In celebrating 25 years of the BPS denture system Carl Fenwick, Professional Services Manager at Ivoclar UK & Ireland, discusses the evolution of dentures and their role in private dentistry today.
From the first known set of dentures in 700 BC to the breakthrough of natural-looking dentures becoming available on the NHS in 1951 – the history of dentures continues to evolve as we consider developments such as Dr Abe’s suction technique, analogue to digital and even the increase in private demand.
As the UK’s oral health improves, people are living longer and retaining their dentition further into old age. When it comes to providing removable dentures as a viable treatment option within the dental practice, this presents three key factors.
ONE, servicing the demand.
Firstly, despite a decline in the number of edentulous patients, the need for complete dentures remains , especially as most recent figures show that 6% of the population are living without their natural teeth . With an increasing number of patients looking for more personalised and bespoke denture solutions, an opportunity for clinicians to service that demand by increasing their range of private denture options is growing. This has led to more clinicians seeking out new systems and workflows to help consistently meet their patients’ needs. Are you offering truly bespoke dentures as a treatment option for these patients to better their quality of life?
TWO, gaining the denture skillset.
Secondly, with a declining number of edentulous patients there is a notable reduction in the number of cases available to undergraduates for the teaching of removable dentures. Those who qualify and wish to continue to improve their skills and increase their confidence when providing dentures, can benefit from an easy to learn system with a proven workflow, it often provides the easiest and fastest way to become proficient when looking to upskill. Truly perfecting the correct techniques can be the difference between success and failure, especially important as we’ll continue to see more complex cases from the increasingly older generation. How will you enhance your denture training and skillset to manage the complex edentate population?
THREE, delivering more than dentures.
Thirdly, as dentistry emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, the dental profession has experienced an increase in demand from patients turning to private dentistry to access a wider range of treatments bespoke to their needs. Many patients are seeking out those who can provide high quality, comfortable, aesthetic and functional dentures. They’re educated in their options and are willing to invest in in order to improve their quality of life, often becoming the most positive voices in the community for your abilities and skills. Word of mouth is arguably the most successful advertisement after all! How skilled and equipped are you to meet the private denture demand to meet their needs?
An attractive denture market is emerging
With an increase in demand for private treatment, many dentists, CDTS and dental technicians alike are seeking ways to upskill to meet this demand with premium removable denture options. Investing in a proven, high-end system that offers complete confidence in unparalleled accuracy and complete predictability, could be the solution.
More than just a regular denture, the BPS (Bio-functional Prosthetic System) protocol is the product of a proven workflow and effective cooperation between dentists and dental technicians alike. It offers a systematic clinical and technical workflow of tried and tested techniques and is combined with the most innovative materials and equipment to create incredibly stable, functional, and highly aesthetic dentures. Plus, it’s supported by a UK and international education programme to help train the next generation of dentists, CDTs and technicians to be competent and confident in the system, for both analogue and digital approaches.
This October 21st - 22nd, Ivoclar will be holding a 2-day ‘Masters of Removable Prosthetics’ event in Nottingham, dedicated to celebrating 25 years of denture innovation with the BPS denture system.
World renowned clinical and technical removable experts will unite for two days to commend the system.
The immersive agenda will showcase some of the research and development which went into creating the system, whilst discussing its advancements including Dr Jiro Abe’s Suction denture (SEMCD), the Ivotion Digital Denture system, and even how one speaker helped introduce the BPS system into the Japanese dental curriculum.
Click here to download itinerary
Professor Kenichi Matsuda, DDS, PhD explains, “After learning about it’s simple and easy-to-understand workflow for both dentists and technicians, I realised how useful the BPS protocol could be for education. I made it my mission to introduce the system into Japanese universities so that now the BPS name is widely recognised by the Japanese Society of Prosthodontics. I’m excited to share my experiences about delivering this education to the UK.”
Being able to provide premium denture solutions can set you apart from the competition when it comes to meeting private denture demand. Attending and networking at the ‘Masters of Removable Prosthetics’ BPS event this October, will enable you to learn more about the system, discover how to become a trained BPS denture clinician and even find a certified BPS laboratory to partner with when striving for complete accuracy and predictability in your denture offering.
To book your place on the Ivoclar ‘Masters of Removable Prosthetics’ 2-day event which celebrates 25 years of the BPS denture system in Nottingham this October click here. Tickets for the 2-day and evening event are available for £295+ vat per person. Hotel accommodation can also be booked for one night at £72+vat.