Business planning IS for you!

In September, Philips Oral Healthcare supported Victoria Wilson’s Smile Revolution first five-week course which aimed to give dental professionals the skills and confidence to plan the launch of an oral health promotional venture. The course provided an opportunity for dentists, hygienists, therapists and dental nurses to augment their services and become more versatile, giving them the potential of making an impact beyond their traditional clinical training.

The Philips-sponsored place was awarded to dental nurse Preetee Hylton from The No.8 Partnership in London’s Chelsea, who was honoured to be picked and to join the course at a time where people needed to diversify more than ever and to find new ways to deliver oral health messaging. In the months leading up to the course the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a great deal of concern in the dental sector. Dental practices had been closed for weeks during the pandemic (except for urgent dental care centres, which focused mostly on prescribing antibiotics and extractions rather than providing preventive care). Routine examination and hygienist/therapist appointments had been cancelled. The press reported an increase and frequency in sugar consumption due to people having more time on their hands snack or comfort eat. In Preetee’s opinion, this was really good time to ensure that as a dental care professional, she could learn how to communicate about the relationship between oral health, physical health and mental health.