What is the difference between a Chief Dental Officer and a Head Dental Officer?
This is not posed as a dental trivia quiz question, but a reflection of the changing UK dental scene.
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The profession has learnt the sad news that Kevin Lewis, a true colossus of the UK dental profession, passed away this week. Colleagues produced an outpouring of tributes online across all social media, the end of an era.
The new GDC chair will take over from Lord Toby Harris at the end of August 2025. As reported in GDPUK, Dr Helen Phillips has exactly the kind of regulator class background that GDC watchers have come to expect. To date, registrants know little about the direction in which she will take the GDC.
A new resource has been developed by the University of Leeds to help improve the oral health of autistic children. The online support package has been designed to help parents of autistic children manage their dental care and reduce the risk of tooth decay and the resulting need for treatment.
Read more: Online Dental Health Toolkit for Parents of Autistic Children
GDPUK has previously reported on the recent BDA webinar setting out the proposed modifications for the NHS dental contract, which are intended to be introduced in 2026.
The BDA is the sole body recognised by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) when it comes to negotiating the terms, conditions and contracts that dentists in England work under. In a recent webinar key members of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC) set out to explain some of the proposals, in the consultation for NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms 2026.
Read more: BDA Webinar on NHS Contract Reforms. The good the bad and the not quite sure yet
Whilst our political leaders may see themselves skilfully playing a game of four dimensional chess, recent performance might suggest that they would struggle with noughts and crosses.
Read more: Joined Up Government Unravels Adding Workforce Woes
It is recognised that dentistry combines science and art. In 2025 it is also a business. That includes the vast majority of the UK‘s state controlled and funded NHS dental care, which is delivered by small, and not so small, businesses.
Registered charity and leading Awarding Organisation for Dental Nurses in the UK the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), has announced the release of a newly regulated qualification – the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing.
Read more: New Dental Nursing Regulated Qualification Launched