News feed - Practice Plan

All the latest dentistry news, all in one place.

Our dental news feed will be regularly updated to help you stay informed and keep up-to-date with everything that's happening in the industry.

Dental landscape

NHS Dentistry in Northern Ireland branded 'unsustainable'

Lest for a moment you thought that the crisis affecting NHS dentistry was largely confined to England and Wales, a report on UTL Live (ITN News) on Friday 24th June made clear in stark terms that NHS Dentistry…

Dental landscape

Scotland: NHS dentistry 'on the brink' with reduction in support payments

NHS dentistry is “on the brink”, a union has warned, as it hit out at the scaling back of financial support for the sector. Concerns have been raised over the future sustainability of NHS dentistry…

Dental landscape

Tiverton: Government paying the price for failing to fix crisis in NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association has responded to reports that access to NHS dentistry ranked alongside issues with local schools and Partygate in fuelling the Conservatives landslide defeat in the Tiverton by-election.

New Case Threatens Employment Status Of Associates

The self-employed status of associates may have survived for decades, but there have been regular threats. A recent court case will be of interest and the judgment has potential wide-reaching implications for thousands of dentists.

Contract Reform COVID-19 Dental Profession Finance Mental Health NHS Practice Management Regulation

Return To Dental ‘Normality’ Driven By Treasury – LDC Conference Is Told

The rush back to the Government’s definition of ‘normality’ in NHS dentistry has been driven by the Treasury, the Local Dental Committee National Conference was told on Friday. Read more

Cost of living crisis contributing to deterioration of oral health, claims charity

The rise in cost of living could lead to a deterioration in the nation’s oral health, according to the Oral Health Foundation. Read more

Backdoor privatisation of dental services is punishing the poor

In common with other caring professions, senior dentists have been in a state of prolonged anxiety since the pandemic, as we watch to see how quickly dental services can return to normal after two years of disruption. Read more

BDA figures lay bare the scale of the NHS crisis

‘They want dentistry out of the NHS’ warns Eddie Crouch. 45% of dentists have reduced their commitment to NHS dentistry since the pandemic according to a survey of 2,204 dentists by the British Dental Association. 75% of respondents revealed they were likely to reduce – or further reduce – their NHS commitment over… Read more

Nearly half of dentists severing ties with NHS as government fails to move forward onreform

The British Dental Association warns an unprecedented collapse in NHS commitment among dentists in England could spell the end for the service without radical and urgent action from government. Read more

Cost of living pressures – NHS dental charge freeze is crucial

Dentists have called on the government to freeze NHS dental charges following the stark rise in the cost of living. This comes after the government froze NHS prescription charges. Health secretary Sajid David stated: ‘The rise in the cost of living has been unavoidable…while we cannot completely prevent these rises,… Read more

BDA – England: Ministers urged to level up NHS dentistry

New polling from Healthwatch England shows 41% of adults are struggling to access care, with nearly half (49%) saying that patient charge levels are unfair given the mounting cost of living. The shortage of appointments is hitting those on low incomes the hardest, and so we have backed calls from… Read more

Scotland: Guidance issued on funding to improve dental equipment

The Scottish Government has issued guidance for practices that previously expressed an interest in ventilation funding about the application process. Applications must be received by 30 June 2022. Read more

Sowerby Bridge school uses charity to tackle pupils’ toothache

A school has brought in a dental charity to treat pupils with such bad toothache they have missed lessons. Staff at Trinity Academy Grammar in West Yorkshire have had to take pupils to hospital as they were in agony but unable to access an NHS dentist. Read more

Welsh NHS dentistry ‘withering on the vine’

Without more financial support, NHS dentistry across the border will ‘Wither on the vine’ according to the British Dental Association Wales. Read more

‘Do not overlook dentists’ – MPs fight for NHS dentistry in Westminster debate

Members of Parliament called for better support for dentists and NHS dental care in the latest debate at Westminster Hall. Politicians from across the country spoke up on key issues affecting NHS dentistry, with many calling for urgent action. Read more

Figures show drop in the dental profession

News publication Express has shared official figures which reveal trends in the NHS dental profession in 2020-2021. During this time, 23,733 dentists performed NHS activity – a decrease of 951 on the previous year... Read more

BDA calls for changes to NHS dental contract

The British Dental Association (BDA) has reiterated their opposition to the recent rise in dental targets... Read more

Boris Johnson says government delivered ‘record investment’ in NHS dentistry

He made the statement when facing queries from MPs at yesterday’s session of Prime Minister’s Questions. The Prime Minister was asked whether he will commit to increasing the number of NHS dentists in the UK. He responded by saying that the restrictions of lockdown hindered people from getting dental treatment.… Read more

CDO Sara Hurley releases 2022 update for NHS dentistry

Chief dental officer Sara Hurley has unveiled the latest targets for NHS dental practices in the run up to Christmas. Between January and March 2022, dental staff are asked to deliver 85% of their contract. This will then be restored to 100% from April. Sara writes that practices should plan… Read more

Boris Johnson quizzed on dental care in PMQs

Boris Johnson faced questions about the state of dentistry during the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions. Dr Caroline Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, made calls for the Prime Minister to support the formation of new dental schools, detailing the access struggles of her constituents. Speaking in… Read more

Is Brexit Beginning To Bite UK Dentistry?

The changes to the registration procedures applicable to dentists who qualified in the European Union, appear to be beginning to bite. With many stories of the crisis in gaining access to NHS dentistry highlighted daily in the press, there have also been concomitant anecdotal tales from dental practices unable to… Read more

How mandatory vaccinations are going to impact NHS and private practices

Nigel Jones caught up with HR and employment lawyer, Sarah Buxton, to explore mandatory vaccinations, look at who it will impact, and discuss how practices can comply with regulations. Read more

What’s new in the latest IPC guidance?

Changes to pathways and distancing are just some of the updates from the latest infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance. The government yesterday released new guidance for healthcare settings, including dentistry. This refers to the advice clinicians have had to follow since the onset of COVID-19 early in 2020. It… Read more

‘Toothless’ campaign says people are resorting to “Dickensian” pain relief

Campaign group Toothless in Suffolk recently expanded their network, with Toothless in England being formed as a central hub. Recently, Mark Jones, founder and spokesperson for the new group, appeared on BBC Radio Oxford, sharing stories of people going to extreme lengths to relieve their dental pain, all because they… Read more

Dental funding boost mustn’t forget services for Wales’ most vulnerable

The British Dental Association (BDA) Wales has welcomed commitments for additional funding for high street NHS dental services, but stressed support must also be provided to community services, treating the nation's most vulnerable adults and children. Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan MS has pledged additional funding for… Read more

Discrimination and bias ‘may be getting worse’ in NHS, says report

Discrimination and unfair treatment is ‘evident’ within the NHS despite efforts to tackle it, a new report found. The findings also revealed that inequality between NHS staff groups are continuing – and in some cases, even getting worse. Carried out by Nuffield Trust, the report – ‘Attracting, supporting and retaining a… Read more

Covid Scotland: Third of NHS dentists may leave profession in next year without policy change

Scotland is set for an “exodus” from NHS dentistry unless pandemic funding support is extended, the British Dental Association (BDA) has said. The union continues to campaign against a decision from the Scottish Government to withdraw all pandemic emergency support to dental practices by April 1, 2022. According to a… Read more

‘I’ve never seen my colleagues so demoralised” – Dr Eddie Crouch

The extent of the NHS dental crisis was brought home to viewers yesterday, when Dr Eddie Crouch appeared on the BBC’s Breakfast programme to outline the problems facing the dental health service. The British Dental Association Chair had been asked to discuss the crisis on live TV, with presenters Dan Walker and Sally Nugent. The interview was carried out… Read more

COVID-19 vaccines ‘mandatory for NHS staff from April’

Vaccination against COVID-19 will be ‘compulsory for NHS dental staff’ in a bid to boost uptake. But the measure will not start until April down to fears it could lead to a shortfall in staff over the winter. Latest figures reveal that around 90% of NHS staff in England have… Read more

COVID-19 – UDA rates fell by 58% in 2020

UDA rates fell by 58% in 2020 compared to the previous year, data shows. The latest CQC State of Care report exposes key issues within NHS dental services, especially among the younger population. It reports that inspectors found particular issues regarding access among children, suggesting the country’s ‘most vulnerable’ infants were affected.… Read more

As Backlogs Grow, Mouth Cancer Puts Lives In Danger

As today sees the launch of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the dangers of missed dental appointments due to the pandemic backlog, has hit the news headlines. Yesterday, The Express headlined “Three years backlog! - Lives in danger as NHS dentistry faces ’worst crisis ever’” The newspaper said “People will die due to… Read more

Autumn Budget 2021 – what impact will it have on dentistry?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday revealed fresh economic plans for the UK, with £5.9 billion set aside to alleviate NHS backlogs. The huge sum sparked conversations among the profession over whether a chunk will be earmarked for dentistry. A number of other financial measures, however, were announced – many of which will… Read more

Budget leaves NHS dentistry in last chance saloon

The British Dental Association has lamented the budget's failure to recognise the challenges facing dental services across England. It follows calls from both the BDA and Healthwatch England to provide vital funding for the recovery and rebuild of services, which was backed yesterday by over 40 cross-party MPs. Reform of the widely discredited… Read more

Scottish government plans set to decimate NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association (BDA) Scotland has warned plans to return NHS practices to pre covid models of work will devastate dental services across the country. Humza Yousaf, cabinet secretary, recently wrote to every NHS dental team in Scotland, indicating that all emergency support will be withdrawn by April 1,… Read more

Calls On Sunak To ‘Guarantee’ NHS Dentistry’s Future

The British Dental Association has teamed up with Healthwatch England to call on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use the approaching Spending Review to “Guarantee the future of NHS dentistry.” The two organisations used an open letter to highlight the impact on dental care that a decade of cuts and COVID-19 have had on… Read more

NHS dental services ‘in a vicious spiral’, says MP

An MP is calling for urgent action amidst the growing waiting list for NHS dental care. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (19 October), MP Yvette Cooper lay out the realities of NHS dentistry and the challenges now faced by dentists and patients across the UK. ‘NHS dentistry is facing a total capacity crisis,’… Read more

Dental Contract Reform Hits A Roadblock

The much-anticipated reform of the NHS dental contract is unlikely to be introduced for some considerable time, following a letter sent yesterday to participating prototype practices. Early yesterday, GDPUK saw a draft of the letter written by Alette Addison, the Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Eye Care. The letter was undated. Read more

‘Crying at night’ – nine-year-old girl waits nine months for tooth extraction

A nine-year-old girl has waited nine months for dental treatment – and is still yet to be seen. In a new BBC report, it is revealed that the child, Grace, was put on a waiting list in January to have the tooth extracted using general anaesthetic. However, she is still waiting to have it… Read more

Speech Omission Suggests Health Secretary Is Not ‘Inspired’ By Dental Professionals

Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference this week, which exclaimed “It’s time to level up on health,” failed to contain a single reference to dentistry. Mr Javid’s 1577 word speech left oral health completely on the sidelines, although he enthused about Information Technology. “I want the NHS to embrace innovation… Read more

Delays in NHS dentistry

NHS dentistry access delays are now so severe that some patients are resorting to removing their own teeth, as reported by the BBC. The broadcaster shared the experience of Danielle Watts, from Suffolk, who says she has been unable to see a dentist for six years, after the practice she… Read more

NHS England’s activity target silence ‘speaks volumes’

Zoe Close looks at the latest government announcement on the increased NHS activity targets, and the impact it will have after it arrived just hours before the new contracts were due to start. Until the evening of 30 September, NHS dentists were in a position where they had absolutely zero… Read more

NASDAL Sees Normality Returning To Dentistry, While Ross Brooke Advises Incorporation Caution

There are signs of ‘normality’ returning to the business of dentistry according to the results of a newly-released survey. The National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers’ quarterly Goodwill Survey has suggested there are big jumps in the valuations of dental practices and ‘deals completed.’ NASDAL said “In terms of deals… Read more

Prime Minister says NHS will be a ‘better place’ for dental profession

Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims the latest investments will make the NHS a better place for the dental profession. Robert Goodwill MP confronted the PM during a recent Parliamentary debate on the future of NHS dentistry. He highlighted previous queues ‘around the block’ with patients waiting in vain for an… Read more

Scotland’s CDO updates profession on infection control guidance

The chief dental officer (CDO) for Scotland has updated the profession on the future of infection and prevention control in dental practices. In a letter to practices, CDO Tom Ferris revealed that work is underway to examine how policy can change according to new developments, such as vaccinations. As it stands, all… Read more

Welsh dentists calling for the relaxation of COVID rules

BDA Wales is calling for the relaxation of COVID rules to avoid patients unnecessarily losing teeth and allow more dental check-ups. Russell Gidney, chair of the BDA’s Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, says delays will mean tooth decay, gum disease and cancers will go unspotted. He highlights strict hygiene measures and fallow time reducing… Read more

NHS Digital’s Report ‘Underlines The Collapse In NHS Access’

The release of the latest NHS Dental Statistics has shown that the number of course of treatment carried out in the General Dental Service in 2020-21, was down by 69% compared to the previous year. The NHS Digital report revealed that only 12 million courses of treatment were carried out in 2020-21.… Read more

Two fifths of dentists say it will take ‘at least a year’ to clear COVID backlog

Around 40% of dentists report it will take 12 months or longer to tackle the backlog of patients at their practice. This is according to latest research carried out by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It reports that four in 10… Read more

NHS chaos – nine million children missed out on dental treatment

Millions of young children missed out on an NHS dental appointment in the last 12 months. Official statistics expose a significant drop in the number of youngsters who saw a dentist during the pandemic. The number fell from 58.7% as of 31 March 2020 to 23% on 31 March 2021.… Read more

Free NHS dentistry – practices in Scotland given 24 hours to prepare

Dental practices in Scotland have been given just 24 working hours to prepare for free NHS provision. Today, the Scottish government issued guidance on how NHS practices can deliver free care for 18 to 25-year-olds. The move falls under the SNP pledge to abolish all NHS dental care charges after they were… Read more

CDO Sara Hurley announces change to fallow time requirements

Chief dental officer Sara Hurley has announced new changes to fallow time requirements in England. Fallow time following an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) is no longer needed for successive appointments involving members of the same household. However it is advised that the disinfection and cleaning of the environment should still be… Read more

Specialists in paediatric dentistry ‘should be trebled’ to meet UK demands

The UK is significantly lacking specialists in paediatric dentistry, it has been suggested. In a new report into the dental specialist workforce and its UK distribution, the team concluded that ‘stark inequalities’ exist throughout the country. In response, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) says the number of paediatric specialists in… Read more

Scotland appoints three new deputy chief dental officers

Scotland is appointing three new deputy chief dental officers, it has been revealed. The division of the chief dental officer for Scotland today announces three new deputies to help guide dentistry out of the pandemic. These are: Zahid Imran Gillian Leslie Gavin Mclellan. Between them, the candidates bring significant experience… Read more

New NHS CEO Appreciates the Importance Of Health Service Dentistry

“Dentistry is a hugely important service” says the new Chief Executive Officer of NHS England. Amanda Pritchard was announced as the CEO of NHS England on Wednesday, and will be taking over from Lord (Simon) Stevens on August 1st. Ms Pritchard is currently the Chief Operating Officer of NHS England and NHS Improvement and… Read more

England’s 3% NHS Pay Rise Announced – But Will All of England’s NHS Dental Staff Receive It?

The Government has confirmed a 3% pay award to NHS workers in England, meeting the recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Renumeration (DDRB). The British Dental Association News website said “A long term approach to pay is now required to keep NHS dentistry viable.” The 3% rise came after a… Read more

Your NHS dentistry and oral health update

Sara Hurley, chief dental officer England, and Ed Waller, director of primary care NHS England, have recently provided an update regarding self-isolation policies and retuning to work for those who are a healthcare provider. In their statement, they said, “We are writing with further information on the government's announcement that if there… Read more

Dentists in Northern Ireland considering pulling NHS Services

A number of dentists in Northern Ireland are considering pulling out of providing NHS dental care, as the continuation of Covid-19 restrictions have created a system that is “not viable”. Fallow time after aerosol generating procedures has meant that many practices are operating at a reduced capacity. Ciara Gallagher, the… Read more

COVID-19 – dental standard operating procedure updated in England

‘Not yet business as usual’ – this is the key message that has been put out to the dental profession by chief dental officer Sara Hurley ahead of next week’s easing of restrictions. But the CDO has confirmed a number of changes to England’s standard operating procedure (SOP). This falls… Read more

Increase In Activity Threshold ‘Not Acceptable’ Says BDA

The British Dental Association has told NHS England that any increase to the activity threshold for the second half of the financial year without a change in the IPC guidance and SOP, would not be acceptable. In the report of the BDA’s latest General Dental Practice Committee meeting, Chair Dr Shawn Charlwood said, “We are continuing to meet… Read more

‘One UDA’ Breach Notice Successfully Appealed

A dentist who was one UDA short of her annual target as a result of the pandemic, and was given a given a contract breach notice by NHS England, has won an appeal against the decision. The female dentist, who practises in Derbyshire, appealed against NHS England’s decision, to NHS Resolution, part… Read more

NHS dental practice values plummet in last quarter

New figures reveal that NHS practice values plummeted in the last quarter as the UK experienced its third lockdown. This is according to a new survey carried out by NASDAL. The research features data on valuations as well as deals done during the quarter ending 30 April 2021. Findings include:… Read more

Changes to dentistry following the COVID-19 pandemic

An all-encompassing survey has revealed how COVID-19 has changed the lives and attitudes of dental professionals. Dentistry reports. COVID-19 has changed life for us all but how has it impacted dentistry? A major new study carried out by Dentistry and Dentistry Online has shed light on what life after COVID-19 could look like for… Read more

England Envious As Wales Waves Farewell To UDA’s

England’s NHS dentists will be casting an envious glance over the border, after the Welsh Government announced that the principality’s practitioners will never be returning to the ‘failed’ UDA system. Read more

Scotland moving towards free NHS dental care for adults 25 and under

The Scottish government is moving closer to its pledge to provide NHS dentistry to young people aged 18 to 25. In April, the SNP vowed to abolish all NHS dental care charges if they were re-elected to parliament. And after a successful election last month, it is now making moves… Read more

Contract Delays Must Stop, LDC Conference Is Told

NHS contract reform “Needs to be in place for April next year” the national Local Dental Committee Conference was told at the weekend. “I know that’s ambitious, but time is running out. The decade of delay and repeatedly kicking of the can down the road needs to stop” Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the BDA… Read more

Dentistry takes top spot for most delayed healthcare service

Dentistry comes first on the list of the most delayed healthcare services in the UK. In an Oral Health Foundation survey, almost half (45%) reported dental appointment or treatment delays in the last 12 months. This is the top reported service delay, climbing above other healthcare services including: GP surgeries… Read more

Are you eligible for the COVID-19 bonus payment?

Dental professionals with an NHS contract in Wales are eligible for a one-off bonus payment as a result of COVID-19. In March, the Welsh government announced that NHS and social care staff will be awarded a bonus payment as a thank you for their work during the pandemic. The one-off… Read more

Dentists warn of exodus from service, as access crisis deepens with 30m appointments missed

The British Dental Association has urged government to set out a clear route map for reform and relaxation of covid restrictions, as new survey data points to an exodus from the service as the access crisis continues with nearly 30m appointments lost since the first lockdown. MPs are set to… Read more

‘Shocking Court Case’ Raises Fears For Practice Owners

Dental practice principals could in future be considered to be liable for the dental negligence of their associates, following a recent judgement. The BDA News website called the judgment “A shocking court case.” It said it highlights why some indemnity policies will not keep you safe from claims and damages.… Read more

Responding to the fallout

Neil Richardson explores the outcome of the government’s McCloud consultation and what you need to consider before making a decision. In April 2015, public sector pension schemes were reformed, with most members moved into new career average arrangements. Following consultations with member representatives when the schemes were reformed, transitional protections… Read more

‘Absolutely shocking’ – patients travel more than 50 miles to access NHS dentistry

Patients report travelling more than 50 miles to access NHS dentistry, sparking fears that the profession is being plunged into crisis even further. Following the closure of an NHS dental practice in Scarborough, Yorkshire, patients have been travelling to cities as a far away as Leeds in a desperate bid… Read more

NHS dental teams in Wales to receive bonus payment

The Welsh government has confirmed that NHS dental teams will receive a bonus payment in response to the pandemic. Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services, said the recent plans to award bonus payments to NHS workers in Wales will extend to dental services. This follows a letter put… Read more

NHS Dental Charges ‘Scrapped’ If SNP Wins Election

NHS dental charges will be removed North of the border if the SNP wins the Scottish Parliament election in May. The Scottish National Party has pledged to abolish NHS dentistry charges if re-elected, in its 75-page manifesto entitled ‘Scotland’s Future.’ The SNP has also pledged to protect free prescriptions and to increase frontline NHS… Read more

False Declarations That Staff Have Been Paid Fully May Lead To Fraud Investigations

NHS Business Services Authority has now issued its ‘Guidance to support dental contract management arrangements for the 2020/21 year-end reconciliation,’ amid warnings to those providers who have not paid their associates correctly, that they may face investigations if they make false declarations. The document specifies that practices were expected to continue… Read more

Suspension on requirement for patient signature on dental forms extended

The government has confirmed that the exemption on patient prescription signing will be extended by three months. The Department of Health and Social Care have announced that patients will not have to sign dental forms up until 30 June 2021. Last November, the government enforced the move in a bid to reduce… Read more

NHS dental charges will not increase from April

Patient charges will not increase from 1 April in England or Wales, it has been confirmed. The Department of Health and Social Care says there will not be a hike in patient charges in England from 1 April. Similarly, the chief dental officer for Wales, Colette Bridgman, confirmed the same… Read more

NHS dental targets increase to 60% from April

NHS dental practices will need to hit 60% of their pre-COVID activity under new requirements. This was announced under a new statement from CDO Sara Hurley and director of primary care commissioning transformation, Gabi Darby. From 1 January 2021, dental practices were asked to deliver 45% of their contracts in order… Read more

Scotland – NHS dentists miss out on 4% pay rise

NHS staff in Scotland have been offered a 4% pay rise – but dentists have been excluded. The Scottish government confirmed that the average pay of a frontline worker could increase by more than £1,200. This will include 154,000 staff members including paramedics, nurses and domestic staff. The pay increase… Read more

Pandemic Was A ‘Dental Disaster’ Says FDI

The President of the World Dental Federation (FDI) has called the oral health aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic ‘A dental disaster.’ Dr Gerhard Konrad Seeberger said "Restrictions have certainly played a part in oral health hesitancy, but they don’t tell the whole story.” He added "Let’s call it for what it is—a dental… Read more

Study shows non-smokers have better mental health

On No Smoking Day 2021 smokers are encouraged to put smoking behind them for a brighter future. New evidence published this week shows that smokers who quit for six weeks or more are happier than those who carry on smoking. Reductions in anxiety and depression in those who quit smoking… Read more

Budget 2021: What does this mean for you?

Luke Moore discusses what the chancellor's plans mean for dental professionals. The UK held its breath as the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, presented the 2021 budget. By this point, it was clear that the focus would be on post-pandemic recovery plans – including an outline of the financial support available beyond… Read more

Government recommends 1% pay rise for NHS dentists

This follows the latest report of recommendations to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). The British Dental Association (BDA) labelled the news a ‘body blow’ to an already precarious healthcare service. ‘Ministers seem to have forgotten that NHS dentistry can only survive if it is capable of… Read more

NHS staff inundated with almost 140,000 spam emails in 2020

NHS staff were inundated with more than 137,000 spam or phishing emails last year. This is according to the latest figures from NHS Digital. Obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, NHS employees reported 27,958 suspected phishing emails targeting their email service. These were drafted in a bid to encourage… Read more

London worst affected by lockdown dentist closures

New data released by the NHS has revealed the impact of lockdown-enforced dentist closures in England, with patients in London worst affected as available appointments plummeted to 21 per cent less than 2019. Almost a year on from the initial government-enforced national lockdown, the NHS has released figures which highlight… Read more

Two thirds of children did not see an NHS dentist last year

NHS dental attendance figures published last week show over two thirds of children (70.2 per cent) in England did not see an NHS dentist in the 12 months to December 31, 2020. Dental surgeons are warning the number of children admitted to hospital for tooth decay may rise, if access… Read more

NHS Calls For Pay Concerns To Be Aired

NHS dental associates who haven’t been paid fully during the pandemic are being encouraged to give voice to their pay concerns. NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) has launched a new pay concerns year-end form on behalf of NHS England and NHS Improvement. The BSA has said “The expectation from NHS England and NHS Improvement… Read more

Big bang or damp squib? What the White Paper means for dentistry

The White Paper launched by Health Secretary Matt Hancock spells fundamental change in the way healthcare works in England. The Lansley Reforms of 2012 could be history (well for the most part) and new laws are set to reach the statute books in 2022. Brace yourself for another re(dis)organisation of dentistry, say… Read more

Dental practices should withhold associates’ full pay, BDA says

Dental practices should pay associates at a lower rate until the NHS fulfils practices’ full contract value, the BDA says. Its updated guidance suggests ‘If NHS England pays the practice at the higher rate, the practice will pass that higher rate to all its associates. If NHS England pays the… Read more

Dentistry: NHS patients ‘asked to pay for private care’

Some NHS dental patients have been asked to pay for private care "if they want any treatment", according to a watchdog. Others are facing waits of up to two years for an NHS appointment, Healthwatch England has warned. One patient was in so much pain he decided to extract his… Read more

Dentistry: NHS patients ‘asked to pay for private care’

Some NHS dental patients have been asked to pay for private care "if they want any treatment", according to a watchdog. Read more

‘Two year wait’ for NHS appointment forces patients to opt for DIY dentistry

More than seven in 10 are still struggling to access dentistry as patients continue to carry out DIY dentistry, a watchdog has revealed. Read more

Coronavirus: Dentists warn millions of treatments have been missed

Dentists have provided around 19m fewer treatments in England since March this year compared to the same period last year, figures show. British Dental Association (BDA) analysis, seen by the BBC, shows practices operating at a fraction of their capacity during the pandemic. It warns hundreds of practices could be… Read more

CDO Letter – Full range of NHS dental treatments from 1st November

In a letter released 12th October, Tom Ferris CDO Scotland announced that, as of Sunday 1st November dental contractors will be able to provide a full range of dental treatments to NHS patients. This announcement follows the recent publication of the Scottish Dental Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) ‘Review of Aerosol Generating… Read more

Dentists’ leaders warn of ‘private only’ system

DENTISTS’ leaders have warned that Scotland could end up with a private only system of care with poorer patients resigned to ‘missing teeth and dentures’ if current Covid restrictions are not lifted and practices do not receive additional support. Professor Phil Taylor, Dean-Elect of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)’s… Read more

NHS England: clarification fact sheet on dental contract

The clarification, issued by NHS England and NHS Improvement, covers abatement reconciliation, patient care activity, other contracts, eg orthodontic, domiciliary, and staffing assurance. It answers many of the questions raised by GDPs, although the language can be technical. Read more

Hospital and community dentists to receive pay rise for ‘vital’ COVID-19 work

The pay rise will be backdated to 1st April 2020 and is in recognition of their 'vital contribution' during COVID-19. The pay rise was welcomed by the BDA, but they also said that more needs to be done to sustain the ‘long term integrity of the service’. Read more

NHS England confirms abatement figure and sets out contract issues

NHS England and the CDO England have set out key NHS contractual issues caused by COVID-19, during lockdown and those that apply since 8 June. The letter confirms that abatement of 16.75% will be applied to the majority of contracts from 1 April until 8 June. Read more

Dental charity calls on government to freeze NHS patient charges

The Oral Health Foundation has urged Matt Hancock to temporarily freeze NHS patient charges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, issued in early July, says a freeze could help thousands of people combat dental disease and prevent deterioration of health. Read more

Government pledges to hold postponed inquiry into dentistry

The Government has pledged to hold a planned inquiry into dentistry that was postponed due to last year’s General Election. Jeremy Hunt, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, will hold the inquiry looking into issues surrounding the profession. Read more

More than half of Scottish practices feel vulnerable

Fifty-one per cent of practices don’t believe they'd be financially viable with the current funding model going into the next ‘return to work’ phase. The survey by the Scottish Dental Practice Owners’ Group also found that 57% would consider remaining closed after COVID-19. Read more