DENTAID and the Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA) held the 4th SEPA-DENTAID Symposium—entitled “The dentist and the hygienist: a single team”—in March, enrolling over 1,100 professionals. 

The fourth edition of the SEPA-DENTAID Symposium, which takes place every two years, coinciding with Expodental, the International Dental Equipment, Supplies and Services Show, enrolled over 1,100 dentistry professionals, and has become one of the scientific meetings of reference for oral health professionals. 

The objective this year was focused on updating dentists and hygienists on news about periodontal and peri-implant diseases, as well as on the best ways to prevent and treat them, and how to keep them stable or prevent recurrence. 

SOLIDARITY ACTION 

Taking advantage of the IV SEPA-DENTAID Symposium, DENTAID launched a solidarity action provided by Higienistas VITIS (www.higienistasvitis.com). The initiative consisted of involving participants in toothbrush donations for Odontología Solidaria (Solidary Dentistry) by pressing a button at each of the official stands. Without a doubt, thanks to the involvement of professionals, it was a great success: more than 4,800 toothbrushes were donated! 

HIGH LEVEL LECTURES 

Dr. Vanessa Blanc emphasised that the use of tobacco and a lack of oral hygiene are the main factors of dysbiosis. The microbiota of the colon and oral biofilm present the highest concentrations of bacteria in the human body: ten to the power of eleven cells. 

Dr. Silvia Roldán explained that 11.2% of the world population is affected by severe periodontitis and that over 12 million Spaniards suffer from periodontitis. This disease has important consequences on the oral cavity, on patients’ quality of life and on their general health, and it constitutes an important public health problem. 

Dr. Elena Figuero stressed the main systemic diseases associated with periodontitis - diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and adverse effects during pregnancy are some with the greatest scientific evidence, with a link being observed between periodontology and some other 54 documented pathologies. 

According to Dr. Andrés Pascual, over 74% of patients do not know what peri-implant disease is, so education represents the front line in the approach to prevention. Behavioural changes and patients taking responsibility are thus key in secondary prevention of this disease. 

Dr. María Rioboo pointed out the importance of investing time in education for patients’ health. The task of dental professionals as promoters of good health is to make patients aware of their health and the condition of their implants. With the help of dentists and hygienists, patients can become experts in the hygiene of their implants. 

Dr. Ana Carrillo highlighted the preventive approach, which includes diagnosis, education and motivation, in which patients assume responsibility and become involved. She also emphasised that periodontitis can easily be prevented, diagnosed and treated successfully. Proper professional care allows long-term maintenance. The results of treatment are better the earlier it is detected. 

Dr. Gerardo Gómez highlighted the importance of the role of the oral health team as health promoters. The key is to form an alliance for general health, setting prevention as a first and essential step: brush your teeth at least twice a day and go to the dentist for regular check-ups. 

As a general conclusion, Dr. Agustín Casas emphasised that primary prevention should guide the design and execution of restorative treatment with implants. Primary prevention keeps implants healthy. 

SCIENCE & HEALTH 

The scientific program reflected the commitment to excellence of SEPA and DENTAID, who united SCIENCE and HEALTH at this 4th Symposium, a key point that highlights the fact that without science there can be no progress in the improvement of oral health. 

This scientific event is a clear example of the commitment shared by both organisations to go on fostering continuing education, as well as maintaining the quality of professionals to improve people’s oral health. 

THE SYMPOSIUM IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA 

You can follow the coverage of the Symposium on Twitter with the hashtag: #SympSepaDentaid. 

Further info at http://symposiumsepadentaid.com/