NEWS DIGEST


step to modernise the way we run our fitness to practise caseload. “When someone is being investigated by the GDC, we recognise this places the person under considerable stress and anxiety. While we absolutely have a duty to protect patients by taking swift action against those who should not be practising dentistry, we must make the entire process as efficient, seamless and timely as possible by providing the necessary support. “Introducing case examiners with a


power to agree undertakings with practitioners means that we will see more complaints dealt with without the need for a practice committee hearing. This should lead to significant reduction in stress for practitioners, as well as ensuring that suitable cases are resolved earlier and with less expense.” It is expected GDC case examiners will


start making decisions in late summer 2016. Go the GDC website to access the consultation which runs until 14 March.


Dentist sanctioned over counterfeit equipment


SEIZURE of more than 100 counterfeit and non-compliant items of dental equipment has landed a dentist in front of a GDC fitness to practise panel. An investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) found that a West London dentist had purchased and permitted the use of the illegal dental equipment at 14 dental practices. The findings of this investigation were subsequently referred to the GDC and in a public hearing held on 18 January a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) found the dentist’s fitness to practise impaired by reason of his misconduct. The MHRA has been working with the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) and the GDC to monitor the use of substandard, counterfeit and illegal medical equipment and to promote awareness of the dangers that they present to patients and operators. Alastair Jeffrey, Head of Enforcement,


brushtime/ ● ALCOHOL-RELATED DEATHS The UK saw only a slight rise in alcohol-related deaths in 2014 to 14.3 per 100,000 population but this is still almost double the number recorded in 1994,


SPRING 2016


Tailored advice needed on sunlight exposure NEW NICE guidance published last month highlights the need for balancing


risks against benefits when advising patients on exposure to sunlight. Sunlight exposure – risks and benefits acknowledges that communicating this


balance poses a challenge to healthcare professionals. Exposure to the sun can boost vitamin D levels but too much time spent in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. NICE has made 18 recommendations including the need for professionals to offer


one-to-one advice tailored to an individual’s level of risk and the creation of effective national and local media campaigns to emphasise how the risks and benefits of sunlight will vary depending on a range of factors. Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social


care at NICE, said: “How much time we should spend in the sun depends on a number of factors including geographical location, time of day and year, weather conditions and natural skin colour. “People with lighter skin, people who work outside and those of us who enjoy


holidays in sunny countries all have a higher risk of experiencing skin damage and developing skin cancer. On the other hand, people who cover up for cultural reasons, are housebound or otherwise confined indoors for long periods of time are all at higher risk of low vitamin D levels. “We need to better identify groups at risk of over or under exposure to sunlight


and give them better understanding of why they may need to modify their behaviour and how.” Access the new guidance at www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng34


MHRA said: “Dental patients are entitled to expect quality care, including the standard of the instruments and devices used by dental professionals. “It is vital that dentists and dental staff buy equipment from bona fide suppliers


according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics. There were 8,697 alcohol-related deaths registered in 2014 compared to 8,416 in 2013. Over 65 per cent were among males with rates highest among 55 to


and avoid unapproved or counterfeit devices. I urge all dental professionals to be cautious of seemingly cheap devices which may be unfit for purpose and potentially dangerous to patients and the staff that use them.”


64-year-olds. ● COST-SPECIFIC TEXTS Patient reminder text messages highlighting the specific cost of missed appointments helped reduce non-attendance by almost a quarter, a Department of


Health study has shown. Telling patients how much money would be lost proved most effective. Almost 10 per cent of outpatient appointments are missed in England every year costing the NHS up to £225 million.


7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24