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PUBLISHED IN LONDON A research team from Brighton and Cambridge and Kuwait studied 313 thyroid cancer patients in Ku- wait where the numbers of thy- roid cancer are relatively high compared with Britain. The researchers asked the can- cer patients and a similar number of healthy volunteers how many dental x-rays they had had. After factoring in hospital x-rays, they found that men and women who had had up to four dental x-rays were more than twice as likely to have developed the disease than those who had never had any. Between five and nine x-rays and their risk rose more than four-fold. However, the researchers warned that the results of their study ‘should be treated with cau- tion’ because the data was based on self-reporting by the partici- pants as comprehensive histori- cal dental x-ray records were not available from the clinics. The researchers are now calling for further investigation as currently guidelines state that low-dose ra- diation exposure through dental radiography is safe. Dr Anjum Memon, senior lecturer and consultant in pub- lic health medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, who led the study, said: “The public health and clinical implications of these findings are particularly relevant in the light of increases in the incidence of thyroid can- cer in many countries over the past 30 years. It is important that our study is repeated with infor- mation from dental records in- cluding frequency of x-rays, age and dose at exposure. “If the results are confirmed then the use of x-rays as a neces- sary part of evaluation for new patients, and routine periodic den- tal radiography (at six-12 months interval), particularly for children and adolescents, will need to be reconsidered, as will a greater use of lead collar protection.” He added: “Our study high- lights the concern that like chest (or other upper-body) x-rays, dental x-rays should be pre- scribed when the patient has a specific clinical need, and not as part of routine check-up or when registering with a dentist. The notion that low-dose radi- ation exposure through dental ra- diography is absolutely safe needs to be investigated further, as al- thoughtheindividualrisk,particu- larly with modern equipment is likelytobeverylow,theproportion of the population exposed is high.’ Dr Memon claimed the find- ings were consistent with previ- ous reports of increased risk of thyroid cancer in dentists, dental assistants and x-ray workers, sug- gesting multiple low-dose expo- sures in adults may be important. Professor Damien Walmsley, Scientific Adviser to the BDA, called it an ‘interesting study’ but said: “As the authors acknowl- edge, this is an area that requires further research. “That work should be based on larger studies of subjects for whom better historical dental x-ray records are available if firmer conclusions are to be drawn from it. “Dentists here consider the necessity of x-raying patients on a case-by-case basis, employing de- fined risk-benefit assessment cri- teria to make their decisions and ensure that unnecessary x-rays are not taken. Dentists are fully trained in radiography and un- dergo regular training to ensure their skills remain up to date.” The incidence rates of thyroid cancer have doubled from 1.4 per 100,000 in 1975 to 2.9 per 100,000 in 2006 in the UK. The team has linked this to more and more patients having dental x-rays. However, the researchers say that many other factors can also be causing the increase in thyroid cancer cases. The sensitive diagnostic techniques cannot solely be blamed. To confirm the exact effect of such techniques on cancer, further research is required. The study was published in the medical journal Acta Oncologica. DT Dental radiography use may have to be reconsidered June 14-20, 2010 VOL. 4 NO. 16 Recession prevents check-ups People have stopped visiting the dentist for regular check-ups due to the recession, according to a new survey. The survey, conducted by the British Den- tal Health Foundation as part of National Smile Month, high- lighted a number of reasons as to why people do not have regu- lar check-ups. Half of people in the survey blamed it on money troubles above dental phobias and not having an NHS dentist. Chief executive of the Founda- tion, Dr Nigel Carter said: “This really highlights how the reces- sion has impacted people over the last few years. Members of the public have had to sacrifice good oral healthcare to get by financially, and that is not right. People need to have access to a dentist.” The survey found that 11 per cent do not have regular check-ups because they do not have an NHS dentist. Sonicare for Kids During National Smile Month, £1 for every Sonicare for Kids sold is being donated to the British Dental Health Founda- tion to support the campaign. This year the BDHF is urging parents to help their children realise the importance of learn- ing a good oral health routine at a young age so they can keep their mouths healthy for life. The Sonicare for toothbrush has been specifically designed to help kids build healthy bru- shing habits for life. The Smile Month promotion was laun- ched at the BDA Conference in Liverpool on 20 May and as a result of sales of Sonicare For Kids during the show a cheque for £217 was presented to Dr Nigel Carter – however this was only the start and Philips aims to send a further cheque to the BDHF after the closing date as a result of sales they achieve during the month. Walk for cancer 1000 places are up for grabs in the 5th annual FREE Mouth Cancer Foundation 10K Aware- ness Walk, which is launched today. The walk is designed to increase awareness of mouth cancer, celebrate survivorship and remember lost dear ones while having a fun day out with family and friends. The Mouth Cancer Foundation organises the event which takes place at 13:00 on Saturday 18th Septem- ber 2010, in Kensington Gar- dens, London and this year they are challenging 1000 people to walk the 15,000 steps it takes to complete a 10K course in order to raise much needed funds and awareness to combat mouth cancer. To take part in the FREE Mouth Cancer Founda- tion 10K Awareness Walk visit www.mouthcancerwalk.org www.dental-tribune.co.uk Vetting & Barring Are you up to speed with the new regulations? USP ABC It’s time to find your practice’s USP, says Dr Solanki Milestone A look behind the scenes of UCL Eastman CPD’s latest facilities News in Brief Practice Management Special featureFeatureNews Ortho on TV Orthodontic charity filmed by BBC in Africa page 4 page 8 page 18 pages 26-27 Scientists warn dental x-rays increase cancer risk Dental x-rays can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, according to scientists in a new study