The Northern Ireland health minister Edwin Poots says he is considering fluoridation of the water supply to ensure fluoride is delivered to poorer people and dental disease is more often prevented. He said “The 2007 Oral Health Strategy stated that the greatest oral health gain is likely to be achieved through community water fluoridation."

A new survey from Denplan/YouGov shows that 78% of the population still have regular check-ups, with women attending more than men. Over three quarters attend as a preventive measure compared with 6% when in pain. As many as 31% of the Welsh brush less than twice a day,

The needs of elderly patients must not be forgotten as the development of a new dental contract in England continues, John Milne, Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, has warned. Speaking at the recent conference, he said that the health needs of older patients are often currently understated. The new contract, which is being piloted, must take proper account of this patients cohort’s needs if they are to be cared for effectively.

Dentist Abi Sampa showed the coaches how to smile on The Voice with her singing on Saturday evening on BBC. Abi, who is 27, qualified two years ago, and sang her version of the Oasis song Stop Crying Your Heart Out, adding an Asian influence.

Danny O'Donoghue was most impressed, and chose Abi to complete his team of ten in this prime time reality show.

Tony Kilcoyne has responded on GDPUK to a threatening solicitor’s letter from Dental CPD Pro. The company claimed that he had hacked into its Dental CPD Pro server and he is also responsible for an email attack on Rob Dyas. Kilcoyne vigourously denied both allegations. GDPUK is shocked that a company trying to engage with dentists has alienated so many colleagues already.