Updates from week commencing 30 August 2021

Read all the updates that took place throughout this week.

Friday 3 September 2021

15:53

England: Seeking urgent clarity on SNOMED CT requirements

We have been seeking urgent clarification from NHSX, the body responsible for SNOMED implementation, and the Office of the Chief Dental Officer as to the requirements for practices to use SNOMED CT.

Since March, we have been engaging with NHSX, as advised by the Minister Jo Churchill, to resolve the outstanding issues as to how practices would begin using SNOMED. In our meetings, NHSX has been clear that it did not regard it as necessary for dental practices to implement SNOMED from 1 September 2021 and that instead it wished to take the time to work with BDA to develop a subset of dental-specific codes that would be appropriate for use.

It is disappointing that there is conflicting information from the two bodies. We have urged them to issue a clarifying statement and will continue to press for this.

11:46

Scotland: Concerns for practices over recent NHS launch

It is unacceptable that dental practices in Scotland were given less than one day to prepare for the abolition of NHS dental charges for 18-25 year olds on the 24 August. Today we have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to express our concern and dissatisfaction.

We have called on the Scottish Government to deliver a clear message to the public that this change does not mean a return to “business as usual”. Practices will still continue to prioritise urgent cases for some time. In our letter we have also queried the Scottish Government’s assertion that the new arrangements would reduce practices’ administration costs, with colleagues advising that the opposite is likely to be the case.

We intend to engage with the Scottish Government over coming weeks to discuss a more sustainable funding model and activity measure following publication of revised infection prevention and control guidance.

We will keep you updated on all progress.

10:24

Starting a business

Three dentists who each run their own business chat to us about what it's like to take the leap.

They discuss the obstacles, the rewards and answer our most pressing questions such as - when is the right time to do it? What are the right motivations? And, is it worth it?

Our guests have all taken risks to own their businesses including taking over an independent practice, building a ten-site empire and creating a digital start-up.

Join us for a frank and open conversation about entrepreneurship as a career choice in dentistry.

"We know dentistry inside out. We may not be financially trained or have done MBAs, but we know dentistry. We know patients, we know patient care."

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify or search "Chairside" on your chosen podcast platform.

09:30

Confidential counselling and emotional support

We provide all members with access to Health Assured, a comprehensive confidential service designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health, and general wellbeing. Members can access the helpline 24/7, 365 days a year. Support includes:

Life support: Unlimited access to counselling for emotional problems and a pathway to structured telephone counselling for you or your dependents and for you face-to-face counselling sessions at your convenience.
Legal information: Advice for you on any issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, accountancy, lawsuits, consumer disputes, property or neighbour disputes.
Bereavement support: Health Assured offers qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress plus a team of legal advisors to help with legal issues.
Medical information: Qualified nurses are on hand to offer advice on a range of medical or health related issues. They can't diagnose but can offer a sympathetic ear and practical information and advice.
CBT online: We recognise the value of self-help tools in dealing with a range of issues, which is why we have a range of CBT self-help modules, informative factsheets and invaluable advice videos from leading qualified counsellors.

Thursday 2 September 2021

16:54

England: Seeking urgent clarity on SNOMED CT requirements

We have been seeking urgent clarification from NHSX, the body responsible for SNOMED implementation, and the Office of the Chief Dental Officer as to the requirements for practices to use SNOMED CT.

It is disappointing that there is conflicting information from the two bodies. We have urged them to issue a clarifying statement and will continue to press for this.

16:16

England: Pay scales for employed dentists

A recent medical and dental pay circular outlines the pay uplift for employed dentists working in England. The pay scales for community dentists and those working in hospitals have been uplifted by 3% and should be backdated to April. Dentists in training are subject to uplifts outside the DDRB process.

For dental academics we are pleased that UCEA have accepted our call for pay parity with NHS dental colleagues and the 3% should also apply to academic pay scales and be backdated to April 2021. We will continue to campaign on behalf of dentists and update you on our progress.

15:10

Dental politics: Why get involved?

Ahead of this year's BDA elections, Rajdeep Singh, a young dentist in Derby, tells us why he got involved in dental politics and gives us an insight into what it involves:

"After graduating I had a great foundation year, but when I moved to another practice for my first associate role, I had an unpleasant experience. This is unfortunately quite a common problem among young associates. [This] made me keen to get involved in BDA committee work… I wanted to help my peers who were struggling and to be a voice for young dentists within the association, so I joined the BDA Young Dentist Committee (YDC).

"Looking back at the last four years, I'm pleased to say that I've learned a lot and am more confident than ever that getting involved in dental politics – either by voting or nominating yourself for a committee – you can make a huge difference for yourself and the profession."

Read: Dental politics: Why get involved?

11:43

England: SNOMED CT info from software suppliers

The Dental Software Suppliers Association (DSSA) has issued a statement about the implementation of SNOMED CT, confirming that the ability to input SNOMED codes against treatment codes is available in all DSSA members’ products.

The statement confirms the same issues that the BDA has been engaging with various NHS bodies to seek to resolve about the details of how SNOMED should be implemented in dentistry. We are anticipating a further statement on implementation from NHSX and the Office of the Chief Dental Officer today.

10:36

Associates: What you need to know about vicarious liability

James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services, tells associates what you need to know about the recent High Court decision on vicarious liability and its possible impacts. This includes: cover for vicarious liability, indemnity clauses in your associate agreement, clinical audits and dealing with complaints.

“It is reasonable for a practice owner to require an associate to agree in the associate agreement to pay for losses caused by the associate through negligent treatment or bad conduct. Such terms are often in what lawyers call 'indemnity clauses.' However, you should look very carefully at any such indemnity clauses.”

Read: Associates: What you need to know about vicarious liability

09:43

England: No change to CQC dental inspections

Members might have been confused by recent statements made by the CQC about changes to – and movement away from - the established "transitional monitoring approach". This system was developed during the CQC's understandable reluctance to undertake physical practice inspections during the on-going COVID pandemic and has been relatively well received by the profession.

The CQC are introducing a monthly review for other sectors they regulate, but not for primary care dental services nor NHS trusts. For dentistry, they will continue to:

focus on safety and how effectively a service is led
have structured conversations with providers, with a focus on safety and leadership
use their specific existing key lines of enquiry (KLOEs) to monitor a service
use digital methods and local relationships to have better direct contact with people who are using services, their families and staff in services
target inspection activity where we have concerns.

Read the advice our team have collated for members on the CQC's current approach, which is expected to be followed for the foreseeable future.

Wednesday 1 September 2021

14:42

Scotland: FFP3 masks available for online ordering

FFP3 masks have been added to Pecos and can now be ordered by practices, National Services Scotland (NSS) have confirmed. This addition was the final phase in NSS's plan to add all available simple and enhanced PPE online. This change should help practices to control their stock levels.

There is an approximate 6-week transition period for this change to take effect, depending on when the order cut-off date lies within the month for each NHS Board. Any orders placed before the cut-off date will arrive or be collected in the usual way and any orders placed after the date will have the change applied. Practices located within NHS Boards where collection of FFP3 masks has previously been required, may still need to collect them for another few weeks until the next order is put through on the system.

We are sure this change will be welcomed by practices to assist them in controlling their own stock levels.

12:02

Dental careers podcast: Mixing it up

Ever fancied a portfolio career? What does it take to get the balance right?

We interviewed three dentists who have each taken their passion for dentistry and developed an outlet outside of their clinical roles. From charitable work to dental education to committee involvement, they discuss how the opportunities came about and even more importantly - how to juggle multiple work commitments.

"I realised I could make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people with my dental skills."

Join us for an insightful chat about what it's like to mix it up with a portfolio career.

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify or search "Chairside" on your chosen podcast platform.

10:29

Northern Ireland: GDPs call for decisive action

We have written to the Health Minister to call time on the challenges facing Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland. Supported by the signatures of 500 GDPs, we have urged the Department of Health to urgently prioritise the survival of Health Service dentistry and tackle declining dental incomes.

Many dentists feel they are being pushed out of being able to continue to offer care under the NHS. In the last decade in Northern Ireland, we’ve seen a fall in incomes of 36% in real terms for associates and 43% for practice owners. We are standing with the profession and have left the Minister in no doubt of the real and significant impact the pandemic and these long-term trends have had.

Richard Graham, Chair of the BDA’s NI Dental Practice Committee said: “Over the course of a weekend, almost half of GDPs in Northern Ireland put their name to our letter to the Minister saying enough is enough. Without a fundamental shift of trajectory away from a race to the bottom, and meaningful work on a new GDS contract that works better for the public and practitioners alike, Health Service dentistry will not survive.”