At a Special Conference of Local Dental Committees (LDCs) held in London on Dec 5, a motion expressing no confidence in the General Dental Council (GDC) was passed clearly and unanimously. Delegates raised their red cards to show their profound disapproval, not only about the massive increase in retention fee, but also the way that the GDC operates.
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The General Dental Council (GDC) has responded to the unanimous vote of condemnation by the LDC Special Conference on December 5th. The Council says it is ‘disappointing’ that the LDCs have chosen to go down this route and it is of ‘extreme concern’ to the GDC that they are construing this ARF increase as potentially having an impact on patient access to dental services. “This unfounded and inflammatory stance will do nothing but worry patients unnecessarily”, they say.
Research led by Prof Martin Thornhill of University of Sheffield shows some increase in cases of infective endocarditis and a reduction in prescriptions for antibiotics following NICE guidance to dentists that prophylaxis should not be given before invasive dental procedures in patients at risk.
Read more: Rise in endocarditis follows changes to antibiotic guidance
Today the British Dental Association (BDA) reached out to government and other healthcare associations ahead of its landmark judicial review against the General Dental Council (GDC). The BDA believes the case will open the door to better health regulation. Separately dentist Sir Paul Beresford MP (right) has secured a debate on the issue in Westminster Hall on December 9.
Read more: BDA hopes Judicial Review will improve regulation
The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has reminded diabetics to be aware of the signs and symptoms for mouth cancer. The reminder comes as research has identified people suffering with diabetes are at ‘significantly' greater risk of developing head and neck cancer. The study discovered that people with diabetes are almost 50 per cent more likely to develop the disease compared to those without diabetes.
New research from UCL finds that advice on how patients should brush their teeth is 'unacceptably inconsistent'. Professor Aubrey Sheiham senior author of the study said: “If people hear one thing from a dental association, another from a toothbrush company and something else from their dentist, no wonder they are confused about how to brush.”