A “mind-blowing” event

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Posted by: Dental Design 10th January 2024

The British Endodontic Society (BES) was delighted to welcome delegates to Belfast in November 2023 for another fantastic Regional Meeting. With a record number of delegates, a packed two-day programme, exceptional speakers and a night to remember, this event had it all!

Things kicked off on Friday morning with the uniquely formatted Table Clinics, which offered delegates the opportunity to rotate around four short sessions looking at bonding, bioceramics and obturation, crown lengthening and the impact of digital technology for patients and clinicians. Speakers Dr Asmaa Al-Taie, Dr Nimit Patel, Dr Satnam Singh Virdee and Dr Risha Patel offered a wealth of information and useful nuggets of advice for all to take home.

Dr Jose Anthraper was particularly impressed with the Table Clinics and the entire event, commenting:

“The table clinics were presented in a fantastic format. They were short and informative and covered a lot of topics. Throughout the entire event there has been a very high standard of speakers, discussing current topics and offering useful insights even for practitioners who are experienced in the field. I certainly gained everything I hoped to from attending this event – it’s been mind-blowing.”

President of the BES, Dr Alyn Morgan, welcomed delegates to the main programme after lunch, with a few words of appreciation for Chief Operations Officer, Annabel Thomas, on her amazing 26 years of service with the Society! He also paid tribute to two BES Past Presidents who sadly passed recently, Dr Tony Druttman and Dr Mark Hunter.

The programme commenced with a passionate session from Dr Paula Villa, who considered the basics of endodontic microsurgery. She discussed the impact of gingival phenotype on surgical outcomes, as well as the pros and cons of different incision protocols – and which should be avoided. Paula also explored the indications for grafting alongside endodontic microsurgery and shared the four steps of good bleeding control.

Next up, Dr Daniel Černý looked at the philosophy, technology, clinical protocols, problems and operator-related factors involved with endodontic treatment. Backed by science and research, Daniel offered an array of take-home messages to help delegates enhance each area of their own practice.

Friday came to a close with the BES Prizegiving, during which three individuals were recognised for their hard work and clinical excellence. Congratulations to:

· Tanaka Kadiyo – Foundation Dentist prize winner

· Sam Johnson – General Dental Practitioner prize winner

· Iad Gharib – Inspirational Lecturer prize winner

The day concluded in the iconic Titanic Museum, where attendees could browse the stunning museum before sitting down to the Conference Dinner in front of the famous Titanic clock and staircase.

Day two continued with much of the same enthusiasm, with Dr Byron Tsivos discussing the revolution that CBCT has brought to endodontics. Talking about static and dynamic guides, Byron emphasised the importance of imaging accuracy, comparing lab scanners to CBCTs and intraoral scanners. Extending this to 3D printers, the point was clear – not all technologies are equal and it is essential to invest in the best equipment for safety and success.

Dr Paula Villa returned for the second part of her session, continuing the conversation into guided microsurgery. Covering its indications and workflows, Paula concluded that a guided approach does help to reduce some of the risks associated with endodontic microsurgery, especially when operating near important anatomical structures.

The programme came to an end with Dr Ernest Lucas Taulé demonstrating the potential of autotransportation procedures as an excellent alternative to implants, particularly in paediatric patients. Buying a patient 8-10 years without implant surgery is a success for endodontics, according to Byron, and one that all endodontists should be proud of.

Throughout the entire event, delegates had access to a focused trade exhibition and various opportunities to network with friends and colleagues from across the field.

Dr Richard Kahan shared his experience of the meeting:

“I thought the event covered some excellent topics by good lecturers – it’s been very well done. The advanced content was very interesting to me; it sparked some thoughts on how I could do certain aspects of my own work.”

Dr Ernestas Dapkus also had nothing but positive things to say:

“There have been some really interesting topics over the two days and great speakers. It’s been useful to look around the exhibition and I had a very good time at the Conference Dinner on Friday night. I have been a BES member for a couple of years now and find it really beneficial. They provide helpful information and I like the member newsletter, which keep me updated on future events. I would certainly; recommend the BES Regional Meeting!”

Though some of the topics explore advanced endodontic subjects, the Regional Meeting provided useful insight to GDPs with an interest in the field or working alongside endodontists in practice too. Dr Antonia Paolella said:

“It’s been fascinating. I’ve really enjoyed seeing these sessions and the amazing technology that is available, it’s eye-opening. I also think it’s good to know what is possible by colleagues in the field.”

If you are an endodontist, a specialist in the field or a GDP with an interest in endodontics, the BES offers an array of educational and networking events that can develop your skills and further your career. In 2024, you can look forward to the IFEA World Endodontic Congress, which the BES is hosting in Glasgow. Become a member to find out more today!