NHS contract changes, investigations into the state of NHS dentistry, three Prime Ministers – 2022 saw a lot of change in the UK. Here’s the top dental headlines of the year.
January
‘Completely demoralised’ – why the NHS targets have pushed me to go private
As 2022 rolls in, NHS dental providers will now have to deliver 85% of their contracts as part of the new targets.
The news sparked a wave of backlash, with many clinicians and associations arguing that the figure is unrealistic in the current climate.
We spoke to Sarah Canavan, an associate based in the East Midlands, about why she is turning to private dentistry as her career lifeline.
Boris Johnson says government delivered ‘record investment’ in NHS dentistry
Remember when Boris was Prime Minister? It now seems like a lifetime ago.
Much to the dismay of the dental profession, he kicked off the year by claiming he had overseen ‘record investment’ into NHS dentistry.
He made the statement when facing queries from MPs at a session of Prime Minister’s Questions.
February
Is there a crisis in dental nursing?
A question that is still being asked now. The pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis, took its toll on everybody – but dental nursing seems to have been hit especially hard.
Neel Kothari explored why there are so few dental nurses available after one anonymous former dental nurse told him: ‘Dental nursing is a massive task to be paid so little with such little respect.’
Dentistry Census – full white paper available now
Following the release of the initial findings from the first ever Dentistry Census, we released the full white paper in February.
From August to September 2021, FMC carried out the first ever Dentistry Census – the most comprehensive survey the UK dental profession has seen.
From attitudes towards NHS dentistry to salaries and practice profits, the aim of the census was to leave no stone unturned.
March
UK to introduce licences for Botox procedures
In a breakthrough move, the UK government announced it will introduce a licencing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including Botox and fillers.
In a bid to protect the public from botched procedures, the move followed a ban on cosmetic treatments on under 18s in England.
The amendment to the Health and Care Bill was tabled in March and gave the Health Secretary the power to introduce a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Dentist stars as contestant on new Masterchef series
Rishi Nanavati, based in Pinner, north west London, showcased his culinary talents on the BBC One TV show, Masterchef.
Running his food Instagram account @dish_by_rish for more than two years, the 26 year old also qualified as a dentist from the University of Bristol in 2018.
He wowed the judges with his vegetarian and vegan recipes and made it to the quarter finals.
April
Confessions of a dental nurse – part one
Opening up about the day-to-day joys of dentistry, dental nurse Ellesse Stacey revealed her favourite – and most confusing – moments working as a dental nurse.
The story was a big hit among the dental nurse community, with many finding lots that they could relate to.
Current NHS contract has ‘run out of road’, says CDO Sara Hurley
The current UDA system is no longer workable – but there needs to be ‘understanding and compromise’ in the face of any contract changes.
This was the latest verdict on NHS dentistry from England’s chief dental officer, Sara Hurley, in April. The CDO gave the dental profession an update on the long-awaited changes to the NHS contract.
May
Nine in 10 practices in England not accepting new patients
Nine in 10 practices in England were found to not be accepting new patients, according to an investigation by The Times.
It found that 86% of practices currently providing information are not accepting new adult patients, or are only accepting them after referral from another dentist.
More than half of council areas in England have no dentists that are taking on new adult patients. Additionally, just under a third have no dentists accepting children.
Nanobots used to improve root canal treatment
The year 2022 was also big for dental technology. It was revealed that nanobots are being used to improve root canal treatments and reduce post-treatment failures.
A team at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) found that nanobots – which are magnetically controlled, nano-sized robots – can be utilised to fit through the dentinal tubules and kill bacteria.
June
‘We’re not following a trend’ – trans inclusivity in dentistry
As part of our Pride month series, dental therapist Leon Bassi talked us through the importance of supporting the trans community and why this will make dentistry a better profession.
We had some other great dental professionals speak out, including Anna Peterson who opened up about her experience in the profession as a gay woman.
Reform of NHS dentistry ‘will take place before Parliament’s summer recess’, says minister
Only ‘modest’ and ‘marginal fixes’ will take place within the current NHS dental system – despite promises from the government.
This was the verdict of the British Dental Association in response to comments from Minister Maria Caulfield MP in the House of Commons. She suggested that reform of the failed NHS dental system would be made before Parliament’s summer recess.
Was she right? Take a look at July’s top stories below.
July
Government announces ‘significant change’ to dental contract
In July, the NHS announced the first significant change to its dental contract in 16 years since its introduction, including a minimum UDA value.
The changes to the contract came after the government asked NHS England to lead on the next stage of dental system reform back in March 2021. This was followed by 12 months of talks with frontline dental teams, the public, patients and other stakeholders.
The dental profession spoke to Dentistry.co.uk about what they thought of the new changes.
‘There’s a lot of stuff I didn’t know’: Love Island’s Jack Fincham on his ‘Turkey teeth’
Turkey teeth hit the headlines in July after Jack Fincham described his regrets getting ‘Turkey teeth’ – drawing attention to the dangers of seeking popular treatments abroad.
Fincham – who won the 2018 series of Love Island – addressed his ‘Turkey Teeth’ on BBC Breakfast, claiming he regrets the procedure.
This came after new research shows 86% of UK dentists have corrected problems caused by treatments carried out abroad.
August
NHS dentistry at breaking point, BBC study reveals
‘Years of chronic neglect’ – a comprehensive investigation by the BBC revealed that nine out of 10 NHS dental practices are unable to accept new adult patients.
In addition, eight in 10 NHS practices were found to no longer be taking on new children for treatment.
The BDA called it ‘the most extensive survey of patient access ever undertaken’.
‘I feel your pain’: Rishi Sunak on his seven fillings and plans to reform dentistry
Remember now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s initial campaign for the job?
In one of the leadership debates, Sunak revealed he has seven fillings after drinking too much Coke and shares his plan to reform NHS dentistry.
‘We need our NHS dentists back,’ one audience member said. ‘What can you do? How soon can you do it? I’m running out of teeth.’
September
‘Give up looking for an appointment’ – investigation reveals ongoing crisis within NHS dentistry
From a dentist suggesting people ‘give up’ looking for an NHS appointment to children’s treatments that break the bank – this time, it was ITV’s investigation revealing the extent of the crisis within NHS dentistry.
This was the result of reporters travelling the UK to visit patients living in pain. They also contacted dentists for available appointments to explore the state of NHS dentistry.
‘He pushes me and starts punching me in the face’ – are dentists being targeted by organised gangs?
Are dentists being target by organised gangs? This shocking CCTV footage would suggest so.
In an interview with Dentistry.co.uk, dentist Kunal Patel tells the story of an organised gang that planned to kidnap him and ransack his house.
October
GDC increases ARF level for 2023
The General Dental Council (GDC) released its new Annual Retention Fee (ARF) level for 2023. It also confirmed its new three-year strategy.
The new fee was announced to be £690 for dentists – an increase of 1.5% – and £114 for dental care professionals.
‘I worked in silence, the burden of guilt was immense’ – the realities for clinicians and patients in dentistry
‘She explained she had sold her dead mother’s jewellery to pay for the treatment’
In a raw and honest article, dentist and clinical adviser Nishma Sharma opens up about the realities of dentistry right now. She spoke about what is faced by both patients and clinicians, and how a united front is the only answer to the NHS challenges ahead.
November
Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley claims NHS dentists ‘can’t do extractions’
Dentists urged TV presenter Richard Madeley to correct his inaccurate comments on NHS dentistry made during Good Morning Britain.
Richard told commentators Kevin Maguire and Andrew Pierce that ‘NHS dentists are not capable of doing extractions anymore’. This was a comment that, unsurprisingly, caused a significant stir in the profession.
He said: ‘I was talking to a private dentist only last week, who was saying that so many people now have to go private because NHS dentists are not capable of doing extractions anymore.
‘They are simply not trained up to that level.’
GDC was unable to disclose number of suicides
After being unable to reveal data on the number of people who have died by suicide while under fitness to practise investigations, the GDC spoke out about the reasons for this.
When responding to a Freedom of Information request, the GDC said it could not reveal the numbers. However, a search of the word ‘suicide’ on its database produced 6,753 results.
December
Changes to overseas registration – reaction from the profession
The dental profession reacted to the consultation outcomes on proposed changes to international GDC registration.
The government announced it would progress proposals to enable the GDC to improve international registration.
Some of these proposed changes affect the assessment system. This includes the Overseas Registration Exams (ORE), speeding up the process of international registration and giving more flexibility to the GDC.
New parliamentary inquiry could save NHS dentistry
An attempt to finish the year on a high?
Parliament launched a new inquiry into the state of NHS dentistry following alarming statistics.
The inquiry will assess to what extent the NHS dental contract ‘disincentivises dentists from taking on new patients’. MPs will also look at motivations to recruit and retain NHS dental professionals.
