On Tuesday 25th May, over 600 dental professionals joined Professor Raman Bedi and Dr Andrew Osafo for an hour of insight and information on the topic of “SDF and redefining dentistry”.
The much anticipated event, sponsored by SDI and Dental Update promised to give an insight into Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and the way it is transforming dentistry. The webinar was recorded and is available here.
A growing evidence base
Both presenters are experienced clinicians who brought a range of prospectives. Professor Bedi is an Emeritus Professor at King’s College London and a paediatric dentist at the Harley Street Dental Clinic. He spends 80 days a year working in low income countries providing dental training through the charity, the Global Child Dental Fund.
Dr Andrew Osafo is an experienced clinician in primary and secondary care, who has been using SDF since 2015. It is now a key part of his practice, particularly in chemical restoration for the medical management of caries.
SDF, said both clinicians, is suitable for use in caries arrest and there is growing evidence base to support this, on top of its registered indication as a desensitiser. Both cited a number of different references to support their statements as well as their own experience, reminding attendees that SDF has been used for this in other countries like Japan for many years.
Making caries arrest available to all
According to a live poll taken by Professor Bedi during the session, 76% of the attendees had not used SDF, a result that echoes a trend that he has found consistently amongst dentists in the UK and many other countries.
In response to this, Professor Bedi set out a compelling argument as to why SDF was extremely useful for caries arrest in every setting – in both low income countries and also in practices like his in the West End of London.
Particularly thought-provoking were his thoughts on SDF’s suitability for patients who might be uncooperative or unable to undergo longer restorative procedures. The speedy application of SDF was useful for arresting caries in all time-critical cases, such as in very young and anxious children, in special care dentistry and the treatment of older people or those with complex issues such as dementia.
The art of SMART
Another highlight of the session was Dr Osafo challenging those 76% of attendees to try something new. He uses SDF as part of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), a minimal intervention glass ionomer cement restorative technique that leaves some caries in situ and is as effective as amalgam and composites in single surface restorations.
Incorporating SDF into the protocol before placing glass ionomer cement, which arrests the caries and remineralises the enamel, has become known as Silver Modified ART, or SMART.
Dr Osafo took the attendees through the process in some detail to explain its benefits, and illustrating that the SMART protocol can not only deliver a strong restoration but also a great aesthetic result.
Professor Bedi and Dr Osafo packed a lot of information into 60 minutes, even managing to fit in some practical tips on dispensing and applying Riva STAR, the only registered SDF product in Europe, and the best ways communicate with parents of young patients who require SDF treatment.
Attendees came away with a fresh perspective on SDF and a deeper understanding of its abilities to desensitise, arrest caries and remineralise teeth, and to play a critical role in minimally invasive single surface restorations.
You can watch the full webinar on demand on our website. For more information about SDI Riva Star’s clinical applications or to place an order call 07970 156 178 or contact your local SDI representive. View our exclusive offers on SDI Riva.
