“Implants in Elegance”
A very tasty dish to serve up in the Georgian splendour of Bath. A small group of us, all beginners in Implant Dentistry gathered in the library of the Residence Hotel, for coffee and pastries and to register for this one-day hands - on course organised by DMP FlexiLearn, and presented by Dr Philip Pettemerides, an experienced implant mentor for Nobel Biocare and member of their World Tour lecture panel, whose practice resides but a half mile from the venue.
The course was created as a first practical step following pre – course study of the acclaimed and highly interactive e-learning DVD “Introduction to Implantology” which has been produced by DMP FlexiLearn, and was included in the price for the day’s activities. This comprehensive product provides the user with a store of information on the financial and administrative aspects of introducing implants into general practice, before moving on to the clinical stuff, from examining the patient right through to fitting the permanent restoration. All this is in clearly labelled steps, with voice over, narrative, text and many links to useful web sites if you are online when viewing!
The presentations and practical work took place around the largest glass topped refectory table I’ve ever seen in the private dining room, and the morning session started with Philip going through a pocket history of implant dentistry and osseointegration, to set the scene. This was followed by a visual presentation of typical drill sequences for standard cases with Dr Alan Scaplehorn of DMP FlexiLearn manning the DVD ‘s route through to a large plasma screen, and Philip interjecting to reinforce clinical or practical points – a winning combination this!
After coffees and treats in the library, Philip took us through a series of case studiesillustrating the range of solutions to the needs of different patients and the scope of implant dentistry, before bringing us back to earth with a session of hands–on implant placement into prepared models.This was a great exercise and gave us a real insight to the surgical precision required for this discipline. I should say at this stage that all equipment and literature was supplied by W & H Ltd, Nobel Biocare and General Medical Equipment., and it was all superb.
After a beautiful buffet lunch and a quick stroll in the garden, it was back to work and Impression Techniques, followed by the ysteries of Abutments and implant supported Crowns and Bridges. Both presentations were very effective combinations from Philip and Alan emphasising the importance of accuracy in the impression taking and also the reseating of the implant replica in the impression for the laboratory. The quality of the relationship with our technicians couldn’t have been emphasised more.
A huge amount was covered in a full day and throughout we were given much individual attention from Philip with Alan able to pinpoint sections of the e-learning DVD where post – course references could be found. There was much interaction within this group and what a great place to come for the weekend to take in the history and splendour of Bath and learn some dentistry as well!
This was a very enjoyable day delivered by presenters with lots of experience and advice. Their enthusiasm for the subject was contagious! Excellent value for money!
Dr Alan Barclay - Wrexham, August 2008
