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: C

Aim of presentation

Alastair is an award winning Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon based in London. His practice is now the largest in the UK in terms of head and neck / Oral cancer and free flap reconstruction, and is recognised as having some of the best outcomes in the UK. This webinar aims to increase knowledge of head and neck cancer and the pathways available. 

Objectives for the session 

• Raise awareness of presentations and early diagnosis of mouth cancer. 
• Educate on current concepts of management
• Improve early diagnosis of cancer and precancerous lesions.
• Encourage early diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients.

Learning outcomes 

By attending this session you will gain a better understanding of: 

• Diagnosis of cancers and precancers
• Understand pathophysiology, staging and treatment strategies. 
• Understand the crucial role of dental practitioners in diagnosing and managing patients with head and neck cancer

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

This presentation will discuss the role of early mentorship to develop clinical skills to complete both simple and complex aligner cases successfully. We will discuss the benefits of using Aligner Intelligence for your aligner therapy cases. 

Objectives for the session 

• Have a clear understanding on how to develop clinical skills with aligner therapy to safely build up patient numbers and produce predictable results.
• Discuss the pitfall and common scenarios that can lead to both clinician and patient dissatisfaction with aligners.
• Discuss a pathway to broaden clinician horizons and produce more predictable results with aligners. 

Learning outcomes 

By attending this session you will gain: 

• An understanding of the Aligner market and its future place in the clinical armamentarium of generalists and specialists.
• An understanding of common scenarios and how to manage them to achieve patient satisfaction with confidence.

GDC development outcome: A and B

Aim of presentation

To equip dentists with practical communication and presentation skills that build patient trust, support informed consent, and increase ethical acceptance of private treatments. We will discuss how to confidently explain treatment options, benefits, risks, and fees in a clear, patient-friendly manner, ensuring professional and ethical discussions that enhance case acceptance.

Objectives for the session 

This session will cover how to: 

• Communicate clearly and confidently with private patients
• Present private treatment plans more effectively
• Improve treatment acceptance (case acceptance)
• Discuss fees and manage price questions professionally

Learning outcomes 

By attending this session you will:

• Gain an understanding of  how to explain treatments, benefits, risks and value in a simple patient-friendly way that builds trust.
• Learn a clear structure for presenting plans and options so patients fully understand what they need — supporting ethical, informed consent.
• Gain practical techniques to handle patient concerns, explain value, and support decision-making without feeling like they are “selling”.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

This presentation aims to provide dental professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the biomimetic, non-invasive management of early carious lesions using Curodont Repair, covering the scientific foundation, clinical evidence, and practical workflow, so they can confidently integrate this treatment into everyday practice as an alternative to purely restorative strategies.

Objectives for the session

The session will:

• Explain the biological principles and clinical evidence supporting Curodont Repair as a treatment for early carious lesions.
• Identify suitable patients and early lesions appropriate for biomimetic remineralisation treatment.
• Understand the clinical workflow, application technique, and expected treatment outcomes.
• Communicate the benefits of early-stage lesion treatment to patients in a clear and ethical way.
• Recognise how incorporating Curodont Repair can support minimally invasive dentistry and contribute to practice growth.

Learning outcomes

By attending this webinar delegates will be able to:

• Apply evidence-based decision-making to determine when Curodont Repair is indicated.
• Integrate the treatment into routine clinical practice safely and effectively.
• Evaluate early carious lesions and document outcomes appropriately.
• Improve patient acceptance of early-stage intervention through enhanced communication.
• Reflect on how minimally invasive treatment options support patient care pathways and practice development.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

This webinar will discuss the rationale and benefits of minimally invasive non-surgical technique (MINST) when treating advanced periodontal disease. The supportive evidence and the clinical protocol of MINST will also be discussed.

Objectives for the session

This session aims to: 

• To understand wound healing and its role in periodontal regeneration
• Review past and contemporary literature in periodontal regeneration
• How to practice MINST in practice
• Evaluate the effectiveness of MINST

Learning outcomes

By attending this webinar delegates will:

• Understand what is non-surgical periodontal regenerative therapy
• Understand the biological principles that underpin MINST protocol
• Discuss the benefits of MINST when compared to conventional NSPT
• Review the evidence in support of MINST
• Implement the MINST protocol in a clinical setting

GDC development outcome: A and C

Aim of presentation

A presentation to help clinicians to feel confident and competent in dietary counselling with patients and to understand why the GDP is the perfect place for these conversations and how active engagement could not only benefit oral health, but systemic health of patients too.

Objectives for the session

This session will: 

• Describe the remit of GDPs in nutrition advice and counselling
• Summarise the different needs of different patient groups and how nutrition advice needs to be dynamic for these groups
• Explain how to deliver advice and coaching that results in real behaviour change for positive dental and systemic health changes

Learning outcomes

By attending this webinar delegates will: 

• Be able to identify appropriate patients for nutrition counselling and be confident in delivering the appropriate advice in a dental setting
• Understand when to refer patients to other qualified HCPs
• Understand the role of nutrition counselling in dental treatment and in a wide health plan

GDC development outcome: C and D

Aim of presentation

To refresh and upskill knowledge of medical emergencies and confidence in support of a patient in need of emergency care during dental visits.

Objectives for the session

This session will cover:

Medical emergencies and their management within the dental practice.We will briefly discuss the medical emergency and associated treatment for: 

• Asthma
• Angina
• Myocardial Infarction
• Hypoglycemia
• Epilepsy
• Anaphylaxis
• Syncope
• Stroke

Learning outcomes

By the end of the session to be able to recognise the medical emergencies that could be commonly encountered within a dental practice and the responsibilities of those involved.

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: C

Aim of presentation

To explore the challenges of oral care in people living with dementia and how to support their oral and overall health.

Objectives for the session

This session aims:

• To identify the common oral health problems faced by individuals with dementia.
• To examine the factors that contribute to poor oral hygiene in dementia, including cognitive and behavioral changes.
• Discuss practical interventions for improving or managing oral care and supporting caregivers.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will:

• Be able to identify what dementia encompasses and how oral health and overall health is linked.

GDC development outcome: B

Aim of presentation

A session delivered by a Consultant Orthodontist and certified life coach trained in NLP to support colleagues find ways to prioritise their wellbeing and personal development. 

www.drnadiaahmed.co.uk/coaching/

Objectives for the session

This session is designed for you:

• To understand the purpose of life coaching and NLP
• To raise awareness of identifying core values and why this is important
• To be introduced to tools used in life coaching and a growth mindset
• To understand how to make decisions and work towards life goals 
• To evaluate work-life balance with a wheel of life exercise
• To understand how life coaching can help to achieve goals
• To understand the importance of healthy habits and stress management

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will have better awareness of how to identify your core values and how to live in alignment with those values as well as achieving an ideal work-life balance.

GDC development outcome: A, C and D

Aim of presentation

This session aims to refresh and  highlight updates and ensure understanding of the requirements of the legislation and maintaining compliance. 

Objectives for the session

The attendees will be able to recognise and implement changes to legislation ensuring patient protection and the patient journey meets the requirements of best practice and compliance with legislation. Covering updates to legislation to ensure safety of patients undergoing radiological investigations covering:

• Justification
• Limitation
• Optimisation
• Consent
• Arrangements for comforters and carers

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will have a greater understanding of: 

• The latest IRMER updates
• The requirements of the legislation and maintaining compliance.

GDC development outcome: C and D

Aim of presentation

• To explore the changing patterns of erosion and caries in modern patients.
• To highlight key risk factors linked to today’s food, drink and lifestyle habits.
• To provide practical, evidence-based strategies clinicians can use to protect vulnerable patients.

Objectives for the session

During this session we will discover how to: 

• Recognise common patient behaviours that increase erosion and caries risk.
• Identify clinical signs that are often overlooked in early tooth wear.
• Apply simple, effective interventions to support enamel protection and oral health.
• Communicate risks and preventive advice clearly and confidently to patients.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, delegates will have improved their ability to:

• Understand how contemporary food, drink and lifestyle factors contribute to erosion and caries.
• Identify early clinical signs associated with modern patterns of tooth wear.
• Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to help protect patients at increased risk.
• Communicate preventive advice more effectively in routine patient interactions.

A Huge Thankyou for joining our March 2026 Bupa Learning Lounge.

Our next events will be 23rd May and 10th October, look forward to seeing you there!