Speaking recently to an audience at the BDA Conference, PEC Chair Dr Mick Armstrong said that dentistry was under attack from Governments, regulators and the fearfulness of politicians. He argued that the dental profession is facing a burgeoning challenge in which a double standard between the professionalism expected of it, and the lack of professionalism with which it is too-often treated, is emerging.
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At the Conference of Scottish Local Dental Committees, two motions calling for the formation of a new association for Scottish dentists, to work for the best interests of Scottish dentists, were passed with a large majority.
Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH) has announced its acquisition of The Dental Directory supply business. Further terms of the transaction were not disclosed. With nearly 300 employees across four UK sites, services comprise field based sales teams and engineers, a dedicated UK call centre, on-line and mail order capability supported by automated picking and packing systems from a base in Witham, Essex.
Two people who were held are thought to be part of criminal network selling range of pirate luxury goods. Officers found products with high levels of hydrogen peroxide, can cause long-term problems to teeth, lips and gums. Police have arrested members of a gang suspected of selling counterfeit teeth whitening kits containing dangerous amounts of the bleaching agent.
Latest estimates published by healthcare experts LaingBuisson in the fourth edition of Dentistry UK Market Report, value UK primary care dentistry at £5.8bn in 2013/2014, with £3.62bn (63%) of this spent by government and patients on NHS dentistry, and £2.2bn generated from private dentistry (37%). In real terms dentistry spend is now 13% lower than its peak in 2009/2010.
Speaking at the BDA Conference in Manchester, health minister, Earl Howe outlined a future programme for development of the GDS contract. Change would be evolutionary not revolutionary, he said, “We need to get it right. New "prototype" contracts will be introduced in 2015 following a consultation this summer, in which all dentists are urged to participate.