Missed out on this week’s dental news? No problem, here’s what happened over the past seven days…
Dentists support move to core service for NHS dentistry
The 2018 NHS Confidence Monitor shows 77% of dentists would support a core service available to vulnerable groups and those who cannot afford to pay.
Despite supporting a move away from the current provision, dentists completing the 2018 survey wouldn’t support dropping dentistry from the NHS completely.
Oral bacteria in pancreas linked to more aggressive tumours
It is hoped that the results can help to improve diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
To identify the bacteria, the researchers sequenced the DNA of 35 of the samples that had high amounts of bacterial DNA and found large variations in the bacterial composition between different individuals, but also a greater presence of certain oral bacteria in fluid and tissue from cysts with high-grade dysplasia and cancer.
New visualising online tool for prospective Invisalign patients
SmileView – an online tool is designed to help prospective Invisalign patients visualise a new, straighter smile before they opt for Invisalign treatment.
Within 60 seconds of taking a smiling selfie using the SmileView online tool on their smartphone or tablet, prospective patients can see what their new smile and straighter teeth may look like, with their own facial features.
Unhappiness rife amongst NHS dentists
Across all the seven happiness questions, 86% of NHS dentists described themselves as ‘unhappy’ or ‘very unhappy’.
Worryingly, 95% of NHS dentists said they were ‘unhappy’ or ‘very unhappy’ when asked whether they are fairly remunerated.
The survey also showed happiness levels in private dentistry was polar opposite to NHS dentistry.
Across all seven happiness questions, 83% of private dentists describe themselves as ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’.
Free dental care for fishermen in Bridlington
Dental charity Dentaid joined forces with The Fishermen’s Mission and The Seafarers Hospital Society to provide dental care at the harbourside onboard the charity’s mobile dental unit.
The scheme helps fishermen who often struggle to access dental treatment and other medical care because they work long hours at sea.
Many of the patients had not seen a dentist for several years and were suffering from constant pain.
Anthogyr joins the Straumann Group
The Straumann Group and its partner Anthogyr have signed an agreement that paves the way for Straumann to increase its stake in Anthogyr from 30% to full ownership.
The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter.