People all across the country are venting increasing frustration about access to and the quality of NHS dentistry services, according to Healthwatch England. Its chair Anna Bradley said: “Patients are constantly being fed confusing and inaccurate information about who is and isn’t currently offering NHS treatment.” The BDA said that the survey provides further evidence that the current dental contract in England is fatally flawed for patients and dentists alike.

No comments

Read more: Healthwatch speaks out about access to dentists

The British Dental Association (BDA) has reacted to the GDC’s refusal to budge on the threatened legal challenge to its handling of the consultation into increases to the annual retention fee (ARF).  

No comments

Read more: BDA glower as GDC stands by flawed consultation

The General Dental Council (GDC) has rejected a claim by the British Dental Association (BDA) that the current consultation on the level of the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) is unlawful. In a response to this letter today the GDC explains in detail that the consultation is based on a clear policy and that the consultation document includes sufficient information for dentists and dental care professionals to make informed responses.

No comments

Read more: GDC rejects BDA challenge

The BDA has published results of its survey which shows that nearly 8 in 10 members don’t believe GDC can regulate effectively. Nearly 6,000 members, or 42 per cent of those invited to take part, responded within a very short time frame. Mick Armstrong said: “There is a real crisis of confidence between dentists and their regulator, and it must now be resolved.”

The BDA has also issued a video on this survey: 

No comments

Read more: New evidence reveals crisis of confidence in GDC says BDA

Inflammatory diseases can occur simultaneously in distinct sites in the same patient, complicating treatment because a medication effective for one disorder may exacerbate the other. One such example is the anti-arthritic medication dexamethasone, which alleviates joint disease but can worsen periodontal bone disease, according to a study in the August issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

No comments

Read more: Anti-arthritic drugs can make periodontitis worse