Lincolnshire solicitors Bridge McFarland claim that the demand for a perfect 'Hollywood smile' has led to a rise in medical negligence cases, costing Lincolnshire dentists £250,000. The firm's medical negligence specialist, Stephanie Lock, said that lack of NHS dentistry and the fact that more people were now paying for private treatment was also contributing to a rise in complaints.

In mid-2013 41,621 dental care professionals (DCPs) will come to the end of their first five year cycle of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This means they must complete 150 hours of CPD by 31 July 2013 or risk losing their registration the General Dental Council (GDC) has warned. This deadline could prompt a rush of registrants signing up for courses and the GDC is taking this opportunity to alert CPD providers to the possibility of an increase in demand.

An EU Commission study has opened the way to phasing mercury out of dentistry. A new study recommends phasing out dental amalgam use in the next five years, while improving enforcement of existing EU waste legislation. The EU and member states will now consider this recommendation. 

A Comprehensive Dental Reform Act has been introduced into both Houses of the US Congress. It has been described as ‘the most sweeping legislation ever to address the national crisis in dental care’ and has the intention ‘to help extend good oral health to all Americans’.