A recent report reveals that children’s tooth decay is a postcard lottery, dental therapists are calling for a health summit to address the crisis. Fiona Sandom, president of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) said ‘we now need some joined-up thinking to address the associated health issues – including tooth decay – for which our children and the NHS are paying a heavy price.’
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NHS England’s Guides for Commissioning Dental Specialities relate to the commissioning of NHS dental care in England. Designed primarily for NHS England commissioners; the Guides are intended to address the need for greater national level standardisation in NHS England’s commissioning of dental care as well as providing clarity and consistency around the dental services the NHS provides.
Read more: Guides for Commissioning Dental Specialities published
A Dental Protection survey of 497 members found that 97% experience challenging interactions with patients – half of those encountering it monthly and one in three on a weekly basis. Fifty-six per cent of respondents had experienced aggressive demands for treatment, 48% had received verbal abuse, and a further 39% experienced violent or aggressive behaviour.
Read more: Dentists report ‘aggressive demands’ for treatment
The UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND) has confirmed that that every eligible UK graduate has secured a dental foundation training (DFT) place for the second year running. The BDA’s Judith Husband described the result as ‘great news’. She said: “We were determined that last year would not be remembered as a one-off”.
Read more: All dental graduates gain foundation training places
A study led by Dr Bing Hu at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and involving other researchers from China and Switzerland, suggests for the first time that the use of local anaesthetic may affect tooth cell growth and the development of children’s teeth. Dr Bing Hu said: “Our study has shown for the first time the evidence that local anaesthetic may affect the development of children’s teeth in cellular and molecular levels.”
Following a review of evidence and consultation the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has upheld its advice that prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary before treating patients with infective endocarditis. The findings of the review supporting the status quo established in 2008, when NICE first changed its recommendation on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Read more: NICE guidance on prophylactic antibiotics is unchanged