The National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers (NASDAL) has reacted to George Osborne’s budget, pointing out the measures that will affect dentists most. They said: “In a budget that was widely expected to be ‘safe’ and perhaps even dull (arguably to avoid rocking the boat ahead of the EU referendum), Chancellor George Osborne was still able to raise a few eyebrows and introduce some eye-catching initiatives.”
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The High Court has decided to extend Desmond D'Mello's statutory 18-month suspension, following an application by the General Dental Council (GDC), but a date for his fitness to practise hearing has not been set. He was originally suspended in August 2014 over hygiene concerns and his interim suspension had been due to expire on 26 February 2016.
Roger Matthews is to retire as Chief Dental Officer at Denplan at the end of April. He will hand over to his deputy, Henry Clover. He said in a letter: “I leave Denplan after more than 20 years with the same enthusiasm and belief in its objectives and principles as when I joined. It’s been a huge pleasure and privilege to have worked with an inspiring group of colleagues.”
People with Alzheimer's disease, who also have periodontal disease show an increased rate of cognitive decline, according to new research. Dr Mark Ide, from the Dental Institute at King's College, and colleagues has published their findings in the journal PLOS One. These patients may be affected, because they are less likely to engage in good oral hygiene as their condition progresses.
Read more: Periodontal disease may worsen cognitive decline in Alzheimers
The Government has announced that dental patients’ charges will rise by 5% from April this year and by a further 5% from April 2017. The BDA has criticised these increases with Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of the GDPC, saying: “This unprecedented hike in dental charges will only serve to discourage the patients that are most in need of care. For government these increases may be a source of easy money, but they will only undermine the relationship between patients and practitioners.”
Read more: Patient charges to rise by 5% this year and again next
Sky News reports that Southern Dental, the chain based in Sussex, is contemplating a sale that would yield an estimated £80million for its owners. Sky News understands that Dr Mazdak Eyrumlu, who founded Southern Dental a decade ago, has retained advisers to draw up plans for an auction of part or all of the company. However Southern Dental could not be reached for comment.