Friday 23 September 2022
12:08
Wales: Future dentists of Cardiff Dental School
We are looking forward to meeting future dentists later today when we talk to Cardiff's fifth year students about getting their first job.
We'll be talking about their career options, life in practice, protecting their interests and how we are here to support them throughout their career.
If you'd like us to talk to your year group, please email marketing@bda.org
10:41
Scotland: Support extended, but there can be no return to 'business as usual'
A new 'bridging payment' will replace the multiplier from 1 October, uplifting fees at a rate of 1.2 for the next three months, falling to 1.1 for the period up to April 2023.
We're clear this last-minute extension of financial support must go hand-in-hand with meaningful reform to avert a crisis in the service.
The Cabinet Secretary recently told us that the multiplier – which at its current level increased NHS fees by 1.3 - had not been included in the Scottish Government's budget forecasting. We have not ceased reminding officials that without an adequate interim funding package several key treatments including extractions, and anything - like dentures - that requires laboratory work, risk being delivered at a financial loss.
"The Scottish Government seem to have recognised the wholesale inadequacy of the funding model for NHS dentistry" says SPDC Chair David McColl.
"But unless Ministers are prepared to revisit the system this service is built on, this funding will amount to sticking plaster on a gaping wound."
09:55
Northern Ireland: Restorative dentistry and endodontics masterclass
Our Northern Ireland branch are holding an event at Hilton Belfast Templepatrick on Friday 30 September 2022, 09:00 to 17:00.
There will be a series of talks throughout the day including:
- Restorative driven endo. A modern approach – Daniel Flynn
- Contemporary endodontics – Planning for success and managing failure - Alyn Morgan
- Obturation and restoration - Bob Philpott
- 30 reasons why - 30 very practical clinical tips for your everyday restorative practice- David McCaughey
There will be refreshments throughout the day and Q&A sessions to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have after the presentations.
All dentists and dental care professionals are welcome to attend.
Thursday 22 September 2022
16:12
Students: Borrow books from our library
All student members can now borrow books and packages (folders) of articles from our library.
Up to two items can be taken out for seven weeks at a time. They are posted out free of charge – but you will need to pay to return them unless you bring them back in person.
We are open for visitors Wednesday and Thursday, so you can browse the shelves or visit our
online catalogue any time.
14:03
England: 'Plan for Patients' offers nothing new for dentistry
Therese Coffey has just set out the government's 'Plan for Patients', with action on dentistry trailed as a key plank of her 'A,B,C,D' strategy.
Sadly, we saw nothing new, the Health Secretary simply revisited the very marginal changes announced before summer.
We're clear we need urgency and ambition. And today we're joined by over 60 MPs from across the political spectrum – led by both the Mother and Father of the House – to call on the PM to make good on her campaign pledges on NHS dentistry.
The PM said that action on the access crisis would form a 'top 3' target in her first 90 days.
Minor tweaks to the failed NHS contract will not provide the change this profession and millions of patients desperately need. Find out more about the key issues we're raising with the
new administration.
Wednesday 21 September 2022
15:28
Northern Ireland: Cuts to Rebuilding Support Scheme lifeline
We have warned that
cuts to the vital Rebuilding Support Scheme undermines the survival of Health Service (HS) dentistry and have real concerns that this could tip the service over the edge.
The Rebuilding Support Scheme has been depended on by practices, enabling the delivery of HS dentistry since April this year. Today, it was confirmed that the 25% uplift is to be slashed to just 10% from next quarter at a time when expenses are soaring for high street practices.
Time is running out for the survival of HS dentistry. We have sought to work constructively with the Department of Health to seek urgent solutions to the immediate expenses crisis, but at this stage no meaningful solution has been proposed and current support has been downgraded.
12:39
DIY dentistry on the rise
We are stressing the need for urgent action from government, after damning new polling reveals almost a quarter of people have been unable to access care from an NHS dentist in the last year.
Research, conducted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, shows a fifth of those who failed to secure an appointment turned to "DIY dentistry" as a result.
"DIY dentistry has no place in a wealthy, 21st century nation" says BDA Chair Eddie Crouch, "but today millions have no options, and some are taking matters into their own hands.
"These access problems are not inevitable. This horror show is the direct result of choices made in Westminster."
Tomorrow, the Health Secretary is expected to set out her plan on the government's 'A, B, C, D' priorities – ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists. We've fought to put this crisis on the agenda, and we are clear any progress will hinge on real reform and fair funding.
10:26
Northern Ireland: COVID-19 Autumn Booster Vaccination Programme open
The Department of Health has
issued an MD confirming the COVID-19 autumn booster vaccination programme is open for booking from 19 September 2022.
Independent contractors and their team members attending for vaccination will be required to produce proof of identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Bus pass
• Carer's card
• Household bill
Frontline HSC workers, including those working in the Independent Sector, are being encouraged to take up the offer of vaccination as soon as possible to help protect their families, themselves, and vulnerable patients.
Tuesday 20 September 2022
13:14
Northern Ireland: Dealing with Practice Changes document updated
The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has updated the
Dealing with Practice Changes guidance document outlining the actions required in relation to any changes within a dental practice such as dentists leaving the practice, change of ownership, retirement, and de-registration of health service patients.
The SPPG strongly recommend that all General Dental Practitioners review the document prior to any changes. The document plus more information can also be found on the
BSO website.
Sign up to our mailing list
Members
If you'd like to be kept informed about developments make sure your details are up-to-date on your MyBDA record and tick the box under 'contact preferences' to get latest news updates.
Not a member?
Sign up to our website and join the News and Campaigns list for all the latest updates.
