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The aim of this article is to explore the diverse and complex nature of pharmacological drug-drug interactions in the general dental practice setting. Using published NHS statistics, this article will highlight medications for common medical conditions that could interact with frequently prescribed drugs by the general dental practitioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an opinion on the NHS NICE guidance on wisdom tooth removal introduced in 2000. Guidelines should support clinical decision-making by providing recommendations based on sound evidence but the wisdom tooth guidelines were published without any research evidence. General dentists and oral surgeons in England and Wales are under pressure to comply with this guidance but what have been the implications for patient care? There is growing evidence that patients have not been best served, with significant numbers developing caries in an adjacent tooth before consideration of wisdom tooth assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2009, members of the newly redeveloped Primary Care Dentistry Research Forum (http://www.dentistryresearch.org) took part in an online vote to identify questions in day-to-day practice that they felt most needed to be answered with conclusive research. The question which received the most votes formed the subject of a critical appraisal of the relevant literature. Each month a new round of voting takes place to decide which further questions will be reviewed. Dental practitioners and dental care professionals are encouraged to take part in the voting and submit their own questions to be included in the vote by joining the website.This paper details a summary of the findings of the fourth critical appraisal. In conclusion, there is a lack of evidence relating to dentists' perceptions of prevention and its application in practice. Qualitative primary research is needed to look at UK dentists' views and attitudes relating to their understanding of prevention and its application in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine dental care provided in special care dentistry is complicated by patient specific factors which increase the time taken and costs of treatment. The BDA have developed and conducted a field trial of a case mix tool to measure this complexity. For each episode of care the case mix tool assesses the following on a four point scale: 'ability to communicate', 'ability to cooperate', 'medical status', 'oral risk factors', 'access to oral care' and 'legal and ethical barriers to care'. The tool is reported to be easy to use and captures sufficient detail to discriminate between types of service and special care dentistry provided. It offers potential as a simple to use and clinically relevant source of performance management and commissioning data. This paper describes the model, demonstrates how it is currently being used, and considers future developments in its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postgraduate Dental Deans commission and manage the delivery of postgraduate dental and medical education and training for dental practitioners. They are charged with developing and quality assuring opportunities for trainees in primary and secondary care so that they can reach their full potential, and must work with local organisations to ensure that sufficient training places are available to meet the future needs of the NHS. Postgraduate dental deans influence training opportunities and standards in NHS Trusts as well as dental vocational training practices. They also play a role in developing national policies on postgraduate dental education and implement new initiatives. Their roles cover modernising dental careers, national and international recruitment and retention in primary and secondary care. They are involved in leading the development of the dental workforce, including professions complementary to dentistry as well as managing the provision and quality assurance of CPD for general practitioners. They also provide support for doctors and dentists facing difficult situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the self-perceived knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) concerning management of dental trauma in primary care. To identify potential barriers to the management of dental trauma in primary care.Design and setting A self-completion postal questionnaire survey of 417 GDPs in six local health authority districts in northeast England.Main outcome measures Likert scale responses to 20 statements designed to test self-perceived knowledge and attitudes. Following descriptive statistical analysis. Factor analysis with principle components analysis was undertaken to identify areas of correlation in questionnaire responses, followed by Chi squared test, Spearman's Rank Correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to measure association between variables.Results The response rate was 74%. Enamel and dentine fractures were the most common injury, with 45% of GDPs responding seeing more than 10 cases of dental trauma in the preceding year and 53% of respondents seeing one to three cases of complicated crown fracture. Seventy-eight per cent believed that NHS remuneration was inadequate, but only 8% would refer patients with dental trauma to secondary care for this reason. Half of the GDPs believed that trauma could be treated more effectively in practice if NHS payments were greater. GDPs were significantly more likely to agree with this statement if they had previously undertaken a postgraduate course in the treatment of dental trauma (p=0.002). Single handed GDPs were statistically significantly more likely to agree with the statements 'I would not treat dental trauma cases at my practice because the NHS payment is inadequate' (p=0.008) and 'Treating dental trauma at my practice requires too much of my clinical time to be worthwhile' (p=0.002). Ninety-six per cent of GDPs disagreed that treatment of dental trauma rested solely within secondary care. Ninety-six per cent of GDPs agreed that they had a responsibility to provide initial emergency treatment for trauma patients prior to referral. Eighty-eight per cent of GDPs felt that aids to management would be useful.Conclusions Although GDPs believed that financial remuneration was inadequate, this did not prevent them treating trauma cases. They strongly agreed that they had responsibility for the management of dental trauma in primary care and that they believed trauma could be treated more effectively in practice if payment was greater. Time constraints were perceived as a barrier to long-term management of complex trauma cases in primary care. GDPs would welcome the use of management aids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate, by questionnaire, various aspects of primary dental care provision in the North West of England and Scotland.Method: A questionnaire containing 79 questions was sent to 1,000 practitioners, selected at random, in the North West of England and Scotland. Non-responders were sent another questionnaire after a period of 4 weeks had elapsed.Results: Overall a response rate of 70% was achieved. The majority of practitioners were practice principals (65%), working in a group NHS practice (80%) located in a city or town centre (49%). On average 10-20 patients were treated each session with fewer patients treated per session under private arrangements. Many practitioners were found to lack hygienist support (44%) and to employ unqualified dental nurses (82%). Younger practitioners were more likely than senior colleagues to have access to up-to-date computers whilst 37% and 74% of respondents never used CAL programmes or magnification respectively. Contemporary cross-infection control standards were used by the majority of practitioners, although 3% of practitioners reported only autoclaving their handpiece once a day.Conclusions: The majority of practitioners, involved in this study, worked under National Health Service (NHS) regulations as principals in a group practice where the workload was greater than the private/independent sector. Contemporary cross-infection procedures were used routinely. In contrast computer-aided learning programmes and magnification were not used routinely. The practitioners in this study employed significant numbers of unqualified dental nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the feasibility and benefits of placing dental undergraduates into a general dental practice setting for part of their clinical programme.Setting Two six-surgery general dental practices in the North West of England operating within the personal dental service of the NHS.Method Six volunteer final year students worked within the practices for one-day-per week for 11 weeks. Evaluation included patients', practitioners' and students' views obtained from questionnaires and/or interviews and an analysis of students' clinical records.Results The students saw a large positive impact from: working alongside a dental nurse; developing their clinical skills; working in a busy practice environment; and developing interpersonal skills. Patients were very positive with 98% (44/45) being complimentary about the treatment they received, and commenting that they would be willing to participate in future student training programmes. The practice principals would also welcome continuation of the programme.Conclusion The programme was both feasible and educationally beneficial. The financial implications need further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this paper are first, to determine the extent of difficulties the public are experiencing in obtaining a dentist undertaking NHS dental care. Second, to describe the personal and socio-demographic details of these groups using data from a national study.Method: The vehicle for this study was the Office for National Statistics Omnibus Surveys, undertaken in June and July of 1999. A random probability sample of 5,385 addresses was selected from the British Postcode Address File. Respondents were interviewed in their homes about how difficult they found it to obtain an NHS dentist.Result: A total of 3,739 adults took part in this study and the response rate was 69%. Nineteen per cent (705) claimed they found it difficult to get an NHS dentist. Bivariate analysis revealed that difficulty in obtaining an NHS dentist [excluding those who claimed they did not seek NHS dental care (781) and those who refused to answer or did not know (66)] was associated with age group (P < 0.01), gender (P < 0.05), social class (P < 0.01) and area of residency (P < 0.01). Moreover, difficulty in obtaining NHS dental care was also associated with time since last dental visit (P < 0.01), method of payment for last dental visit (P < 0.01) and use of 'out of hours' emergency dental services (P < 0.01). Further analysis revealed that among the socio-demographic variables, area of residency emerged as the most important factor in determining difficulty in obtaining an NHS dentist. Those who lived in the South of England (London, South-East or South West) were more than twice as likely to experience difficulty in obtaining an NHS dentist, OR = 2.40, 95% CI 2.00-2.88 compared with those who lived elsewhere in Great Britain.Conclusion: One in five adults in Britain claim that they are experiencing difficulties in finding a dentist who will provide NHS dental care. In particular, those using private dental services and residents of the South of England have experienced such difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers the move forwards from pilot to prototype in the National Health Service (NHS) dental contract reform in England. The current status of the pilot and prototype schemes are summarised and some of the challenges for those practices who will be exiting the pilots discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Len D'Cruz talks to the BDJ about change management, NHS England pilots and direct access for DCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with British professor Jimmy Steele is presented. He comments on the effect of the May 2015 election in Great Britain on the dentistry and contract reform of the National Health Service. Steele discusses the prototype contracts and his recommendations that are under the control of the Health Department. He also shares his involvement in the 2012 Child Dental Health Survey among children and offers advice to qualified dentists who are deciding on their career pathways.

Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of dentists and dental care professionals (registrants) having conditions placed on their practice either by the General Dental Council or NHS area teams. There are a number of reasons for this including the fact that patients complain more often, colleagues are now expected to alert the authorities if poor practice is detected and the demographics of the dental profession in the UK are changing. Steps have already been taken to prevent dentists getting into difficulty, such as the development of requirements for continued professional development by the GDC and past initiatives at a local level set up to assist dentist in difficulty. The regional offices of Health Education England and equivalent organisations in Wales and Scotland assist registrants in difficulty in meeting these conditions. Little published research has been carried out into this important service which has had to develop rapidly over the past few years. There is a need to investigate the current service, the views of those dental professionals being assisted and those providing the support to inform the further development of the service. This paper provides an introduction to a planned series of research papers reporting on our investigation into the service provided by HEE teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the prohibition of dentists of charging patients in Great Britain for failed National Health Service (NHS) dental appointments with the release of the nGDS contract.

Objectives To assess the methods of toothbrushing recommended for both adults and children by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and professional sources such as in dental textbooks and by experts. Secondly, to compare the advice by source and whether recommendations differed for adults and for children.Methods Examination of online material on methods of toothbrushing from dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and associated organisations providing professional advice; as well as from dental texts.Results There was a wide diversity between recommendations on tooth brushing techniques, how often people should brush their teeth and for how long. The most common method recommended was the Modified Bass technique, by 19. Eleven recommended the Bass technique, ten recommended the Fones technique and five recommended the Scrub technique. The methods recommended by companies, mainly toothpaste companies, differed from those of dental associations, as did advice in dental textbooks and research-based sources. There was a wide difference in the toothbrushing methods recommended for adults and for children.Conclusions The unacceptably large diversity in recommendations on what toothbrushing method to use should concern the dental profession. Higher grades of evidence of effectiveness of toothbrushing techniques are required to inform professional bodies that develop guidelines on toothbrushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly qualified dentists are entering their profession at one of the most uncertain periods in its history. It seems no profession is immune from the current economic downturn and NHS reforms. Can recent graduates of dentistry remain optimistic about their career choice? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Before embarking upon changes to teaching in prosthodontics it is important to identify what techniques are being used in general practice. The aim of this study was to assess the current range and quantity of fixed and removable prosthodontics reported in general dental practice in the South East of England.Method Structured questionnaires were sent to 191 randomly selected dentists from the GDC list in the South East of England, with 71% of the dentists completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data, NHS/private and the range and quantity of fixed and removable prosthodontics.Results The reported number of removable prostheses undertaken was low; most metal dentures were made in private specialist practices, whereas most acrylic partial and complete dentures were made in NHS general practices. The number of bridges, in particular minimal preparation bridges, was low as opposed to the number of crowns, which was high in all types of practices. Implants were provided mainly by the specialists.Conclusions Dentists reported prescribing low numbers of removable and fixed prostheses with the exception of crowns. Metal dentures and implants were mainly provided by specialists. The implications of this study emphasise the importance in teaching crowns to undergraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Brush DJ mobile app for self-care oral hygiene developed by dentist Ben Underwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental plans are a relatively recent addition to the profession and although there are now a number of options for practitioners to consider, Denplan was the pioneer in the 1980s. Celebrating its 21st birthday this year, Peter Swiss a former Dental Director of the company, refl ects on its pioneering beginnings, its development and the place of capitation plans in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Before April 2006, English dentists were either working as an NHS general dental service (GDS) practitioner (fee-per-item, no local contractual obligations); an NHS personal dental service (PDS) practitioner (block contract with the primary care trust (PCT)); a private practitioner (either fee-per-item or capitation-based, independent of the PCT); or in a situation where they were mixing their NHS work (either under the GDS or PDS arrangements) with private work.Objectives To a) investigate the extent of the mix of NHS and private work in English dentists working in the GDS and PDS, b) to compare global job satisfaction, and c) to compare facets of job satisfaction for practitioners working in the different organisational settings of PDS practices, GDS practices and practices where there is a mix of NHS and private provision.Method A questionnaire was sent to 684 practitioners, containing 83 attitudinal statements relating to job facets, a global job satisfaction score and questions concerning workload.Results Response rate was 65.2%. More PDS than GDS dentists were found to treat the majority of their patients under the NHS. GDS dentists working fully in the NHS were least likely to be satisfied with their job, followed by PDS practitioners and then GDS dentists working in mixed NHS/private practices. Private practitioners were the most satisfied.Conclusion Differences between GDS, PDS and private practitioners were found in global job satisfaction and in the facets of job satisfaction related to restriction in being able to provide quality care, control of work and developing clinical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To find out the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, water fluoridation of a sample of general dental practitioners working in the North East of England.Design Anonymous, self-completed postal questionnaire.Setting North East of England, both a fluoridated and non-fluoridated area.Subjects and methods Following a small pilot survey, questionnaire to 79 general dental practitioners (44 in a non-fluoridated area, 35 in an area supplied with fluoridated water at one part per million) contracted to provide National Health Service (NHS) treatment in the North East of England.Results Fifty-five general dental practitioners returned questionnaires (a 70% response rate). Most respondents supported the principle of water fluoridation. Over half of the respondents indicated that they would benefit from more information and training on the issue of water fluoridation. There were marked differences in knowledge and attitudes to fluoridation between dental principals and associates. The sample was evenly split about what to do with a parent who was unsure about (whether to support) fluoridation even after the dentist had discussed the issue and answered questions.Conclusions The majority of general dental practitioners support water fluoridation although some lack knowledge and expertise which might inhibit advocacy of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on Great Britain government's plan for the National Health Service (NHS) dentistry. Proposal to set up NHS dental clinics staffed by salaried dentists; Dental workforce; Training of dentists.

The article reports on the study by British consumer guide magazine "Which?" which found that dentists in England listed in Great Britain's National Health Service (NHS) are refusing to take on any NHS patients. The report also identified waiting lists in certain areas for their treatment. It notes the call of medical organization British Dental Association for an action on the flawed payments system at the heart of NHS dentistry, in response to the report.

The article reports that majority of dentists in Great Britain believe that the National Health Service (NHS) dentistry will not fit its purpose in years and it will not able to provide balance treatment against prevention, according to a poll by patient membership plan provider Practice Plan Ltd.

Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of dentists and dental care professionals (registrants) having conditions placed on their practice either by the General Dental Council or NHS area teams. There are a number of reasons for this including the fact that patients complain more often, colleagues are now expected to alert the authorities if poor practice is detected and the demographics of the dental profession in the UK are changing. Steps have already been taken to prevent dentists getting into difficulty, such as the development of requirements for continued professional development by the GDC and past initiatives at a local level set up to assist dentist in difficulty. The regional offices of Health Education England and equivalent organisations in Wales and Scotland assist registrants in difficulty in meeting these conditions. Little published research has been carried out into this important service which has had to develop rapidly over the past few years. There is a need to investigate the current service, the views of those dental professionals being assisted and those providing the support to inform the further development of the service. This paper provides an introduction to a planned series of research papers reporting on our investigation into the service provided by HEE teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the launched of a pilot scheme by the General Dental Council (GDC) to ensure the performance of the dentists in the National Health Service in Great Britain.

The author reflects on the issues concerning the appointment of the new chief dental officer (CDO) for England to succeed Dr. Barry Cockcroft. The changes in the roles and responsibilities of the CDO following the implementation of National Health Service (NHS) reforms are discussed. The similarities and differences in the functions of the CDO in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are outlined.

The author reflects on the attitude towards the position of oral health in the community, in general health and in collaboration with professionals of other disciplines. He states on the opportunity when he was invited to be a judge of a student competition where the students will go out into the community and engage with different groups with a view to improve oral health. An overview of the shape and composition of the next National Health Service (NHS) dental contract in England is offered.

The author reflects on the dental contract of the National Health Service (NHS) in Great Britain. The author states that the first of the pilots for the contract have now been in progress since 2011. The author cites that once the details of the contract are unveiled, its most important aspect will be the calculation of the remuneration. The author mentions that the contract will allow practitioners to make their minds and make decisions based on the future of their practices.

The author shares the lessons he learnt from a Greek roadmap in relation to his profession as a dentists. He is critical to the constitution of the newly launched National Health Service pilot schemes in Great Britain. He also asserts that dentists are remarkeably adept and usually very precise when it comes to summating a new patient in their professional lives.

The author reflects on the study on the number of dentists from European Economic Area (EEA) who are registered to work in Great Britain. The author notes that the real problem is the shortage of dentists who are prepared to work within the general dental service of Great Britain's National Health Service (NHS). The author adds that some has to do something to effectively manage and implement uniform curriculum and to allow academic and political establishments to agree on.

The author reflects on the working pattern in the National Health Service (NHS) dentistry which has been left behind by the changing patients' demand in Great Britain. The author says that patients will expect different degrees of service and enhanced approaches to care. He mentions that many dentists fail to think ways on how to adapt, enhance, and develop their practices in conformity with the said expectations. He adds that dentists are busy doing their practice that they fail to improve it.

The article announces that Runnymede Trust, the top race equality think-tank in Great Britain is looking for dentists of Asian ancestry who have worked with National Health Service (NHS) to be used in the creation of a book that documents the historical contribution of Asian societies to the NHS from 1948.

The article reports on the statement of professor Jimmy Steele, head of the School of Newcastle University's Dental Sciences, that National Health Service (NHS) dentistry could lead the professionals to provide oral health services in Newcastle, England. Steele chairs the recent independent dentistry review that focuses on health care problems. He outlines the challenges of dental profession in the midst of modernization in the dental system.

The article reports that dentists and their teams are invited to share their opinions on how to improve the access and quality of the National Health Service (NHS) in England in 2009. It states that they will be asked by Jimmy Steele, chairman of the independent review team for NHS dentistry. It mentions that since its appointment in December 2008, the team has been investigating the variations in access to dentistry in the nation and how NHS can deliver improvements in the quality of care.

The article reports on the findings derived from a report regarding the proportion of individuals who visit a National Health Service (NHS) dentist in England. It states that the findings show 52.9% increase in the population of those who see their dentists. It also notes the implementation of new dental contractual arrangements in dental industry.

The article reports that the National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) is looking for dentist volunteers for its pilot study. The service promotes patient safety by providing confidential advice and support to Great Britain's National Health Service (NHS). The study will be conducted online and provides a personalised feedback report for each participant.

The article reports that British National Health Service (NHS) dentists are facing penalties for under delivering on their agreed General Dental Service Contracts (GDSC) following their first year of operation with local primary care trusts (PCTs). According to a research conducted under the Freedom of Information Act, many NHS dentists are failing to meet their units-of-dental-activity targets.

The article reports that the access to the National Health Service (NHS) in Great Britain has declined. It is said that the number of people who have seen NHS dentist has fallen under 27 million, and 1.2 million of people in 2008. However, it is revealed that NHS dentists are delivering more treatments and medical care services.

The article reports on the call of Dr. Anthony Halperin, private dentist chair of the Patients Association, to dispose the general dental services contract and urging National Health Service (NHS) to be a part of a salaried service in Great Britain. He said that the dentists are not doing the required work stipulated in the NHS contract. NHS chief dental officer Barry Cockroft said that minor changes will be made to the contract but it should be given enough time for it to be settled down.

The article reports that general dental practitioners in Essex, England, may be contracted to provide school screening. This comes after the success of initiatives introduced to mark the 60th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS). As part of a program of activities to mark the anniversary, dentists and dental nurses from 15 practices in Essex have been visiting nursery and primary schools to perform dental checks on children aged 2-11.

The article highlights the 60th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS) dentistry in Great Britain. The author claims that dentists should still have serious concerns about today's oral health inequalities. The author says the anniversary invites dentists to look forward, and not just at the immediate difficulties thrown up by the current reform programs. The author believes the challenge is to engage more fully with those who can help dentists plan the detail of expected developments.

Information about several papers discussed at the British Dental Association Conference in 2008 in England is presented. Health spokesman Mike Penning asserted that dentists' contracts should be for a minimum of five years and practitioners should have the right to sell on the contract if they sold their practice. Chief dental officer Barry Cockroft stated that there is no shortage of dentists wanting National Health Services contracts and new services.

The article reports on the survey by Hampshire Primary Care trust (PCT) in England which revealed £one million lost income of dentists since 2006. The survey found 56,000 appointments had been missed by the dentists who are providing programs of the National Health Service. It is analyzed that the missed appointments meant many dentists could not provide all the services they agreed to deliver.

The article reports that dentist Mark Harris plans to return one his three practices to the National Health Service (NHS) in Devon, England. Harris owns three practices which have restricted NHS work to children and those on income support since 2006. Harris has applied to Devon Primary Care Trust for a contract to provide NHS care for adults in his Totnes practice.

The article discusses a poll of 1,000 dentists in 500 practices by the National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants (NASDA) that reveals that dentists' income from National Health Service (NHS) work rose slightly in the initial year of the dental contract. According to the survey, fee income per dentist rose from £185,800 per dentist in 2006 to £191,780 in 2007. Total private fee income per dentist rose from £231,624 in 2006 to £235,175 in 2007.

The article reports on the promise by Chief Dental Officer Barry Cockroft that everyone who wants a National Health Service (NHS) dentist will get one in Great Britain. According to Cockroft, all the basics are there to deliver a comprehensive NHS dental service for anybody who needs it. These include the dental workforce, the money and extra 11% funding.

The article discusses statistics released by the National Health Service (NHS) Information Centre that reveal that fewer patients have been seen by NHS dentists after the introduction of the dental contract in Great Britain. According to figures, in the 24 months leading up to September 2007, a total of 27.6 million patients were seen by an NHS dentist. This is 500,000 fewer patients than were seen in the 24 months leading up to the end of the old dental contract on March 31, 2006.

The article reports on the sale of Great Britain-based dental chain Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH) to U.S. bank Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity (MLGPE). The company comprises 200 practices, employs 700 dentists and treats about 1.5 million National Health Service (NHS) and private patients annually. Comments from IDH executive David Hudaly and MLGPE managing director Eric Kump are presented.

The article highlights the cautious response of dental groups in Great Britain in relation to the budget increase of the National Health Service (NHS) dentistry. The British Dental Association (BDA), through its chief executive officer Peter Ward, has given a qualified welcome to the 11% increase, stressing that the money should be spent putting patients, rather than targets. Roger Mathews of Denplan raises grave concerns for how much of this extra funding will benefit dentists and patients.