The UK market for dentistry is estimated to be worth £7.1 billion as of 2017/18, according to a market report from LaingBuisson. This represents real terms growth of 0.2% during the year and suggests an optimistic future for UK dentistry market. They say that £3.6 billion is attributable to the private sector, and £3.5 billion to NHS spend.
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More than 1 million patients unable to get NHS dentist amid rising tooth decay crisis. Many are left in pain without the care they need and paying the price for ministers’ “indifference”, the BDA says. Analysis of the NHS GP Patient Survey found one in four patients, roughly 1.03 million people, are not on the books of an NHS dentist and have been unable to get an appointment in the past year.
Read more: Eddie Crouch: “High Street NHS dentistry is on the brink”
The NHS has told Superdrug it could do more to protect the mental health of customers who want injections to smooth skin or plump lips. The High Street chain has said it will tighten its screening of Botox customers for mental health issues after these concerns were raised. Health minister Jackie Doyle-Price has said: "the desire to change appearance can be symptomatic of a mental disorder".
Read more: Superdrug to tighten screening of Botox customers
Poor oral health is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, says new research, published in Science Advances. What was not clear was whether gum disease causes the disorder or is merely a result—many patients with dementia can’t take care of their teeth, for example. The study has confirmed that the bacteria that cause gum disease are present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, not just in their mouths.
Read more: Gum disease–causing bacteria could spur Alzheimer’s
The Faculty of General Dental Practice and British Dental Association have published an updated version of their Antimicrobial Prescribing Self-Audit Tool. Dr Nick Palmer, Editor and co-author of the Faculty’s prescribing guidance, said: “The government’s renewed focus on tackling AMR is very welcome, and dentists have a vital contribution to make in keeping antibiotics working.”
Read more: Prescribing self-audit tool re-launched as 5-year antibiotics plan unveiled
The Oral Health Foundation has announced that it has given direct support to 400,000 people through its Dental Helpline. For more than two decades, the Dental Helpline has provided invaluable support for those looking to seek advice, help and reassurance about their oral health and wellbeing. Many of the people who reach out to the charity’s free-advice service are anxious, confused and not sure where to turn.