The College of General Dentistry, Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation and Dentsply Sirona would like to congratulate the successful candidates of the inaugural Tom Bereznicki Award for Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry.
The competition, which recognises aesthetic dentistry skills and patient care, was open to dentists who qualified in the UK or Ireland between 2019 and 2023, or who qualified overseas between 2019 to 2023 and had been practising in the UK for at least the two years.
The 19 winning entrants are:
Dr Cordelia Ashby
Dr Milton Justinsuthakaran
Dr Golasa Sheikh Akbari
Dr Alastair Campbell
Dr Nafeesa Khan
Dr Arav Soin
Dr Nathaniel-Edouard Davidson
Dr Adam Kingsley
Dr Mojgan Talibi
Dr Farah Elnaqa
Dr Emily Lawton
Dr Nickhalas Tan Chun Khye
Dr Puyan Heydari
Dr Ronan Lee
Dr Jarmima Uddin
Dr Victoria Hillson
Dr Tendai Manangazira
Dr Abida Islam
Dr Parth Patel
To enter the award, participants each submitted an aesthetic case which involved more than one tooth, including at least one anterior tooth, and the use of composite to restore teeth. Cases also followed a mainly analogue workflow. Cases entered featured a range of restorative treatments including those for diastema,severe tooth wear, and peg shaped laterals. View all successful cases here.
A selection of the winning cases which illustrate a range of different types of cases entered in the competition. Cases submitted by (L-R): Dr Nafeesa Khan, Dr Mojgan Talibi, Dr Cordelia Ashby
The assessors scored each case based on a set of assessment criteria which allocated points to overall improvement in the patient’s oral health, the standard of aesthetic treatment, the complexity of the case and the quality of the entrant’s reflection.
The successful candidates will each receive a fully funded place on a bespoke, hands-on two-day digital dentistry course next month at the Dentsply Sirona Academy in Weybridge, Surrey. Travel costs, hotel accommodation and subsistence are included in the prize, which is worth around £2,000 per place.
Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies.
Dr Bereznicki commented:
“I would like to thank everyone who entered our first competition for early career dentists, and congratulate the successful candidates. We were impressed by the high standard of entries we received as well as the interesting and wide variety of aesthetic cases. I am sure the winners, and their patients, will all benefit immensely from the intensive hands-on course on Digital Dentistry, which has been generously supported by Dentsply Sirona.”
Further details about the award are available on the award web page. To register your interest in next year’s award and receive a notification as soon as the competition opens, sign up to our notification list.
The CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees, which promotes clinical skills and patient care, is now open for entries to the 2025/26 competition.
Successful candidates at the composite layering course in Belgium, July 2025
In the third year of the award, dentists and dental therapists who are undertaking Dental Foundation Training or Dental Vocational Training in 2025/26, or who qualified in the UK or Ireland in 2025 and are practising in the UK or Ireland, are invited to enter. Entrants must submit a restorative case they are about to start treating which involves more than one tooth, and includes at least one anterior tooth, as well as the use of composite to restore teeth.
There are 14 winning places available, with each successful candidate receiving a fully-funded place on a hands-on, two-day composite layering course at the GC Education Campus in Leuven, Belgium. The prize is worth around £1,400 per place and includes the costs of international travel, hotel accommodation and subsistence.
The successful candidates in last year’s competition took part in the bespoke composite layering course in July 2025. One delegate described entering the award as “a thoroughly rewarding experience”, adding that even if she had not been one of the winners, “I learned a lot about composites by taking part and preparing my case.” Another commented: “the hands-on training has enabled me to gain practical experience with specific treatments, before applying them to patients, which has increased my confidence in managing these cases.”
Ruba Al-Nuaimy, dental therapist, a winner of the 2024/25 award
Ruba Al-Nuaimy, the first successful dental therapist in the competition, said she entered the award to “showcase my clinical skills and challenge myself…the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone.” Encouraging other Foundation Trainees to enter the 2025/26 competition, Ruba said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to develop skills, boost confidence, and gain experiences that can really enhance your early career.“
The 2025/26 award is now open, the closing date for entry is Friday 20 February 2026, and final cases must be submitted by Friday 24 April 2026. The winners will be announced in May, and their course will take place on Thursday–Friday 23–24 July 2026.
The CGDent-GC Award is funded by The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation and organised in conjunction with the College of General Dentistry and GC. The Foundation supports educational opportunities for early career dentists in the UK, and was founded by Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent, a general dental practitioner with a special interest in restorative dentistry.
GC is an oral health company which manufactures dental systems and products which are sold around the world, and has won awards for its products and innovations. It provides both online and in-person training covering many areas of dental practice.
Click the button below for further information about the award and links to guidance for entrants and the entry form.
Two successful candidates in the CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees 2024/25, Dental Therapist Ruba Al-Nuaimy and Dentist Karan Ahir, describe taking part in the competition and what they gained from the experience.
Q. What’s your dental role and which DFT Region are you in?
Ruba Al-Nuaimy: I am a Dental Therapist and Hygienist on the North West scheme.
Karan Ahir: I am a Foundation Dentist in the West Yorkshire Scheme.
Q. Why did you decide to enter the CGDent-GC Award?
RA: I entered the competition because it was a great opportunity to showcase my clinical skills and challenge myself early in my career. When I saw that this was the first year the award was open to Dental Therapists, I knew I had to try, as it felt like the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone.
I’ve always been motivated by pushing myself to grow, and this felt like a chance to take my work to the next level. It was exciting to present a case that tested both my technical ability and creativity, while also highlighting the important role dental therapists can play in delivering high-quality patient care. Entering has been a hugely rewarding experience, and I see it as an important step in building my confidence and continuing to develop as a clinician.
KA: I genuinely enjoy the challenge and artistry involved in placing anterior composites, which is why I decided to enter. Restoring both function and aesthetics in such a visible area is highly rewarding, and I was keen to showcase the work I have carried out in this case.
Also having the opportunity to attend a renowned anterior composite course particularly excited me, as it offered an opportunity to further refine my skills, learn advanced techniques, and ultimately deliver even higher quality outcomes for my patients. I saw this competition not only as a platform to share my work but also as a valuable step in my professional development, enabling me to continually improve and grow as a clinician.
Q:Can you describe the case you entered?
RA: A 26-year-old male patient with Autism and learning difficulties was referred by his GDP. He presented with poor oral hygiene, generalised gingivitis, and multiple anterior carious lesions. His main concerns were painful, bleeding gums and the dark cavities visible when smiling, which were affecting both comfort and confidence.
I implemented a phased treatment plan with the initial focus on stabilising active gingival disease through behaviour management, tailored oral hygiene instruction, and non-surgical periodontal therapy including supra- and subgingival scaling. Once periodontal health improved, I proceeded with restoring the anterior teeth using direct composite restorations under rubber dam isolation, adopting a minimally invasive approach to preserve tooth structure and restore aesthetics.
This case was particularly rewarding as it challenged me to adapt my communication style and treatment planning to suit the patient’s additional needs. By using clear, jargon-free explanations, visual aids, and goal setting, I was able to improve his daily oral care engagement and achieve a functional and aesthetic outcome that met his expectations.
KA: A 40-year-old fit and well female presented with missing posterior teeth and failing anterior restorations, beneath which was severe anterior tooth surface loss (TSL), causing functional difficulty and dissatisfaction with her appearance. The aetiology was multifactorial: past unstable GORD, high intake of fizzy drinks, and nocturnal bruxism. Posterior teeth had previously been extracted due to erosion and caries, though the patient remained periodontally stable. She declined NHS referral after being previously refused treatment, so care was undertaken locally.
Treatment provided included OHI, preventive advice, and initial composite restorations. A diagnostic wax-up was used to guide upper anterior composite build-ups at an increased OVD, completed with a palatal stent and freehand layering. A soft lower occlusal splint was provided for protection, and Co-Cr upper and lower partial dentures were fitted to restore posterior support and reduce anterior load. The patient adapted well, expressed satisfaction with both function and appearance, and was motivated to maintain reduced fizzy drink intake and attend for ongoing reviews.
Q. How will you adapt your practice as a result of attending the composite layering course?
RA: Attending the composite layering course has really changed the way I approach restorative work. I feel more confident with freehand composite placement, particularly in shade selection, anatomical build-up, and creating natural depth in restorations. We also learnt about a wide range of materials and their indications, such as using injectable composite for stamp technique posterior restorations, as well as the importance of choosing dentine and enamel shades appropriately.
The course also highlighted how crucial it is to understand light perception and refraction in order to achieve lifelike results. Since then, I’ve been more deliberate in how I replicate translucency and natural contours, which has helped me deliver more seamless and aesthetic outcomes.
I’ve refined my finishing and polishing routine too, aiming for smooth contours and a high-gloss finish that improves both aesthetics and longevity. Overall, the course has given me the confidence to take on more challenging anterior cases and motivated me to keep developing my skills so I can deliver predictable results that are both functional and highly aesthetic.
KA: After attending the composite layering course, I want to apply what I’ve learned to make my anterior restorations look as natural as possible. By using advanced layering techniques, I can better replicate the optical properties of enamel and dentine, creating restorations that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth while remaining durable and functional.
I also feel more confident in using opaquers for discoloured cases. Now that I understand the correct technique and application, I will incorporate them more often. This will allow me to mask underlying discolouration effectively without relying on excessive dentine composite, resulting in restorations that are both more aesthetic and less bulky.
In addition, I will refine my finishing and polishing by following the protocols demonstrated during the course. This will help me achieve a higher-quality surface finish, enabling restorations to maintain their shine and resist staining for longer, outcomes that patients will both notice and value.
Q. Has your success in the CGDent-GC Award impacted you in any other ways?
RA: Winning the Award has hugely boosted my confidence and reinforced my passion for dentistry. Being the only Dental Therapist to receive the award made it especially meaningful, as it highlighted the importance of our role and the ever-expanding scope of practice available to us. It reminded me that I am not limited to certain treatments, and that with the right training and mindset, therapists can take on complex, rewarding cases. It has also encouraged me to seek further opportunities, step outside my comfort zone, and keep building on my skills with greater confidence. I hope this achievement motivates other Dental Therapists to recognise their potential and embrace the opportunities our profession offers to make a real difference for patients, while striving to provide the highest standard of care.
KA: Being successful in the CGDent-GC Award has significantly increased my confidence in anterior composite work and motivated me to continue developing my restorative skills. It has inspired me to attend further restorative courses to broaden my knowledge and stay up to date with best practices. I also aim to share the techniques and insights I’ve gained with colleagues, helping to raise standards within my team. Beyond technical skills, the award has reminded me of the profound impact well-executed restorative work can have on patients’ confidence and quality of life.
Q. What would you say to other Foundation Trainees thinking of entering the Award?
RA: I would strongly encourage Foundation Trainees to enter the Award, particularly Dental Therapists. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase your abilities, gain recognition early in your career, and demonstrate the valuable role therapists play within dentistry. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects was meeting other trainees, sharing experiences, and realising how much we can learn from one another. I gained valuable perspective from dentists, and in turn they learnt more about the scope and contribution of Dental Therapists, which made it a really collaborative experience.
The course you attend as part of the prize is also an amazing opportunity, giving you hands-on experience with advanced techniques, exposure to the latest materials, and the chance to meet inspiring people from across the profession. I would recommend the Award to any therapist who wants to develop their skills, build confidence, and be part of something that celebrates achievement and encourages growth within the profession.
KA: To any Foundation Trainees considering entering, I would say it’s a no-brainer. As part of foundation training, we’re required to present a complex case, which could likely involve anterior composite restorations – perfect for submission. Beyond showcasing your work, winning gives you the incredible opportunity to attend a world-class course in Belgium, expand your skills, and meet like-minded dental professionals who have also succeeded in the competition. It’s a chance to learn, network, and be inspired, all while gaining recognition for work you’re already doing as part of your foundation training.
You may be interested in our blog by Dr Juan Salmerón Ramírez, in which he reflects on entering a successful case in the inaugural Award.
Poppy Dunton, the newly appointed Chair of the Board of the College’s Faculty of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, reflects on her career in dentistry and how her mantra that “every day is a school day” has supported her development.
Never would I have expected to have the career that I have had out of dentistry. I was a disgruntled 15-year-old being told my graphic design two-week work placement had pulled out. With everyone else having picked their placements, I was left with the unexpected choice of a dental practice. “A dental practice! You’ve got to be joking?” I initially thought. Yet, as I made cups of tea and filed blue forms, the hustle and bustle of the place felt surprisingly comfortable. To say I enjoyed it was an understatement.
As the two-week period ended, the principal dentist offered me a part-time after-school job – making tea and cleaning the old impression trays (pre-single use era), and earning £3.15 per hour. I jumped at the chance, feeling like I was made of money. Every day after school, I would walk and do my 4pm–6.30pm shift. When a trial day at Northampton College for photography didn’t sit right with me, I informed the principal dentist that evening. My father was called in for a meeting, and that’s when the principal dentist said, “I’ll only give her a job here, Graham, if she makes something of her life.” That evening became the catalyst for my passion in dentistry.
The evolution of my career is intricately tied to a commitment to education. I embarked on an evening college course, alongside my apprenticeship, to train to become a dental nurse. Tuesday evenings in Milton Keynes led to passing the NEBDN Certificate in Dental Nursing. Once I had this, I spent the following months learning as much as possible – four-handed dentistry, impression taking, and implant nursing. The practice grew, and another was bought over the road, giving me the chance to set up an oral hygiene programme.
Following my return from Cardiff University, where I completed a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, I was privileged enough to be offered my job back in the practice where I had started. The first week was a week to remember; I ran an hour late, fell down the stairs, and stuck two teeth together. I had the most patient mentors, and working in an NHS practice was fantastic, allowing me to complete my full scope of practice, including paediatrics. Was it hard? Yes. Did it teach me speed and resilience? Absolutely.
After graduating in 2012, there were limited postgraduate options. Notable pursuits included constantly upskilling and working in a team supportive of therapists. Composite courses with GC in Belgium, a Level 6 qualification in employment law, and being promoted to operations manager of two NHS practices – eventually managing a team of 64 staff – led to me being offered a practice manager position four years into my career. This opened learning about people psychology, leadership and planning team meetings alongside my clinical career.
I was privileged enough to then open a squat practice alongside my principal, with a business plan for two surgeries over two years which resulted in 10 surgeries being opened over five years, including a vaccination clinic. Three CQC inspections later, and the role of CQC manager was also added to my repertoire. The most rewarding part of project managing the development of this new practice was recruiting a group of individual dental professionals and watching them grow into a wonderful team.
Upon completing the Perio School Diploma in Periodontics for Hygienists and Therapists and the Smile Dental Academy Diploma in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry for Dental Therapists, I was introduced to the College of General Dentistry and was eager to explore the recognition I could gain as a dental therapist.
Unfortunately, the course credits were not enough per course to contribute towards Fellowship, so I joined the College’s Certified Membership Scheme (CMS) to gain guidance on how to continue advancing my career and choose the best postgraduate training to reflect my aspirations. As part of the scheme, I have regular contact with a facilitator who consistently ensures that my investment in courses leads me in the correct direction. Ongoing self-reflection allows me to constantly critique myself, and the leadership module fits well with my management of staff, completing practice meetings and public speaking. Being part of the CMS has supported me to complete a City & Guilds Diploma / ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management by enabling me to choose an appropriate course and help develop leadership qualities.
The College’s Professional Framework, which underpins the CMS, maps 22 key capabilities, many of which have played a crucial role in my journey. Emphasising the value of postgraduate education, I would encourage new graduates to embrace opportunities for further learning and to constantly be self-critical of their work. Recording self-reflection, taking photographs, and analysing what went well in each case, shadowing peers, or approaching colleagues for their opinions are essential. Don’t fear failure; it’s what makes you better.
In my experience, this profession can be challenging and, at times, isolating. There are days when running late, neglecting notes, skipping meals and even necessities like restroom breaks become the norm. The toll on one’s body—back pain, eye strain, and hand fatigue—can be significant. Looking after your long-term career is vital. Record-keeping has been one of the largest changes I’ve seen, starting in my early career with very short notes. Now, ensuring my conversations with patients are highlights in notes, and my nurses help and scribe during appointments. This has proved invaluable when a complaint arises. Protecting yourself is vital.
The most unexpected rewards in my dental therapy role often come during these challenging moments. Patient gratitude and the joy of assisting anxious individuals through treatment illuminate the darker days.
This career has allowed me ongoing dedication to continuous learning, reflecting on my mentor’s ethos of “everyday is a school day”. My commitment to education and mentorship is rooted in a desire to guide new professionals in navigating complexities while maintaining their wellbeing. In 2023, I was privileged to join the Board of the Faculty of Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy for the College, and I am even more privileged to have now been appointed Chair.
Recently I have relocated due to family illness, and this marks the end of a significant chapter in my career, prompting reflection on the unconventional path that led me to the field of dentistry, the intricacies of managing a bustling practice, combined with the personal growth and educational pursuits that defined my journey. Alongside all early career dental professionals, I continue to embrace new challenges and aspirations, remaining steadfast in my commitment to contributing positively to the ever-evolving world of dental therapy.
Further details of Poppy’s career to date, and of the role of the Chair of the Board of the Faculty of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, are available here
Dr Nathaniel-Edouard Davidson, Associate Member of the College and winner of the inaugural CGDent-GC Award, reflects on what he learntat the first Introduction to Occlusion Symposium and why you should go to the next one.
When I first saw the announcement for the Introduction to Occlusion Symposium, I was not sure if it was for me. Occlusion felt like one of those important, yet complex (and slightly intimidating) areas of dentistry where it’s difficult to apply the extensive teachings in day-to-day practice. However, after dealing with a rising number of fractured restorations, TMJ complaints, and patients reporting muscle soreness and headaches, I realised I needed to deepen my understanding.
From the moment the first lecture started, it was clear this was not just a day of theory. The symposium tackled real-world challenges that many of us face every day in practice. The sessions covered everything from the history and implications of occlusal disease to practical techniques for restoring worn dentitions; always maintaining a strong focus on understanding the “why” behind the “what.”
The first Introduction to Occlusion Symposium in London, 5 April 2025
What stood out most
One of the key points from the day was to focus on the high prevalence of occlusal disease, which is even more common than caries or periodontal disease. There are many signs that indicate the presence of occlusal disease, such as fractured cusps, worn-down restorations, mobility, gingival recession, abfraction lesions, TMJ pain, headaches. These issues often seem unrelated, however, the symposium effectively demonstrated how these issues are in fact interconnected.
“A single night of bruxism can cause as much damage as a lifetime of chewing”. This significant insight was discussed, along with how the loss of proprioception during sleep can result in forces generated by nocturnal clenching increasing tenfold. This may explain the rise in failed restorations and unexplained wear.
Practical knowledge I’m already applying
One of the best aspects of the symposium was the clear, actionable treatment planning advice. We discussed the importance of the “Five Laws” for an ideal occlusion and successful occlusal appliance:
Mutually protected occlusion
RCP = ICP around the retruded axis position
Anterior guidance
No non-working side interferences
Posterior stability
Frameworks like these make managing occlusion more straightforward.
We also explored how to manage occlusal wear with restorative approaches. One fascinating technique that stood out was the use of additive composite canine risers. We can maintain the intercuspal position, but through the use of composite additions to the canines we can reintroduce anterior guidance – this alone can disclude posterior teeth and prevent further wear. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s something I can do in day-to-day practice.
The symposium clarified occlusion terminology, particularly centric relation (RCP) versus intercuspal position (ICP). I now understand that while ICP is used for day-to-day dentistry, centric relation is stable and reproducible for complex treatments. Knowing when to use each position and whether to conform or reorganise has improved my approach.
The rule of thumb we learnt
Reorganise: when there is heavy wear, multiple restorations, TMJ symptoms, or a need to increase vertical dimension.
Conform: when the five laws of ideal occlusion (as mentioned above) are met, when there are fewer restorations to carry out, or when there are potential financial constraints.
What I’ll do differently now
Since attending the symposium, I have already started using articulating paper markings in both RCP and ICP and taking intraoral photos and scans to help with diagnosing current or potential future occlusal problems. I am more able to practically ‘see’ a reduced envelope of function. Patients who used to report “chipping front teeth” now make me think of reduced overbite and a collapsed envelope of function, rather than just failing restorations and parafunctional habits.
In addition, I am now more proactive about spotting early signs of parafunction, reducing interferences and offering occlusal splints. Perhaps most importantly, I now understand that restoring anterior guidance early might actually save the need for more invasive posterior restorations later. The symposium has motivated me to pursue further learning and has provided clear direction on where to focus my efforts.
Why should you attend the Occlusion Symposium?
This symposium did more than just teach occlusion – it sparked a genuine interest in the subject and gave me practical tools I can use right away. It is easy to overlook occlusion in favour of more popular topics in dentistry, but this symposium reinforces that getting the fundamentals right is what leads to predictable and long-lasting results.
If you are on the fence about attending a future occlusion symposium, I would say this: do it. Whether you are early in your career or years into practice, the insights you will gain are invaluable. If you are a Principal of a practice, why not encourage your Associates to attend? It is not just about protecting teeth, it is about treating the whole system, understanding function, and elevating the quality of care you can provide.
The next Introduction to Occlusion Symposium will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday 1 November 2025. Open to all dental professionals and with six hours’ CPD, tickets are just £90 for those who qualified between 2020 and 2025, and £110 for all other attendees. For further information, and to book your place, visit our event page
Following the success of the Introduction to Occlusion Symposium on 5 April in London, the symposium is travelling north and will take place on Saturday 1 November in Edinburgh.
Introduction to Occlusion Symposium, London
The comprehensive programme will remain the same and will be delivered by the panel of six renowned speakers who impressed delegates at the inaugural symposium in April. It is designed for early career dental professionals but all dental professionals are welcome to attend.
Members of the College are asked to share details of the symposium with friends and colleagues who may wish to attend.
The aim of the event, which has been organised by the Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation in conjunction with the College, is to enhance delegates’ understanding of the fundamentals of occlusion and how these principles can support the placement of successful, long-term restorations for patients presenting with tooth wear and other conditions.
Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent, Chair of Trustees, Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, explains the move to Scotland:
“We were delighted by the enthusiastic feedback we received from the London symposium which showed that many delegates had left the day with a much clearer understanding of occlusion and the treatment options available, and felt inspired to incorporate what they’d learnt into their practice. We wanted to ensure that colleagues in other parts of the country had the same opportunity to expand their knowledge of this important topic and the decision was made to repeat the symposium in Edinburgh with exactly the same programme and the same inspiring speakers.”
The opening lecture will be delivered by Dr Bereznicki, who will use real failure cases to illustrate what can happen if a patient’s occlusion is not assessed and treated.
Dr Tom BereznickiProf Paul TiptonDr Ken HarrisDr Tif QureshiDr Shiraz KhanDr Koray Feran
Describing the programme, Dr Bereznicki said: “We will be focussing on the basic fundamental principles involved in occlusion, particularly the intraoral occlusal examination which is crucial in treatment planning.”
Alongside the programme of lectures, delegates who wish to develop their knowledge of occlusion further can visit a hand-picked selection of education stands to learn more about leading postgraduate courses available in this field.
To ensure the symposium is accessible to all, the fees have been set at £90 for early career practitioners who qualified between 2020 and 2025, and £110 for all other dental professionals. These fees include lunch.
You can find further information and secure your place by clicking the button below.
The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the College, is also hosting a symposium on 20 September 2025 in London. Dr Reena Wadia will deliver the morning session on the topic of pink aesthetics and in the afternoon, Dr Andy Toy will discuss the importance of occlusion in the successful provision of aligner therapy. You can find out more and book your place here.
Dr Andy Toy FCGDent, a general dental practitioner and educator with a special interest in occlusion, highlights the fundamental link between occlusion and the long-term stability of aligner therapy.
Simply aligning a few anterior teeth can significantly alter a patient’s occlusion. Whilst many patients seem to cope with their ‘new bite’, there are others who suffer from TMD, chronic pain or mobile teeth because of their aligner therapy. There are also patients presenting with challenging occlusal problems that could be resolved with the right type of aligner orthodontics. Every aligner case requires the dentist to understand how to diagnose, plan and finish their patients with a healthy functional occlusion.
I will be delivering a half-day lecture at the Perio-Occlusion Symposium on Saturday 20 September, to address issues like these. My presentation will provide a clear and simple approach to occlusion and clear aligner therapy based on over 40 years of learning and teaching. My aim is to help you:
Differentiate between easy and challenging aligner cases
Assess the patient’s TM Joint and occlusion and create a treatment plan to deliver a healthy, functional bite
Know how to finish and retain your aligner cases
Why is Cassie easier to treat than Jim?
CassieJim
If Cassie and Jim walked into your practice, in my experience most novice orthodontists would steer clear of Cassie and see Jim as an easy win. Jim has mild crowding with some wear that’s crying out for your best bonding technique. What a great Align-Bleach-Bond case! Ker-ching!! Cassie has more crowding and, even worse, an anterior open bite? What a nightmare!
In fact, once you do a thorough assessment of TMJ function and occlusion, combined with discovering the patient’s wishes, you would find that Cassie is much easier to treat than Jim.
Why is this? Jim has an edge-to-edge occlusion on a class III base – these cases are often much more difficult than they first appear. The challenge is creating enough overjet to give you space for your bonding and create a healthy envelope of function. You will need to: a) create lots of space in the lower arch with inter-proximal reduction; and b) control the anchorage to maximise the lower anterior retraction.
Case photos: Jim
Cassie simply wants to align her teeth and isn’t bothered by her anterior open bite. Comprehensive assessment of her TMJ and functional occlusion indicates that her bite is healthy. She just needs some levelling and aligning. Simple!
Jeff is another class III case. I used Invisalign Go™ (that is moving 5-5 only and up to 25 aligners) combined with class III elastics to support anchorage and we finished with a great looking result and healthy occlusion. In fact, Jeff is easier to treat than Jim. Can you see why? It’s all down to how you assess a cross-bite. Once you know how, it’s much easier to choose your winners and avoid creating an occlusal cripple.
Case photos: Jeff
Aligner therapy can eliminate occlusal dysfunction
Brenda is not too concerned about her appearance, but she is very worried about the pain she is experiencing and the possibility of losing her teeth. She’s also in her 70s and not overly keen on dental treatment.
Brenda has multiple crossbites, tilted teeth and missing molars. Where do you start? My approach is: thorough assessment and diagnosis of her TMJ function and dynamic occlusion; careful planning of her Invisalign Comprehensive™ treatment; and a patient-centred consent process. That way Brenda knows what the problem is, how we may treat it and what benefits and risks she may encounter as a result. This gives Brenda the confidence to go ahead with the plan and enjoy a healthy, comfortable bite for the rest of her life. Come along to the Symposium and I’ll show you how I used aligner biomechanics on Brenda’s case so that you can apply them on your own patients.
Case photos: Brenda
If you are able to attend the symposium, you’ll be better placed to avoid cases that are beyond your experience level; feel confident that the cases you do treat will have a healthy, functional bite; and sleep better at night. You can find out more and book your place here.
The Perio-Occlusion Symposium takes place on Saturday 20 September in London.
Dental professionals are invited to book their place at the Perio-Occlusion Symposium, which has been organised by the Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation in conjunction with the College. Members of the College are urged to share the details of the symposium with early career colleagues.
Lecture by Prof Paul Tipton at the Introduction to Occlusion Symposium, April 2025
The symposium will take place on Saturday 20 September 2025 at the Kensington Conference and Events Centre in London and will focus on two aspects of aesthetic dentistry: ‘pink aesthetics’ and the role of occlusion in clear aligner therapy. In a change to previous announcements, lectures will be delivered by Dr Reena Wadia MCGDent and Dr Andy Toy FCGDent. Click for full speaker profiles.
Dr Reena Wadia
Dr Andy Toy
Dr Reena Wadia will present a range of clinical cases and examine the indications and steps of crown lengthening and gum recession surgery, reviewing the procedures currently available. Dr Andy Toy will focus on the steps involved in carrying out an occlusal examination and assessment to arrive at a suitable orthodontic treatment plan using aligner therapy, so as to ensure a healthy, functional occlusion and long-term stability of the treatment provided.
The symposium is designed for early career dental professionals and all dental professionals are welcome to attend. An accessible fee of £70 is available for those who qualified between 2020 to 2025*. For other dental professionals, the fee is £90. Delegates will receive 6 hours of verifiable CPD.
To increase awareness of this educational opportunity, members of the College are encouraged to pass on the details of the symposium to early career members in their team.
Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent, Founder of the Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, said:
“Our new symposium in September highlights two aspects of aesthetic dentistry which are both equally fundamental in the provision of successful treatment but which tend to be less understood by early career dental professionals, due to lack of training or experience.“
“An increasing number of younger colleagues are becoming involved in digital smile design and the provision of relevant restorations and the aesthetics and positioning of a patient’s gingival tissues are a vital part of that delivery. The provision of clear aligner therapy has also become very popular with early career dentists but less well understood is that to ensure successful delivery of treatment, an initial occlusal examination should be carried out. For long-term stability of the desired aesthetics, the occlusion on completion should be refined – if this is not carried out, retention such as splinting is likely to fail, followed by relapse. The symposium programme is designed to address these issues and support the ongoing professional development of early career colleagues.“
The Perio-Occlusion Symposium is the second in a series of symposia organised by the Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the College. The Introduction to Occlusion Symposium took place in April this year, and received positive feedback from those who attended. One delegate described the day as “brilliant” and explained it covered treatments that “weren’t taught in university”. Another said, “All the speakers spoke about occlusion in a comprehensive manner that I understood.”
Following the success of the Introduction to Occlusion Symposium, plans have been made to repeat the event in another part of the country to allow a greater number of early career colleagues to attend. The symposium will take place in Edinburgh and registration will be open soon.
*dental professionals who qualify in 2025 but are not yet registered with the GDC may book a place at the symposium and provide their registration details once they have them.
The College of General Dentistry, GC and The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation would like to congratulate the successful candidates in this year’s CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees.
The winning entrants comprise seventeen dentists and one dental therapist who between them studied at ten different dental schools, and who are now completing their Dental Foundation Training or Dental Vocational Training through seven different deaneries across the UK.
Candidate name
Undergraduate qualification
Educational Supervisor(s)
Deanery
Dr Yaa Agyei-Akwa
BDS University of Dundee 2024
Dr Kalomoira Dikaiou
Scotland
DrKaran Ahir
BDS University of Liverpool 2024
Dr Itziar Miragaya
Yorkshire and Humber
DrMahnoor Ahsan
BDS Queen Mary University of London 2024
Dr Shazad Malik
London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Ruba Al-Nuaimy
BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy University of Leeds 2024
Dr Mehboob Butt
North West
DrBalneeta Bhamra
BChD University of Leeds 2024
Dr Jordan Hobbah, Dr Tom Willan, Dr Matthew Phillips
Yorkshire and Humber
DrKatie Forsdick
BDS University of Birmingham 2024
Dr Nishi Dhuna
Thames Valley and Wessex
DrBrianna Gormley
BDS Queen’s University of Belfast 2024
Dr Mariam Azmi
North West
DrNahid Inayat
BDS King’s College London 2024
Dr Harkamel Gill
Midlands
DrJerin Joseph
BDS University of Birmingham 2024
Dr Parmohinder Sanehi
London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex
DrNatasha Lee
BDS Queen’s University of Belfast 2024
Dr Kabir Bhogal, Dr Kartik Datla
London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex
DrCara Marcuccilli
BDS University of Dundee 2024
Dr Craig MacDougall
Scotland
DrNikhil Mediratta
BDS University of Birmingham 2024
Dr Deepa Joseph
Midlands
DrSarah Mehanna
BDS University of Birmingham 2024
Dr Giedrius Stasiulevicius
Midlands
DrSarah Mekhaimar
BDS Queen Mary University of London 2024
Dr Vikas Bakshi, Dr Jaswinder Gill
London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex
DrFarooq Mohammed
BDS University of Manchester 2024
Dr Raminder Rupra
Midlands
DrSara Rahimi
BDS Newcastle University 2024
Dr Carly Winsor
North West
DrShreya Sharma
BDS Cardiff University 2024
–
Thames Valley and Wessex
DrEmily Swift
BDS King’s College London 2024
Dr Karan Ghataaura, Dr Alastair Hetherington
South West
To enter the award, participants each submitted a restorative case which included at least one anterior tooth and composite restoration. Cases entered featured a range of restorative treatments including those for midline diastema, dental trauma, tooth wear, and peg shaped laterals. View all successful cases here.
A selection of successful cases which illustrate a range of different types of cases entered in the award. Cases submitted by (L-R) Natasha Lee,Sara Rahimi, and Nahid Inayat
The award, which was expanded to include dental therapists as well as dentists this year, was open to those who graduated in 2024 in the UK and Ireland or who were undergoing Dental Foundation Training, Dental Vocational Training or Joint Dental Foundation Core Training. Entries were received from practitioners from both eligible dental constituencies around the country.
The assessment panel, which comprised Trustees of The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation and senior members of the College, scored each case based on a set of assessment criteria which allocated points to overall improvement in the patient’s oral health (including periodontal health), the standard of aesthetic treatment, the complexity of the case and the quality of the entrant’s reflection.
The successful candidates are each awarded a funded place on a two-day composite layering course which is taking place on 10-11 July at GC’s European Education Campus in Leuven, Belgium. The prize includes international travel and hotel costs and is worth around £1,400 per place.
Describing the course, Golasa Sheikh Akbari (pictured above), one of last year’s winners, said “youlearn a lot about what you’ve done to enter the prize and you can see what you might have been able to do better on your case.” She continued “I have learnt a lot about composite layering and the importance behind the physics of light and composite, how everything reflects, and looking at the opalescence and factors like that. I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect and actually being able to put all the theory into practice and see what results you can get.”
Commenting on the response to the 2024/25 award, Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent, Founder of The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, said:
“We were delighted with the response to last year’s award but this year we had even more interest and the standard of submissions was very high, making the assessors’ work all the more difficult! As a new charity, we are thrilled that ever more early career practitioners are engaging with the educational opportunities we offer and are inspired to continue to develop and hone their clinical skills. Thank you to all those who entered the competition, and to all the Educational Supervisors and Deaneries who supported all the entrants, and congratulations to the successful candidates.”
Remarking on the winning entries, Professor Sir Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent, President Emeritus of the College, said:
“I am delighted for all the winning candidates announced today and by the success of the 2024/25 CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees, all made possible through the generosity of the Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation, with the complementary support of GC. I anticipate the hands-on course provided at the world-renowned GC Education Campus will have a lasting, and possibly career-determining, impact on the participants, including the first Dental Therapist winner of the competition. The winners of this year’s competition can be justifiably proud of being on their way to Leuven.”
John Maloney, GC’s Director and Country Manager for the UK, Ireland and South Africa, said:
“We have once again been impressed by the high level of clinical skills and patient care demonstrated by candidates in this award, and congratulate all those who submitted a successful case. The Education Team at our campus in Leuven are looking forward to meeting the 18 successful practitioners and teaching them the very latest restorative techniques using composite, so they can offer the best treatment to their patients.”
To register your interest in next year’s award and receive notifications as soon as the competition opens in September, visit our award page.
DrTom Bereznicki FCGDent, founder of the Tom Bereznicki Dental Educational Foundation, explains the importance of occlusion and why he is committed to educating younger colleagues on the topic.
The modern undergraduate curriculum allows very little time for occlusion to be covered as a topic. Through my experience of teaching younger dentists, I have noticed in recent years that when I ask what the clinical occlusal examination findings are, the reply often comes back with an orthodontic classification. Few early career dentists are aware of the importance of studying not just the static occlusion, but the dynamic one too.
In over 40 years of practice, I have seen many cases of occlusally-related failure, highlighting the vital importance of paying due consideration to the occlusal scheme in treatment planning. I am passionate about educating early career dentists and through my charitable foundation, I have organised a symposium on the topic of occlusion, in collaboration with the College, which aims to enhance delegates’ knowledge of the basic principles of occlusion and how they can support the success and longevity of restorative treatment.
With the odd exceptions such as anterior open bites and skeletal Class 3’s, patients’ occlusal schemes should adhere to the basic principles of occlusion, not just when providing complex multiple indirect restorations and treatment of wear cases, but also simpler single indirect restorations, and most importantly, the long-term maintenance of intact healthy dentitions.
The cases illustrated below draw attention to some common examples of occlusally-related failure.
To avoid occlusal derangement, the extracted tooth should have been replaced as soon after extraction as possible
Failure to investigate the crack when it first appeared – now the tooth needs to be extracted
Correct dynamic mandibular excursions when fitting fixed restorations to help prevent failure especially with cantilever designs
Missing the tell-tale signs of unwanted wear, seen here as wear facets, can lead to root fracture
Spotting early signs of unwanted occlusal wear helps prevent extensive treatment at a later date
Failure to check excursive mandibular excursions, especially when fitting restorations, can result in loss of canine guidance and restorative failure
In bruxers, veneer failure can also frequently be seen as fracture of the porcelain in the gingival third of the restoration
Over instrumentation during root canal therapy weakens the root making it susceptible to fracture particularly when acting as a cantilever abutment
Although titanium is extremely hard, it is not unbreakable. If occlusal forces are not refined, fracture or associated non-perimplantitis bone loss can lead to failure
As I did at the first Introduction to Occlusion Symposium in London, I will be addressing occlusally-related failure cases like these in the opening session at the Introduction to Occlusion Symposium in Edinburgh. I will be joined by a fantastic line-up of experts: Professor Paul Tipton, Dr Ken Harris, Dr Tif Qureshi, Dr Shiraz Khan and Dr Koray Feran. Through a series of lectures, they will examine the five basic principles of occlusion in detail and how they can support the placement of successful, long-term restorations.
Information will also be available on a range of postgraduate courses which cover aspects of occlusion in greater depth, for those who wish to extend their knowledge further.
The Introduction to Occlusion Symposium: Edinburgh, takes place on Saturday 1 November 2025 at The University of Edinburgh.
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