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There has been a few talking points in den- tistry this week, with the new research into the risk of thy- roid cancer from dental radiographs and the profession being high in the headlines for different reasons. The research into radiographs, although published with a caveat that more research was needed to fully validate the results, for me opens up an interesting co- nundrum for dental profession- als. The technology used in radi- ographic equipment has brought down the exposure dose dra- matically, and with an increased need for recording a patient’s condition in case of litigation, it’s no wonder that the use of radio- graphs is on the rise. Then when research such as this surfaces, questions are asked about the use or overuse of radiographs! Does the phrase ‘rock and a hard place’ sound familiar? Dentistry seems to be hitting the news again recently, with fraud charges totalling £1m levelled at a dentist and a dental techni- cian before the GDC for harass- ing one of his employees with invites to swinger parties. There have been some good news too, with lots of positive National Smile Month messages finding their way into local and national press. Nice to see that oral health has a plus side in non-dental media! Now all we need is a link between dentistry and England winning the World Cup this year... DT Do you have an opinion or some- thing to say on any Dental Tribune UK article? Or would you like to write your own opinion for our guest comment page? If so don’t hesitate to write to: The Editor, Dental Tribune UK Ltd, 4th Floor, Treasure House, 19-21 Hatton Garden, London, EC1 8BA Or email: lisa@dentaltribuneuk.com Editorial comment Indecent exposure ‘ ‘ Immediately after brushing, billions of bacteria come back and start multiplying1 Graphical representation; for illustration only Evidence-Based toothpaste Recommend it to your patients www.colgateprofessional.co.ukColgate Customer Care Team: 01483 401 901 Clinically proven 12-hour antibacterial protection 1 Loesche WJ. Dental Caries: A Treatable Infection. Springfield, Illinois: Charles Thomas; 1982:64-66. 2 Amornchat C, Kraivaphan P, Triratana T. Mahidol Dent J. 2004;24:103-111. 3 Kruger IJ, Murphy CM, Sullivan RJ. Demonstration of the sustained effect of Colgate Total by confocal microscopy. Poster presented at: American Association for Dental Research; March 7-10, 2001; Chicago, IL. Abstract 1031. Trade name of medicinal product: ColgateTotalToothpaste. Active ingredients: Triclosan 0.3% w/w, Sodium Fluoride 0.32% w/w (1450ppm F) Indications: To reduce dental caries, improve gingival health and reduce the progression of periodontitis. Dosage and administration: Brush the teeth for one minute twice daily. Children under 7, use a pea-sized amount. If using fluoride supplements, consult your Dentist. Contraindications: None Known. Individuals with known sensitivities should consult with their dentist before using. Special warnings and special precautions for use: Children under 7, use a pea-sized amount. If using fluoride supplements, consult your Dentist. Interactions with other medicines: None known. It is important to note that as for any fluoride containing toothpaste in children under systemic fluoride therapy, it is important to evaluate the total exposure to fluoride (fluorosis). Undesirable effects: None known. Legal classification: GSL. Product licence number: PL0049/0036. Product licence holder: Colgate-Palmolive (U.K.) Ltd, Guildford Business Park, Middleton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 8JZ. Recommended retail price: £1.29 (50ml tube), £2.29 (100ml tube). Date of revision of text: August 2009. • Unique triclosan and copolymer formulation retains triclosan on soft and hard tissues to hinder plaque recolonisation • Clinically proven to significantly reduce bacteria for 12 hours2,3 T he British Dental Associa- tion Education has set up the Ann Felton Scholar- ship for dental nurses. The dental nurse who is awarded this prize will be given a free place on the British Dental Association (BDA) Education’s online Oral Health Education (OHE) course and free entry to the exam, worth £755, which leads to the NEBDN Certificate in OHE. This scholarship has been developed in recognition of the outstanding contribution made by Ann Felton to the dental pro- fession and to careers of dental nurses across the county. In order to be eligible for this prize, any dental nurse applying needs to explain, using a maxi- mum of 250 words, how they would use the OHE Scholarship to advance their career. A spokeswoman for the BDA said: “Perhaps you would like to gain confidence and develop a greater understanding of a wide range of oral health conditions and diseases. Maybe you aspire to set up a preventive dental unit in your practice. Or perhaps you harbour ambitions to become a practice manager or a leader in the field of oral health education. Take this opportunity to take one step further towards achieving your goals. BDA Education would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in applying for the Ann Felton Scholarship. We will be looking for a proven com- mitment to oral health education as well as an indication that you have the potential and the ability to progress in your chosen career.” To apply, complete the down- loadable application form on the BDA website and send it to BDA Education, 64 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8YS by 30 June 2010. DT Dental nurse scholarship established 3NewsJune 14-20, 2010United Kingdom Edition