Doctors and scientists at the BC Cancer Agency in Canada began testing a device last September that emits a blue light, as part of a five-year study on 400 patients who are suffering from cancer that has afflicted their tongue or other parts of the mouth. This new tool is giving patients with oral cancer […]

A new study has shown that severe gum disease may cause a reduction in red blood cells leading to anaemia. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology found that over a third of people suffering from severe gum disease had haemoglobin levels below normal concentrations. Following a six month course of treatment to improve oral […]

Canadian dental patients can now choose to use a new line of vegetable based dental products. The products are the first biodegradable toothbrushes made from corn, wheat, tapioca and potatoes which are designed to decompose into organic material in 180 days in a commercial compost facility. According to the Canadian Dental Association, consumers should replace […]

A US eco dentistry expert has applauded the efforts of dentists here in the UK for spearheading ‘green’ practices in the surgery. In Pockrass, co founder of the US Eco Dentistry Association said, “The UK is ahead of the curve on capturing mercury containing dental materials before they enter the water supply. Without this local […]

New research presented at the 89th International Association for Dental Research suggests that gum disease carries a higher risk of causing a non fatal stroke than diabetes. In recent years there has been growing evidence of the link between gum disease and strokes. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said, […]

Dentists from abroad have been caught up in bureaucratic red tape, halting their path to practicing in the UK. Candidates who completed the first part of the Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) held by the Royal College of Surgeons of England are not being able to complete the second part due to a row between […]

Prescription fees and dental charges will increase from 1st April. Prescription fees will go up by 20p to £7.40 and dental charges will increase, with band 1 treatments going up to £17, band 2 treatments increasing to £47 and band 3 treatments increasing to £204. The announcement has been greeted with anger, just days after […]

Spring cleaning is not just for houses! Dental Health Experts advise that it is a great ethos to adopt when it comes to avoiding gum disease. Spring is a great time to tackle the hidden oral hygiene problems that could be undermining your body’s overall health. Health Experts recommend the below to spring cleaning our […]

A decision by the GDC to postpone a vote on whether dentists should be able to continue using their ‘Dr’ title so that an impact assessment can be carried out allows proper consideration of the issue, the BDA has said. The decision to take the recommendation back so that the impact of the issue can be […]

The British Dental Association has argued that dental practices should not have to pay to register with the CQC emphasising the financial pressures confronting dental practices, the failure of the CQC regime to add any value and the considerable time practices must inc=vest in becoming registered and concludes that a fee for registration would be […]

A leading dental practice is using acupuncture to calm nerves and relieve pain. Receiving acupuncture prior to dental treatments is the latest combined offering to be introduced by the practice pioneering in advances in dentistry. Recent studies in Sheffield and Denmark concluded that acupuncture has a ‘beneficial effect on the levels of unease in patients […]

Plans to mark the first steps towards a significant NHS White Paper commitment to introduce a new dental contract that will improve the quality of patient care and increase access to NHS dental services, with an additional focus on improving the oral health of school children has been published by the Department of Health. The […]

Dentists are being urged to join a British Dental Association (BDA) campaign, calling on the Government to address concerns about the registration of dental practices with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The BDA is sending all members a postcard emphasising the increasing burden of red tape encircling practitioners and the effect it has on patient […]

The General Dental Council (GDC) has begun a review of its Standards Guidance and Scope of Practice. The aim of the review is to go back to square one. This will take place in 2011 and will include consultations, focus groups, a working group and GDC staff attending events across the UK, to hear directly […]

The General Dental Council (GDC) is calling on dentists to submit their annual or end of cycle continuing professional development (CPD) declarations by 28th January 2011. To remain registered to practice dentists must complete 250 hours every five years, of which 75 must be verifiable. Records need to be kept for five years after the […]