Dentist charges to rise 5%
Dentist appointments are becoming harder and harder to acquire and as we know if you are not “on the books†already, it can be difficult in some areas to find a clinic that will accept NHS patients at all. As discussed here: https://elizabethstreetdentist.co.uk/access-to-the-dentist/ It can be a stressful situation for those not able to gain access for necessary treatment but there is now further concern about accessibility and the future of dental treatment for some, as costs have risen by 5% this year. Inflation The announcement that NHS patients would be charged £1.10 extra for a check-up and an overall 5% increase in charges was met with concern,…
Long Term future for the NHS?
There has been a growing concern on whether there is a lack of confidence in NHS dentistry. This is indicated by a recent survey performed by Practice Plan, reported by Dentistry.co.uk: https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2019/03/28/confidence-nhs-dentistry-low/ showing that only a quarter of NHS dentists think that there is a long term future, with the rest seemingly disenfranchised with the idea that the arrangement will continue. The study and findings show some disturbing data which further reiterates the complications of how NHS dentists are in limited supply in some areas of the country and that the current state of availability for dentist appointments is severely lacking. In turn, this is creative a negative view across the industry…
Extractions – More Popular Than We’d Like
The last thing any patient or indeed any dentist wants is to have to remove teeth. Wherever possible teeth should be saved, particularly in young adults, as the loss of multiple teeth over time can cause other issues further down the line including, sagging mouth and poor gum health. Obviously the effect it can have on eating and talking can be quite prominent but it can also impact the smile and shape of the mouth, which can directly affect confidence. In most cases where the tooth can be saved, it is and extraction should only be considered if there is a long term impact on dental health or if the…
A Worrying Trend
There has been a significant finding in an FDS study (Faculty of Dental Surgery) that shows 57.7% of children aged between one and four did not see a dentist last year (sourced:https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2019/02/26/almost-six-10-children-didnt-see-nhs-dentist-last-year/). This is a worrying figure and one that only seems to have increased. A previous study by the FDS shows that the 12 months leading to end of June 2018, there was data which showed 41.4% of children didn’t see an NHS dentist. Obviously this figure has gone up and this data accounts for children up to the age of 17 but it’s certainly a concern as we become a nation of patients reacting instead of preventing. The…
Vaping – A Worrying Trend?
Although sugary foods and drinks are still one of the primary causes of tooth decay, there is a new danger which is threatening the dental health of many patients; Vaping. In the UK alone, latest research from Mintel (sourced from https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2019/02/06/number-brits-vaping-keeps-growing/) shows that 18-24 year olds are most likely to start using Vape cigarettes and that middle aged people between 45-54 years old were vaping in 2018. This is a trend set to continue no doubt, with vaping becoming an acceptable alternative which is seen by many as a “safe†option to tobacco cigarettes. However, with testing still underway and no conclusive evidence to show that vaping doesn’t harm…
