Director of IndigoDent and General Dental Practitioner Dr Andrew Chandrapal will be discussing the direct rehabilitation of anterior teeth at this year’s British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show at the NEC in Birmingham. With a special interest in dental aesthetics, composite resin bonding, complex rehabilitation and the management of wear, Andrew is renowned in dentistry, notably having served as president of the BACD. During his speaking session at BDCDS, Andrew will be sharing his cosmetic expertise with delegates, and will show how to ensure aesthetic success in the shape, shade and polishing of anterior composites.  

We were lucky enough to speak to Andrew about his upcoming lecture, the evolution of cosmetic dentistry, and what he is looking forward to about attending this year’s British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show. See what he had to say below.   

You'll be speaking at this year’s British Dentistry Conference & Dentistry Show about the direct rehabilitation of anterior teeth. Can you give us a sneak preview of what to expect from your lecture?

Direct anterior restorations are complex for a host of reasons. No single restoration is the same as the last in terms of shade, morphology and functional integration. My presentation will focus on how we can apply effective therapies to eliminate as many variables as possible. We all crave a predictable outcome, both for our patients and for our sanity! My presentation will contain lots of real-life cases together with a mix of academic and practical tips that will be highly applicable to the GDP.

You’re also the director of IndigoDent Education. Can you tell us a bit about what you set out to achieve with IndigoDent?

I set up IndigoDent Education around 6 years ago after teaching for some years before this. I wanted to formalise teaching in my chosen subjects to ensure delegates knew that intensive and quality education would always be one of the unique features underpinning IndigoDent. IndigoDent has grown lots over the years, although I have maintained a small group methodology in my hands-on courses to ensure that delegates get an immersive experience in all courses.

You’ve said that you have a special interest in dental aesthetics, composite resin bonding, complex rehabilitation and management of wear. What key developments have you seen in these areas recently, and how do you think the landscape will evolve in the coming years? 

This avenue of dentistry has in some ways changed hugely, but in other ways has stayed the same. Aesthetic principles largely remain the same and are based around natural versus a more manufactured aesthetic outcome. Artificial intelligence software now exists where smile design parameters can be automated and adjusted. This is just one example of how things have moved on. Much of the theory in treating tooth wear remains the same, although CAD-CAM technologies are showing great promise in establishing workflows to effectively manage tooth wear cases.

You’ve had a lot of success in your career, notably having served as president of the BACD. What advice would you give to young dentists looking to succeed in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry?

My work rate has been consistently very high for over 16-17 years. This has been a decision I took in an effort to better myself professionally, and also represent the profession in the realm of aesthetic dentistry. My suggestions would be to find a good, reliable, and inspirational mentor, join the BACD as they have some great resources, establish your photography skills and practice, practice, practice!

Apart from your own speaking session, what else are you looking forward to about attending this year’s British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show?

It is always a pleasure to be a part of such a conference. You have managed to attract a range of informative and engaging speakers that I look forward to listening to. I am especially looking forward to hearing Professor Marco Ferrari speak as his research has heavily influenced my clinical procedures.

Don’t miss out on Dr Andrew Chandrapal’s lecture on the direct rehabilitation of anterior teeth on Friday 12th May at 13:30 in the BDA Theatre at this year’s British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show.