Public Health England (PHE) has abandoned plans to fluoridate the water supply in Southampton as the measure has not received backing from the City Council. PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said: "Water fluoridation would make a big difference to the dental health of Southampton children, particularly those in the most socially deprived areas. We regret having to drop the scheme, but we believe it is the right decision in the circumstances."
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The Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) has published a report on demand and supply for the dental care professionals (DCP) workforce in England between 2013 and 2025. It found that demand for hygienists, therapists, and nurses would rise significantly during this period, but would not be matched by supply. It follows an earlier report on dentists which led to a cut in student numbers.
The way that National Insurance Contributions are paid by the self-employed is set to change in the 2015-2016 tax year. Bob Cummings, tax specialist for NASDAL, said the change was announced in the 2014 budget and is still going through parliament. However, the current six monthly billing system will cease from April 2015 and from April 2016, NICs will be paid via self-assessment.
Denplan and British Dental Health Foundation have launched the Blue Lip Selfie campaign in aid of Mouth Cancer Action Month. By encouraging the public and profession to adopt blue lips as a visible sign of support for mouth cancer, it is hoped this positive, interactive approach will significantly boost awareness of the disease.
According to a recent study has shown that poor oral health and hygiene are major risk factors for pneumonia among the elderly (those 85 years of age or older). Lead researcher was Toshimitsu Iinuma, of the Nihon University School of Dentistry, Japan and it has been published by the International and American Associations for Dental Research.
Healthcare regulators, including the General Dental Council (GDC) have pledged to do more to put openness and honesty at the heart of healthcare. Leaders of eight of the UK professional healthcare regulators have published a joint statement, setting out their commitment to a duty of candour for healthcare professionals.