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Norfolk patient poll

Healthwatch Norfolk is ensuring the issue of lack of NHS care remains in the forefront of decision-makers minds with a campaign for the rest of 2024.

A Healthwatch Norfolk survey has shown local residents are still struggling to access NHS dental care. The research shows practices accepting NHS patients have thousands of people on their waiting lists.

Social media and smoking

Time spent on social media was associated with an increased risk of cigarette and e-cigarette use in teenagers, according to University of Glasgow research.

Carving out your career path

Emma Wilson offers some tips for a successful start in dentistry.

Antiseptics in oral hygiene

An international summit of experts, held in Madrid, has presented practical recommendations and indications for the use of antiseptics. The panel has also highlighted the solid scientific evidence currently available.

£23m quit smoking fund

Hampshire County Council has said up to £23m will be spent from April 2025 over the following seven years to support smokers to quit. The council also aims to help stop people from taking up the habit in the first place.

Weighing up the choices

Adam Davids reviews the link between body weight and oral health.

Driving your development

Harry Turner lists the top skills to embark on a dental nursing career with.

Vapes in A&E

Giving out free e-cigarette starter packs in hospital emergency departments to people who smoke helps more people quit – according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Alcohol app

A free smartphone app, Drink Less, can help people who would benefit most from reducing their alcohol consumption to do so successfully, according to a large randomised controlled trial led by UCL researchers and involving University of Bristol academics.

Antibiotic guidelines

Researchers led by the University of Sheffield are urging the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to review dental antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines to protect those at high risk of developing a serious heart infection.

Why hand hygiene matters

Jenny Nixon explains why hand hygiene remains one of the easiest but most important ways to control the spread of infections.

Fight gum disease

Could taking statins benefit your mouth in addition to your arteries? A new study conducted in cell cultures showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs help to dampen the inflammation associated with periodontal disease by altering the behaviour of macrophages, a type of immune cell.

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.