For the first time in eight years, the profit level of the average private dental practice is almost the same as the average NHS dental practice, based on the latest benchmarking statistics from the National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers (NASDAL). The average net profit in 2012/13 for a principal of a private practice was £124,086 compared to £125,958 for a principal of an NHS practice.
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Dr Mick Armstrong has been elected to serve as new Chair of the British Dental Association’s (BDA’s) Principal Executive Committee (PEC). Dr Armstrong said: “I look forward to leading the profession as it attempts to navigate the minefield of complexity it is confronting.”
Dental students at Aberdeen dental school risk failing their final year due to a shortage of patients on whom to practise. The school has twice written to local dentists appealing for them to refer patients to alleviate a potential training crisis. A lack of volunteers is reported to be putting students' degrees at risk.
From April 1 patient charges for NHS dental treatment in England will rise. Charges for Band 1 treatment will go up by 50p, from £18 to £18.50. The charge for Band 2 treatments will rise by £1.50 from £49 to £50.50. For Band 3 treatments the charge will rise by £5 from £214 to £219.
These charges are collected by dentists but form a tax on having dental treatment.
To support the implementation of the new ‘Standards for the Dental Team’, the General Dental Council (GDC) has developed an interactive site with case studies, scenarios and FAQs. 'Focus on Standards' has been designed to help registrants test their knowledge on ‘Standards for the Dental Team’. Learning materials for each of the nine principles are included.
The Daily Mirror has published a story about beautician Caroline Sumpter who paid Megawhite Express Teeth Whitening £1,500 only to be told by the General Dental Council that the practice is illegal. She paid the money for a package that included everything to get her started in her new business, including a licence to use the Megawhite name.