In a consensus statement published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine a group of UCL-led health experts and sporting bodies have called for action to tackle poor oral health among athletes. They said that poor oral health affecting athletes' general health and performance shows 'no signs of improvement' and must be remedied.
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Since June 2014 NHS England in Nottinghamshire has been working with Public Health England to investigate apparent breaches of infection control procedures by a dentist in Nottinghamshire. BDA’s John Milne said: “There is absolutely no excuse for putting patients at risk. We champion the highest standards in dentistry, and rigorous infection control procedures need to be at the heart of any practice, large or small”.
Read more: Nottingham dental patient recalls cause media storm
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."
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.