The latest report from the NHS Information Centre shows that up to 31 March 2011, for the sixth consecutive quarter, the number of NHS dental patients seen has exceeded the March 2006 baseline. However in the previous quarter up to December 2010, both courses of treatment and UDAs fell albeit by small amounts.

Following the elections on May 5 in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, new health ministers have been appointed the two latter countries, Edwin Poots in Northern Ireland and Lesley Griffiths in Wales. Nicola Sturgeon MSP retains her post in Scotland, but there is a new shadow minister, Jackie Baillie MSP.

The British Dental Association (BDA) is seeking an urgent meeting with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to resolve concerns about the position trading standards officers are adopting in relation to the supply of teeth whitening products. Stuart Johnston, Chair of the BDA’s Representative Body, said that concerns over patient safety must be addressed ‘urgently’.

… in Wales. David Thomas has been appointed chief dental officer (CDO) for Wales in succession to Paul Langmaid. He was previously deputy CDO and will provide dental advice for the National Assembly for Wales.

The General Dental Council (GDC) has announced that Derek Prentice has been elected as Deputy Chair of the GDC with immediate effect. He will hold the post of Deputy Chair of the GDC until a permanent Chair is elected by the GDC in September this year. The permanent Chair of the GDC will be in post, when elected, until 30 September 2013 or until an appointed Chair takes over, whichever is the sooner.