Project Smile Ireland p19 | Implant-supported dentures p24 |
Latest dental graduates conferred
CELEBRATION
The latest round of dental conferrings at the Dublin Dental University Hospital and School took place recently.
The presentation ceremonies took place in the Public Theatre at Trinity College and were
attended by the family and friends of graduates, as well as members of staff.
Among the graduations were 34 students gaining bachelors degrees in dental science (pictured) and six graduating in dental technology. There were also 17 dental nurses and six dental hygienists being presented with their diplomas. The receptions were held in the Old Dining Hall of Trinity College following the confer- ring ceremonies.
Government is failing dental patients says IDA
Public health. Irish patients not taking up entitlement
New figures from the Irish Dental Association (IDA) have revealed that, while eight out of 10 Irish adults are entitled to a free annual dental exam, fewer than 20 per cent of that number have taken up their entitlement.
There are 3.3 million adults in Ireland who are eligible for a free oral examination, but fewer than 600,000 used the service in 2011. And, while there has been a substantial increase in the numbers eligible for the free examinations, the numbers attending are falling. The chief executive of the IDA, Fintan Hourihan, described the figures as shocking and said recent suggestions by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, that PRSI contri- butions should be increased “beggared belief”.
He said: “Given the minister’s title, one would have thought she would be doing everything possible to make sure people on Medical Cards and those paying PRSI would be receiving their full benefit. As it is, people paying PRSI are already being short changed.
“How could a govern- ment minister countenance increasing it when they have failed to deliver on all their pre-election promises pertaining to dental health? Namely reversing cuts to the Medical Card Scheme, reviewing the PRSI scheme and appointing a Chief Dental Officer.”
Galway-based dentist Dr Peter Gannon said the main reason only one in five people were taking up the free exami- nation was confusion and lack of clarity among patients over their entitlements.
“If something is for free it is usually totally oversubscribed. Eight out of ten Irish people are entitled to a free oral exam, so why are attendance figures so low? The fault lies with the HSE and the Department of Social Protection. Without warning, the HSE reduced the Medical Card Scheme to an emergency only scheme, while at the same time the Department of Social Protection removed all benefits under the PRSI scheme except the annual check-up. “The reality is they have abrogated their responsibility to the Irish people and are storing up physical and financial pain for the future.”
News/Product news
Dental science graduates pose with dental dean Prof June Nunn
Relaunch for toothpaste brand goes primetime
A new advertising campaign for a leading brand of toothpaste will mark the return of a much- loved animated character. Billy Boy, who first hit TV screens in the 1980s, is returning to UK television as part of Aquafresh’s new sponsorship deal with ITV’s new Saturday evening show Fool Britannia, which is presented by Dom Joly. The sponsorship package will run for eight weeks and also includes online and mobile activity. The wider campaign will also see outdoor, digital, press and in-store activity, consumer sampling and a dental expert engagement programme. Commenting on the
sponsorship announcement, Lesley Stonier of Aquafresh said:
“This offers the perfect, prime time platform for us to connect with our target audience and we are proud to be partnering with Fool Britannia to deliver a taste of true British family fun to the nation on a Saturday night.” Senior brand manager
Katharine Osmond said: “Despite the strong science and array of existing marketing activities within the toothpaste category, there is still a problem with tooth decay in Britain; more than three in every ten children starting primary school have tooth decay. Dental care brands need to take a different approach and start a new dialogue with consumers.”
Ireland’s Dental magazine 9
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