 More delegates than ever attended this year’s Dental Symposium “Tales of the Unexpected”, held in October at Newcastle United Football Club
St James's Park provided the venue for the 2011 Dental Symposium "Tales of the Unexpected". The number of delegates had doubled from last year, with over 130 foundation trainees and trainers from the Northern and Yorkshire and Humber Postgraduate Deanery attending.
All were eager to reflect on how they would deal with a number of difficult clinical situations. Once again, the integration of dramatic scenarios, acted out by Dr Bernadette Hughes, with the speakers' presentations helped to engage the audience.
Convener, Dr Brian Nattress said: “The format of using drama helps to illustrate those unexpected situations that can occur in clinical practice. Delegates get an insight into the challenges and pitfalls of the profession, but the main aim of the day is to offer possible strategies for dealing with them.”
“The format of using drama helps to illustrate those unexpected situations that can occur in clinical practice”
The day started in a taxing way with a patient listing a number of complaints regarding her treatment. Mr Andrew Collier highlighted the need to recognise the warning signs of patients who were unhappy with the care they had received and the importance of instigating preventive measures to avoid concerns escalating. Dr Peter Day challenged delegates to reflect on a case scenario of tooth avulsion, initially using video footage to show how treatment should not be managed. He then provided information of a number of useful resources to be used in these situations and the evidence behind current treatment strategies.
Richard Balmer then provided a moving insight into child protection and the crucial role that the dental team can play in highlighting concerns to official parties.
Following a dramatic scenario on a missed diagnosis, Rye Mattick’s presentation was aimed specifically at developing practitioners’ awareness of ethical and cultural factors that can affect the delivery of dental treatment.
The afternoon started on a note of caution with the receipt of a solicitor’s letter threatening litigation. Mr Andrew Collier guided the concerned dentist through the legal process emphasising the importance of good record keeping.
The final session ended on a more positive note with Dr Paul Franklin asking “What would you do if…” presenting a number of common endodontic challenges linked to top tips of how to deal with these situations. Dr Brian Nattress finally encouraged all of the delegates to engage with the treatment of the edentulous patients, providing guidance on how to avoid some of the common clinical problems during treatment.
This is the fourth occasion the event has been hosted by the College, and in view of the continuing interest of delegates it is anticipated that the event will be held again in October 2012.
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