Is your polar bear personality responsible for your career in dentistry?

This week in dentistry, research found that the ‘polar bear’ personality type is most common in dentistry, more than 500,000 tubes of toothpaste were donated to families and Cornwall’s first Dentistry Summit highlighted ways to improve access to NHS dentistry across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Dentists and tigers and bears, oh my!

Dentistry tends to attract people with highly precise, practical and methodical personalities, according to new research from business growth consultancy Growth Animals.

Using an animal-based personality framework inspired by the work of Carl Jung and developed with personality type author David Hodgson, the consultancy found that dental professionals most commonly display characteristics associated with its ‘polar bear’ and ‘tiger’ personality types.

Founder Chris Thornhill said dentistry attracts people who remain calm under pressure and are motivated by producing high-quality work rather than seeking recognition.

According to the research, ‘polar bears’, who make up around 12% of the UK population, are characterised by high standards, attention to detail and a methodical approach. These traits are well suited to dentistry, where precision and consistency are essential, although the report suggests they can become resistant to change if they do not embrace continuing professional development.

Meanwhile, ‘tigers’, representing around 6% of the population, are described as practical, adaptable and confident. Growth Animals says these qualities make them particularly well suited to roles such as dental hygienists and dental nurses, where quick thinking and hands-on problem solving are important. However, their tendency towards impatience can be a challenge during procedures requiring careful, methodical work.

More than 500,000 tubes of toothpaste donated to vulnerable families

Colgate-Palmolive has partnered with charity The Multibank to donate more than 500,000 tubes of toothpaste and other personal care products to families across the UK.

The ‘Summer of Smiles’ initiative comes as tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine years. Around 30% of five-year-olds in England have experienced tooth decay, while children living in the country’s most deprived areas are 2.5 times more likely to be affected.

Founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, The Multibank redistributes surplus products donated by businesses to families experiencing material poverty. The charity, backed by ambassadors including David Tennant and Peter Capaldi, operates hubs in Fife, Swansea, Middlesbrough, Wigan, Birmingham and London, where the donated products are already being distributed.

Smile Together highlights NHS dentistry solutions at Cornwall summit

Smile Together has welcomed the outcomes of Cornwall’s first Dentistry Summit, where its chief executive joined healthcare leaders to discuss practical ways to improve access to NHS dentistry across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Held at Lys Kernow and organised by Cornwall Council, the summit brought together representatives from healthcare, local government and the dental profession to explore the challenges facing NHS dental services and identify collaborative solutions to improve patient access.

Speaking on an expert panel, Smile Together CEO Jasem Greval outlined how the employee-owned community interest company is expanding access to NHS dentistry through community-based services, outreach initiatives and preventive programmes. The organisation also showcased its work through an exhibition highlighting its mobile dental unit, school oral health programmes and partnerships with local organisations.

Partnership aims to improve oral health for 115,000 children in Tanzania

An international partnership involving GC Europe, Bridge2Aid, Colgate-Palmolive Tanzania and Tanzanian health organisation THEDI is set to improve oral health education for more than 115,000 schoolchildren in the Sengerema District of Tanzania.

The initiative, delivered in collaboration with local government authorities, will also reach thousands of families through oral health messages shared in schools, healthcare facilities and local communities.

Sengerema District has a population of around 500,000 but is served by just two dentists and three dental therapists, making prevention and community education a key focus.

Representatives from 60 schools and 44 villages took part, while GC Europe distributed toothbrushes donated by several European dental suppliers to participating schools and communities.

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