Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

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 Speakers: Prof Nasser Barghi Dr Richard Kahan Prof Gianluca Gambarini Dr Wyman Chan Dr John Moore Dr Ajay Kakar Ms Jackie Coventry Dr Mona Kakar 18th and 19th May 2012 Millennium Gloucester Hotel & Conference Centre, London Kensington info@smile-on.com | www.clinicalinnovations.co.uk | 020 7400 8989 Switch on to new ideas EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT T ony Chivers, MBE, has rowed 100 miles to raise much-needed funds for the BDA Ben Fund and the Den- tist’s Health Support Trust. “It would be tragic if the work of both charities ceased through lack of finance,” says Tony, who is Vice President of the Ben Fund. Rowing at an average speed of 6mph on a concept rowing machineformorethan18hoursin November, Tony has so far raised £2,180 towards his £10,000 tar- get. “A hundred miles in 30 days may not sound much,” he says, “but at 91 years old, it was quite a challenge!” The Dentists’ Health Support Programme is a confidential alco- hol and drug programme offering advice, counselling and treatment where necessary. The Ben Fund has a much wider role, helping all UK dentists and their families in times of need. “Please join me to ensure that the work of these charities contin- ues,” says Tony. “There is still a long way to go, so please make it a real team effort.” DT 100 miles in 30 days for the Ben Fund T he British Dental As- sociation is this week making history after it has called for dentists’ views on the pos- sibility of balloting for strike action over the proposed changed to NHS pensions and the impact it could have on dental profes- sionals. In an attempt to gather opinion on the pension re- forms and industrial action in time for its Representative Body meeting in early Feb, the BDA launched a survey which was sent to members for com- pletion. The idea of strike action does not seem to sit well with dental professionals, and in essence I agree with them. Not that I am against large scale protest or that dentists shouldn’t show solidarity in highlighting a particular is- sue, I just think that NHS pen- sion reform isn’t the best is- sue! Why not look at other is- sues that affect dentistry and make a rallying call to mem- bers over those? I’m sure we can all think of a few... Let me know what you think about the pension issue and whether the BDA should call for strike action. Email me at lisa@dentaltrib- uneuk.com DT • To give a donation, please go to: www.justgiving.com/tonych- iversrow100. For more informa- tion about the BDA Benevolent Fund call 020 7486 4994, email dentistshelp@btconnect.com or go to bdabenevolentfund.org.uk. All enquiries are considered in confidence. The BDA Benevolent Fund is a registered charity no. 208146 3NewsJanuary 23-28, 2012United Kingdom Edition