A sparkling two days
Education and innovation took centre stage at this year’s Scottish Dental Show
The Scottish Dental Show 2026 at Braehead Arena, Glasgow. Photography: Mike Wilkinson 12/06/2026 Copyright: Mike Wilkinson. Mike Wilkinson. 07768 393673 mike@mike-wilkinson.com www.mike-wilkinson.com
More than 2,000 people attended the Scottish Dental Show in June with delegates gaining up to 10 free hours of continuing professional development (CPD), as well as having the opportunity to meet representatives from more than 130 dental supply and advisory companies and network with colleagues.
Many thanks to our exhibitors, including gold sponsors CJS Dental Services, JDN Technical, Dental Directory, Dentsply Sirona and Wrights Dental, silver Sponsor Trycare and bronze Sponsor Scrubs UK.
The show’s education programme featured all the GDC’s recommended and highly recommended topics as well as lectures and workshops on clinical expertise, wellbeing and the business of dentistry.
Among the speakers was Margaret Black, Professional Educator at Oralieve, whose presentation Dry Mouth and its Impacts on Patients was very well received by attendees, with delegates declaring the value of the content for everyday application
in dentistry.
Within a busy dental setting the impact of dry mouth can often be overlooked. The presentation reintroduced the physiological and psychological impact of dry mouth on patients, with attendees hearing real-life experiences from patients with xerostomia due to radiotherapy, polypharmacy or systemic disease.
Delegates learned of the prevalence and causes of dry mouth and of management techniques to make their patients more comfortable both during dental treatment and for everyday self-care.
The presentation underlined the importance of a comfortable mouth in a palliative care setting, stressing how the introduction of dry mouth products can ease the distress patients suffer in their final months, weeks, days and minutes – resulting in a more peaceful passing. This makes the transition easier for not just the patients but for families caring for their loved ones. The presentation introduced the range of Oralieve products discussing their active ingredients and different patient groups who will benefit from the products and how to recommend and obtain products.
Speaking afterwards, Margaret said: “It contained evidence-based information relevant to both dental and medical professionals and brings with it a reminder of why we work within dentistry. We are not just about teeth, but about people and quality of life.”
Dentsply Sirona speaker Amanda Bassey-Duke explored how artificial intelligence and digital dentistry are transforming the management of dental caries by creating a seamless workflow from diagnosis through to definitive restoration. Rather than focusing on technology in isolation, her session From Detection to Restoration: an AI-driven workflow for modern caries management demonstrated how these innovations can be integrated into everyday clinical practice to improve efficiency, patient communication and treatment outcomes.
Using real patient cases, Amanda demonstrated how AI-assisted radiographic analysis with Dentsply Sirona Smart View and Pearl AI can support clinicians in detecting pathology earlier and communicating findings more effectively with patients. The presentation then followed the complete digital workflow, showing how diagnosis can be combined with digital scanning using Dentsply Sirona Primescan 2 and DS Core to streamline treatment planning and improve collaboration amongst colleagues and patients using the Canvas feature.
A significant focus was placed on minimally invasive dentistry and the importance of identifying lesions at the earliest stage. Amanda discussed how materials such as Curodont can enable non-invasive treatment of early carious lesions detected using the Primescan 2 caries detection feature. This helps preserve healthy tooth structure and shifts the emphasis from restorative interventions to prevention whenever possible.
The session concluded by demonstrating how digital restorative workflows, including same-day CAD/CAM dentistry, allow clinicians to restore teeth efficiently while delivering a more convenient patient experience.
Throughout the presentation, Amanda emphasised that AI is not a replacement for clinical judgement but a tool that enhances decision-making, supports patient education and builds trust through greater transparency. As digital technologies continue to evolve, clinicians have an exciting opportunity to deliver more personalised, predictable, and minimally invasive care while improving both patient experience and practice efficiency.
The key message was simple: the future of dentistry lies not in adopting technology for technology’s sake, but in using digital innovation to empower clinicians and provide better outcomes for every patient.
Anita Hosty, a registered dental hygienist, fitness instructor and the creator of Loose Hands, an ergonomic and fitness programme, outlined how to prevent and manage musculoskeletal pain in dental settings. Many dental professionals suffer from neck, shoulder, back, wrist and hand pain. The primary objective was to give participants practical advice on preventing and reducing this discomfort.
The presentation emphasised that good ergonomics alone is not enough. Long-term wellbeing requires a combination of ergonomics, regular movement, strength and mobility exercises, and healthy daily habits. Delegates were encouraged to view physical wellbeing as an essential part of day-to-day living, rather than something to address only after pain develops.
Another important takeaway was that small, consistent changes can have a significant impact. Incorporating short movement breaks, improving posture awareness and following a structured exercise programme can enhance comfort, reduce fatigue and support career longevity.
The session also highlighted the importance of taking a proactive approach to self-care. Investing time in physical health benefits not only the individual clinician but also improves concentration, productivity, and the quality of patient care.
Overall, delegates left the session saying they felt empowered with practical strategies that they could implement immediately. The aim was to demonstrate that by combining ergonomics with targeted exercise and well-being practices, dental professionals can continue to enjoy healthy, sustainable careers.
Andrew McGregor, Principal of Park Orthodontics in Glasgow, hosted the workshop Introducing a Simple, Cost-Effective Bonded Retainer Technique. The session delved into the critical final stage of orthodontic treatment; long-term retention.
The workshop opened with a comprehensive review of the latest evidence and research regarding retention and stability. It examined the biological and mechanical factors that influence post-treatment shifts, emphasising that a successful outcome is only as good as the protocol that maintains it.
Transitioning from theory to practice, Andrew described a streamlined, cost-effective technique for direct bonded retainer placement. Delegates were provided with 3D printed models to gain hands-on experience using Ortho FlexTech Wire. This practical element allowed for real-time troubleshooting and refinement of handling techniques.
To further support chairside implementation, the session was packed with clinical ‘pearls’, including precise methods for measuring wires, selecting the most reliable bonding cements, and mastering moisture control for a predictable bond.
The session was delivered in conjunction with Sue Johnston and the team at Identiti Training UK. As providers of high-quality postgraduate orthodontic education for registered dentists, Identiti’s mission aligned perfectly with Andrew’s goal of bridgingmthe gap between academic research and practical, everyday clinical skills.
Elaine Tilling, patron of The Society of British Society of Dental Nurses, spoke about The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Social Media. Elaine detailed the regulatory guidelines relating to social media and professionalism. Her exploration through scenario discussion aimed to help delegates recognise and manage the professional risks that they come across when socialising, exploring or working online. The session covered an exercise in checking your personal digital footprint and shared strategies for staying safe online.
The Dental Directorate of Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) provided an engaging overview of its vision for dental education, workforce development and service transformation across Scotland. Led by Lee Savarrio, the Dental Director and Postgraduate Dean, the session highlighted the transition from NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to PSD Scotland, a new organisation established to drive innovation, digital transformation, workforce planning and nationally coordinated services across health and social care. A key focus of the presentation was the breadth of education and training opportunities available to support every member of the dental team.
Delegates learned about PSD Scotland’s continued investment in pre-registration and post registration education, with particular emphasis on dental nurse training through the Modern Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing, and training pathways that support professional development and optimise skills mix across dental services.
Addressing workforce challenges was another major theme. PSD Scotland outlined plans to develop a new national Dental Technology training pathway, creating accessible routes into the profession, a new pre-registration programme and the development of longer-term development pathways.
The team highlighted vocational training programmes for dental therapists and dentists, including the new two-year Longitudinal Dental Foundation Training programme, launching in September, which broadens clinical experience across general, hospital and public dental services while supporting the transition into practice.
Postgraduate training within the public and hospital dental service through dental core training was also highlighted, alongside pathways into dental specialty training in Scotland.
Delegates also heard how the clinical effectiveness ‘ecosystem’ brings together research, development of Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) evidence-based guidance and educational initiatives to support implementation.
The presentation concluded with an overview of the extensive portfolio of CPD opportunities for the dental team. Delegates were encouraged to access learning and development opportunities through TURAS Learn and Portal.
Overall, the session demonstrated PSD Scotland’s commitment to developing a skilled and sustainable dental workforce through education, research and innovation. Further information is available at learn.nes.nhs.scot/3089/nes-dental
This year’s lectures were delivered by Laura Wilson, David Gilmour, Tariq Ali, Christine Park, Emma O’Donnell, Kirstyn Donaldson, Lewis Olsson, Varkha Rattu, Colin Campbell, Kaly Jaff, James Elliott, Simon Kidd, Lee Savarrio, Ailsa Morrison, James Neilson, Margaret Saunders, Jan Clarkson, Mohammed Tiba, Adele Johnston, Lauren Long, Omayma Siddig and Anita Hosty.
Workshops were hosted by Arshad Ali, Jenny Walker, Emma McGroarty, Asnain Sadiq, Agnieszka Nohawica, Amber Aplin, Margaret Black, Navid Saberi, Jacqueline Moore, Amy Jones, Derek Goodwin, Elaine Tilling, Dr Jordan Bain, John Perry, Angela Cocolin, Yanna Myint, Jennifer Lindsay, Andrew McAllister, Kirstie Walker, Nina Farmer, Carolyn Roberts, Kaly Jaff, Allan Wright, Craig McKerracher, Amanda Bassey-Duke, Andrew McGregor, Carolyn Roberts, Clement Seeballuck, Jess Lomas and Rachael Clark.
The show also featured NSK sessions hosted by Siobhan Kelleher, Lauren Long and Jenny Walker on Piezo tip selection, air-polishing and powders and an Introduction to implant instrumentation.
Next year’s show is on 11-13 June at Braehead Arena, Glasgow. To enquire about exhibiting contact ann@connectcommunications.co.uk and to enquire speaking contact will@connectcommunications.co.uk