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| Scottish Dental Show p18 | Interview p24 | CPD article p55
Earnings drop for fifth year in a row
Concern for UK’s oral health as study shows that dentists are working longer hours but spending less time on clinical care
Scots dentists are working harder for less money according to new statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). And worryingly, while the number of hours
being worked has risen, time spent on clinical work is continuing to fall. Principal dentists suffered the largest drop
of 5.4 per cent, taking average earnings before tax down from £ı02,900 in 20ıı/ı2 to £97,400 in 20ı2/ı3. Dentists across the profession saw average earnings drop 4 per cent to £68,800 from £7ı,700 in the same period with only associ- ates escaping with a 0.6 per cent drop, down to £57,200 from £57,600. Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA’s
Principal Executive Committee, said: “NHS dentists have seen their incomes falling year-on-year for the past five years, at the same time that expenses are rising. Taking a hit like this inevitably affects dentists’ ability to care for the nation’s oral health. If governments continue to ignore this fact, there is a risk that dental care could fall behind the rest of Europe. “While dentists recog-
nise the pressures facing the public purse, governments must
recognise the stress, expense and complexity involved in providing safe, effective, high-quality dental care. “Dentists are also working hard to meet the
high demand for complex restorative dental care required by our increasingly ageing population, and governments must start investing significant sums in dentistry now if they are genuinely concerned about satisfying the oral health needs of this cohort, which will be necessary for decades to come.” The HSCIC report stated that: “The general
trend for self-employed primary care dentists in Scotland in 20ı2/ı3 shows a drop in taxable income due to gross earnings decreasing more than total expenses.” The statistics reveal that overall, GDS
dentists (full and part-time) reported working an average of 38.3 hours per week in dentistry, of which 29.6 hours (77.3 per cent) were devoted to NHS dental services. The remainder, 22.7 per cent, was accounted for by private dentistry.
® To read the HSCIC report in full, go to
http://www.hscic.gov.uk and search for Dental Earnings and Expenses 2012-13
Man with MDDUS touch CHIEF EXECUTIVE ‘S SUCCESS
Professor Gordon Dickson, chief executive of the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), has announced his retirement at the end of the year. He will be succeeded by Chris Kenny,
currently chief executive of the Legal Services Board in London. Mr Kenny, who has extensive regulatory, legal, life insur- ance and health experience, will take up the role at the beginning of January 20ı5. During Professor Dickson’s ı0 years at
the helm, MDDUS has seen significant progress and growth with a fund of more than half a billion pounds now being managed for the benefit of its 40,000
8 Scottish Dental magazine
members throughout the United Kingdom. MDDUS chairman Dr Benny Sweeny
said: “The ı0 years that Professor Dickson has been CEO has seen a complete trans- formation of MDDUS into a modern, vibrant and successful company with a growing membership, sound finances and an excellent corporate governance infrastructure. “The union wishes Gordon a long,
healthy and happy retirement. The board of directors is confident that it has identi- fied a suitable successor to Gordon, and we look forward to welcoming Chris Kenny to the company in the New Year.” Mr Kenny said: “Under Gordon’s lead- ership, MDDUS’ reputation for service
Professor Gordon Dickson
Month of action MOUTH CANCER CAMPAIGN
November 2014 is Mouth Cancer Action Month. Over 30 days, a UK-wide campaign will raise awareness of mouth cancer and help save thou- sands of lives through early detection and prevention. In the UK, more than 6,700 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year. It takes the lives of more than 2,000 people every year, which is more than testicular and cervical cancer combined, and more than the number of lives lost in road traffic accidents.
The disease has grown by a third in the last decade, and it remains one of few cancers which are predicted to increase in the coming years. That’s why Mouth Cancer Action Month is so important. Dental Protection is helping by offering guidance for participating practices, and it has created a useful list of top tips.
It is important to know which patients are most at risk, to spot signs and to respond appropriately. Missing one opportunity to make an early diagnosis or prompt referral can have serious consequences.
and value has grown markedly and led to significant expansion for the company. I’m looking forward to building on that excel- lent record as the company moves to the next phase of its development.”
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