A selection of news releases from the BDA's Press and Parliamentary Department.

Sick Dentist Scheme changes its name

The support programme for dentists in need of medical attention has changed its name from the Sick Dentist Scheme to the Dentists' Health Support Programme.

The new name is a reflection of the support work that the programme provides. The programme helps any dentist whose stage of health is potentially putting him or her and the welfare of patients at risk. The helpline number is 020 7487 3119.

Solving the access problem

BDA officers have met with officials from the NHS Executive to discuss fulfilling Prime Minister Tony Blair's pledge to improve access to NHS dentistry.

There will be two new initiatives under the general heading of 'phone and go'. The first initiative is to extend the role of NHS Direct, the telephone helpline, to take on dentistry and the second is to set up dental access centres in places where there are insufficient General Dental Service dentists taking on new patients.

NHS dental registrations

NHS dental registration figures have dropped from 24.4 million in December 1992 to 19.7 million in June 1999.

NHS work carried out by GDPs

The latest BDA survey of its members found that around 60% receive three quarters of their income from the NHS.

From the 1970s to the early 1990s dentists received only 5-8% of their income from private sources. In 1994-1995, 15% of dentists' income came from the private sector. In 1996-98 this figure had risen to 25%.

BDA agrees statement of fluorides

Following up on the Government's July White Paper on public health, Saving Lives — Our Healthier Nation, the BDA's Representative Board has approved a statement reaffirming the Association's policy on fluorides.

The statement includes support for water fluoridation schemes targeted at inner city areas and recognises fluoride toothpastes as an important public health measure.

Getting A Job

The BDA has produced a new advice sheet for dental students. Getting A Job contains relevant information for students who are soon to begin their practising careers within either general dental practice, community dental service or the armed forces.

For further information, contact the BDA's Press and Parliamentary Department on 020 7935 0875 ext 243/258/299.