Dentists Called to Help Shape Updated Erosive Tooth Wear Index

UK Dentists Invited to Influence BEWE Evolution

UK: Dentists across the UK are being invited to participate in the development of a new version of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), a widely used tool for assessing tooth wear. Initially introduced in 2008, the BEWE has become a global standard for both general dental practice and research, offering a straightforward method for recording tooth wear. Now, nearly 16 years later, experts are looking to refine the tool to better meet the demands of modern dentistry.

The initiative is being led by two prominent figures in the field: Professor David Bartlett and Dr. Saoirse O’Toole, both of King’s College London. According to an article on Dentistry.co.uk, their goal is to enhance the BEWE by gathering feedback from practitioners who have experience using the tool. This feedback will help ensure that the updated BEWE remains a useful, practical resource for future generations of dentists.

Need for Updates and Refinements

The BEWE was designed as a simple and rapid screening tool for dental practitioners, similar to the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). Over the years, its use has expanded significantly, becoming a routine part of dental training in the UK and gaining global adoption. Dr. O’Toole explained the need for updating the BEWE: “The BEWE was designed to be a simple tool, similar to the basic periodontal exam (BPE), which can be easily and rapidly incorporated into patient examinations. The use of the BEWE has grown: it is now taught in all schools in the UK and is being adopted globally for both practice and research purposes.”

However, as Dr. O’Toole pointed out, there are limitations to the current version of the tool. For instance, a BEWE score of three, which indicates a defect greater than 50% of the tooth surface, covers a broad clinical range and may not provide the necessary granularity for assessing more severe cases. Similarly, a score of one, which represents the loss of surface texture, can be difficult to assess without specific training. “A BEWE score of three… lacks discrimination of severe levels. At the same time, a BEWE score of one… is difficult to assess visually without significant training,” she added.

In response to these concerns, the developers are seeking feedback to help refine the scoring system, making it more accurate and user-friendly for both practitioners and researchers. Dentists who wish to contribute can do so by completing a brief survey, which takes no more than a minute.

Upcoming Webinar and Continuing Education

For those looking to learn more about the future of erosive tooth wear assessment, Dr. O’Toole will be hosting a webinar on 1 October titled “Monitoring Wear – Tools to Use Now and What We Will Be Using in the Future.” This online event will delve into various clinical wear indices and how intraoral scanning technology can be employed to detect early signs of wear. The session will also include practical advice on how to use the BEWE effectively to monitor tooth wear over time.

Dr. O’Toole’s background as a clinical lecturer at King’s College London and her expertise in erosive tooth wear make her well-suited to lead this discussion. Her research focuses on identifying groups at high risk of tooth wear progression and developing new diagnostic tools for primary care. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and four book chapters to her name, she has also been at the forefront of technological advancements in the field, including the development of freeware for detecting changes in sequential 3D intraoral scans.

Pioneering Research in Erosive Tooth Wear

The BEWE update project is also backed by Professor David Bartlett, a renowned figure in the study of tooth wear and erosion. As the head of prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College, Professor Bartlett has played a key role in advancing clinical science, particularly in the area of tooth erosion. His extensive research portfolio and leadership within the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) prosthodontic group position him as a leading voice in the effort to refine the BEWE.

According to Dentistry.co.uk, Professor Bartlett’s work has earned him international recognition, having previously served as president of the International College of Prosthodontics. His research department at King’s College is well-known for its focus on clinical applications of tooth wear and erosion research.

Shaping the Future of Erosive Tooth Wear Assessment

As the field of dentistry continues to evolve, the development of a more refined BEWE could significantly impact both clinical practice and research. By making the tool more precise and easier to use, dental practitioners will be better equipped to identify and monitor tooth wear, potentially improving patient outcomes in the long term.

The call for feedback from UK dentists represents a valuable opportunity for practitioners to influence the next iteration of a diagnostic tool that has become a cornerstone in the global dental community. Dentists interested in shaping the future of erosive tooth wear assessment are encouraged to participate in the ongoing survey to help guide these updates. As Dr. O’Toole stated, “We are asking for feedback… to help us shape the BEWE and the way that tooth wear is recorded in the UK.”

This collaborative approach ensures that the next version of the BEWE will reflect the real-world experiences of those who use it regularly, ultimately making it a more effective tool for future generations of dentists.