All News

Committee members

The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) has welcomed two new members to its Executive Committee.

A coalition of baby charities has backed the prime minister Rishi Sunak’s plans to increase the age of sale for tobacco by one year, every year, from 2027. They estimate this could help reduce the number of women smoking during pregnancy by around 10,000 a year by 2033 and create a ‘smokefree generation’.

Clarity on reform timeframes

Dental Protection says it is disappointing that the government’s update on its reform programme for the healthcare professions does not include a more specific timetable for improving dental regulation.

Taxing alcohol and sugar

The World Health Organization (WHO) released new data on December 5, 2023, that showed a low global rate of taxes being applied to unhealthy products such as alcohol and sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs). The findings highlight that the majority of countries are not using taxes to incentivize healthier behaviours. To help support countries WHO is also releasing a technical manual on alcohol tax policy and administration.

Mental wellbeing survey

In a Dental Protection survey of over 1,300 dental professionals in the UK, three in ten (30 per cent) say they have seen or experienced more disrespectful behaviour from colleagues recently than during the pandemic, with over a third (35 per cent) seeing or experiencing this in the last twelve months.

Community contribution award

The University of Plymouth’s work to combine first-rate dental training with outstanding community care has been rewarded at the Times Higher Education Awards 2023.

Scottish alcohol consultation

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.

Vaping documentary

Made by Northern Child, ‘What’s Really in Your Vape?’ will see Jordan North, a BBC Radio 1 presenter, front his first documentary as he explores the truth behind the UK’s vaping phenomenon.

Vape sale restrictions

The same restrictions that currently apply to tobacco products should be applied to the marketing, packaging and display of e-cigarettes, according to a new consultation response by Public Health Wales.

Men less likely to wash hands

A survey by Public Health Wales has found that men are less likely than women to think handwashing is necessary. One in five men in Wales admitted they don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet. Men were also more likely than women to report washing their hands for less than 20 seconds.

Child tooth decay campaign

A Lancashire public health team has scooped the national Quality Improvement Award for its work on bringing down the rates of children’s tooth decay in the borough.

Radiology training upgrade

Patients and clinicians across the Midlands – and potentially across England – are to benefit from a £1.28m AI upgrade to radiology training facilities at County Hospital in Stafford.

Smoking costs billions

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has published new figures showing the far-reaching impact smoking has on society on the day the consultation to create a ‘smokefree generation’ closes. The charity says it demonstrates why action to make smoking history is needed and how this will benefit the whole of society.

Smokefree generation progress

Plans to introduce the most significant public health intervention in a generation and phase out smoking are progressing at pace, as the government’s consultation closed on December 6, 2023.

Council voices concerns

Concerns over poor access to NHS dentists, and the easy availability of single-use vapes, were the subjects of separate motions agreed by the full meeting of Eastleigh Borough Council.