VT Golf Trophy

The South West Region's VT Golf Trophy was recently held at Newquay Golf Club, Cornwall with the trophy being shared between Ben Jones and Nick Priest.

Also, the South West VT Ball was held at the Headland Hotel, Newquay and the theme was 60's/Austin Powers. All who took part in the events are grateful for the generous sponsorship from BDA Insurance, Denplan, Medical Sickness, Goodwins Ceramics and Ivoclar-Vivadent.

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning: Recertification for the Dental Profession – a scheme to ensure that all registered dentists take part in CPD (continuing professional development) was launched at Dentistry 2000 at the Birmingham NEC recently.

The scheme is a major development in the Council's public protection role and is an opportunity to enhance public confidence in the profession and to increase professional satisfaction by encouraging and recognising dentist's participation in CPD.

A booklet giving guidance on the Scheme will be sent to all registered dentists in the near future. Leaflets will also be available to inform the public, educational providers and other interested bodies about the Scheme.

A Recertification Information Line is also now available to answer questions on the scheme. The number is 020 7887 3838. For further information, contact Chris Collins at the GDC on 020 7887 3801.

Drive for smiles

Sally Goss, President of the British Dental Health Foundation opened 'Drive for Smiles' – a mobile dental clinic set up to screen for oral cancer at Dentistry 2000.

Speaking at the opening, Sally said, 'We would like to see the clinic provide screening and health education to the public fulfilling the aims of the BDHF to improve dental health' .

Sally is pictured below left with Robin Wild, Chief Dental Officer of the Department of Health, inside the mobile dental Clinic at Dentistry 2000.

Appointment to the Queen

Colonel M R Townsend has recently been appointed as Queens Honorary Dental Surgeon (QHDS).

Colonel Townsend joined the Royal Army Dental Corps as a University Cadet in 1963 and qualified from Guy's Hospital in 1968. He has served in the UK, Middle East, Singapore and Germany.

Dental Practice of the Year 2000

The Village Dental Practice in Adlington, opened almost four years ago by Miss Wendy Booth BDS, has just been awarded the accolade of Dental Practice of the Year 2000 in the South Lancashire area.