Young Dentists Conference 2008

Recently qualified dentists at this year's Young Dentist Conference challenged the need for aesthetic dentistry in a lively debate with guest speaker Mervyn Druian.

Having delivered a useful business plan for the young dentists to follow earlier in the session Mervyn, a GDP from North London who is perhaps best known for his role as the principal dentist on Extreme Makeover UK, then showed examples of some of the aesthetic dentistry undertaken in his practice. Many of the young dentists questioned these procedures - especially tooth whitening and veneers, and asked how these procedures are viewed from both an ethical and legal standpoint.

One of the dento-legal team from Dental Protection was on hand to explain that a combination of well-documented consent process which had offered a patient all the available options (included the option not to treat) together with a balanced explanation of the risks, as well as the benefits of each procedure, would go a long way towards complying with those two important considerations. It was also important to work only within the limits of your capabilities and training.

Mervyn congratulated the young dentist for having posed the question, and for considering the ethical dimension of cosmetic procedures. Many older and more experienced dentists, he said, might not have asked the question - but should do so.

Also presenting during this session entitled ‘The Anatomy of an Entrepreneur' was Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of ‘The Apprentice' hosted by Sir Alan Sugar.

Tim engaged and inspired the audience, offering an insight in to his own career development and how business skills helped him to develop a successful male grooming business and the charity The Bright Ideas Trust - an organisation which aims to help and promote young entrepreneurs.

The Young Dentist Conference is organised by Dental Protection in association with the BDA and BDJ. It took place at the Royal College of Physicians in London on 9th February 2008, with over 200 delegates in attendance.