The British Dental Association (BDA) has insisted that practices are not penalised following IT failures in the new NHS ‘Compass’ system, which could leave many failing to meet contractual requirements. The BDA had expressed grave concerns about bringing in a new system so close to the end of the financial year, but had received repeated assurances from the BSA that these concerns were misplaced.

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Read more: BDA: dentists must not pay price for failure of Compass system

There was strong press reaction to the report that thousands of children have had their decayed teeth removed in hospital over the last four years. Also a response came from Sara Hurley, chief dental officer at NHS England, who said: “It’s really disappointing that even though people understand the impact of a sugary diet so many children have advanced tooth decay – a highly preventable disease. With regular visits for advice, prevention and earlier intervention we can avoid the need for general anaesthetic for the removal of teeth that are beyond repair.”

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Read more: Strong response to child GA figures

The Health and Social Care Information Centre has published data which show that there were 14,445 cases among children aged under five, being admitted to hospital for extractions under general anaesthetic in 2014/2015. Among those aged six to 10, there were a further 19,336 cases. Overall in 2014/15, there were 33,781 cases. This is up from 32,741 in 2013/14 and 31,275 in 2012/13. There were also 30,761 cases in 2011/12.

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Read more: GAs for dental extractions in children on increase

During a House of Lords debate on ‘the ability of the NHS to meet present and future demands, retired dentist Lord Colwyn raised the problem of caries in children and subsequent hospital admission for extractions. He urged Ministers to consider ‘investing in a national oral health programme’ such as is present in Scotland and Wales, as well as looking at options to end ‘Britain’s addiction to sugar’

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Read more: Lord Colwyn urges Government to take action over child decay

Dental Protection has appointed Raj Rattan MBE as its new Dental Director, to succeed Kevin Lewis, who will step down this summer. Raj has over 30 years’ experience in dental practice and has been associated with Dental Protection for over 20 years, first as a dentolegal adviser and more recently as a senior dentolegal consultant. Speaking on his appointment, Raj said: “It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to lead a very talented team who are dedicated to dentistry.”

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Read more: Raj Rattan to head Dental Protection