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Dental hygienists powers

The government has announced plans to give greater powers to dental therapists and hygienists following two public consultations. It says the move will help to free up access and improve patient experiences.

Plymouth patient survey

Luke Pollard has warned health ministers that “dental services in Plymouth are in decay.” The MP's survey found that 765 people in Plymouth are unable to get an appointment with an NHS dentist.

GDC update on trust

The General Dental Council (GDC) has provided an update on work underway to address concerns about the level of detail that is put into the public domain regarding serious concerns considered by an Interim Orders Committee (IOC) and to report data about the cause of death of registrants with an active fitness to practise (FtP) case. The regulator also plans to improve the FtP process to reduce the impact it can have on participants.

Water fluoridation scheme

As the government’s launch a new consultation into water fluoridation in the North East, the Oral Health Foundation is encouraging dental professionals to seize this opportunity by liaising with local MPs for further expansion of the scheme across the UK.

Lollipop for mouth cancer

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have received funding from Cancer Research UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to create a new ‘lollipop’ diagnostic for mouth cancer using a novel smart hydrogel.

Cornish oral health schemes

Cornwall Council, Smile Together Dental CIC and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise have teamed up to improve the oral health of children across the county with three new programmes.

Dental Check by One award

Jason Wong, interim chief dental officer for England, and Shannu Bhatia, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry’s (BSPD) president-elect, presented the NASDAL (National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers) Dental Check by One (DCby1) Practice of the Year Award at BDIA (British Dental Industry Association) Dental Showcase.

Hygiene and therapy course

Over 400 people applied for just 24 places on the University of Suffolk’s BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course, and those successfully enrolled started their studies at the beginning of 2024.

Cost of living effects poll

The cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for people on low incomes, and those requiring dental care says Healthwatch England polling.

Best and worst easter eggs

Ferakh Hamid reveals how you can enjoy these sweet treats without compromising oral hygiene.

Water fluoridation northeast

Plans to expand water fluoridation in the northeast of England to help tackle tooth decay have been put out to public consultation on March 25, 2024, the government has announced.

Going the extra mile

Two ultra fundraisers are preparing to go the extra mile (and many more besides) in support of Dentaid The Dental Charity. Rafina O’Brien, a dental hygienist from Yeovil in Somerset, and George Jennings, a final-year hygiene and therapy student, have signed up for Ultra Challenge Series events to help people experiencing homelessness, poverty and abuse access life-changing dental care.