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Top Tips For Teaching Kids OHI

INTERCALATED BSC

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE

Anna Beaven reveals Smilesoc’s top five tips for teaching kids OHI.

1. Volunteers: It seems obvious, but when you’re teaching a class of 30, the first thing they are looking for is a chance to join in! Say you’re sorting out the ‘good’ foods from the bad; have one SmileSoc member standing holding up a picture of a happy tooth, and the other of a sad tooth. Then, brandish a can of Coke in front of the children and ask whether it should go in the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ category. Every child’s hand will

fly up. Pick the volunteer you want, and get them to take the Coke and stand next to the SmileSoc member holding the appropriate sign (I hope we know which sign to go for, folks). Any child who doesn’t get picked often expresses bitter disappointment, so make sure you offer plenty of opportunities to take part in the demo, to get as many kids as possible involved!

Continued on page 6

WILL HOLMES GIVES US HIS TAKE ON

INTERCALATING

CHILD PUBLIC HEALTH

LOOKING AT THE DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

SURVEY RESULTS

In loving memory of Aaron Resham Gurmail

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Note from the EditorsHello KCL dentists!

A very Happy New Year to you all! What do you hope 2015 will have in store for you? Perhaps this is the year you’ll become licensed to cut (that’s when the real fun begins), or maybe you’re preparing to reach halfway of your dental student journey. This may even be the year that you’ll be graduating and going out into the real (dental) world, a likely prospect given how well our fifth years did in securing DF1 placements. Congratulations!

What if you decide to avert your attention from Dentistry in 2015 however? Whilst common amongst medics, only a fraction of dentists choose to do an intercalated BSc year- Will Holmes is one of them. Some of you may dismiss intercalating as an extra year on an already long journey, but Will explains why he chose to intercalate and what he’s enjoying about it so far, which may help you to decide if it’s the right path for you or inspire you to even consider it.

We have already been inspired this year by our Christmas competition winners: Danielle Kelly, Sarah Sacoor and Gary Wilson. Their articles will be published in Dental Practice, BDJ Student and IADS magazine respectively; Gary’s article on Elective at Home has already been featured in our September/October issue whilst you can find Danielle’s winning article in this issue and Sarah’s winning article in our next issue. We’d like to congratulate our 3 winners, as well as Arjun Varma and Mayur Bhagalia who will also get their articles published (we had a hard time picking just 3!) at a later date.

Getting involved whilst at dental school, whether it be in Dental Society events, sending us articles, or even with Smilesoc, is a great way of feeling part of the dental student community. For inspiration, Anna Beaven has written an article on giving OHI to kids, which may help you if you attend any Smilesoc events this year. One dental student who really got involved with both Dentsoc, Smilesoc and the dental community as a whole, is Aaron Gurmail. Like many of you, we were deeply saddened to learn that he had passed away. As a beloved member of our KCL Dental family, he will be sorely missed by staff and students alike, some of whom have paid tribute to him in this this issue of The King’s Crown, which is dedicated to Aaron.

With dental love to our dental friends,

The King’s Crown Editorial Team

THE KING’S CROWN NEWSLETTER TEAM

Akta Prabhakar, Chief Editor

Nick Byfield, Special Features

Editor

James Campbell, News Editor

Niki Keyhani, Social Editor

PROOFREADERS Sahar-Tara Aghababaie

Jassan Aujla Priya Champaneri Suneeta Dhokia Danielle Kelly

Vibishan Venukumar

Send us your articles! Please email

thekingscrown@kcl.ac.uk for all communications, including to

submit your own articles.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Intercalated BSc: A Student’s Perspective

William Holmes

Hi, I’m Will Holmes (the ‘BDS2 notes guy’), and I’m currently undertaking an intercalated degree having finished BDS3 last year. I decided to intercalate after year 3 as I hadn’t fully decided on whether I wanted to do it previous to this year. I chose to study Regenerative Medicine and Innovation Technology - a fancy title that basically involves regenerating defective parts of the body and inventing funky medical devices. From composite restorations to crown and bridge work, all of our treatments will ultimately fail. Although still in early stages, regenerative dentistry offers the potential to regenerate lost dental tissues (ie regrowing teeth). Bone grafts, for example, are currently used to manage patients with extensive alveolar bone loss and pulp regeneration technologies may avoid the necessity of root canal treatment.

Aside from developing an in-depth knowledge on some pretty cool stuff, I’m finding the BSc to be a useful opportunity to reflect upon the past three years. The degree itself allows for the enhancement of existing skills, and further developments in personality and maturity. The methods of examination differ greatly from the BDS, with assessments and presentations throughout the year and less emphasis on summer exams. A large portion of time is occupied with a research project, and whilst guidance is available, this is mainly self lead. This teaches you the importance of time management, future planning and accountability - particularly useful skills when in the clinical

environment. Available project titles this year have ranged from enamel remineralisation, to robotics and prosthetic ears.

And of course, with an intercalated BSc you will have an additional qualification to add onto that brass plaque outside your dental office - which patients like. Furthermore, it is likely that having a background in dental research is advantageous if seeking positions in hospital dentistry - given most senior clinicians appear to conduct some form of research.

There are, of course, drawbacks to taking a year out. Firstly, there is a notion that you’re leaving your year behind. I have not found this to be a problem, given I frequently still see my friends around the hospital. Some may feel worried that they will forget ‘how to do dentistry’. This, however, isn’t something that concerns me - all BSc students are given a catchup course at the end of the year; and having spoken to previous intercalating students, they found no issues with returning to dentistry. The flexibility of the BSc year has allowed me to continue practising on clinical skills and occasionally nursing on the clinical floors. Also, in terms of financing, KCL Dental Institute was able to contribute towards academic fees for all intercalating students this year.

The intercalated BSc has given me an unparalleled opportunity to study a subject in depth without the pressures of the dental curriculum. It has allowed me to reflect upon my previous years, and to look to the future. I will graduate with an additional qualification (fingers crossed!), and some unique experiences. Whilst not all of the academia I’ve learnt this year may be applicable in the future (times and technologies change!), the BSc has provided an environment conducive to skills development - that I am unlikely to encounter again in later life.

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In Loving Memory Of Our Friend,

I was fortunate enough not only to study with Aaron at King’s for 5 great years but I also attended Tiffin School with him for 7 years before that. Aaron had always been keen on pursuing a career in

dentistry and during his time at King’s he got involved in anything and everything he could. He was part of the staff student liaison

committee where he and others wanted to ensure that students were receiving great teaching. He became part of the Smile Society, helping to organise and attend visits to schools around London

promoting oral health. But to talk just about Aaron’s academic work would be a

disservice. He was a committed friend, had a sharp sense of humour and an infectious enthusiasm for everything he did. Aaron had that rare ability to

make you feel like you’d known him forever even if you were meeting him for the first time. On 6th January 2015, I lost a brother and friend. King’s lost a fierce advocate and committed alumnus. The dental community lost an avid, committed, up-and coming colleague. They say those who leave us are never really gone, and I believe that. To his mother, father, younger brother and all those whose lives

he touched, Aaron’s memory will always live on. It was a privilege to call Aaron my friend. He will be greatly missed.

- Gobind Garcha

I first met Aaron in April 2009 at the KCLDI post offer open day. Over our five years at university and few months of DF1 we became very close friends. We shared many great experiences at university that I shall

never forget, including going on elective together in South East Asia, being clinical partners and Portsmouth buddies in final year and the little things such as staying at each other’s flats and joking around.

There are few words that can describe losing one of your best mates. Aaron was one of the most humble and well-grounded people I have met. These qualities meant that he was never complacent and always worked hard. He was a generous person, for example baking food for others (he could bake a mean chocolate chip brownie) and always willing to share his lecture notes. He was an enthusiastic dentist and had an eye for

detail- he had a very promising career ahead of him. Although his time with us was cut short, he will be sorely missed and has left a lasting impression and will

always be remembered. Thank you Aaron for all the good times. - Nikhil Kanani

Aaron Resham Gurmail

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I first met Aaron when I started teaching for KCL dental institute at University of Portsmouth a year ago. I was

immediately struck by his enthusiasm, wit and demeanour and we soon developed a teacher-student relationship

which was based on mutual respect, understanding and banter. His professional skills and abilities were second to

none, and I was deeply impressed by his empathy and skill set.  He looked to be a promising dentist both academically

and practically. I only taught Aaron for the last six months of his academic

career, but in such a short time, he made a lasting impression on me, as I suspect he did on everybody he came

into contact with. He made me lough out loud with his humorous wit and I will always remember him with

fondness, Aaron will be missed by everybody who had their lives touched by him.

- Dr Christopher Malow, one of Aaron’s tutors at Portsmouth Dental Academy

It’s an impossible task to try and summarise Aaron in words but I will do my best to do him justice. I consider it to be very rare to meet someone with such

an insatiable passion for life as Aaron had and I will always consider it a privilege to have known him. He was unique to say the least and everything

one could hope for in a friend: selfless, devoted and loyal with an unstoppable thirst for fun. Whether it had been a few days or weeks since I’d last seen him we would always hug it out and exchange (I use the following

word to be PC) “appreciative” comments about each other, location was never an issue. Without fail Aaron would ask how every aspect of my life

was, ranging from Uni and family to hockey and other endeavours. He would help me through any shortcomings and would be whole-heartedly

proud of any achievements; he wanted nothing more than to see the people he cared about doing well and offered the most sincere motivation

at every opportunity. One of my fondest memories of Aaron, other than his repertoire of outrageous dance moves, was when he baked me a birthday cake from

scratch as a surprise, he was always the epitome of the cultured modern man. Aaron accomplished so much and had such an impact on so many people, he lived each of his days to its fullest which is something we can all learn from. The brightest souls are often taken away the earliest so they can shine

elsewhere. May he rest well and his memory always live on in our thoughts and prayers. - Parum Bhangu, BDS5 student

When we hear your name we will always remember your smiling face. Sweet

dreams Aaron x - Sally French, Dental Sister

I often feel that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to teach dental students. To have taught someone whose smile was

evident as soon as he walked onto clinic, who had a genuine interest in what he was doing, whose inquisitive nature propelled him to do better, who livened the group's morale and who was destined to succeed in his career was not just a privilege but a pleasure. Aaron, may you rest in peace.

-Dr George Aristidou

There are very few people who can keep smiling, no matter what life throws at

them. Aaron was one of those people, one of those guys you could trust to cheer you

up in any situation. An irreplaceable person who will be sorely missed by all

those whose lives he touched. - Gurnam Singh Aulakh

To live in the hearts of others is to never die. It was a pleasure to meet you Aaron,

you always had a smile on your face. R.I.P.

- Mindy Kaur, Dental Sister

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NEWS

Child Public Health

Dental Public Health survey results

Public Health England recently published results from the ‘National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England, Oral Health Survey of 5 year old children 2012’. Of the 133,519 children examined in 148 of the 152 Local Authorities, 72.1% of them were free of decay, three percentage points up from 2008.

This sounds great until you flip the numbers on their heads to realise that over a quarter of the children not only had active decay, but that that 27.9% had an average of between three and four teeth affected. These children are five years old. They’ve only had some of their teeth for about three years. At least there's one good thing to note- with the reduction of the presence of sepsis in the mouth (2.3% to 1.7%), we know how frighteningly quickly infection can spread through their small vascular systems.

One in ten three-year-olds (12%) display signs of decay- a worrying finding when you think of how the disease must have set in soon after the painful teething stage. Is it any wonder that people end up frightened by dentists, troubled by bleeding gums and self-conscious about their teeth when a huge chunk of their crucial early years were spent in pain?

NICE has issued guidelines advising schools to check children’s brushing and, although education around oral hygiene is certainly the correct path for dental public health, it fails to address the needs of children who have not yet started school. School budgets are already stretched without having to fund parent seminars and a toothpaste drive. Equally, parents watching their children's teething pain come and go seem to be unaware of the gravity of allowing tooth decay to develop and worsen. In Glasgow Dental

Hospital alone, 2,000 young children each year undergo surgical extractions, with an average of 7.5 teeth taken out at each visit.

It does seem strange that a health system constantly looking to make cutbacks and become more efficient does not already demand the focus to be on prevention - ultimately the cheaper option. A country that values education and is proud of offering a high standard of state-funded schooling is leaving gaping holes in young people’s knowledge. What good are three A-levels if a person must enter ‘the real world’ with misconceived ideas of ‘a healthy diet’ and how to look after their own body? These teenagers grow up to produce and teach children of their own, without the professional guidance that students like ourselves have access to.

Expecting a three-year-old to make health-conscious choices is more than a little optimistic, but those responsible may need and even deserve some help from their government and from people like us, to change attitudes and correct these unpalatable statistics.

Danielle Kelly

Danielle is one of our competition winners. Her article will be published in Dental Practice.

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Top Tips For Teaching Kids OHIAnna Beaven

SOCIAL

VOLUNTEERS It seems obvious, but when you’re teaching a class of 30, the first thing they are looking for is a chance to join in! Say you’re sorting out the ‘good’ foods from the bad; have one SmileSoc member standing holding up a picture of a happy tooth, and the other of a sad tooth. Then, brandish a can of Coke in front of the children and ask whether it should go in the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ category. Every child’s hand will fly up. Pick the volunteer you want, and get them to take the Coke and stand next to the SmileSoc member holding the appropriate sign (I hope we know which sign to go for, folks). Any child who doesn’t get picked often expresses bitter disappointment, so make sure you offer plenty of opportunities to take part in the demo, to get as many kids as possible involved!

1.

2.

3.ACTIVITY

What better way to help a child grow to be enthusiastic about oral health than by getting them to actually do stuff? At SmileSoc, our workshops include various activities that really ingrain in the children what we are trying to say. For example, plaque-disclosing tablets are a great way to show children that they actually need to brush their teeth. Additionally, the dress-up station is a great way to dispel fears of the dentist . . . and, admittedly, it does look pretty strange seeing ten-year-old kids dolled up in full PPE! The world is your oyster – you can invent anything to improve your experience with the children!!

FINALLY… Never underestimate the children’s ability to learn! It can be surprising how many of them are eager to discover, and how quickly they soak up all the facts you teach them. It is very impressive when a child begins talking to you about how fluoride and calcium strengthen your teeth – you begin to wonder whether they’re going to start talking about fermentable carbohydrates! SmileSoc is all about making a difference in the community; spending just one Wednesday or Thursday afternoon teaching a class the basics of brushing can have a huge impact on their oral hygiene. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Make the most of the experience; you never know how you are going to influence that child’s oral health for the rest of their lives.

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Volunteer this Christmas for Crisis- there are many roles you can be involved in. Check their website at http://www.crisis.org.uk/

pages/volunteer-christmas.html

SOCIAL

QUESTIONS Whenever you’re talking about tooth brushing, diet, or morphology, try to incorporate questions into the majority of what you say. This ensures that the children follow and understand what you are talking about.. For example, instead of saying, “You should all brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, because it makes your teeth stronger,” you could ask:“How often should you brush? When should you brush?” Most of the children will actually be able to give you the correct answer, with a Year 5 level of accuracy almost worthy of our License to Cut exam!

4.

5.

PRIZES When you’ve just spent an hour and a half telling children to brush their teeth twice a day, to drink milk instead of Coke, and what happens in the infamous Plaque Story, it’s nice to give them something to remember you by. They had to hand back the Twix and the Haribos having teasingly held them unopened by the ‘bad’ sign for five minutes – they still need to go home with something! So why not give toothpaste? This is a great incentive for oral health – some of the children may not even have toothpaste in their household, and providing them with oral health aids is a huge motivational factor to get brushing. As for the Haribos ... they’re for the committee to enjoy – but make sure you eat them once you’ve left the school first …