MPs have debated an e-petition signed by over 150,000 people calling for a tax on sugary drinks. At the same time they considered a report by the Health Select Committee on childhood obesity. Committee chair Dr Sarah Wollaston MP endorsed the proposal, but said such a tax was not a ‘silver bullet’ but should be part of a package of measures.
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A new study by King's College London suggests that many people with a dental phobia could benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy. It could help them overcome their fear of visiting the dentist and enable them to receive dental treatment without the need to be sedated. Professor Tim Newton, lead author of the study, said: "The primary goal of our CBT service is to enable patients to receive dental treatment without the need for sedation, by working with each individual patient to set goals according to their priorities.”
Read more: Cognitive behaviour therapy can help overcome fear of the dentist
Retired Southampton dentist, Nigel Charlton and his wife Cynthia, were killed in a recent helicopter crash in New Zealand. They were on board when it came down over Fox Glacier on South Island, killing all seven on the flight. Their family have said they are heartbroken and the pair were very adventurous when it came to travel. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Dental Committee have paid tribute to the couple.
The House of Commons Health Select Committee has called for ‘brave and bold action’ including a 20% sugary drinks tax and labelling of single portions of products with added sugar to show sugar content in teaspoons. Although the report is focussed on childhood obesity, dentists will welcome its call for reduced sugar intake as a way of preventing childhood dental caries. On November 30 there will be a debate in Westminster Hall on a petition to introduce such a tax.
In the House of Lords former dentist, Baroness Gardner, asked the Minister Lord Prior what action was proposed “to address waiting times, in particular in Manchester, for children whose dental condition requires hospital admission and clearance of their deciduous teeth under general anaesthetic.” The reply was that the Government is “seeking to address waiting times”.
NASDAL, the National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers has issued advice to dentists following George Osborne’s Autumn Statement. Their report says there may not have been any specifically dental measures in the spending review, it would be a mistake to think that it won't affect the lives of many dental professionals. In fact, there were a number of measures that could have a significant impact.
Kevin Lewis is to step down as Dental Protection’s Dental Director by summer 2016, having served in the role since 1998, it has been officially announced. He said: “It has been a huge privilege not only to work in this fascinating field over so many years, but also to work with such phenomenally good people.” Arrangements for the appointment of Kevin Lewis’s successor will be announced ‘in due course’.
Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, unveiled a commemorative plaque at an official ceremony ofthe new Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry at Pebble Mill, Edgbaston. Following the ceremony, staff are working to prepare the building for its operational opening for public early in 2016.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has slammed the GDC’s decision to keep the ARF at an historic high of £890. It was joined by FGDP(UK) which also expressed disappointment. The GDC said they had a ‘long-term ambition of reducing the ARF as improvements and efficiencies to dental regulation are realised’.