Launch of the British Bite Mark
The British Bite Mark campaign has been launched by the Dental Laboratories Association to help dental patients ensure that they buy dentures which meet UK regulatory requirements and which are made by a clinical dental technician registered with the General Dental Council.
Denture wearers should expect to see more of the British Bite Mark soon, with an awareness campaign planned over the coming months. The campaign is designed help denture wearers understand the importance of knowing that their dentures have been manufactured in the UK from approved materials and using the safest techniques. In order to ensure the British public are made aware of the differences between dental appliances made in the UK and those made abroad, the British Bite Mark campaign will be promoted on the local and national media and social networking sites, as well as in libraries, health centres and dental practices.
The Dental Laboratories Association (DLA) created the British Bite Mark in response to growing concern in the industry that more and more dentists have begun ordering dental appliances from dental laboratories in the Far East to save money. As these overseas laboratories are neither inspected by UK regulators nor produce dental appliances which have been manufactured by registered Dental Technicians, the worry is that many patients could receive substandard dentures or implants.
Richard Daniels, Chief Executive of the Dental Laboratories Association, explained: “In these turbulent economic times it is understandable that dental practices are looking to cut costs. However, sourcing crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers from dental laboratories in the Far East just to save money isn’t acceptable without making the patient aware. I believe that by introducing the British Bite Mark we are helping patients instantly recognise where their appliance has been manufactured and the fact that it complies with UK regulations, with the ultimate aim of ensuring patients receive a transparent service from their dentist.”
Keep an eye on the Denture Professionals blog over the coming months for more about the British Bite Mark and search our directory to find a Bite Mark certified clinical dental technician.
