Dental double act update industry

The British Dental Trade Association recently played host to two of the most senior figures in dentistry, when its Executive Director Tony Reed invited Chief Dental Officer, Margaret Seward, and the GDC Chief Executive and Registrar, Antony Townsend, to talk to its members in Chesham. Tony Reed said: 'It was a pleasure to welcome Dame Margaret and Antony Townsend to Chesham and give members the opportunity to hear first hand Government plans for dentistry. More importantly, it also gives Dame Margaret and Mr Townsend the opportunity to hear the views of the dental industry.'

Pictured above from left to right: Tony Reed, Dame Margaret Seward, Ann Sterry (BDTA President) and Antony Townsend.

GDC sets up Fitness to Practise panel

The GDC has decided that, from Autumn 2002, the committees that decide upon a dentist's or PCD's fitness to practise will be drawn from a new independent Fitness to Practise Panel. Members of the new Panel will be dentists, PCDs, and lay people who are not members of the new smaller, more strategic GDC.

The GDC is establishing an independent Appointing Body, which will in turn appoint the members of the new Panel. As a first step, the GDC is looking for a Chair, who will be appointed on merit, with no constraints as to who may be appointed except that the person may not be a member of Council. The closing date for enquires is Friday 30 November 2001. Further information about the Shadow Chair of the Appointing Body position is available on the Council's website http://www.gdc-uk.org

Art wins prizes

John Davenport, Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and BDJ books author has been awarded the Beatrice Turner Award for Excellence for his portrait 'Jan' in the September exhibition of the Friends of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA). He is currently exhibiting with the Birmingham Arts Circle and giving portrait demonstrations at the RBSA galleries.

Fresh approach for mouths

Mouth Cancer Awareness Week – 11–17 November 2001 – looks set to continue the fight to raise public awareness of a potentially fatal disease. Formerly 'Oral' Cancer Awareness Week, it is hoped the new title will provide a more relevant and accessible frame of reference to the campaign, which is now in its sixth year.

Mouth cancer kills almost 2000 people every year and this year, Oral healthcare providers and charities are hoping to raise the profile of the disease to a level where the benefits of screening are widely accepted and there is an increase in clinical research. Denplan is one of those keen to promote the benefits of screening and has designed a poster (opposite) with the clear headline, 'Can you spare 2 minutes to save your life?' to help practices highlight the week to their patients.

The campaign for 2001 brings together organisations within the dental industry keen to promote educational messages. Scope Dental Professional Relations, another organisation sponsoring the event will be hosting the Mouth Cancer Awareness Week stand H11 at the Dental Showcase exhibition at the NEC, October 18–20, where they will be issuing practice information packs.

Stars in the north

An 'Investors in People' award came as a welcome boost to two dental practices, reflecting their commitment in ensuring both staff and patients receive a high standard of care.

Dr Yves Camus is pictured above receiving the award from Steve Maslaczyk of Business Link.

The team at St George's Dental Practice in Chorley, Lancashire is one of the largest providers of NHS dentistry in the region and their award was achieved following an intensive course which provided the framework on which the team formulated their aims and objectives to achieve IIP status.

An Aberdeen dental practice also successfully achieved the 'Investors in People' award. McKenzie, Morrison and Associates are a long-established modern city centre practice and are looking forward to building on their team role.

An Aberdeen dental practice also successfully achieved the 'Investors in People' award. McKenzie, Morrison and Associates are a long-established modern city centre practice and are looking forward to building on their team role.

An Aberdeen dental practice also successfully achieved the 'Investors in People' award. McKenzie, Morrison and Associates are a long-established modern city centre practice and are looking forward to building on their team role.

Hospitals group conference

The Annual, General and Scientific meeting of the BDA's Hospitals Group will be held on 16–17 November 2001 at Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon. The Annual General Meeting will be held at 5pm on Friday followed by the formal dinner at 7.30pm.

The scientific meeting on the Saturday will be on 'Dento-facial injuries in the child'. Topics include:

  • Non-Accidental Injury – Clinical clues and management pathways. Peter Sidebotham, Consultant Community Paediatrician.

  • Critical factors in Immediate Soft Tissue Repair & Potential Indications for Delayed Repair and Revision. Tim Goodacre, Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

  • Facial Fractures – Surgical or Non Surgical Management? Michael Wake, Consultant Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon.

  • Alveolar Fractures – Concepts & Dilemmas in Reduction & Fixation. Terry Gregg, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry.

  • Root Fractures & Avulsed Teeth: Tips & Hints for Practical Management. Peter Crawford, Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry.

  • Endodontic Management of the Traumatised Young Permanent Incisor – Vital Versus Non-Vital Techniques. Monty Duggal, Professor of Child Dental Health.

  • Delayed Orthodontic Treatment Dilemmas for the Injured Tooth. Nikki Atack, Consultant in Orthodontics.

  • The Edentulous Incisor Space in Adolescence – Management Pathways and Solutions. Paul King, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry.

The programme and booking form is available on the BDA website www.bda-dentistry.org.uk under Groups. Alternatively please contact the Policy Directorate on 020 7563 4560 to be sent a copy of the programme.