The CQC’s latest report divides into before and after Covid-19 and generally they were impressed with how staff had responded, going to ‘extraordinary lengths’ to protect those they cared for. However it points out that difficulties accessing NHS dental care, and the cost of dental treatment are a barrier to access for some people.
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The GDC has published several reports which provide statistics and examples of fitness to practise case handling undertaken during 2019. In addition to the statistical report, they have published six short insight reports covering decisions at the initial assessment stage for quarters three and four of 2019, including spotlight reports on concerns relating to consent and record keeping.
Read more: Fitness to Practise statistical and insights reports 2019 published by GDC
The BDA has updated the profession on developments in the past week. These include: Free PPE for NHS providers, Addressing concerns over practice waiting rooms, The impact of the pandemic on stress and burnout. Specifically for Wales, they have advised on Clarity on treatment in local lockdown areas and New travel restrictions will not impact dentistry.
Read more: COVID-19: Latest Updates for dentistry, October 2020
The Journal of the American Dental Association has published research which shows that fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide were estimated to be COVID-19 positive as of June, according to an American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute study.
Read more: ADA study finds COVID-19 rate among dentists less than 1%
NHS contracts will be raised by 2.5 per cent in England. The uplift will be paid in November and backdated to 1 April. Foundation Dentist salaries will be updated by 2.8 per cent, as will Educational Supervisors’ grants. In addition the BDA says that discussions are on-going between the BDA and NHS England about how the contractual provisions might change.
Read more: NHS contracts in England to increase by 2.5%: discussions continue over contract changes
Cochrane Oral Health has carried out a systematic review to identify the best time interval to have between dental check‐ups. They concluded that in adults, there was little to no difference between six‐monthly and risk‐based check‐ups in tooth decay, gum disease and quality of life after four years; and probably little to no difference in how many people had moderate‐to‐extensive tooth decay.
Read more: Cochrane concludes less gain from 6-month dental check-ups