Successful dental conference held

Dental professionals from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex gathered in Horley, West Sussex for the 11th annual dental conference. Organised by Health Education England, the theme for this year was “tackling toothache and fixing facial pain” and was held in honour of the late Graham Gilmour (associate dental dean for secondary care) who sadly died in January this year.

Professor Mike Lewis, a consultant in oral medicine from Cardiff, both entertained and instructed the audience on how to fix facial pain. His stories about how he deals with patients with the most intractable pain was hugely informative and ensured that attendees were left in no doubt as to the need to refer such cases for treatment.

After coffee, dental dean Stephen Lambert-Humble welcomed Graham Gilmour’s widow to the conference and gave a short eulogy. He spoke of how much Graham is missed and shared some of the emotional tributes from previous students. 

Wendy Thompson, a general dental practitioner who is undertaking a PhD on anti-microbial resistance and dental practice, outlined the growing problems caused by inappropriate and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics. Attendees were clearly informed of when and how antibiotics were appropriate and the far greater amount of instances where they are contra-indicated.

Yasmin Allen, a young clinical fellow, explained what is happening throughout the NHS regarding unscheduled and emergency dental care.  She took us through the review that has taken place across England, how all professionals are involved, how dental care fits in to other emergency care processes and the likely way ahead. 

After a quick lunch the focus shifted to tackling toothache. Mike Cassidy, a consultant in restorative dentistry and periodontics in Jersey. He covered diagnostic processes and treatment methodologies for cases that frequent the emergency appointments at dental practices.

The conference proved to be an excellent study day, with attendees’ comments being appreciative and congratulatory.

From here forth, this annual event will be known as the Graham Gilmour Conference, in honour of a stalwart of the profession who was a great educator and is greatly missed across the region.