The current number of specialists in paediatric dentistry is insufficient to meet the oral health needs of children and young people.  More specialists and consultants are required as well as training in enhanced skills in paediatric dentistry for GDPs says the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) voicing its concern on the shortfall of specialists following the release of figures on decay in children.

No comments

Read more: Workforce critical in tackling high levels of decay in children

The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the US Food and Drug Administration’s statement that all dental restorative decisions and treatment options should be made by the patient and the dentist and that the existing evidence shows that dental amalgam is not harmful to the general population. The ADA reaffirms its position that dental amalgam is a durable, safe and effective cavity-filling option.

No comments

Read more: American Dental Association reaffirms its position on dental amalgam

Over half (52%) of UK dental practices have relied on either CIBLS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) or BBLS (Bounce Back Loan Scheme) from the government. That’s the verdict of a recent NASDAL (National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers) survey.  Alan Suggett, who compiles the goodwill survey, commented, “These findings don’t surprise me and reflect what I have found when speaking to dental clients.”

No comments

Read more: More than half of UK dental practices rely on Government loans

The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) has published its report on aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) and COVID-19. The BDA reports that it is not new government guidance, but rather a review which aims to inform policy makers. They’re therefore urging all four nations to consider this report’s recommendations and to move forward in a clear and coordinated way.

No comments

Read more: COVID-19: Update: Scottish group publishes report on AGPs

NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have failed to offer a reason as to why NHS dentists and staff in England are to be denied free access to flu jabs this winter.

A letter addressed to ‘All NHS frontline workers’ was erroneously sent out to every NHS dentist in England last week.  The letter strongly urged frontline workers to take up the offer of free vaccination in order to “protect ourselves, our teams and patients.” The letter pointed out that “This is anything but a typical year due to the potential impact of flu and COVID-19 circulating at the same time.” The letter emphasised “As we all know, flu can have serious and even fatal consequences, especially for our most vulnerable patient, such as young children, pregnant women and the elderly.”

No comments

Read more: DH Confirms No Free Flu Vaccine For Dental Teams