It’s been a busy week in the world of dental news. Missed the headlines? Here’s what’s happened over the past seven days…
Complaints about private dentistry rise by 133% in one year

Private dental complaints in the UK have more than doubled in just one year, with leaders saying it highlights the ‘challenging environment’ the profession is working in.
Released this week by the Dental Complaints Service (DCS), the report – which looks at complaints made in 2023 and 2024 – draws attention to the challenges currently faced by the profession.
The report also shows a 384% year-on-year increase in complaints about access to dental care.
‘Dental care is healthcare’: man who nearly died after struggling to find dentist speaks out

‘Dental care is healthcare’ – these are the words of a man who almost lost his life to sepsis after struggling to get a dental appointment.
Average pay for associate dentist rises for third year in a row

Average associate remuneration is up for the third year in a row – marking an 11.9% increase, according to newly-released statistics.
Antibiotics in dentistry: prescribing remains ‘in excess’ of pre-pandemic levels

Prescribing levels of antibiotics by dental practitioners across the UK have been slow to return to where they would have been if the pandemic had not happened, research shows.
Five things dental professionals need to do before the end of the tax year

As the tax year end quickly approaches on 5 April 2025, we list five steps that dental professionals can take to optimise their tax efficiency and review their financial situation.
Are dermal fillers obsolete?

Are dermal fillers obsolete? Shilpa Jain explores whether there is still a place for them in 2025 and what the latest trends in facial aesthetics are.
Are retention fees for departing associates being abused?

Dentists to carry out routine screenings for diabetes

A new care pathway where high street dental surgeries will conduct routine screenings for type 2 and pre-diabetes is being rolled out across the UK.
Labs, technicians, CDTs: enter the Dentistry Awards now!

With not long left until the 2025 Dentistry Awards deadline, Matt Everatt explains why the dental lab community should get involved.
Dentistry Webinars
We have FOUR webinars next week. Sign up now for free:
- Budget management in challenging times – Chris Barrow, Chris Ball, Mark Simic, and Dr Sandeep Kumar – Monday 24 March at 7pm
- Eight steps to design a facially-driven smile makeover – Dr Sam Jethwa – Tuesday 25 March at 7pm
- Profisil Fluoride Varnish: a professional solution for effective preventive care – Shaadi Manouchehri – Wednesday 26 March at 7pm
- How to plan a smooth retirement exit strategy – Aaron Prested, Paul Graham and Mike Blenkharn – Thursday 27 March at 7pm.
Sign up to another Dentistry Live session, coming to your screen this June:
Catch up with last week’s news here.
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