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Policy makers must address the unforgiving dento-legal weather created by fitness to practise procedures if they want to resolve the crisis in NHS dental provision, says the DDU’s John Makin. Winter storms often bring reports of affected communities who’ve just managed to get back on their feet after a deluge. That feeling of constantly battling…
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A new treatment plan: John Makin reflects on the state of the dental service at the end of the year and what needs to change in 2025. From The Sound of Music on TV to the annual reappearance of novelty jumpers and Slade on the radio, the Christmas season is all about repeats. While I…
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John Makin looks at embedding changes to direct access allowing hygienists and therapists to supply and administer prescription-only medicines. Since June this year suitably trained dental hygienists or therapists have been able to administer, sell or supply certain prescription only medicines (POMs). They can do so without a dentist’s prescription, a patient group direction (PGD)…
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The new government’s rescue agenda for dentistry must include GDC reform says John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU). A fresh start is always welcome provided it brings new energy and a sense of purpose. I was pleased that the health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, met with dental leaders in his…
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John Makin analyses the potential impact of the upcoming general election, and suggests what the public will expect from politicians and dental professionals alike. With the count-down on to polling day in this general election, it has been great to see the main political parties making commitments in their manifestos to improve provision of NHS…
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John Makin analyses the challenges and opportunities posed by recently announced changes to dental regulation and policy as a result of the dental recovery plan. We are in an election year and access to an NHS dentist is undoubtedly something that politicians of all parties will want to promise to their constituents. However, policies to…
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John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), discusses what needs to be done to reform dentistry in 2024. The state of dentistry will be one of the big talking points on voters’ doorsteps when the prime minister calls the next general election. There’s welcome political consensus that hiring, training and retaining more dental…
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John Makin advises practices to tread cautiously before making any changes based on the recent top-up fees judgement. Much debate has followed May’s Court of Appeal ruling against the GDC on the permissibility of top-up fees. The case itself was highly complex. But one of the Professional Conduct Committee’s (PCC) findings of dishonesty hinged on…
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John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), explains the impact of a government inquiry on professional morale. Fears about NHS ‘dental deserts’ appearing across the country are long-standing but have gained traction since the pandemic. Now, the Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into the issue of access, to which…
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John Makin clears up some confusion about making effective use of direct access. It is almost 10 years since the General Dental Council (GDC) abolished the requirement for a referral from a dentist before a patient could see a dental care professional (DCP). A decade on, there’s been a recent move to encourage the use…
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John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU) on whether 2023 will be the year that regulatory processes become fit for purpose. With the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and the delays impacting the NHS, there is not a lot of good news around at the moment. Which is why it’s…
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John Makin, head of the DDU, discusses the PSA report on GDC case delays and the need for government action. At the time of writing, we are awaiting the results of the Conservative party leadership contest. This will determine our new Prime Minister. In its run up, there has been an understandable focus on the…
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Action to fix our warped system is long overdue, says the DDU’s John Makin on clinical negligence costs. No one would question that when a patient is injured because of negligence, they should be fairly compensated. Regrettably, fairness is not a notable feature of a civil litigation system. Disproportionate legal costs are one of several…
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The process to be restored to the register has become increasingly difficult, says John Makin. There continue to be reports that patients in some parts of the UK are experiencing significant difficulties in accessing dental care. Our skills as dental professionals are in demand and that demand is going up all the time. This means…
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John Makin takes a closer look at the GDC’s latest feedback and calls for further legislation change over dental regulation. Every dental professional knows that feedback is an essential resource. Making an effort to find out what patients think shows you care. But most importantly, it enables you to reflect on strengths and weaknesses. This…
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Allowing practitioners to raise concerns in the dental practice is an important part of healthcare, John Makin says. October’s Speak up Month is a timely reminder that raising concerns effectively is an important element of ethical practice in the NHS and private sector. The initiative by the National Guardian’s Office aims to foster a healthcare…
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John Makin says one positive statistic during the pandemic is the ongoing fall in the number of GDC cases. The GDC latest statistics on its fitness to practise (FtP) activities contains some good news. The latest annual report and statistical report, which the GDC has a statutory duty to publish, shows an 18% reduction in…
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John Makin, head of the DDU, explains why the GDC needs powers to reform its fitness to practise procedures. Nobody likes to think they might undergo a GDC investigation or, end up before a fitness to practise hearing. And it’s true that the likelihood of involvement in a GDC complaint is low and one which…
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John Makin explains why the DDU puts its members at the heart of any decisions it makes on defending or settling cases. The DDU’s dentist for dentist ethos means we understand the need to support the reputation of individual members and the wider profession. A good example of this is in the way our experienced…
