Hosted by the Centre for NanoHealth, the event offered networking opportunities, as well as information on the latest technological developments within the dentistry sector.

Established in 2009, the CNH is an open innovation environment facilitating companies, researchers, NHS clinicians and academics to develop new generation healthcare using Nanotechnology.

The event, attended by more than thirty dentists from across Wales, was chaired by Dr Paul Lewis, Associate Professor at Swansea University. Delegates were able to hear presentations from leading consultants, Mr Conor Marnane, a Consultant in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Singleton Hospital and Mr James Owens, a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Rehabilitation at Morriston Hospital.

Along with Dr Georgina Menzies, a researcher based in the CNH at Swansea University, topics discussed included the Human Papilloma Virus and the oral/ oropharyngeal cancer epidemic, post-surgical oral rehabilitation and early detection of oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer by optical spectroscopy. 

Mr Conor Marnane said: “This event provided a forum to network and share educational opportunities with dental and university colleagues. As a Head and Neck Surgeon, I was able to take this opportunity to present an update in new developments in the field of oral cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dental surgeons have an important role to play in the early diagnosis of oral cancers and an event like this, where so many dental surgeons are together, provided an excellent opportunity for education and discussion on this important and increasingly common health problem”.

Mr Marnane also stated: “We also took opportunity to present to the attendees the results of a potentially ground-breaking collaborative research project that has been carried out by the Centre for Nanohealth at Swansea University and the ENT department in Singleton Hospital into a novel method of early diagnosis of cancer using samples of saliva that could one day provide a cheap simple way of screening for oral cancer in a dental surgery or a GP practice”.

Dental technology was highlighted in the event’s afternoon sessions. Dr Owen Guy presented on the latest research and collaborative opportunities taking place at the CNH, followed by a tour of the facilities where delegates were able to view first-hand the state-of-the-art equipment and meet leading researchers working at the centre. The tour included visiting the category 2 biomedical suite of laboratories offering cell and molecular biology capabilities, including confocal microscopy, and high-throughput/ high-content analytical systems, microbiology, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering and nano-genotoxicology.

Gareth Tomkinson from Renishaw then gave a demonstration on CAD/CAM Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing and the use of 3D printing in dentistry. With its expanding list of high-precision measurement and manufacturing technologies, Renishaw is fast becoming a major dental framework and equipment supplier.  This was followed by a demonstration by Jackie Cooper, UK Laser Product Manager at Henry Schein Dental, on how laser technology is used in dentistry.

Following the event, Mr James Owens said: “It was an excellently run event combining current dental practice and cutting edge new technologies. I was impressed with the CNH facility and the amount of innovative work being carried out there”.

Image 1: Dr Ilyas Khan, Centre for NanoHealth, showing ear cartilage produced with a 3D printer.

Image 2: Demonstration by Jackie Cooper, UK Laser Product Manager at Henry Schein Dental, on how laser technology is used in dentistry.