Politics

‘Change in approach’ needed for NHS dentistry, says the BDA

The British Dental Association (BDA) has published an open letter to the chancellor, stressing that the government must extend the relief from National Insurance contributions offered to hospitals, to...

‘Postcode penalty’ for poorest families must end, says Scottish Labour

The SNP must “end the postcode penalty” which means the poorest families in Scotland are more likely to get rotten teeth as children, Scottish Labour has said.

Millions of workers set to receive pay boost in 2025

The chancellor of the exchequer has confirmed the national living wage will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025.

Government’s ‘rescue plan’ faces criticism

The British Dental Association (BDA) has expressed concerns over the government’s ‘rescue plan’ for dentistry, as it appears that the treasury has squeezed plans for investment.

Government urged to invest in a smokefree country

In an open letter published by The BMJ, health professionals have warned that unless smoking is addressed, there is no prospect of delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitment to halve the gap in...

Hundreds of Scottish dentists retiring early adding to shortage, says minister

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has revealed that Scotland is losing dozens of dentists every year to early retirement despite dentist shortages across the country.

Scottish minister calls for changes to dental practice funding scheme

Changes to a scheme designed to improve patient access to dentists are needed, according to Scottish Labour. This follows information that just nine dental practices received funding from the scheme...

Lack of access to dentistry ‘truly Dickensian’, says minister

Stephen Kinnock, the minister for care, described the lack of access to NHS dentistry as “completely and utterly shocking – truly Dickensian”.

Government announces reforms to employment rights in the UK

Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

Thousands of children in Bath and Somerset go without dental treatment

In Bath and North East Somerset, 14,159 children have not been seen by an NHS dentist in the past year, according to House of Commons Library research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats and the...

Dental association urges the government to support NHS dental services

Office for National Statistics data has revealed that 96.9 per cent of patients who do not have a dentist have failed to access NHS dental care.

UK and Welsh governments team up to tackle NHS waiting list crisis

The UK and Welsh governments will collaborate on healthcare for the first time to help drive down waiting lists on both sides of the border and improve patient care as part of an approach to working...