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Updates from week commencing 17 April 2023

Read all the updates that took place throughout this week.

Friday 21 April 2023

14:11


England: Will your MP speak up for dentistry?

We have worked to secure a debate on NHS dentistry in the House of Commons on Thursday 27 April – so please ensure your MP will be there to represent you.

We’ve set out some advice - it only takes five minutes
Please take this opportunity to show how the crisis in NHS dentistry is impacting on your practice and the patients you treat.




08:29


Wales: Our directive on GDS contract negotiation

Our mandate outlines our terms for negotiation and the elements that must be covered in a new General Dentistry Service (GDS) contract.

The profession has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the recent iterations of the GDS reform model. We support the central tents of the reform, but not unconditionally, as the current version clearly needs improvements.

The new GDS contract is an opportunity for government and NHS to demonstrate how they value the dental profession. Practices should make the active choice of remaining with the reform model if it performs for their practice and patients.




Thursday 20 April 2023

14:33


Wales: Dental Care Practitioners allowed to open and close treatment courses

Chief Dental Officer, Professor Andrew Dickenson, has written to Local Health Boards and dental providers confirming that the FP17W recording system now accommodates Dental Care Practitioners opening and closing courses of treatment directly.

The letter clarifies a long-standing debate and provides a clear mechanism on how dental teams can benefit from the improved data capture system. The BDA, along with the Chairs of the Welsh LDCs, warmly welcome the news.




09:24


BDA Museum: Celebrating the life and work of Maurice Porter 
 
We’re opening a temporary exhibition at our Wimpole Street office, “The challenge of the perfect embouchure” celebrating the life and work of Maurice Porter. This exhibition will include Maurice Porter’s published research and the dental treatments he pioneered in the latter half of the 20th century.
 
The display will be available to view in the foyer and is open to visitors from 11pm to 2pm on Wednesdays, or at other times by appointment. Please note, the BDA Museum itself remains closed until further notice. 
 

Wednesday 19 April 2023

15:36


Northern Ireland: Celebrating 100 years with JIDA collaboration

The Journal of The Irish Dental Association (JIDA) is releasing several special features ahead of the centenary celebration of the BDA Northern Ireland Branch, and the Irish Dental Association (IDA). To honour the milestone each feature will reflect on the last 100 years of dentistry.

The April/May issue will feature content about our work from Tristen Kelso, Director of BDA Northern Ireland, as a replacement to the President’s message in all Northern Ireland issued copies. This edition focuses on the necessity to extend the support granted for the first quarter of the financial year and the structural problems within NHS dentistry support.

We look forward to seeing the future editions of the JIDA and continuing to collaborate in celebration of such a huge milestone for both the BDA NI Branch, and the IDA.




11:17


Northern Ireland: Connecting at CDS Study Days

On 23 March the CDS Group, Northern Ireland Division, hosted their Annual Study Day. The event covered a wide range of topics tailored to Community Dentists, through seminars and hands-on activities.

As such a small community, the Northern Ireland CDS Division can feel quite isolated. We are delighted to bring back face-to-face events and provide Community Dentists the space to connect and network with colleagues.

Being a BDA member is a great opportunity, it provides access to an extensive range of expert advice and support every step of your professional journey. If you are interested in joining, find out more on our website or call us to join over the phone.




09:28


England: Hundreds of dentists doing only one NHS check-up a year

 

New research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows 'dental deserts' are on the rise, but we have warned the true scale of the exodus from the NHS is going untracked in official figures.

 

65 of 104 local areas in England have seen the number of people per dentist rise since 2019, prompting calls for a rescue plan.

 

But this crisis goes far deeper. The government makes no attempt to measure the amount of NHS work dentists do. We secured figures on contract delivery for every NHS performer in England, and hundreds of dentists are now delivering a single Unit of Dental Activity per year - the equivalent of a solitary NHS check-up. And the proportion of colleagues doing higher volumes of NHS work has crashed from levels seen pre COVID.

"The Prime Minister keeps boasting of 500 'new' dentists in the NHS" warns Eddie Crouch. The reality is we have hundreds doing a single check-up a year."


The Health and Social Care Committee will hear from the Department of Health and NHS England shortly. We need a reality check from government, together with honesty, ambition and investment.

 


 

Tuesday 18 April 2023

11:50


Dental students: Take part in our new research


We’re looking for dental students due to complete their course at the end of the current academic year and planning to continue with clinical dentistry after finishing their studies, to take part in a new research project.

This project will help improve our understanding of clinical experience among dental students in the UK and aid our policy and campaign activity to help ease the transition from dental school to clinical practice, enabling students to have the best start in their careers.

Participants will be invited to take part in three one-to-one interviews (via Teams or Zoom) over the next year, with pre-discussion surveys sent out ahead of each interview. You’ll receive a total of £90 in gift vouchers if you complete all three interviews.

For more information on the project or to register your interest, please contact Ella Buckland.




Monday 17 April 2023

16:42


Northern Ireland: Expressions of interest for Oral Surgery pilot

The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has called for expressions of interest regarding participation in a three-year Oral Surgery PDS Pilot Scheme.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 28 April 2023. Applications that meet the criteria will be accepted after this date but participation in the pilot will be subject to the availability of remaining funding.

To express an interest or if you have any queries regarding current pilot rates, please contact Diane McKillen at diane.mckillen@hscni.net or on 02895362608.




09:21

International Stress Awareness Month and Health Assured  

Stress Awareness Month is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about stress and the serious impact it can have on physical and emotional health. 

The workplace can be a highly stress inducing environment and dentists have faced an increasing amount of stress over the past couple of years. Symptoms of stress can accumulate and affect every aspect of life, both personal and professional. 

There are common symptoms associated with stress, such as anxiety, reduced concentration, mood swings, and increased reliance on alcohol or substances. Health Assured, which provides members a comprehensive support service, has produced a guide to help you understand how to recognise and reduce stress in the workplace