Three dentists will be amongst the thousands who will carry the Olympic torch on its journey round the UK. Tony Chivers (91) will carry the torch through Bournemouth on 13^th July; Barry Funnell through Luton on 8^th July and Pan Taneja through Solihull on 1^st July. Good luck to all three.

New research from Queen Mary, University of London in collaboration with research groups in the USA sheds light on why gum disease can become more common with old age. The study reveals that the deterioration in gum health which often occurs with increasing age is associated with a drop in the level of a chemical called Del-1.

Delegates are now able to register online for their ticket to BDTA Dental Showcase, which takes place at ExCel London from 4-6 October 2012. Registration is free and can be completed easily online at www.dentalshowcase.com and you will instantly receive your free e-ticket for this year’s event.

Although NHS Protect's come to the conclusion that some dentists are acting fraudulently there is little proof of this in its report. 5000 patients were written to about treatment received as long ago as March 2010. In three quarters of cases no fraud was found and in a further 23% the patient refused to reply or couldn't remember. This left just 3% (187 in all) where something potentialy suspicious was found. In half of these the patient claimed not to have received the banded treatment claimed, and in 27% of them there appeared to be a split course of treatment.

A four day weekend lies ahead to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – or does it? Lawyers are advising dental team members not to be too jubilant until they are sure that they really are entitled to the additional holiday. The Spring bank holiday has been moved to Monday June 4 and there is an additional bank holiday on Tuesday June 5, to mark the Jubilee. But June 5 could be just another day in the practice.