The British Dental Association (BDA) has announced the results of the recent elections to its Principal Executive Committee (PEC). Several of those who were on the old Executive Board have returned. In five constituencies the candidate was returned unopposed. A bye-election will take place in the England, North West constituency as no one stood for election there.

Almost all Swedes brush their teeth, yet only one in ten does it in a way that effectively prevents tooth decay. Now researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, are eager to teach Swedes how to brush their teeth more effectively. Most Swedes regularly brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. But only few know the best brushing technique, how the toothpaste should be used and how fluoride prevents tooth decay.

With the European Council having recently published the European Cosmetics Directive, the future of dental whitening is beginning to look marginally brighter according to the British Dental Bleaching Society. The new directive will allow dentists to supply patients with products containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, a significant leap from the current UK limit of 0.1%.

Three dentists will be amongst the thousands who will carry the Olympic torch on its journey round the UK. Tony Chivers (91) will carry the torch through Bournemouth on 13^th July; Barry Funnell through Luton on 8^th July and Pan Taneja through Solihull on 1^st July. Good luck to all three.