Analysis: Dental service is full of gaps

Many of us hate going to the dentist. But startling new figures reveal the number of people who are having their teeth checked in Brighton and Hove has dropped to astonishingly low levels.

Reporter Andy Robbins finds out why.

Brighton and Hove is increasingly shying away from the dentist's chair.

However, it is not the fear of a whirring drill which is putting people off.

It has been claimed the real reason for the drop in dental visits is because of a lack of practitioners, coupled with the expensive cost of treatments.

Statistics in a report to Brighton and Hove City Council showed around 6,000 fewer adults and 900 fewer children have visited NHS dentists since April 2006.

At the heart of the issue is a new system, introduced by the Government, which was meant to make it easier for people to receive dental treatment but which some say has had the reverse effect.

Councillor Jan Young, chairman of the council's health overview and scrutiny committee has now called for the situation to be addressed.

Meanwhile the British Dental Association (BDA) has claimed the system is "failing both patients and dentists".

John Wood, the secretary of East Sussex, Brighton and Hove local dental committee, said the situation could and should have been avoided.

Mr Wood, a dentist, blamed senior management figures at Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT).

He claimed money specifically intended for dentistry in Brighton and Hove has remained untouched because it had not been commissioned properly by health bosses.

He fears this money will be lost when ring-fencing is lifted in a few years time to cover shortfalls elsewhere.

Mr Wood also claimed there was an abundance of spaces available at dental surgeries across Brighton and Hove which remained unfilled because the PCT failed to direct patients to them.

Mr Wood said: "We have written to the city council expressing our concern that the commissioner handed in their notice in November and was only working part-time in December and January.

"Since January 31 there hasn't been a dental service commissioner at Brighton and Hove PCT.

"They only advertised the job in the first week of February.

"Prior to that we had said it was a specialist job and they needed to advertise to fill the position as soon as the commissioner handed in their notice.

"They have now appointed somebody but they can't start until the end of April.

"There will have been effectively a five-month gap without a full-time commissioner at the city's PCT at what is a critical time."

Mr Wood accused the PCT of failing to fulfil its contract because it had not channelled new patients to dental surgeries with spare capacity.

He said mismanagement by the PCT had left the city's dental services in a needlessly precarious position.

Mr Wood said: "As a result the increase in funding hasn't been as great as it should have been because they've got money they have not used.

"The PCT has failed to give the city the amount of dentistry it is entitled to.

"The money is there but the PCT hasn't commissioned it."

The Department of Health has defended the new dental contacts, saying improvements were being made and the old system had to change.

Mr Wood argued it was the PCT failing to carry out Department of Health instructions to channel patients to dentists with spare capacity which was the cause of many concerns from the public in Brighton and Hove.

He said: "If the PCT had done this properly there wouldn't be this problem.

"There are plenty of dentists but patients can't find them because they are not being told where to look.

"When a patient rings up the PCT asking where they can go, they should be pointed to a dentist but this never happened.

"The council needs to look into this problem as soon as possible.

"They need to trust the profession and work with them to deliver the amount of dentistry Brighton and Hove requires."

A spokeswoman for the PCT declined to comment on Mr Wood's accusations.

However, she previously admitted the issue was not about dental capacity because there were even more dental places available than before the new contract was introduced.

She said: "It would be disappointing if scare stories about cost had put people off.

"There is a simple set of fixed prices for NHS dentistry and many people don't pay at all."

New law requires dental examination for pre-k, kindergarteners

Updated: 02/19/2008 10:49 AM

By: Web Staff

NEW YORK STATE -- A new state law will require children enrolling in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade in a public school to show proof of a dental examination before they can enter school.

The law is a result of the prevalence of tooth cavities found in young children. Health officials say untreated tooth decay can cause problems with a child's ability to eat, speak, sleep and learn.

The law goes into effect in September.

Secretary of State calls for debate on fluoridation to improve dental health

New government funding and guidance to help facilitate local fluoridation schemes

Health Secretary Alan Johnson today urged the NHS to consider fluoridating tap water for those areas with poor dental health to help prevent tooth decay and reduce health inequalities.

£14 million per annum extra funding will be made available over the next 3 years by the Government to those Strategic Health Authorities who, following consultations, find that the local community is in favour of the introduction of fluoridation schemes to improve the dental health.

Academic studies show that oral health is better in areas where tap water is already fluoridated and that the number of children with tooth decay decreases by 15%. In practice the benefits are even greater. For example, children in fluoridated Birmingham have half the cases of tooth decay than children in non-fluoridated Manchester.

To help Strategic Health Authorities assess the level of public support for local fluoridation schemes, the Department is also today issuing revised guidance to ensure local consultations are conducted in a fair and objective way, with benefits and risks being properly considered.

Alan Johnson said:

"Fluoridation is scientifically supported, it is legal, and it is our policy, but only two or three areas currently have it and we need to go much further in areas where dental health needs to be improved. It is an effective and relatively easy way to help address health inequalities - giving children from poorer backgrounds a dental health boost that can last a lifetime, reducing tooth decay and thereby cutting down on the amount of dental work they need in the future.

"But there are people who hold strong views on this subject, so it is important that any proposed schemes are fully and widely consulted on. The guidance published today will help local health bodies to ensure there is an opportunity for everyone to put forward their views. The extra funding I am announcing means that, should local people decide to support fluoridation, SHAs have the resources to implement it."

Fluoride has been added to Birmingham's tap water for over forty years. Its residents are among the 5.5 million UK citizens whose water fluoridation has been already funded by the NHS. A further half a million people live in areas in which fluoride occurs naturally in the water.

This new government funding will allow SHAs in areas of poor dental health to meet the capital cost of fluoridation schemes without depleting funds designated for other health needs and facilities.

Notes to editor

In 2000 the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York published a report of a systematic review of the evidence on fluoridation, which concluded that the fluoridation of water increased the number of children without tooth decay by 15 per cent and that children in fluoridated areas had, on average, 2.25 fewer teeth affected by decay than those in non-fluoridated areas.

All water contains some fluoride. About half a million people in this country receive water which is naturally fluoridated at, or about, the optimum level for dental health of one part of fluoride per million of water. A further 5.5 million people receive water where the fluoride content has been increased at the request of the NHS to a level of one part per million. No ill effects to overall health have been identified. Major schemes are in operation in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and also in Tyneside, with the cost borne by the health service rather than water customers.

Water fluoridation is governed by the Water Industry Act 1991 as amended by the Water Act 2003. The Act gives Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) the responsibility of deciding the need for fluoridation and consulting locally about any proposals to fluoridate local water supplies.

The Chief Dental Officer, Barry Cockcroft, has today issued guidance to SHAs and Primary Care Trusts on the scientific evidence on fluoridation, the planning of new fluoridation schemes, the conduct of public consultations, and the implementation of new schemes.

Union Dental to Expand Coral Springs Facility and Become a Total Service Provider

February 14, 2008: 07:15 AM EST

Union Dental Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: UDHI) -- http://www.uniondental.com/ir -- a Company that operates and manages a network of dentists throughout the United States for union members, announced today it is making plans to expand its Coral Springs facility to become a Total Service Provider (TSP) and offer all aspects of dentistry in one location for all union members.

Dr. George D. Green, President and CEO, stated: "With the consolidation of the telecoms dental benefits become a very big issue with all union members. UDHI is going to now provide all discounted dental services including Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Implants, Pedodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry and eventually Oral Surgery in one location in Coral Springs."

Dr. Green further stated: "This will save time and money for all members because they will no longer have to be referred to specialists in other offices. We will have 'one stop shopping' so members won't have to take more time off from work for their dental needs."

CWA represents the union employees of the telecom while AFA-CWA represents the flight attendants of such airlines as United, US Airways, Northwest, Aloha, Air Wisconsin, Air Tran, America West, American Eagle, Atlantic Southeast, ATA, Piedmont, Miami Air, Alaska, PSA, Mesa, Mesaba, Midwest, Spirit, Horizon & Hawaiian.

The benefit to Union Dental from representing more than one labor organization in a given area is also beneficial to the unions with which UDHI has contracts. Where a particular organization may have scarce membership numbers in certain (usually rural) areas of the US, these numbers can be bolstered by Union Dental representing more than one labor organization and combining the membership numbers into a level that becomes financially viable for a dental offices' participation on a provider level with UDHI.

About Union Dental Holdings, Inc., Direct Dental Services, Inc. and Union Dental Corp.

Direct Dental Services and Union Dental Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries. Direct Dental Services provides dentists with "areas of exclusivity" to participate with various unions including the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) and The Association of Flight Attendants - Communications Workers of America (AFA-CWA). Direct Dental Services receives annual management fees from the dentists in exchange for practicing in these "areas of exclusivity" where CWA and IBEW members use the dentists' services. Union Dental manages a dental practice in Coral Springs, Florida.

"Safe-Harbor" Statement: Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. George D. Green
President
Email Contact
WEBSITE: www.uniondental.com/ir 

Union Dental Enters Into an Engagement With vFinance to Act as Agent in Capital Raise

February 12, 2008: 07:15 AM EST

Union Dental Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: UDHI) -- http://www.uniondental.com/ir -- a Company that operates and manages a network of dentists throughout the United States for union members, announced today it has entered into an engagement with vFinance Investments, Inc. of Boca Raton, Florida, to act as exclusive agent on their behalf in raising capital required for the expansion of its Coral Springs facility, acquire a facility and practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, reduce certain debts and refinance the balance of its current debt.

Dr. George D. Green, President and CEO, stated: "We are extremely excited about this engagement because it places us in a position to go forward with our business plan and take us to the next phase of our business which is to become a Total Service Provider (TSP) for the CWA, AFA-CWA, IBEW and UA Plumbers and Pipe Fitters unions where we have exclusive contracts."

CWA represents the union employees of the telecoms while AFA-CWA represents the flight attendants of such airlines as United, US Airways, Northwest, Aloha, Air Wisconsin, Air Tran, America West, American Eagle, Atlantic Southeast, ATA, Piedmont, Miami Air, Alaska, PSA, Mesa, Mesaba, Midwest, Spirit, Horizon & Hawaiian.

The benefit to Union Dental from representing more than one labor organization in a given area is also beneficial to the unions with which UDHI has contracts. Where a particular organization may have scarce membership numbers in certain (usually rural) areas of the US, these numbers can be bolstered by Union Dental representing more than one labor organization and combining the membership numbers into a level that becomes financially viable for a dental offices' participation on a provider level with UDHI.

About Union Dental Holdings, Inc., Direct Dental Services, Inc. and Union Dental Corp.

Direct Dental Services and Union Dental Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries. Direct Dental Services provides dentists with "areas of exclusivity" to participate with various unions including the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) and The Association of Flight Attendants - Communications Workers of America (AFA-CWA). Direct Dental Services receives annual management fees from the dentists in exchange for practicing in these "areas of exclusivity" where CWA and IBEW members use the dentists' services. Union Dental manages a dental practice in Coral Springs, Florida.

About vFinance

vFinance Investments, Inc. has been assisting entrepreneurs for over five years. The investment banking division provides emerging, small and middle market companies with global capital raising services. Their senior executives have extensive entrepreneurial experience and a deeply ingrained philosophy of practicality, innovation and common sense. They combine personalized attention with Wall Street know-how and the clout of a major financial services firm. Their team specializes in the private placement of debt and equity, management consulting, and can represent your firm in mergers, acquisitions or divestitures.

vFinance further assists their private company clientele by leveraging the vast resources of their web technology. The global website audience of CEOs and wealthy investors, producing a stream of qualified investors, potential M&A candidates and strategic business partners.

"Safe-Harbor" Statement: Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. George D. Green
President
Email Contact
WEBSITE:  www.uniondental.com/ir
Jonathan C. Rich
Executive Vice President - Investment Banking
Email Contact
(212) 380-2819
WEBSITE: www.vfinance.com 

Dental health boss welcomes warning of cannabis link to gum disease

12th February 2008

A dental health expert has welcomed the results of a new study that warns young pot-smokers of the health risks to their gums and teeth.

Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that regularly smoking cannabis as a young adult can lead to early periodontal disease – independent of tobacco use – as early as the age of 32.

The research found that smoking cannabis more than 41 times a year from the age of 18 was linked to 36% of periodontal disease cases among people aged 26 to 32.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), commented: ‘While the effect of cigarette smoking on oral health has been well documented, there is little out there warning against the dangers of smoking cannabis.

‘This study backs up the suspicion that regular use of cannabis can have a negative effect on the gums and, of course the rest of the body.'

The study – seemingly the first to analyse the effects of pot smoking on dental health – appears in The Journal of the American Medical Association this month.

Scientists tracked the smoking and dental habits of 903 people born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1972 and 1973.

They were asked about their cannabis use at ages 18, 21, 26 and 32 years, and dental examinations were conducted at ages 26 and 32, to measure new or worsening gum disease.

Dr Carter added: ‘We have been talking about the links between oral health and overall body health for some time now and, as the researchers point to toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs as the reason cannabis effects the gums, this study provides yet further proof of the little-known systemic links.'

Breakthrough for town left without dental care

Feb 12 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A WEST Wirral town left without dental care, after its dentist was forced to retire due to NHS rules, is to finally get a new surgery.

Wirral Primary Care Trust (PCT) says it is now moving ahead with its plans for new dental services for Greasby.

A planning application has been submitted to Wirral Borough Council for a three-surgery dental facility at 230, Greasby Road, in Greasby Village.

But because it is expected to take some time before the new dental facility is approved and built, the PCT is also arranging to use a “dental mobile” at Greasby Health Centre

It follows the case last year when Greasby’s dentist Clive Morgan said he must retire early as a result of a £20,000 “clawback” bill from his Primary Care Trust.

Wirral PCT said a target for “units of dental activity” was not reached by his practice in Greasby Road.

Mr Morgan said that, because his practice was on the first floor of a building and could present access problems for the disabled, the PCT would not allow another dentist to operate there.

According to Wirral PCT, Dr Alan Archer and Dr Steven Wright will be heading the new services.

In a statement from Wirral PCT, the dentists said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for this new service and are eager to be up and running.

“We hope the residents of Greasby support the planning process so we are able to start building conversion and open the surgeries as soon as possible.”

Last year, the chief executive of the British Dental Association, Peter Ward, said the situation in Greasby was “shocking”.

Mr Ward said he had direct personal knowledge of what was happening, having started his dental career with Clive Morgan in Greasby in 1982.

And he praised Mr Morgan for his commitment and ability and said his plight, and that of his patients, was “a dreadful indictment” of the NHS contracts.

But Wirral PCT said it was now hoping to see the situation resolved.

Kathy Doran, Chief Executive of Wirral PCT, said: “I am very pleased the plans for providing dental services in Greasby have progressed and delighted that both Dr Archer and Dr Wright have agreed to head this service.

“I look forward to work beginning on the conversion of the building as soon as possible, subject to planning approval.”

Residents seeking advice or have an urgent dental care problem, are asked to call the PCT Dental Helpline on 0151 643 5455.

liammurphy