In a consensus statement published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine a group of UCL-led health experts and sporting bodies have called for action to tackle poor oral health among athletes. They said that poor oral health affecting athletes' general health and performance shows 'no signs of improvement' and must be remedied.
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GDC Chief Executive and Registrar, Evlynne Gilvarry, has written an article for the dental press on its recent decision to raise the ARF. She says that the additional funds raised in 2015 will help to ensure that the GDC meets the challenge of making the improvements necessary to be ‘a more effective and efficient regulator’. But she ends by criticising the BDA for its decision to seek Judicial Review on the issue.
Since June 2014 NHS England in Nottinghamshire has been working with Public Health England to investigate apparent breaches of infection control procedures by a dentist in Nottinghamshire. BDA’s John Milne said: “There is absolutely no excuse for putting patients at risk. We champion the highest standards in dentistry, and rigorous infection control procedures need to be at the heart of any practice, large or small”.
Read more: Nottingham dental patient recalls cause media storm
Public Health England (PHE) has abandoned plans to fluoridate the water supply in Southampton as the measure has not received backing from the City Council. PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said: "Water fluoridation would make a big difference to the dental health of Southampton children, particularly those in the most socially deprived areas. We regret having to drop the scheme, but we believe it is the right decision in the circumstances."
The Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) has published a report on demand and supply for the dental care professionals (DCP) workforce in England between 2013 and 2025. It found that demand for hygienists, therapists, and nurses would rise significantly during this period, but would not be matched by supply. It follows an earlier report on dentists which led to a cut in student numbers.
The way that National Insurance Contributions are paid by the self-employed is set to change in the 2015-2016 tax year. Bob Cummings, tax specialist for NASDAL, said the change was announced in the 2014 budget and is still going through parliament. However, the current six monthly billing system will cease from April 2015 and from April 2016, NICs will be paid via self-assessment.
Healthcare regulators, including the General Dental Council (GDC) have pledged to do more to put openness and honesty at the heart of healthcare. Leaders of eight of the UK professional healthcare regulators have published a joint statement, setting out their commitment to a duty of candour for healthcare professionals.
The date for the Judicial Review hearing called by the British Dental Association [BDA] against the decision made by the General Dental Council [GDC] has been set for Monday December 15th. This was announced in an email to BDA members.
The GDC wished for this to be delayed but the BDA are seeking a decision before the new rate for the annual retention fee [ARF] becomes due, which is the end of the year.
The chief executive of the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), Professor Gordon Dickson, is to retire at the end of the year. During his more than ten years at the helm of MDDUS, the company has seen progress and growth with a fund of over half a billion pounds now being managed for its 40,000 members across the UK.