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PUBLISHED IN LONDON A ll Strategic Health Au- thorities (SHAs) are to be abolished by 2012. The Department of Health (DH) broke the news to the SHAs through a Q&A document which said: ‘‘Subject to legislation, the NHS commissioning board will become fully operational from April 2012, removing the need for separate statutory strategic health authorities’’. The Department of Health claims that the new independent NHS board will combine functions currently provided by the DH and SHAs, and deliver those in a much more streamlined way. The move has been welcomed in places such as Southampton where the SHAs decision to ap- prove water fluoridation has been vehemently opposed. Stephen Peckham, chairman of Hampshire Against Fluori- dation, said he is encouraged by the news, particularly as those now in office are not keen to force fluoridation without proper public consultation. All fluoride schemes across the country are currently on hold while the courts examine the decision by South Central SHA in February 2009 to add fluoride to the water in 200,000 homes in Southampton and parts of Hamp- shire. The judicial review is to be heard in the Autumn, according to the new Health Minister Si- mon Burns. Southampton resident Ger- aldine Milner is arguing that the SHA should have listened to the views of residents before giving the scheme the go-ahead, after 72 per cent of 10,000 people consulted said they were against the idea. In response to a question in parliament from Dr Julian Lewis over the government’s fluorida- tion policy, Conservative MP for New Forest East, Mr Burns said: ‘‘Section 58 of the Water Act 2003 empowers Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) to contract with water undertak- ers to fluoridate a water supply after conducting public consul- tations. It is essential that any consultation gives people a real opportunity to make their views known and that those views are taken into account before a final decision is made. The decision by South Central SHA to approve the fluoridation of water sup- plies to the Southampton area is the subject of a judicial review, which is likely to be heard in the autumn, and so due to the legal challenge the Department is un- able to comment.’’ DT Call Max on 01737 221020 EXT 2042 or email DTacquisitions@adp-dental.com If you’re thinking about selling your practice or group then come and have a chat with us. You’ve worked hard. Now reap the rewards. Think of selling your practice and think of • Beating the Corporate Gains Tax rise • Clinical freedom • A minimum 1 year working contract • Reducing your income tax bill • Reducing stress • Developing practice potential & growth • Supporting staff & patients • Unlocking equity The move to abolish SHAs has been welcomed by opponents of water fluoridation July 12-18, 2010 VOL. 4 NO. 18 Top of the pops The University of Manches- ter’s School of Dentistry has topped the league table of den- tal schools in the Times Good University Guide for 2011. Manchester beat off competi- tion from the 13 other UK den- tal schools in the table to take the top spot. Head of School, Professor Iain Mackie said: “This is brilliant news which reflects the efforts of everyone. Last year we were ranked third in the list, so this move to first place truly reflects a whole School effort.” The Times Good University Guide recognises excellence in teaching and re- search with much emphasis on the satisfaction and experi- ence of students. Digital dental technology Sirona, developer of high- tech dental equipment, has launched its digital den- tal impression technology, Cerec Connect, in the UK as part of a wider international roll-out. The system allows optical digital impressions of teeth to be taken and translated into digital 3D models, which can then be transmitted in- stantly to a laboratory for the creation of restorations. Ac- cording to Sirona, which has already successfully launched Cerec Connect in Germany and the US, the technology is quicker and more accurate than conventional impres- sions and casting, as well as providing greater control to dental technicians. Thumb-sucking clinic Britain’s first thumb-sucking clinic has opened, promising to help break the habit as well as repair the damage that is caused by sucking your thumb. Dr Neil Counihan has opened Metamorphosis centre in West London after years of treating people whose jaws and teeth have been badly affected by the habit. Most children stop sucking fingers or thumbs be- tween the age of three and six, when it causes no damage. But those who continue risk af- fecting their jaw development and the position of their teeth. The clinic has a range of metal devices which can be fitted in the mouth plus more conven- tional plastic ‘thumbguards’ which cover the thumb itself and which children find hard to remove. The clinc also sells products such as finger and thumb puppets which come with story books to reinforce anti thumb-sucking mes- sages. Traditional remedies to discourage the habit include putting mustard on the fingers or coating nails with special bitter-tasting polish. www.dental-tribune.co.uk Fellowship award University of Manchester Profes- sor receives teaching accolade ABB not ABC Tif Qureshi deails the latest treatment sequence Back to the Egg Prof Serota continues his look at the Endo Implant Algorithm News in Brief Cosmetic Tribune ClinicalNewsNews 10 years and counting Healthcare learning company celebrates 10 years page 2 page 7 pages 18-20 pages 23&26 SHAs to be axed by 2012 says Dept of Health Decision welcomed by Southampton residents opposing water supply fluoridation plans