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.

NHS

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…

BDA Stops “Indefensible” Health Board Action

The British Dental Association has helped to stop Local Health Boards in Wales from financially penalising practices who had not hit targets. Swansea Bay University Health Board was attempting to introduce in-year clawback against practices who in the…

HMRC Announcement re Associates’ Tax Status

The employment status of dental associates has been discussed many times in recent years. Up until now, associates had always been covered by HMRC Guidance that stated, “It should be noted that there are standard…

Regulation

Records Have Been Deleted – GDC’s Response To FOI Internal Review Request

The ‘transparency’ of the General Dental Council has once again been called into question after the regulator revealed the results of an internal review into its response to a Freedom of Information Request. The original FOI request…

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

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