Contractors chosen by Boots Dentalcare

Above from left: Jonathan Haynes of Trophy Trex, Brian Whitby from Castellini and Errol Kent from Software of Excellence celebrate being chosen by Boots to fit out the initial phase of six pilot dental practices

Boots Dentalcare has chosen three top companies for their reliability, technical knowledge and high levels of customer support, to equip its initial six pilot practices opening in the Spring.

Castellini will provide clinical equipment systems and cabinetry, Software of Excellence will supply and implement an ExACT Practice Management System and Trophy Trex will provide the latest digital x-ray and instant imaging equipment.

All three companies were chosen as part of the Boots Dental Care Project team as they had a clear understanding of how to integrate their expertise with the Boots Dentalcare patient-focused ethos.

The first of the initial Boots dental practices will open in Milton Keynes in May, followed by Slough, Maidenhead and Bedford. Two further practice locations are due to be announced by Boots Dentalcare in the near future.

Dutch art comes to Britain's surgeries

Above: Just Different, a company specialising in art and printwork by contemporary Dutch artists, has launched a new range of art products in England, following their success in the Netherlands. The future is white (pictured above) is one of a new collection by Dutch artist Rene de Haan. The range, which appeals to adults and children alike, includes notice cards for check-ups, appointment cards, business cards and limited edition artworks to brighten up waiting rooms or surgeries. Just Different can be contacted by e-mail at: justdifferent@tesco.net

GDC royal visit

The General Dental Council have been honoured by a royal visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy, GCVO.

During the visit, Princess Alexandra was shown the Council Chamber and met a number of the Council's staff, before viewing a plaque made to commemorate the Royal visit.

National Health access worsening

Health Authorities in England and Wales report an increase in the number of calls received from the public about problems with access to NHS dentistry, according to a British Dental Association survey.

The results showed that over 55,000 calls were made during the three-month period surveyed. Over half the Health Authorities said that travelling distances and a shortage of general dental practitioners are making access problems increasingly worse.

Health Authorities estimated that they need to recruit a further 400 GDPs, an increase of three per cent on the current number. Half the Authorities surveyed said it is now more difficult to recruit salaried GDPs than a year ago. Among those advertising for dentists, one in five had advertised abroad.

The BDA is now calling on the Government to invest £50 million into dental practices each year, over a five year period, to improve access to NHS dental care.

Practices join Dencare

Two new practices have recently joined the Dencare Group. BdR Dental Care from Newark, Nottinghamshire, and Oxlade House Near Reading.

Barré Ramsbottom, head of BdR Dental Care and Lincolnshire's VT Training Scheme said: 'Some of the best dentists are joining this Group. I am sure our patients will benefit from ever higher standards of care in the future'.