Latest Blog Posts

• NHS dentistry: Have we reached the point of no return?

  We've worked with the BBC to lift the lid on the crisis facing NHS dentistry. The results are eye-watering and shine a light on the shocking state of access to NHS care for patients across the UK.

  Blog Date 10 August, 2022

• Scotland: Building a model for early oral cancer detection

  Early diagnosis of oral cancer is essential. Here is an insight into how a Scottish dental student is developing a model that could help to shape cancer prevention in the future.

  Blog Date 9 August, 2022

• Hospital dentistry: The looming crisis has arrived

  An overview of the challenges facing all grades of dentists working in Scotland.

  Blog Date 8 August, 2022

• Scotland: Pension issues add pressure to workforce

  ​Many dentists in Scotland are unaware when their pension contributions breach annual and lifetime allowance limits, resulting in tax charges. We examine the importance of proactively requesting pension statements and being aware of the charges.

  Blog Date 3 August, 2022

• Action needed to combat dental inflation

  An insight into dental inflation and why we're asking for an uplift of 15% in relation to staff pay costs and 11.15% for other expenses.

  Blog Date 3 August, 2022

• DCT: Damning survey reveals impact of trainee pay disparity

  Pay disparity major contributor to the low morale among trainees in Northern Ireland, new survey reveals.

  Blog Date 4 July, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Increasing our impact by working together

  During the pandemic, we built closer working relationships, improved communications, and delivered more for dentists.

  Blog Date 30 June, 2022

• England: 4 things you need to know about where NHS dentistry goes next

  ​The pressure is building for real reform but requires ambition we’re yet to see from the Government.

  Blog Date 23 June, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Soaring costs and plummeting morale in HS dentistry

  ​New research on increasing costs and falling morale, and the latest discussions with the Department of Health.

  Blog Date 22 June, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Making the case to expedite dental reform

  ​We recently met with the new Permanent Secretary at Department of Health, Peter May. We stressed the urgency of expediting GDS contract reform and finding interim solutions to make Health Service dentistry financially viable and we urged the Department to grasp the nettle on a dental workforce plan.

  Blog Date 17 June, 2022

• Northern Ireland: De-registering patients correctly

  What you need to know about deregistering patients from HS practices in Northern Ireland

  Blog Date 8 June, 2022

• Scotland: Prevention is key to the future of dentistry

  Kirsty Dickson, Dental Vocational Trainee, on the policy changes needed to reshape the future of dentistry.

  Blog Date 8 June, 2022

• England: Championing a bright future for associates

  Dentists’ deep frustrations with NHS dentistry are driving a move to private practice. We are making sure associates’ voices are heard, looking to ensure the system reform process results in meaningful changes for everyone.

  Blog Date 24 May, 2022

• England: The end of NHS dentistry as we know it?

  Thanks to our members we’ve been able to present the facts to MPs on what’s really driving the crisis in NHS dentistry.

  Blog Date 24 May, 2022

• England: Delays in NHS contract reform

  ​As NHS England drag their heels on contract reform “quick wins”, we want to tell the Parliamentary Health Committee what you think about the NHS exodus.

  Blog Date 12 May, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Contract reform must be expedited

  The current GDS contract is not working and hasn’t been for some time. We are moving to engage with a contract reform process to ensure that the service is sustainable and delivers for patients and the profession.

  Blog Date 11 May, 2022

• Northern Ireland: We must prioritise oral surgery backlogs

  We need to work together to tackle the growing dental surgery backlog and adapt to changes following the pandemic.

  Blog Date 10 May, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Welcome change to RQIA inspections

  Change in frequency of Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) inspections is a win for the profession.

  Blog Date 10 May, 2022

• Entity cover and why you need it

  Law firms are increasingly bringing claims against entities, rather than pursuing the dentist who performed the treatment. Are you covered?

  Blog Date 9 May, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Orthodontists lacking vital support

  ​Over the last two years orthodontists have received less support due to higher levels of activity. Where does this leave the profession now?

  Blog Date 26 April, 2022

• Research key to a bright future for oral health

  Why we're bringing a wide range of voices together to deliver for patients and the profession.

  Blog Date 26 April, 2022

• Wales: How well are the GDS contracts working?

  We’ve secured clarity on two important issues – no ACORNs in UDA-only contracts and UOA requirements.

  Blog Date 25 April, 2022

• Scotland: Real contract reform negotiations needed now

  We’re calling for meaningful and long overdue contract reform negotiations with the Scottish Government as the profession faces an uncertain future.

  Blog Date 19 April, 2022

• Hospital dentistry: Contracts and other issues facing SAS grade dentists

  What we’re doing on the key issues facing Speciality and Associate Specialist (SAS) hospital dentists.

  Blog Date 14 April, 2022

• Northern Ireland: It's time for radical change

  The crucial but perilous position of Health Service dentistry and contract reform in Northern Ireland.

  Blog Date 7 April, 2022

• Northern Ireland: We need a level playing field for hospital dentistry

  I recently attended the launch of the manifesto for Rebuilding and Reforming Dentistry at Stormont. It was a great opportunity to talk to our MLAs about the serious issues facing hospital dentistry. We are struggling to recruit staff into the dental profession and to retain them once they ae in the job.

  Blog Date 4 April, 2022

• Scotland New LDC improves representation for Orkney dentistry

  ​Orkney's new Local Dental Committee (LDC) and what it means for tackling local challenges and championing local solutions.

  Blog Date 31 March, 2022

• Scotland and Northern Ireland: Tips for managing locum cover

  When associates need to take time away from the practice, it is important to work together to find the right solution.

  Blog Date 21 March, 2022

• Wales: Is the GDS contract offer worth the risk?

  We have been navigating the GDS contract options, and this week Welsh dentists’ shared their concerns with us in our recent survey.

  Blog Date 16 March, 2022

• Lilian Lindsay: A woman who didn't take no for an answer

  Celebrating International Women's Day and the important role women have played in dentistry.

  Blog Date 8 March, 2022