Missed out on this week’s dental news? No problem, here’s what happened over the past seven days…

Sugar tax not the most effective way of tackling childhood obesity

Consuming sugary drinks isn’t necessarily linked with childhood obesity, a new study has found.

The study showed there was no significant differences between BMIs of children who consume sugary drinks and those who don’t. It concludes by saying the sugar tax might not be the most effective tactic to fight childhood obesity.

The study, from the University of Nottingham, analysed data from 1,300 children aged four to 10.

Robot dentist in China is first to fit implants in patient without any human involvement

A robot has carried out a dental operation without help from humans for the first time, carrying out implant surgery on a patient in China

The successful procedure raises hopes technology could avoid problems caused by human error and help overcome shortage of qualified dentists

Even though medical staff were present during the one-hour surgery in Xian, Shaanxi province, they did not play an active role.

Dental infections in children linked to heart disease risk in adulthood

A recent study has suggested that children who develop cavities and gum disease may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart attacks and strokes decades later than those who have good oral health

Researchers carried out dental examinations on 755 children in 1980, when they were eight years old on average, then followed them through 2007 to see how many of them developed risk factors for heart attacks and strokes like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, and hardening of the arteries.

Northern Irish orthodontist is the new BDA president

Former chair of both NI and UK councils, Roz McMullan was yesterday inaugurated as the new 133rd BDA president

A leading figure in a ground-breaking scheme to support dentists’ mental wellbeing in Northern Ireland, she was appointed consultant orthodontist in the Western Trust in 1991 serving until her retirement in 2016.

Dundee dental students win award for oral health prison project

The University of Dundee School of Dentistry has won an award for tackling the issue of oral health for the residents of the Scottish Prison Service 

The chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, visited the University to judge community oral health projects and present them with an award.

Dentists could stand in for doctors

Dentists in India may be asked to stand in as doctors due to a shortage of healthcare professionals.

The government is considering the option of creating a bridge course so dentists can practise family medicine.

The Prime Minister Office has already given the idea the nod at the start of April.

Disney introduces smoking ban in its parks

Disney is banning smoking at Walt Disney World, Disney Land and water parks.

Vaping and smoking can now only take place in designated areas outside the park.

‘The removal of smoking areas is intended to provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits,’ Disney says.