Michael Watson
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Tooth whitening prosecutions
Are the sanctions for undertaking tooth whitening by non-dentists tough enough, Michael Watson asks. From time to time the General…
Dentistry
What can dentists do about the crisis in children’s tooth decay?
Dentists have an obligation to address the epidemic of decay in children, Michael Watson says. Dentists have a ‘key role…
Dentistry
Sugar tax – a contrary view
The introduction of a sugar tax was discussed in Parliament recently, Michael Watson reports on the contrary view put forward…
Dentistry
The whole board at the GDC should resign
Bill Moyes and the GDC should be held to account by the profession in an annual meeting, Michael Watson says.…
Dentistry
Are dentists accountable for the level of service they provide for NHS dentistry?
Dentists could be held accountable for the level of service they provide because that’s how the 2006 contract works, Michael Watson says.…
Dentistry
NHS dentistry letter published in The Telegraph ‘unhelpful’
Tony Kilcoyne’s letter published in The Telegraph was unhelpful to both dentists and NHS dentistry, Michael Watson believes. Last week dentistry hit…
Dentistry
Whistleblowing at the GDC
Michael Watson reviews the PSA report on the GDC’s handling of a whistleblowing complaint. Shortly before Christmas the Professional Standards Authority…
Dentistry
Recommending dentists’ pay
The DDRB should go back to recommending dentists’ pay, not contract values, Michael Watson says. In February 1949 the House…
Dentistry
Should we have a sugar tax?
Michael Watson compares the public opinion over fluoridation and a sugar tax. Public opinion is an odd thing. Suggest that…
Dentistry
The insanity of the GDC
The GDC is doing nothing different but expecting different results, Michael Watson says. As I sat at yesterday’s General Dental…
Dentistry
Is it the right time for Evlynne Gilvarry to leave?
Few will miss Evlynne Gilvarry after she announced she will step down in January, says Michael Watson. The news that…
Dentistry
DDRB starts examination over dentists’ pay
Michael Watson discusses the complications the DDRB, the BDA and the Department of Health will face when examining dentists’ pay.…
Dentistry
Using the In Practice Prevention programme to improve oral health
The creation of the In Practice Prevention programme is encouraging, Michael Watson says. News from Ireland last week that 10,000…
Dentistry
Dementia – how much do you know?
Michael Watson discusses the changing needs of patients with dementia. A visit to an excellent symposium at the Faculty of…
Dentistry
The inverse care law
Those that most need dental care are least likely to receive it, Michael Watson believes. My attention was recently drawn…
Dentistry
Michael Watson calls for a ‘rubber windmill’ exercise to test the prototype contracts
Is it time for another ‘rubber windmill’ exercise, this time to test the prototype contracts to destruction, Michael Watson asks.…
Dentistry
Dentists’ earnings drop
Michael Watson discusses the latest figures showing how dentists’ earnings have dropped. The headline figures on dental earnings (for 2013/14)…
Dentistry
The GDC should stop acting as a complaints service
Someone in authority should tell the GDC to stick to its job, says Michael Watson. Last week this site published…
Dentistry
Michael Watson posts an open letter response to Barry Cockcroft
Michael Watson responds to Barry Cockcroft’s recent comments on NHS England figures for dentistry. Dear Barry, I read with some…
Dentistry