The UK government on Wednesday (7 February) announced a new plan to ensure faster, simpler and fairer access to NHS dental care across England.
Supported by £200m of funding, the plan aims to deliver more than 1.5 million additional NHS dentistry treatments or up to 2.5 million NHS dental appointments
for patients over the next 12 months
NHS dentists will be offered a 'new patient' payment of between £15-£50, depending on treatment need, to treat new patients who have not seen a dentist in two
years or more.
Additionally, one-off payments of up to £20,000 will be given to around 240 dentists for working in under-served areas for up to three years.
This is to "attract new NHS dentists and improve access to dental care in areas with the highest demand," NHS England said in a statement released on Wednesday.
In a significant move to enhance the working conditions of over 50,000 postgraduate doctors in the National Health Service, NHS England has unveiled a
series of measures aimed at providing greater choice and opportunities to the new entrants in the medical profession.
With flexible rotas, reducing payroll errors, and easing the financial burden of course fees, the NHS has taken steps to address the issues faced by junior
doctors in order to support their well-being.
In recent announcement, 83 per cent of senior doctors and dentists accepted the government's pay offer.
Alongside the junior doctors who still fighting for fair pay and recognition, the senior medical professionals demanded that the authorities help them tackle
issues pertaining underfunding and overworking in the NHS.
Junior doctors in training also often face challenges with frequent moves between trusts, leading to short notice changes in work schedules and duplicated
inductions when transitioning to new hospitals.
As a measure taken by the health serivces, the committee aims to review the minimum legal requirements for statutory and mandatory training, potentially halving
the time burden for such training and allowing doctors to spend more time caring for patients as part of the long-term workforce plan.
The Green Party has previewed its upcoming manifesto with a bold proposal for the National Health Service (NHS) and social care system, promising an
unprecedented level of investment to restore and enhance these critical services.
By 2030, the Greens aim to inject over £50 billion annually into health and social care, accompanied by an additional £20 billion capital investment to modernise
healthcare infrastructure.
Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay emphasised the urgency of these reforms, stating, "Our NHS is at breaking point following 14 years of underfunding."
"Patients are stuck in hospital corridors, people can't see their GP or NHS dentist when they need to, and staff are severely overstretched."
The manifesto highlights a comprehensive approach to revitalising the NHS, including:
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the Chancellor's announcement of a 5.5 percent pay increase for NHS pharmacists.
Following the acceptance of the NHS Pay Review Body's (PRB) recommendations, Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared the announcement in a speech to Parliament on 29 July.
She confirmed that the pay review bodies' recommendations for health and education for 2024-25 would be fully implemented.
Reeves' speech came alongside the release of her audit into public finances, a commitment she made shortly after the recent election.
The audit confirms that the recommendations from various PRBs, including those for NHS staff, doctors, dentists, teachers, and other public servants, have been
approved and will be acted upon.
"That is the right decision for the people who work in and most importantly the people who use our public services…giving hardworking staff the pay rise they
deserve while ensuring we can recruit and retain the people we need," Reeves announced.
On World Head and Neck Cancer Day today (27 July), the National Health Service (NHS) has launched a new partnership with the British supermarket chain, Asda
to raise awareness of mouth cancer symptoms.
As part of this partnership, the NHS will provide vital advice on millions of toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles, urging people to consult their GP or dentist
if they notice any potential symptoms of mouth cancer.
Starting this month, the grocer's own brand of oral hygiene products will feature NHS advice in over 500 Asda stores nationwide.
The NHS guidance will be displayed on the packaging, along with a link to more detailed information about mouth and throat cancer on the health service website.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: "Early detection of mouth cancer can help save lives and this fantastic new
partnership with Asda will be vital in raising awareness of the signs and in supporting the NHS's ambition to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage.
The government's 200 million dental recovery plan has come under fierce criticism from the opposition party after health minister Dame Andrea Leadsom
admitted that there is a "high likelihood" that it will not deliver 2.5 million dental appointments.
Published last month, the plan is aimed at ensuring easier and faster access to NHS dental care across England, with up to 1.5 million extra treatments expected
to be delivered over the next 12 months. Various new measures were set out to attract new dentists, including increasing dental training places by up to
40 per cent by 2032, as part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
On Tuesday, Leadsom told MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee that the figure was based on NHS modelling of a "complicated set of factors" and there
is "quite a high likelihood of not being reliable as is the case with all modelling."
Preeti Kaur Gill MP, shadow minister for primary care and public health, expressed shock over the admission by the public health minister that there is
uncertainty regarding the plan's ability to deliver on its promises, which she said: "shows the Conservatives are out of ideas and out of time."
Many are well informed about different diseases that involve oral cavities. Fortunately, several medications assist in treating these diseases. Dentists or
dental professionals prescribe drugs for dental care, depending on the issue. Specific medications are offered to prevent or treat infection, reduce anxiety,
minimize pain and inflammation, treat bacterial infections, teeth cleaning or whitening, and many others.
Overall, this article will get you acquainted with some types of medications dental professionals use in caring for their patient's teeth. If you want to know them,
then read them on.
1. Conscious Sedation Drugs
Many individuals experience anxiety when visiting a dentist. As such, a dentist may apply conscious sedation to ease such feelings. Conscious sedation is part
of sedation dentistry in which a dentist alleviates dental anxiety by using sedative medications.
The National Institutes of Health stated that you'll still be awake through conscious sedation. However, you'll become more unmindful of the dental procedure.
Also, you may forget what occurred afterward. Note that conscious sedation differs from general anesthesia, which assists in making you wholly unconscious, and
dentists generally employ this for lengthy dental procedures.
Dental procedures are a necessary evil for most people. We all know that we need to go in for a cleaning and check-up at least once a year, but sometimes
the cost of these procedures can be prohibitive. It's hard to know which procedures are worth the money and which ones aren't. Here is an essential list of dental
procedures that are worth the money.
CAVITY FILLINGS
Cavities are caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities can cause severe damage to your teeth. They can also lead to pain and infection. The best way to
treat a cavity is to have it filled by a dentist.
During the procedure, your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and then fill the cavity with a composite material. This material is solid and durable and
can help restore your tooth to its original shape and function. Modern materials and techniques have made cavity fillings much more effective than they used to be.
Most fillings last for many years with proper care.
ROOT CANALS
It's a dental procedure that is used to treat an infected tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected tissue from the tooth and then fill the
space with a particular material.
The procedures are very effective in treating infected teeth. They can also help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth.
Root canals are usually very successful, and most teeth with a root canal can last for many years. Generally, the cost of the procedure will depend on the severity
of the infection and the number of teeth that need to be treated. If you are considering treatment for a root canal, it is crucial to find a qualified and
experienced dentist who has experience. You want a team that assures you of world-class standards in all their procedures. This is what brings you value for your
money.
The Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has called the recent announcement of six per cent pay rise for the public sector workforce as 'unfair' for the
community pharmacy sector.
On Thursday (13 June), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that pay scales for most doctors and dentists will increase by at least a
six per cent this year after the government accepted the recommendations from the independent pay review bodies in full.
Responding to the recent announcement Chief Executive Janet Morrison, said: "The public sector workforce pay rise will be welcome news for its recipients given
the huge inflationary pressures and the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis. But for community pharmacy owners - who have faced 30% funding cuts in recent
years and who are struggling to meet their rising wage costs - this feels unfair, and very far from good news.
At Community Pharmacy England we are fully focused on the current financial and operational pressures and fighting hard for a sustainable long-term funding
arrangement.
Many of us know that oral health plays a hugely important role in our general health and wellbeing. We're continuing to see a rise of cosmetic dentistry
such as veneers and teeth whitening[1] but fundamentally, it shouldn't be forgotten that oral health encompasses so much more than aesthetics. Our diets,
the oral hygiene products we are using, and our brushing techniques are all elements that impact our oral health.
It's been hard to miss in the news that there is a dental crisis in the UK, with 'dental deserts' leaving some areas with over 3,000 patients for every NHS
dentist[2]. With oral health being of such importance to our overall health[3], it's only reiterated to us at Haleon that we must continue to promote access
to dental care and understanding of better dental health.
As I've mentioned in previous articles for Pharmacy Business, an understanding of preventative, self-care is hugely beneficial, not just to improve health
inclusivity but to help reduce these current burdens on both healthcare and dentistry professionals. We know that at Haleon, we, and the consumer healthcare
industry as a whole, have a responsibility to empower people to equip themselves with the tools and information to participate in their own and loved ones'
health - and dental health is such an important part of that.
Sensodyne, the No.1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth is relaunching its Sensitivity & Gum range with an improved formula and
revitalised packaging. Available in two variants - Mint and Whitening - the range's dual action formula is clinically proven to protect sensitive teeth and improve
gum health.
Based on a sample survey from across the GB, of those that suffer from gum conditions, 71% claim to also have sensitive teeth[1]. Figures in 2022 showed that 90% of
dental practices were unable to take on new adult NHS patients[2], making it challenging for adults to get support or advice from their dentist on these concerns.
This shows a clear market need for a multi-purpose product which offers dual action to for sensitive teeth and gum problems.
The relaunched Sensitivity & Gum range features a new Micro Foam formula which targets and removes plaque bacteria. With twice daily brushing, the formulation reaches
the areas in between the teeth and along the gumline. It also builds a protective layer over sensitive areas of the teeth for daily repair, and the mint flavour
gives a soothing sensation. For consumers looking for whitening benefits, the Sensitivity & Gum Whitening formulation not only helps protect sensitive teeth but
helps to remove stains for whiter looking teeth resulting in a healthy and confident smile.
Maintaining good dental health is important for everyone. Not only does it help you look and feel your best, but it's also essential for your overall health.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
That's why it's so important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth and gums properly. But with so many different dental treatments and products available
today, how do you know which ones are right for you? Here are some helpful tips to follow:
UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT DENTAL TREATMENT CATEGORIES
There are three main types of dental treatments: preventive, restorative, and cosmetic. Preventive treatments include things like brushing and flossing your teeth
every day, getting regular checkups, and using mouthwash. Restorative treatments involve repairing the damage that's already been done to your teeth. Cosmetic
treatments improve the appearance of your teeth without necessarily fixing any damage.
Which type of treatment is right for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a lot of cavities, for example, you may need restorative treatment. If you
have crooked teeth, you may need cosmetic treatment. And if you just want to make sure your teeth stay healthy overall, preventive treatment may be the best option
for you.