Dentistry Show, Dental Technology Showcase did what it said

Among others, Software of Excellence introduced Version 12 of its popular practice management software EXACT, which, in addition to the proven features of its predecessors, has new modules aimed at helping practitioners manage their marketing efforts, as well as their online reputation. A new app was also introduced by dental unit manufacturer A-dec that allows dealers to tailor the dental chair design for the individual dentist, providing a more extensive range of individual equipment solutions.

Philips had a new version of its highly popular electric toothbrush brand on display. Sonicare for Kids Connected is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology and comes with a mobile coaching app to help children with their brushing. Available in the UK as the first market outside the US, it will hit retail stores later this year, the company said.

As a first, Danish dental equipment manufacturer 3DISC presented its compact and fast phosphor plate reader FireCR Dental and FireCam HD intra-oral camera, which offers one of the highest resolutions on the market with its 5 megapixels.

Providing easier, faster and smarter scanning capabilities, the new CS 3600 intra-oral scanner from Carestream is said to deliver more-accurate 2-D and 3-D images in high resolution and true colour for defined margins and enhanced diagnostics and treatment planning processes.

New or improved materials and consumables were also on display, including the Ketac Universal Aplicap glass ionomer from 3M ESPE and GC’s G-Premio BOND, a one-bottle light-cured universal adhesive that is claimed to achieve outstanding performance with all etching modes and in all situations.

Orthodontics was also in focus, particularly the growing field of short-term orthodontic treatment. At the Invisalign booth, specialists and general dental practitioners had the opportunity to learn about how best to use the Invisalign Lite and i7 solutions for aesthetic corrections, for example. With Cerezen, an alternative device for treating temporomandibular dysfunction, as well as Bruxlab, the show also saw the introduction of a number of innovative solutions for addressing oral parafunctional habits.

Everything for dental technicians and laboratory staff was again presented at the Dental Technology Showcase, which was held in a new dedicated area on the show floor. Particularly the extended conference programme, which was supported by a number of professional organisations, including the Dental Technologists Association and British Association of Clinical Dental Technology, received much interest.

Highlights were plentiful throughout the programmes of both shows and included internationally distinguished clinician Dr Didier Dietschi from Switzerland presenting on adhesive and aesthetic restorations as part of the Aesthetic Dentist Theatre. Interesting and revealing insights into the future of dentistry were given on several occasions, including at the GDP Theatre and the Dental Business Theatre, hosted by Practice Plan Marketing Director Les Jones. Of particular note were the PechaKucha sessions, in which seven speakers presented 20 slides in 20 seconds each. The dental professionals had to race against the clock to communicate key nuggets of information and advice, ensuring an instructive and entertaining experience for all.

With this year’s successful editions, preparations have now begun for the next Dentistry Show and Dental Technology Showcase in 2017. The combined events will be held from 12 to 13 May, again at the NEC, according to the organisers. Dental professionals are invited to visit the shows’ official websites at www.thedentistryshow.co.uk and www.the-dts.co.uk for more information.