The association between oral health and general health is now well established. In particular it is now accepted that our patients with periodontal disease may be fast tracking themselves for other conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Chronic heart and kidney disease are also linked and there are increasing numbers of studies showing an association with dementia.
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Dentistry is getting some novel media coverage, making a change from a diet of dental desert stories and Turkey teeth titillation. Approving reports have been covering the roll out of the first 60 sites in a new programme to introduce blood pressure checks at dentists and optometrists.
Read more: The Dentist Will See You Now – Roll Up Your Sleeve
The new government has said it will keep much of the former administration‘s Dental Recovery Plan.
Shackling new graduates and mobile units may be less in favour now, but many key parts of the plan remain essential to Wes Streeting‘s ambition to improve NHS dental access.
The map of Britain is covered with dental deserts. There is an access crisis. Desperate patients are taking their own teeth out. MPs post bags are heaving with letters from constituents who can‘t get to see a dentist.
The statistics are familiar. The ones about children being hospitalised for general anaesthetic dental extractions. The millions unable to see a dentist in the last two years. The numbers of desperate people carrying out DIY dentistry. But even fixing the access crisis, a challenge that has defeated a succession of ministers and overwhelmed successive initiatives and recovery plans, will not be enough.
The GDC is having a spring clean of its fitness to practise (FTP) decision-making guidance. The latest aspect to be reviewed is that designed to assist their decisions on voluntary removal on the Registrar‘s behalf.