Norfolk and Norwich Section - Dental symposium 2026

13:30 Registration

14:00 Choosing wisely: direct vs indirect restorations in everyday practice

Aims

One of the biggest questions in dentistry has always been “how do I repair this tooth”. The urge to protect the pulp versus the need to create a strong and reliable restoration can create a huge clinical dilemma. Ali and Jin will explain the relative merits of crowns and indirect restorations, and help us to make evidence-based decisions to select the best restorative option for each patient.

Learning objectives

•  Critically assess the clinical features of a tooth and carry out a holistic patient assessment when considering optimum restorative options
• Analyse and compare the benefits and limitations of indirect restorations versus direct restorations, using evidence-based reasoning
• Formulate and justify a clinical decision on the most appropriate restorative option for an individual patient.

15:30 Break

15:50 Ethical marketing

Aims

Selling seems like a dirty word in dentistry. But not informing our patients of suitable options can seem controlling and unhelpful. Ali and Jin will explore ethical marketing in dentistry.  They will help us to support our patients in making informed decisions that are right for their individual needs, while also ensuring that care is delivered in a way that is sustainable and profitable for the practitioner.

Learning objectives

• Define and explain the meaning of ethical marketing within dentistry
• Evaluate the patient journey to ensure patients are supported in making the right decisions and appreciate the value of the treatment provided
• Recognise and apply the role of the whole dental team in delivering ethical marketing, alongside exploring wider marketing strategies to enhance patient care and practice sustainability.

17:20 Tax talk: Straightforward tips for dental professionals

Aims

In this bite-sized Tax talk, we’ll cut through the jargon and highlight the key areas of tax legislation that really matter for dental professionals. You’ll walk away with straightforward, practical tips you can put into action straight away, helping you feel more confident and in control of your tax planning.

Learning objectives

• Identify key areas of tax legislation relevant to specific circumstances
• Apply practical strategies to optimise tax planning.

17:40 Buffet and refreshments

18:30 Aesthetics with integrity: Composite and porcelain for long-term success

Aims

We live in a world that can seem superficial and obsessed by appearance. The proliferation of visual social media platforms has accelerated this change. However, when our patients take an interest in the beauty of their teeth, we can use this to reinforce our wider health messages and address the aesthetic concerns of our patients.  A “win-win” is possible if we have the skills to deliver. Ali and Jin will help us hone these skills.  They will describe the use of composite and porcelain veneers in achieving optimal anterior aesthetics, balancing patient expectations, biological considerations, and long-term outcomes.

Learning objectives

• Assess the key clinical and patient factors influencing the choice between composite and porcelain veneers
• Compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of composite versus porcelain in terms of aesthetics, function, longevity, cost, and biological impact
• Select and justify the most appropriate veneer material for individual patients, integrating evidence-based practice with patient-centred decision-making.

20:00 End of lectures / Social networking