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, B & D

Aim of presentation

To equip dental professionals with practical, communication focused strategies that improve patient rapport, build trust, and increase acceptance of proposed treatment plans.

Objectives for the session

• 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 

• Delegates will demonstrate improved understanding of how communication affects treatment decisions. 
• Delegates will be able to implement structured protocols for patient calls and consultations.
• Delegates will be able to actively use rapport-building and motivational questioning techniques.

GDC development outcome: A & C

Aim of presentation

This session will provide a clinically focused overview of dentine hypersensitivity, exploring its underlying mechanisms and the current landscape of treatment technologies. It will examine the aetiology and pathophysiology of sensitivity, followed by a structured review of established and emerging management approaches, including tubule occlusion, nerve desensitisation, and barrier-based strategies.

Objectives for the session

• Describe the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors of dentine hypersensitivity.
• Explain the modes of action of commonly used desensitising technologies, including potassium-based agents, stannous fluoride, NovaMin, Pro-Argin, and bioactive aerogels.
• Interpret and compare the clinical evidence relating to the efficacy and durability of these treatment approaches.
• Differentiate between technologies based on their mechanism and appropriate clinical application.
• Apply this knowledge to select and recommend suitable interventions for patients presenting with dentine hypersensitivity.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session attendees will have greater knowledge of:

• The underlying mechanisms and contributing factors of dentine hypersensitivity.
• Commonly used desensitising technologies, including potassium-based agents, stannous fluoride, NovaMin, Pro-Argin, and bioactive aerogels.
• Clinical evidence relating to the efficacy and durability of these treatment approaches.
• Technologies based on their mechanism and appropriate clinical application.
• Suitable interventions for patients presenting with dentine hypersensitivity.

GDC development outcome: B

Aim of presentation

To provide an update defining the key terms, risks and process of biofilm build up, providing a greater understanding of legislation regulations and guidance for dental professionals on how to manage dental unit water lines.

Objectives for the session

• Define key terms.
• Identify risks posed by pathogenic micro-organisms.
• Explain the process of biofilm build-up.
• Identify key legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Identify how to eradicate biofilm, resulting in dental unit waterlines producing drinking quality water.
• Demonstrate compliance using an audit tool.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this ECPD course, you will understand how to treat Dental Unit Water Lines in compliance with legislation and guidance to ensure the production of drinking quality water.

GDC development outcome: A& C

Aim of presentation

If left untreated, caries will advance through the dentine stimulating pulpitis and eventually pulpal necrosis. However, if conservatively managed pulpal recovery occurs even in deep carious lesions or pulpal exposure, both carious or iatrogenic.

Management strategies for the cariously exposed pulp are shifting with the avoidance of pulpectomy and the re-emergence of vital pulp therapy techniques. This is down to the development of novel pulp capping materials, such as MTA vPT, which has resulted in more predictable treatments from a clinical and histological perspective.

Objectives for the session

• Diagnosis and assessment of a tooth where direct/indirect pulp capping can be indicated
• An overview of the contemporary techniques available for direct/indirect pulp capping
• Understanding the science of novel materials the general dental practitioner has available to them
• Understanding the contemporary clinical workflow when treating cases which incur carious/iatrogenic pulpal exposures
• Understanding the limitations of novel vital pulp therapeutic techniques."

Learning outcomes 

• To provide the general dental practioners and dental care professionals with a clinical tool kit on how to confidently approach deep caries and pulpal exposures.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

To appreciate complexity of root canals and how to assess pre-operatively case difficulty. You will be able to look at and assess factors that can be responsible for primary endodontic failure and explore intraoperative dressing choice. Finally you will understand how to gain better consent for RCT

Objectives for the session

• Know which cases could require close attention or potentially need referral 

  Understand how to avoid primary endodontic failure risk factors and increase success rates and survivability 

Learning outcomes 

• Understand how to optimize primary root treatments to reduce failure rates

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

The session will give participants an overview of the GC Injection Technique and stent production, to produce predictable direct composite bonding.

Objectives for the session

• Understand the importance of a quality diagnostic wax up.
• Exploring the digital workflow related to the injection moulding technique.
• How to produce a quality clear silicon stent related to patient case selection.
• Be able to identify the shortfalls of direct restorative materials and techniques. 
• Understand the importance of a team approach.
• Confidently produce an injection moulded restoration, using an injection composite material.

  
  

Learning outcomes 

• This Workshop will give the participant, during theoretical and practical sessions, an overview of developments in the field of injectable composites. Using the GC stent approach the participant will be able to place restorations using the injection moulding technique. They will cover finishing and polishing including tips and tricks.

GDC development outcome: A

Aim of presentation

This webinar aims to provide an update on the common causes of complaints in dental practice and provide hints and tips on how to try and resolve them swiftly and efficiently. 

Objectives for the session

• To explain the importance of handling complaints effectively
• To understand the obligations of the different members of the team when dealing with complaints

Learning outcomes 

• By the end of this webinar attendees will understand the common causes of complaints and appreciate the importance of trying to resolve them effiently. 

GDC development outcome: A, C & D

Aim of presentation

To explore the challenges faced by dental hygienists in managing periodontitis patients in general practice, emphasising effective communication and patient-centred treatment planning and journey to their better health. This session will also provide practical tools and techniques for immediate application in clinical practice.

Objectives for the session

• To explore effective solutions and approaches that support dental hygienists in building confidence when managing periodontitis patients in general practice
• To examine the importance of tailored communication and consideration of patients’ mental health in achieving successful engagement
• To share best practices for delivering high-quality, personalised oral hygiene instructions
• To review the S3 guidelines and the British Society of Periodontology implementation framework
• To establish a structured approach to the diagnosis and treatment journey for patients with periodontitis

Learning outcomes 

• This webinar explores practical approaches to managing periodontitis patients in general practice, with a focus on tailored communication, patient engagement, and structured care. It also highlights best practices, S3 guideline implementation, and tools for immediate use in clinical practice.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

To evaluate current methods, materials, and best practices in orthodontic bonding that optimize bond strength, reduce chair time, and minimize bond failure rates, using some of Solventums latest innovations.

Objectives for the session

• Understand the customisation of digital planning.
• How to improve efficiency and time-saving for bracket placement. 
• Integration of digital workflow via connect- manufacturing-application.
• Explain how APC Flash Free bracket system improves accuracy. "

  
  

Learning outcomes 

• Using digital workflow to aid in efficiency for precise bracket placement and effective bonding agents to improve overall workflow.

GDC development outcome: A, B, C & D

Aim of presentation

 To provide dental professionals with a comprehensive clinical and communicative framework for delivering predictable, sensitivity-controlled whitening results using the Enlighten system, while mastering the art of case selection and patient communication.

Objectives for the session

• Deconstruct the Science: Explain the mechanism of action of Enlighten’s regionalized peroxide delivery and how it differs from traditional systems.
• Master Clinical Protocols: Execute the precise steps for impression taking (or scanning), tray design, and the ""power session"" to ensure the B1 guarantee is met.
• Evaluate Case Complexity: Utilize a systematic approach to identify "easy" vs. "complex" whitening cases (e.g., tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or white spots).
• Refine Communication: Implement ""Value-Based"" communication strategies to help patients move past price objections and focus on the lifetime value of a bright smile.
• Optimize Workflow: Integrate advanced whitening into the wider practice portfolio, including maintenance and post-whitening restorative transitions.

  
  

Learning outcomes 

• Clinical Proficiency: Gain the ability to assess and categorize patients according to the "Difficulty Matrix," ensuring realistic expectations are set from the outset.
• Communication Excellence: Master a "patient-centered" dialogue that effectively communicates the unique benefits of Enlighten (such as the guaranteed results and reduced sensitivity).
• Risk Management: Be able to identify and manage potential hurdles, such as gingival recession or existing restorations, before treatment begins.
• Practice Growth: Understand how to position advanced whitening as a gateway treatment for comprehensive cosmetic dentistry.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

This webinar aims to provide dental technicians with a deeper understanding of how to achieve outstanding aesthetic results using the IPS e.max Ceram Art stain and glaze system. The focus will be on refining techniques that enhance productivity when working with all ceramic restorations.

Objectives for the session

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the IPS e.max Ceram Art stain and glaze system and its capabilities.
• Improve external stain application to eliminate shade discrepancies.
• Learn how to correctly apply IPS e.max Ceram Art to achieve exceptional pink and white aesthetics.
• Increase knowledge of firing protocols for all-ceramic and zirconia restorations. 

  
  

Learning outcomes 

• Mirko Trimigno will cover the scientific properties, handling characteristics, and recommended application methods of IPS e.max Ceram Art. 
• In addition, correct IPS e.max Ceram Art firing procedures will be explained to ensure delegates achieve optimal outcomes based on material selection. 

  
  

GDC development outcome: A, C & D

Aim of presentation

This online session will outline the importance of tailored oral health advice for periodontal patients aligned with the correct use of the specific oral care products during treatment and long term care.

Objectives for the session

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

  
  

Learning outcomes 

• This online session will outline the importance of tailored oral health advice for periodontal patients aligned with the correct use of the specific oral care products during treatment and long term care.

  
  

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

Our next event will be on 10th October, look forward to seeing you there!