Membership now stands at 91.

The latest new member is Nick Miller who is working in Hayle and Threemilestone.

Brian Galbraith has retired from his practice in Wadebridge.

We are pleased to welcome Nick Wenger, the newly appointed consultant at the Orthodontic Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.

Christopher McConnell has taken over the St. Piran Dental Practice at Perranporth from Stuart Wiseman, who has retired.

Other new members are Andrew Stallard, who has joined Ross MacRae in Padstow, and Catherine McAvoy, who has joined the St. Agnes Practice.

Cornwall IDP's founder chairman, Martin Wills, and former IDP secretary, Mark Pimble, were going to work in a dental camp in Nepal for 10 days in April 2008.

However, because of security problems during the Nepalese elections, the trip will now take place in October.

Travelling in the team are dentists, Jenny Scott-Smith from Yorkshire and Simon Dumper from Kent, and Martin's wife, Sally.

They will provide free dental treatment for the local population and hope to treat around 1,000 patients during their visit.

Many of these people have had almost no previous access to medical or dental care because there are very few dentists in Nepal, and most work in the cities.

Much of the population suffers from constant pain and infection.

All this has to be paid for by the team as there is no health service assistance available, and they have been busy raising money.

The group have received valuable logistical help from the Lions Club of Helston and District.

As well as providing basic dental care, they hope to be the first team ever to screen for early signs of oral cancer in the area using "state of the art" technology.

Steve Walkden of Opident is supplying the team with a VELscope oral mucosal screening light to take on the trip.

For more information about VELscope click here.

The AGM took place at The Baba Indian Restaurant, Lemon Street, Truro, on Thursday 25th November.

A review of the past year took place and the programme for the next year was approved.

We will again be donating £2,000 to The Dentists' Health Support Trust and will also be supporting Dentaid.

Sean O'Conaill was elected to the IDP committee , and Hayley Marsh was appointed to the committee as a VT representative.

Scott Perkins, the world renowned expert on efficiency and ergonomics in the dental practice, lectured at St. Mellion on Friday 16th November 2007.

Scott has been practising dentistry in Houston, Texas, for eighteen years. Due to the nature of his patients, largely professional, he found that the time factor was extremely important.

He did not want to compromise his heartfelt belief in quality to accommodate the patient. He wanted to be able to deliver both quality and efficiency.

With this in mind, he decided to analyse dental procedures. The first - the crown procedure - was chosen because it is one of the procedures carried out most frequently in a dental practice. He divided the procedure into modules. He then analysed each section and looked at the inefficiencies, and started to streamline wherever possible. This was the beginning of “The 15 Minute Crown Procedure”.

Trish Hodgkinson has taken over the secretariat from Kate Smithson.

You can e-mail Trish by clicking here.

The event was fully subscribed and was so successful that we have booked the same venue for next year's Ball.

It will take place on Saturday 7th February 2009.

Cornwall IDP were fortunate to secure Ashley Latter for a full-day presentation at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth on Friday 1st June 2007.

Ashley comes from a background in sales. Having left school with very few qualifications and beginning as a market trader in Liverpool he rose to become a trainer with the internationally respected Dale Carnegie Institute.

Ashley Latter

Ashley turned his attentions to Dentistry in 1999 when he began his Ethical Sales and Communication Programme.

Dentists, hygienists, PCDs, receptionists and practice managers from all over the South West discovered some of the reasons for his success when they were treated to a dynamic and inter-active programme.

Ashley focussed on the skills which team members need to develop to establish trust and rapport with patients.

Delegates undertook a number of exercises which were coached by Ashley with energy and enthusiasm and completed the day feeling very confident about putting their new skills into operation in the week ahead.

Martin Kelleher

Martin Kelleher, who has a private practice in Bromley, Kent, and is Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Guys, Kings and St. Thomas Dental Institute, presented an excellent symposium on 'The Art and Science of Tooth Whitening' at the Tresanton Hotel, St. Mawes, on Saturday 19th May 2007.

The day consisted of an overview of all aspects of internal and external tooth whitening, delivered at a fast pace, with contrasting humorous and forceful presentation. Chairside and home tray systems were compared and evaluated, with numerous references to recent research.

The controversy surrounding the legal issues associated with bleaching was explained with much clarity.

An enthusiastic, full house audience gave Martin an excellent welcome to Cornwall, and numerous questions were asked throughout the day. The venue was first-class, with an alfresco lunch taken overlooking Falmouth Bay.

We are grateful to 3M Espe for their generous sponsorship of the day.

In recent years the membership of Cornwall IDP has expanded into neighbouring counties. We have several members in Devon and Somerset, and one member in Dorset - Wendy Sandeman.

Wendy has recently won the Everywoman Hera Award for outstanding entrepreneurial success. Everywoman is a leading organisation for women in business and the awards are sponsored by NatWest bank.

She was presented with her prize by BBC newsreader, Fiona Bruce, at a ceremony in London, which was followed by a reception at the House of Commons.

In April 2006 Wendy won the 'Best Practice Environment' award at the Probe Dental Awards.

You can check out Wendy's practice by clicking here.

Mark Draper

In the afternoon, well-known Bristol endodontist, Alan Holland, talked about the integration of nutritional therapy into his practice.

When dealing with patients who have longstanding areas of chronic infection, he has greatly reduced his prescription of antbiotics by addressing patients' nutritional deficiencies. The rationale for this is the recognition that, if nutrition is improved, the body is better able to fight infection.

The meeting was sponsored by Cytoplan who are marketing a new range of supplements for use by dentists, under the name Dentavital.

Oasis Dental Care Ltd. have opened a new NHS practice in Penzance. They have fitted out a large building at Penwith House, High Street, Penzance, where the NHS practice will be on the ground floor.

However, the first floor is dedicated to private dentistry and houses Queen Square Dental Practice. Cornwall IDP members, Perran Ziar, Steve Hamilton and Sean O'Conaill, have moved to the new premises, together with their staff and hygienists.

Oasis have extensively re-equipped with respect to major equipment. Perran therefore has a good deal of high quality second hand equipment to sell. Adec chairs, lights and units, various x-ray machines, including an OPG machine, compressor, central suction, intra-oral cameras and ultrasonics will be available. Anyone thinking of equipping a spare surgery might want to take a look. You can e-mail Perran by clicking here.

Following the successes of our two previous dinners at The Royal Duchy Hotel, Peter Hodgkinson arranged the 2007 event.

It took place on for Friday 19th January 2007, and comedian Stan Boardman provided the cabaret.

Another very enjoyable night.

Professor Nasser Barghi, who is Head of the Division of Esthetic Dentistry at the University of Texas made a special trans-atlantic trip from San Antonio to Cornwall for an exclusive two day meeting of the Cornwall IDP at the Headland Hotel, Newquay on Friday and Saturday, 24th and 25th November 2006.

The first day consisted of a presentation on Adhesive Porcelain Restorations with the emphasis on moving from good to excellent and within the parameters of evidence-based treatment. Delegates were treated to an insight into the techniques involved in achieving results of the very highest standard.

On day two the format changed with Prof. Barghi giving a hands-on demonstration of his skills which dentists were then able to copy and practise for themselves. On both days the ambience was purposeful but relaxed with plenty of questioning and interchange.

Nasser Barghi turned out not only to be justly deserving of his world-wide reputation as a clinician and teacher but also as a man of great warmth and charm. The Cornwall IDP is indebted to him for providing an outstanding couple of days.

Dr Nasser Barghi

Cornwall IDP member, David Burgess, who is principal of Carbis Bay Dental Practice, near St. Ives, has recently obtained the Diploma in Conscious Sedation from Newcastle University. He is now able to offer a useful service to colleagues.

Interviewed for the IDP website, David said:

"To the best of my knowledge I am the only dentist in Cornwall (and possibly this side of Bristol, but I can't be sure of that), with the Diploma in Conscious Sedation. I spent 15 months toing and froing to Newcastle, Sunderland and Darlington for a total of 10 study days, 7 clinical days, and 2 days of exams at the end. There were requirements along the way to pass 3 intermediate exams, complete an immediate life support course, present a 20-minute lecture to staff and colleagues on the course, and produce a 10,000 word dissertation based on a piece of "original" research. (Mine was An Investigation into the use of Self-Medication to Reduce Dental Anxiety - and was actually really interesting!). Final exams included a one and a half hour written paper, and 3 half-hour vivas over 2 days.

"I am happy to accept referrals on a private basis for any patient, adult or child, who practitioners feel would benefit from anxiety management, with IV sedation, RA sedation, oral sedation and hypnosis. I will be sending details to all local dentists in the not too distant future, with referral forms etc."

Friday 20th January was the date of the IDP annual dinner. Following the success of last year's event we again chose The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth as our venue.

After an excellent meal we were entertained by ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley and his friends, with some of our members making notable guest appearances.

After an extremely enjoyable evening, well organised as usual by Peter Hodgkinson, a large number of members and their partners stayed at the hotel overnight. Breakfast was fairly quiet!

Friday 25th November 2005 was the date of Richard Ibbetson's first presentation to Cornwall IDP. He gave a series of lectures, entitled 'Predictability in the Restoration of Extensively Damaged Teeth'.

The day will be remembered for both the excellence of his presentation and the heavy snowfall during the day, which made the journey home that evening very difficult for some, and impossible for others.

Richard started by pointing out the obvious - that crown and bridge work is elective, and not a matter of life or death. Therefore it should only be carried out if it can be done to a high standard and the results are predictable.

In the morning he discussed the assessment of periodontal condition, radiographs, and mounted casts. These were followed by diagnostic wax-ups and the construction of accurate temporary crowns, to be used for a while until both patient and clinician are satisfied. Only then is permanent work begun.

During the afternoon he used case studies to illustrate the importance of a thorough assessment of the occlusion before planning treatment for patients. Routinely mouting casts on fully adjustable articulators even for seemingly simple cases showed how resin retained bridges can often be used for long spans. This may involve no tooth preparation and is infinitely more conservative than the old-fashioned multiple full veneer bonded porcelain bridge abutments.

Richard's presentation gave the audience many examples showing how relative axial tooth movements are maximised to achieve astonishing results in cases which might at first appear to require a radical increase in vertical dimension.

In essence he extolled the virtues of meticulous planning resulting in remarkably simple restorative procedures.

The audience loved it and we hope to hear more from him in the future as one of our most gifted speakers.

By the end of the day St. Mellion was well snowed up. Some people battled their way home. They group shown here enjoyed dinner, stayed overnight, and drove home next day - far more sensible.

A group of ten IDP members met at Carlyon Bay Hotel on Saturday, 5th November for a hands-on course entitled 'Adhesives and Composites' with Brian Millar and Nic Hodson of Guys, Kings and St Thomas's.

All aspects of enamel and dentine bonding were discussed, and all the members had the opportunity to build up fractured incisors using the layering technique.

The event was sponsored by Coltene-Whaledent who provided all of the materials.

A successful hands on course took place at Tresanton Hotel on 16th September 2005. Peter Galgut gave a well presented and informative update in current concepts in periodontology.

Nutrition was discussed during the morning session as well as several complementary therapies, including homeopathy and ayuverdic. The easy to digest information was supported by references derived from well respected journals.

Delegates enjoyed an alfresco lunch on the terrace, making the most of the sunny weather.

The afternoon hands on session explored alternative methods of root surface debridement for deep pockets. The meeting received excellent feedback from all who attended.

2005 AGM

7 pm on Friday 23rd September

Alverton Manor, Truro

The Cornwall IDP AGM was held at Alverton Manor, Truro, on 23rd September. As usual, it was an informal social occasion for members to meet together, enjoy an excellent free buffet with wine, and exchange ideas.

The business part of the meeting was completed in about 30 minutes. Martin Wills announced that he will be standing down as Chairman. He has held this position since the formation of the group, and members expressed their thanks for all the work he has done and the leadership he has provided. He will be staying on the committee, with his place as Chairman taken by Jason Smithson. The Treasurer, Craig Jeffrey, reported that the group's finances are still sound.

Members then enjoyed a talk by well-known and nationally important dental speaker, Dr Amarjit Gill. As well as being a freelance journalist, he was the last Chairman of the BDA's General Practice Committee and is currently a BDA Executive Board Director, where he has served for the last 5 years. His talk, entitled 'The Funding Futures', reflected the insights he has picked up from that time.

He reviewed current trends in dentistry, and then considered scenarios for the future.

The Return of the Sipkos

10th June 2005 saw the return of Bud and Karin Sipko to lecture to Cornwall IDP.

They gave a fascinating insight into their unique dental practice, where they spend two hours on each new patient, outlining their treatment planning criteria for most of their oral rehabilitations. Occlusion formed the baseline and all posterior restorations were gold if aesthetics permitted. Study models mounted on fully adjustable articulators were used routinely for every case.

It was an excellent day with much to offer the young private practitioner and the more experienced alike.

As we had not devoted a day to periodontology since Richard Palmer and Peter Floyd lectured to us in November 1996, it was time for an update. We were very pleased to be able to welcome the eminent periodontologist, Peter Galgut, to lecture to us for the first time, on Friday 19th November 2004.

It was an excellent day - and was the first IDP meeting which completely sold out.

Peter gave a well-rounded overview of current concepts in periodontal research and ongoing problems, and how this current knowledge has altered our approach to practical periodontal therapy in general practice.

He dealt particularly with the problems of host resistance and identified many areas of which we still have little understanding.

Why is it that some of our patients have severe perio problems despite having very little plaque present?

Certain chemotheraputic adjuncts to treatment can alter the host response and he alluded to these.

He offered us many examples of case studies, both successes and failures which all the delegates could identify with.

The trade show

The meeting took place at St. Michael's Hotel, Falmouth, a venue we were using for the first time.

Associated with the clinical meeting was a large trade show, and, as usual we are grateful to the members of the dental trade who sponsor and support our meetings.

Friday 18th June 2004 was the date of another highly successful study day, when we presented Dr. Marvin Berman from Chicago, lecturing on the subject, 'Dentists, Children, Parents.....It's a Brave New World - providing quality care for our young patients'.

With the impending changes to the National Health Service system of delivering dentistry this was a highly topical subject.

Marvin illustrated his presentation with video footage taken in his practice, showing his handling of a succession of extremely difficult children, some of which he said suffered from "Obedience Deficit Disorder". He explained that he has no time for restraints or sedative medications. Instead he relies on the old-fashioned skills of mixing discipline with kindness and affection, and maintaining a very high standard of clinical care. It was transparently obvious that he thoroughly enjoys what he does.

Dr. Marvin Berman

He explained how he meets and greets a child and its parent in his reception area but only the child enters the treatment room.

His demonstrations of the art of administering a local anaesthetic injection will have made every practitioner present reconsider his/her technique.

Marvin is also an accomplished pianist and relaxed before the presentation and during the breaks by playing to us.

We were delighted to be able to entertain Marvin and his wife, Joyce, for the weekend, and to show them a little of Cornwall.

Here they are seen by the harbour at Mousehole.

The Annual General Meeting took place at Alverton Manor Hotel on Tuesday, 27th April 2004.

We met at 7pm. for a buffet supper which was followed by a short business meeting at which we received reports on the past year.

The chairman reported three successful events - two full-day clinical meetings and an evening dinner meeting. He also thanked Phil Budden for carrying out the office of treasurer since the group was formed. Phil has now retired from dental practice, and has been made an honorary member of the IDP. Craig Jeffrey will be taking over as treasurer.

In his last report as treasurer, Phil Budden described another year in which our income slightly exceeded our expenditure. He proposed that we keep our subscription at £10 per member per month, and that our donation to The Dentists' Health Support Trust for 2004 be raised to £2,000. He also congratulated our sponsorship secretary, Chris Ettling, for raising over £33,000 in sponsorship during his period as treasurer.

Following the business meeting, Andrew Warren, a director of DPAS, talked to us about monthly payment plans for children. With far-reaching decisions to be made during the next year, this was a singularly appropriate topic. He spoke for about 15 minutes and then answered questions. A discussion followed on the future options for the provision of children's dentistry.

An Evening with Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow

After the highly successful postgraduate meeting with Chris Barrow in October 2002 we had many requests to try to entice him back to Cornwall.

This time the setting was more informal and we combined his visit to the Penventon Hotel, Redruth, on Friday 23rd January 2004, with a sumptuous dinner.

Chris did not give a formal presentation this time, but, instead, spoke 'inter-course' and answered questions.

Cornwall IDP has given a donation of £250 to the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Optident representative, Steve Walkden, has been growing a moustache in order to raise money for the fund, and has earned a total of £1,700.

His growth was ceremonially shaved off at the Optident Christmas party.

Steve, who is in the centre of this picture, has now given up smoking after seeing how yellow his new moustache became after just a few days.

He is probably finding it much harder than growing facial hair, but has not asked for sponsorship so far!

St. Mellion played host to Dr. Cathy Jameson on Friday, 31st October 2003. Most of us were familiar with her through her regular articles in the dental press, and we were greatly looking forward to meeting her in person.

The lack of dental education amongst the general public leads to a lack of perception of the need for help, and is the principal reason that people fail to seek dental care.

The ability of dental professionals to communicate well is therefore vital, and Cathy discussed how to do it, who should do it, and where to do it.

Cathy particularly stressed that clinical recommendations should be separated from financial considerations. The correct treatment should be planned, and the financial arrangements put into place subsequently.

In an interactive day, Cathy frequently spoke whilst strolling among the audience. And, unusually at a dental meeting, interesting contributions by course participants were rewarded with chocolate!

Dr. Ron Jackson at St. Mellion Golf Club

On Friday, 20th June 2003, we welcomed Ron Jackson, from Middleburg, Virginia, USA, to St. Mellion, where a large audience heard his presentation entitled Mastering Direct Resin: Anterior and Posterior.

As well as regularly lecturing in America, Ron is a confirmed Anglophile, appreciating the finer things in life, like British beer.

Our committee member, Perran Ziar, had heard him lecture previously and recommended him to us. Perran also made the arrangements with Ron in order to bring him to Cornwall.

In the morning session Ron discussed the use of composite resins in posterior teeth. He showed a simplified, predictable placement technique for the Class II direct resin restoration.

He discussed the 5th generation adhesives, advanced resins specifically developed for posterior use, and newly designed instrumentation, along with a standardised system of resin placement. These combine to reduce the time and effort for the dentist and increase the aesthetic satisfaction of the patient.

Among the appreciative audience were several who had travelled long distances to be present.

We were also pleased to welcome the Vocational Practitioners currently working in Cornwall, together with their tutor, Ian Holloway, who is one of our members.

We make the Vocational Practitioners honorary members of Cornwall IDP for the duration of their year, and are pleased to introduce them to the sort of high quality dentistry that can be performed in our practices.

Ron's presentation was a perfect example of the very best of dentistry.

The 2003 AGM took place at Alverton Manor Hotel, Truro, on Tuesday 6th May.

It was well attended by members and, following the usual reports, an interesting general discussion took place.

This was followed by a talk from Peter Hodgkinson, our elected representative on the General Dental Practice Committee of the BDA.

He discussed the proposals in the recent government paper, 'Options for Change'.

As each of us will have to decide whether or not our practice negotiates a contract with the local Primary Care Trust, this is an important subject.

His talk was followed by a lively discussion on these changes.

On Thursday 30th January 2003 we held a dinner meeting at Alverton Manor Hotel, Truro. It was well attended by members and their partners.

The meeting centred around a presentation by George Manolescue of Dental Business Solutions. This was George's second address to Cornwall IDP. He previously lectured to us in June 1996, in tandem with Jenny de St. Georges.

George qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1976, and specialises in working with the dental profession. His extensive expertise has, over the years, helped clients to find solutions to the challenges of their practices and develop extraordinary businesses for themselves.

His enthusiasm is as great as ever and he is very optimistic about the future of private dentistry.

His magnificent new beard has rendered this photograph obsolete.

Kevin Lewis and Chris Barrow presented an all-day seminar at Headland Hotel, Newquay, on Friday, 11th October 2002.

They gave a packed house a stimulating and highly amusing day.

Kevin's contribution's centered on practising ethical dentistry and risk management.

Chris's emphasis on team building and marketing showed that the two go together in the building of successful practices.

The meeting was organised by Peter Hodgkinson, who put in a great deal of work to produce such a memorable day.

The feedback afterwards was excellent. Several people wrote that it was the best course they had ever been on.

It was Cornwall IDP's idea to invite Chris and Kevin to perform in tandem for the first time.

The duo are probably now going to appear again in the future.

During a break in the meeting on 11th October the Chairman of Cornwall IDP, Martin Wills, presented the first Cornwall IDP Dental Hygienist Bursary.

The IDP is keen to encourage dental hygienists to move to Cornwall, and has set up the Bursary to help them with removal expenses.

The first recipient was Tracy Davies, who has moved from London to take up a position at Hayle Dental Practice.

A hands-on training afternoon was provided for members in the use of the latest fibre-reinforced composite technology.

Dr. Roosa Prinssi, from Helsinki, demonstrated the clinical uses of the range of StickTech products.

This began with the splinting of teeth loosened by periodontal disease, splinting of teeth after trauma, and retention following orthodontic treatment.

Roosa also demonstrated the use of the system for the direct construction of reinforced composite bridgework, a technique especially useful as an emergency procedure.

The dental laboratory procedures for the indirect construction of fibre-reinforced crown and bridge work were presented by Wayne John.

He has considerable experience in the development of these technologies at the University of Birmingham.

Our members worked hard with the materials during the afternoon.

These materials were new to the majority of us, so it was a valuable opportunity to try them in a non-clinical situation.

There was also considerable discussion about the uses of the materials. Probably the range of uses is only limited by the imagination of the operator!

Cornwall IDP is very grateful to StickTech for travelling so far to give this presentation, and to Peter Hodgkinson who organised the day.

Following the success of last year's golfing event (see below), several members played another round on the Carlyon Bay course.

This took place in the morning, prior to the hands-on workshop, making a day that was a good combination of business with pleasure.

We were extremely lucky with the weather. Although it was overcast, we escaped the rain that was soaking the rest of Cornwall.

Brock is a very eloquent and persuasive advocate of early orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition, mainly carried out by providing simple functional appliances.

This particularly involves expanding the dental arches to their full width in order to provide room for a full set of adult teeth, avoiding extractions where possible. Also giving consideration to breathing difficulties in small children, caused by underdeveloped arches and large tonsils and adenoids.

Brock provided much food for thought for the general practitioners, some of whom carry out a good deal of orthodontic treatment, and the majority who do not, and concluded with a short presentation of temporomandibular joint problems.

He intends to return to the southwest to instruct on two three-day courses in the near future.

Further information is available on the Rondeau Seminars website.

So eighteen intrepid golfers arrived at the clubhouse just before 0800.

The full ability range was represented - from regular players to those who hardly play at all and had to be provided with clubs.

We played a 'Texas scramble' during which even the most irregular golfers managed the occasional good shot.

Some players displayed particular style and grace.......

......even using Grandmother's clubs!

And even the most non-golfing player hit at least one good shot.

Yes, this is where the tee shot landed on the 18th green!

After that we philosophised about the human capacity to remember the good things in life, and forget the bad!

It's what keeps us sane.

Perhaps we will do it again sometime?

Thanks are due to Peter Hodgkinson for arranging both the clinical meeting and the golf.

An extremely successful meeting was held on Friday, 23rd March 2001, at the Headland Hotel, Newquay, where the speakers were Dr. John Besford, and his dental nurse, Ruth Pessok.

John kept a packed house of dentists and prosthetic dental technicians entertained all day.