pain and improve comfort.
• Adapt clinical setups and working habits to protect the spine and joints without compromising patient care.
• Plan sustainable changes to support long-term health, career longevity, and quality of life in dentistry.

GDC development outcome:

 C

Aim of presentation:

Join us as we debunk common myths about cementation and bonding. Discover effective techniques for bonding zirconia restorations to both dentin and enamel, and learn how to confidently decide whether a restoration should be bonded or cemented. We'll also clarify the differences between conventional cements, self-adhesive cements, and adhesive bonding systems. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at the Ivoclar cement lineup and compare it with offerings from other dental manufacturers.

Objectives for the session:

 This session will:

• Review the recommended techniques for each cementation method.
• Explore useful tools that aid in selecting the appropriate cementation protocol.
• Explain the differences between adhesive bonding and conventional cementation and self adhesive resin cements

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session you will: 

• Understand the differences between adhesive bonding, conventional cementation, and self-adhesive resin cements.
• Be able to determine the appropriate type of cement for various clinical scenarios.

GDC development outcome:

 B

Aim of presentation:

Join Wesleyan’s Dental Financial Planning Webinar to gain expert insights on budgeting, cash flow management, tax strategies, and investment planning designed for dental practices. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, or practice manager, this session will equip you with practical financial tools to help you and your practice thrive.  This session aims to equip dental professionals with practical financial advice and strategies tailored to their unique career paths, helping them effectively manage personal and practice-related finances, plan for long-term financial security, and make informed decisions about investments, insurance, and retirement.

Objectives for the session: 

• Understand the Financial Lifecycle of a Dental Career
  Identify key financial stages from dental school through retirement, including common challenges and opportunities.
• Establish Strong Personal Financial Foundations
  Learn strategies for budgeting, debt management (especially student loans), credit building, and emergency savings.
•  Optimize Practice Financial Management
  Explore best practices for managing overhead, improving cash flow, and making informed business decisions.
• Plan for Tax Efficiency and Compliance
  Understand tax obligations, deductions, and planning techniques specific to dental professionals.
• Develop Investment and Wealth-Building Strategies
  Gain insights into retirement planning, investment options, and how to grow wealth sustainably over time.
• Protect Income and Assets
  Learn about insurance needs (e.g., disability, malpractice, life) and legal tools for asset protection.
• Prepare for Practice Transitions
  Discover how to financially plan for buying, selling, or transitioning into or out of dental practice ownership.
• Encourage Long-Term Financial Planning
  Motivate participants to set and pursue clear financial goals with the support of professional financial advisors
  
  

Learning outcomes:

• Identify key financial milestones in a dental professional’s career and understand how to plan effectively for each stage.
• Create a realistic personal budget and apply effective strategies for managing student debt and practice loans.
• Differentiate between personal and practice finances and implement best practices for managing both efficiently.
• Recognize tax-saving opportunities and understand the basics of tax planning relevant to dental professionals.
• Evaluate investment options and make informed decisions about saving for retirement and long-term financial goals.
• Select appropriate insurance coverage to protect income, health, and professional liability.
• Understand the financial implications of practice ownership, including acquisition, operations, and eventual sale or transition.
• Develop a personalized action plan for ongoing financial health, incorporating both short- and long-term strategies.

GDC development outcome:

 A, B & D

Aim of presentation:

This session focuses on enhancing treatment acceptance rates by mastering communication touchpoints throughout the patient journey—from initial triage and the first phone call to pre-consultation preparation and the consultation itself. We will explore how dental teams can build trust, ask the right questions, and personalise their interactions to significantly improve case conversions.

Objectives for the session: 

This session will support you to: 

• Identify key data required before a consultation to improve clinical and financial outcomes.
• Optimise triage and first contact procedures for greater rapport and clarity.
• Apply effective questioning techniques during consultations to uncover patient needs and concerns.
• Utilise empathetic, patient-focused language that improves trust and engagement.
• Recognise communication pitfalls that reduce treatment uptake and learn how to avoid them.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session delegates will be able to : 

• Demonstrate improved understanding of how communication affects treatment decisions.
• Implement structured protocols for patient calls and consultations.
• Actively use rapport-building and motivational questioning techniques.

GDC development outcome:

 C

Aim of presentation:

 This webinar will provide an overview of Solventum restorative materials that could be used as suitable alternatives to an amalgam restoration, especially in the posterior.

Objectives for the session: 

This session will discuss the alternatives to amalgam that are available with Solventum. The session will: 

• Identifty suitable posterior aternatives 
• Explore the benefits of Solventum amalgam alternatives
• Recognise the advancements of glass ionomer and composite technology and how they can be used

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session delegates will be able to :

• Understand the amalgam alternatives available with Solventum
• Understand the scientific advancements of composite and GI comparable to amalgam

GDC development outcome:
C

Aim of presentation:

To provide GDPs with an understanding of the importance in Ridge Preservation for the long term benefits for their patient along with the types of materials and the role they play in treatment planning.

Objectives for the session: 
This session aims to:

•  Develop a knowledge of; what is Ridge Preservation? When and where is it indicated?
• Learning the basics of how to undertake the procedure.
• Developing an understanding of different types of biomaterials and the role they play in Ridge Preservation.
  
  

Learning outcomes:
By attending this session you will:

• Understand the physiological changes that occur with hard and soft tissues following tooth extraction.
• Communicate effectively with patients regarding Ridge Preservation as a treatment option.
• Know and understand the roles of the different types of biomaterials available for the procedure.

A Huge Thankyou for joining our October Bupa Learning Lounge.