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

To provide clinicians with a comprehensive, evidence-based workflow that connects preventative care to restorative dentistry using some of Solventums latest innovations in fluoride treatment, composite warming and restorative materials. There will be opportunity for participants to handle the materials discussed in the lecture.

Objectives for the session

• Apply a restoration workflow Confidently select and sequence products from prevention through restoration for optimal efficiency, esthetics, and patient experience.
• Understand the role of prevention using Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment and Clinpro Prophy Powder in prevention management and workflow.
• Identify the appropriate indications for Filtek Easy Match restorative, Filtek Easy Match flowable, Filtek One Bulk Fill and Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive .
• Explain how composite warming  using the Filtek composite Warmer enhances handling, adaptation, and clinical outcomes.

Learning outcomes 

By the end of this webinar, participants will understand how to link preventive care with modern restorative techniques using some of Solventum’s latest materials and Filtek Composite Warmer to enhance handling and results—creating a smooth, efficient process from prevention to final restoration.t

GDC development outcome:B&D

Aim of presentation

To help dental professionals understand the relationship between nervous system regulation and clinical performance, and to introduce practical, evidence-informed strategies for managing pressure, preventing burnout, and sustaining professional excellence.

Objectives for the session

• Understand how the body's stress response operates within the specific demands of clinical dentistry - and why awareness of this is foundational to long-term professional performance
• Explore the connection between perfectionism, self-doubt, and nervous system activation - and why working harder is rarely the answer
• Examine why compassion-focused approaches represent a scientifically grounded route to clinical excellence, not a compromise of it
• Be introduced to the Compassionate Kitbag - a personalised set of practical tools for navigating pressure in real clinical time

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how stress and burnout influence clinical performance, decision-making, and patient interactions. They will explore the physiological impact of sustained pressure, gain practical insight into why common approaches to managing stress are often ineffective, and be introduced to simple, nervous system-informed strategies that can support wellbeing and resilience throughout the clinical day. The session will also encourage reflection on their relationship with professional pressure and how small shifts in approach can help maintain both personal wellbeing and high clinical standards.

GDC development outcome: A, C & D    

Aim of presentation

To provide an overview on the importance of record keeping

Objectives for the session

• To discuss the importance of record keeping as a dental professional
• To discuss the legal aspects of record keeping
• To explain how record keeping links to GDC standards

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, delegates will have a clear understanding of how to produce accurate, effective, and high-quality clinical records, and to apply these principles consistently in daily practice. This includes ensuring documentation is clear, complete, timely, and compliant with relevant standards, supporting effective communication, continuity of care, and patient safety.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation
To improve the confidence, knowledge and practical approach of dentists and hygienists in assessing, monitoring, recording and maintaining dental implants in general practice, and to support timely referral when peri-implant disease or complications are identified.

Objectives for the session

• Differentiate healthy peri-implant tissues from peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis using relevant clinical signs and findings.
• Perform a structured peri-implant assessment in general practice.
• Record baseline and ongoing peri-implant findings accurately.
• Compare current peri-implant measurements with previous records to identify stability, deterioration, or evidence of progressive disease.
• Recognise implant complications and clinical findings that require referral to an appropriately trained clinician.
• Explain their responsibilities within the dental team for implant monitoring, preventive care, patient education, maintenance, and referral.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates should be able to identify healthy peri-implant tissues and recognise peri-implant disease, monitor and accurately record peri-implant clinical findings, understand their role in ongoing implant maintenance, and determine when referral is appropriate for patients with implant complications or progressive peri-implant disease.

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, delegates will be able to demonstrate evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies for the management and repair of lingual and inferior dental (ID) nerve injuries, supporting informed clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

GDC development outcome: C&D

Aim of presentation
This presentation aims to explore the growing prevalence and clinical significance of dry mouth, increasing understanding of the underlying causes of xerostomia and hyposalivation and the distinction between them. It will also provide practical, evidence-based approaches to the assessment and management of patients experiencing reduced salivary flow.

Objectives for the session

• Distinguish between xerostomia and hyposalivation and understand their common causes.
• Use validated tools such as the Challacombe Scale (CODS) and salivary testing to identify dry mouth.
• Understand how reduced saliva affects pH, tooth integrity, caries risk, erosion and biofilm behaviour.
• Apply practical management strategies, including dietary advice, saliva stimulation or substitution, remineralisation therapies and minimally invasive restorative choices.
• Support patients in reducing symptoms and protecting teeth, implants and prostheses in low-saliva environments.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session, delegates will have a stronger understanding of the impact of xerostomia and hyposalivation on oral health, including the effects of reduced salivary function on the oral environment. They will be better equipped to assess and manage patients with dry mouth, select appropriate preventive and restorative interventions, and provide practical, patient-centred advice to support long-term oral health and symptom management.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

To explore the evolution and material science of IPS e.max, with a focus on zirconia, modern workflows and predictable cementation.

Objectives for the session

• Understand the material science behind IPS e.max ceramics and zirconia. 
• Review material selection and clinical indications. 
• Explore modern zirconia workflows, surface treatment and cementation protocols.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the session, delegates will be able to Explain the key scientific properties of IPS e.max materials. Select the appropriate material for different clinical cases. Apply the correct workflow, surface treatment and cementation protocol.

More Information coming soon.

GDC development outcome: C&D

Aim of presentation
This presentation aims to ensure compliance with UK regulatory radiation protection relevant for Dental Teams.

Objectives for the session

• Explain what ionising radiation is, how X-rays are produced, and why it is harmful to living cells.
• Describe the difference between deterministic and stochastic biological effects.
• State the UK legislative framework governing ionising radiation (IRR17 & IR(ME)R 2017 + 2024 Amendment).
• Describe how patients and staff are protected in dental settings.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates will have a greater understanding of the principles of ionising radiation in dental practice, including how X-rays are produced, their biological effects, and the potential risks associated with exposure. The session will also strengthen awareness of the legal and professional responsibilities surrounding dental radiography and reinforce the importance of applying appropriate radiation protection measures to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation
This webinar will cover the assesment of the gingival and soft tissues for patients who are starting, undergoing or have completed orthodontic therapy

We will discuss the key soft tissue clinical features to look out for which will help predict potential side effects of orthodontic treatment and how to prevent them.

It will also cover the main treatment modalities that exist in contemporary periodontics to manage gingival recession.

Objectives for the session

• Assessment of gingival tissues for patients pre, during and post orthodontics therapy.
• Identify key clinical features that may indicate a risk for soft tissue changes during orthodontic therapy.
• Aware of the soft tissue side effects that can occur during and after orthodontic therapy.
• Identify cases that require soft tissue augmentation prior to orthodontic therapy and those requiring it post orthodontic therapy.
• Aware of the potential treatment modalities to manage gingival recessions.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates should be able to assess gingival tissues throughout orthodontic treatment, recognise clinical indicators of soft-tissue risk and common orthodontic-related soft-tissue complications, evaluate the need and timing of soft-tissue augmentation, and select appropriate management strategies for gingival recession based on individual patient presentation.

GDC development outcome: A, C & D

Aim of presentation

This session will explore how to support younger patients oral health, including risk factors & diagnosing  erosive tooth wear in children , tools and resources for engaging younger patients and parents & the role of specialised fluoride toothpaste.

Objectives for the session

• The state of children’s oral health and impacts of dental disease
• The risk factors for erosive tooth wear 
• The role of Pronamel kid’s toothpastes
• Tools and resources for engaging younger patients in oral health"

Learning outcomes

Following this session, attendees should feel equipped to discuss children's oral health challenges, recognise and address risk factors for erosive tooth wear, recommend appropriate enamel protection strategies, and effectively engage children and families using practical educational resources.

GDC development outcome: C

Aim of presentation

To improve clinicians' confidence and predictability in direct composite bonding through appropriate material selection, simplified layering protocols, and practical techniques for managing common aesthetic challenges.

Objectives for the session

• Understand the differences between the Kulzer composite systems and identify their appropriate clinical indications.
• Select suitable flowable and restorative composites for different bonding procedures.
• Learn simplified layering recipes for edge bonding and direct composite veneers.
• Select dentine and enamel shades to create natural aesthetic outcomes.
• Choose appropriate polishing instruments to achieve long-lasting surface quality.
• Plan composite bonding for misaligned teeth and effectively mask tooth discolouration.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session delagates will be able to select and apply the most appropriate Venus restorative materials, composites and finishing systems for a range of anterior aesthetic indications, using effective shade selection, layering techniques and direct composite solutions to achieve predictable, natural-looking and durable restorations.

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

Our next event will be on 2027, look forward to seeing you there!