Smile Escapes

I’m nervous to return to dentistry after extended sick leave

Coming back to the dental practice after a long period of sick leave can be daunting – Sarah McKimm shares her advice for easing the transition back to work. The scenario I’m a dental nurse due to return to work in a couple of weeks after being off on extended sick leave, and honestly I’m… 

‘Celebrate your wins’: advice from an award-winning dental technician

Deepa Bharakhda, winner of the Dental Technician award at the Dentistry Awards 2025, discusses her career so far and what winning meant to her. Please introduce yourself My name is Deepa and I am a dental technician based in Leicester, currently working at J Vara Dental Laboratory. I have a special interest in prosthetics and… 

Tea tree oil used as dental disinfectant alternative

Natural products such as tea tree oil, clove oil and honey have been posed as alternatives to synthetic disinfectants like chlorhexidine in prosthodontics and implant dentistry. In a new literature review, researchers explored the potential of different natural products derived from plants, animals, and minerals as dental disinfectants. Several were found to be ‘promising’ due… 

Driving global dialogue in dentistry through interactive clinical symposia

This September in Shanghai, the 2025 FDI World Dental Congress (FDIWDC25) will welcome thousands of oral health professionals from around the world. Alongside its dynamic keynote lectures and scientific sessions, this year’s programme features four dedicated interactive clinical symposia, each focused on a key domain of clinical dentistry: aesthetic dental restorations, vital pulp therapy, periodontal healthcare […]