NEWS DIGEST
Action needed on illegal tooth whitening
THE British Dental Association has called on dentists, Trading Standards officials and the GDC to join forces to put an end to teeth whitening treatments being supplied illegally by non-qualified individuals. October 2012 saw the UK implementation date of the European Council’s Directive on Tooth Whitening Products. The new directive means that tooth whitening products containing up to 0.1 per cent of hydrogen peroxide will continue to be freely available to consumers on the market but for products containing between 0.1 per cent and 6 per cent of hydrogen peroxide, a clinical examination and treatment plan by a dentist is required. The first cycle of treatment must be carried out by a dentist or an appropriately trained individual working under their direct supervision and within their competence and scope of practice. Detailed, accurate and contemporaneous notes are an essential requirement of this first visit. Patients will then be able to continue the treatment unsupervised, although the use of these products by persons younger than 18 years will not be allowed. Tooth whitening products containing
more than 6 per cent of hydrogen peroxide will continue to be prohibited. The new directive should signal an end
to non-dentists providing powerful whitening treatments but the BDA is
concerned that some individuals might choose to flout the legal position on the supply of products. The BDA is calling on dentists to be vigilant and report non- dentists offering tooth whitening to both their local Trading Standards department and to the GDC, and for both agencies to take robust action in
response to such reports. Dr Stuart Johnston, a member of the
BDA’s Principal Executive Committee, and Chair of the Council of European Dentists’ working group on whitening products, said: “Dentists must be diligent in reporting any non-dentists performing whitening, and Trading Standards and the GDC must put safety first and take action to protect the public.”
Health risks significantly higher in diabetics
PEOPLE with diabetes are 65 per cent more likely to suffer heart failure than the general population, according to new results from the ongoing National Diabetes Audit. In 2010/11, 45,000 people with
diabetes in England and Wales suffered heart failure which is 17,700 (65 per cent) more than the number expected (27,300). The audit also found that diabetics have a 40 per cent higher death rate than the general population and that increases to 135 per cent in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Women with diabetes are at a greater relative risk of death than men with the condition. The National Diabetes Audit is now in its eighth year and thought to be the largest of its kind in the world. The findings are standardised to take into account differences between the general and diabetic population.
Charter to combat dental
fraud in Scotland THE British Dental Association in Scotland has pledged to help stamp out dental fraud in a new charter signed jointly with Counter Fraud Services. The charter aims to encourage a
working partnership between CFS and dental professionals and promote a counter fraud culture in the delivery of dental services. In the document the BDA and CFS pledge to work on revising policies, procedures and systems to minimise any fraud risk and establish arrangements to maximise transparency and minimise any conflicts of interest. Another crucial aim is to clarify the distinction between deliberate fraud and
The audit has also found that diabetics
are 25 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke and 144 per cent more likely to need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Minor amputations (part of foot) are 331 per cent more likely among diabetics and major amputations (below or above knee) are 210 per cent more likely. Audit lead clinician Dr Bob Young, consultant diabetologist and clinical lead for the National Diabetes Information Service, said: “These results highlight the huge impact of diabetes on disability and premature death. Much can be done to reduce these risks if all health care sectors work together with people who have diabetes. Some districts have appreciably lower diabetes related complications than others. Improving treatment for diabetes should be a top priority for all clinical services.”
● GMC 2013 ARF FROZEN The GMC Annual Retention Fee has been frozen at £390 for all registered and licensed doctors and at £140 for registered doctors without a licence to practise. Fees paid by trainee doctors will see
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a slight reduction to £185, with the provisional registration fee for foundation trainee doctors also down to £90. ● UK DENTAL RATED BY PATIENTS Dental treatment in the UK is well explained, provides value
for money and delivers high levels of satisfaction, according to a new BDA report. A survey of 1,000 people found eight out of 10 who had seen a dentist in the previous two years were highly satisfied with their treatment. The figures
were revealed in Public perceptions of choice in UK dental care. Read more at
www.tinyurl.com/bmmluwj ● PREGNANCY CHECKS IN THE UNDER-16 Doctors unsure of the best approach in checking for
SUMMONS
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