'A culture of utter complacency'

The BDA welcomed comments from Lord Hunt of Kings Heath in a Parliamentary debate on dental regulation on 18 January, which backed up BDA demands for fundamental change at the top of the GDC and the BDA's stance on the PSA's whistleblowing report.

Lord Hunt said: 'What I see here is a culture of utter complacency within the GDC. It would look to me as if the GDC simply has not accepted the core conclusions of the various reports being written about its conduct.

'It is also clear from reading between the lines of the report and the careful way it has been put together that the PSA lacks confidence in the performance of the GDC.

'I would frankly have expected the entire Board of the GDC to have resigned in the light of that report that came out just before Christmas. I understand the Chief Executive has, but no one else on the Board seems to be prepared to take responsibility for clearly a culture that has lasted over a good many years. I don't think that's acceptable and I seriously would ask the Minister whether there can be any confidence that this organisation is fit for purpose.

'I actually do now understand the concerns that the profession has about the GDC. I hadn't realised, my Lords, until I have gone through this information, just why there was so much angst within the profession. I think, my Lords, that it is absolutely justified.'

Concern over smoking cessation funding

The BDA was dismayed to learn that around 40% of local councils have dropped their free stop-smoking services when incidences of mouth cancer are soaring. Existing smoking-cessation services are in doubt as local councils brace themselves for annual cuts to their public health budget of 3.9% over the next five years. These cuts are in addition to the £200 million announced in last year's budget. As smoking accounts for nearly two thirds of all oral cancers, the BDA believes that funding for smoking cessation programmes should be ring fenced rather than being at the mercy of cuts imposed by central government.

Evidence should shape response to sugar crisis

The BDA has called for clarity after government sources denied claims government was considering a sugar tax. With research from Mexico indicating that sugar levies have led to a dramatic drop in sugar consumption, the BDA has called on the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to be guided by evidence.

Parliamentary debate on decay welcomed

The BDA has welcomed parliamentary debate on how to solve Britain's child tooth decay crisis. On 3 February Sir Paul Beresford MP detailed some shocking statistics on the extent of child caries; Health Minister Alistair Burt MP noted the impact of caries on children's overall health, as well as their ability to sleep, eat, speak, play and socialise; and stressed the key role that dentists have to play in tackling this problem. The Health Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to reforming the current contract for primary care dentistry so that it is focused on prevention and improves access and oral health.