Tony Hamilton-Smith, better known as The Lord Colwyn CBE, has died at the age of 82. Parallel careers as a dentist and jazz musician were later joined by an increasingly active role in the House of Lords. In his later years as one of the remaining hereditary peers, he was a spokesman and supporter for his two passions.
No commentsRead more: Dentist, Jazzman, Peer and Campaigner, the Life of Lord Colwyn
A practice on the South coast that was suddenly closed down when its corporate owner failed, is to reopen. In July 2024 the Astradent group suddenly closed its portfolio of 8 practices including Brunswick Place Dental in Southampton.
Read more: Closed Corporate Group Revived - NHS Services on Hold
As the government begins to grapple with the complex issue of NHS contract reform, one of the leading dental indemnity providers, Dental Protection, has issued a ‘shopping list‘ of improvements which it maintains need to be addressed if dentistry is to emerge into the kind of service the dental workforce and patients seek.
Read more: Dental Protection Publishes 'Shopping List' For The Government
It is barely two months since GDPUK reported on a ‘forgotten‘ piece of GDC commissioned research which had cost registrants nearly £200,000. Its primary purpose appeared to have been to deflect criticism of the GDC‘s lack of improvement in their Fitness to Practice process.
The GDC‘s output of gratuitous research shows no sign of slowing down with their latest publication. It was introduced on their website in these terms: “GDC publishes new research on the public‘s experiences of dentistry.” It raises more questions than it answers.
Read more: Further Expensive GDC Research States the Obvious
NHS contractors have a more complex relationship with their patients than private providers. While their patients may in theory pick and choose who they see, there is hardly an oversupply of NHS dental services. Whether a practice keeps its contract, and use of the familiar blue and white logo, is not in the gift of patients. Irrespective of patient charges or National Insurance payments their ‘buyers‘ are ICB commissioners.