Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
Missed out on this week’s dental news? No problem, here’s what happened over the past seven days…
What do local lockdowns mean for dentistry in Wales?
As COVID-19 cases increase, it’s perhaps unsurprising that we are seeing more and more local lockdowns put in place. Wales, in particular, saw new restrictions enforced first in Caerphilly, quickly followed by Rhondda Cynon Taf. CDO Colette Bridgman spoke out about what this means for dentistry. Fingers crossed these local measures help to curb the spike in cases.
‘Level of uncertainty’: fears of further lockdowns as practices in Wales fight impact of pandemic
But some dental professionals in Wales fear further lockdowns will harm dentistry. We heard from Owain Dimmick, of the Independent Dental Association Wales (IDAW), who discusses the key obstacles faced by mixed and private practices right now.
Bruxism: the impact of COVID-19 on the nation’s oral health
The pandemic has led to an increase in a variety of health concerns – bruxism included. This week, two dentists spoke about what to look out for and what practices can do to help their patients.
Fallow time: 10 minutes ‘appropriate’ for open-plan clinics, suggests study
Fallow time – frustrating as it is, current guidance still suggests a minimum of 20 minutes with the correct systems in place. But new research suggests that the majority of particles settle in the first 10 minutes. The team concluded that decontamination and cleaning may be appropriate after this time period. Will this be the next step?
‘More important than ever’: dental teams urged to get flu jab in face of COVID-19
With winter around the corner, it’s that time of year where NHS staff are urged to get a flu jab to prevent too much pressure being placed on hospitals. But this autumn, it’s more important than ever. Leading clinicians are calling on frontline dentists to get the vaccine as soon as possible in preparation for the possible COVID-19 spike.
Government progress ‘slow’ in tackling childhood obesity
The UK government has been ‘slow’ to tackle the growing childhood obesity crisis, a spending watchdog has revealed. This summer, Boris Johnson indicated a greater willingness to help so let’s hope it stays high on the agenda. After all, what may not appear as a priority right now is likely to become an even more expensive health concern in the future.
Experts call for government to ban ‘misleading’ packaging on sugary fruit snacks
Similarly, leading experts are calling for a ban on ‘misleading’ packaging on sugary fruit snacks. Action on Sugar argue that some so-called ‘fruit snacks’ can contain up to five teaspoons of sugar.
‘More determined than ever’ – one journey from dental nurse to dentist
And finally, we heard from dental nurse Nicole Walker who’s on a mission to become a dentist. A really inspiring read!
Make sure you take a look at the latest webinars happening over on Dentistry Study Club.
Catch up on last week’s news here.
