To highlight the need for preventive action, the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA), Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and oral health promoters from the four Health and Social Services Boards joined together to raise awareness of Mouth Cancer Week, which ran last week. Speaking about the initiative Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the … Continued

Recent craze is causing serious tooth erosion

On 14 November, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey officially opened the new day surgery unit at Antrim Area Hospital. The unit will deliver a patient-focused service for day-case dental and general surgery, and ear nose and throat (ENT) treatment, amongst other services. Speaking after the opening ceremony, Minister McGimpsey said: ‘This state-of-the-art facility will provide staff … Continued

Continuing professional development (CPD) was at the top of the agenda at a recent Dental Protection/Irish Dental Association evening seminar held at the Clarion Hotel next to Dublin airport. Kicking off the event, Fintan Hourihan, CEO of the IDA, welcomed delegates and reported that the Dental Council is following the lead of the Medical Council, … Continued

Ireland has the 15th most consumer friendly healthcare system in Europe, according to the 2008 Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) launched today in Brussels. This is one step up from last year’s 16th position, placing Ireland on a longer and firm improvement trend. One of the 34 performance indicators is dental care affordability. In Ireland … Continued

All residents at adult addiction treatment centres in Ireland should undergo an oral cancer screening examination upon admission to the centre, according to Dr Eleanor O’Sullivan of Cork University Dental School and Hospital in her report on Oral Cancer Screening Study of High Risk Individuals. In Ireland, oral and pharyngeal cancer represents approximately 4% of … Continued

A new national health literacy campaign, the MSD/NALA Health Literacy Initiative, was launched earlier this week to help health professionals communicate clearly with patients.  Health literacy is a person’s ability to make sound health decisions in the context of everyday life. With over 50% of the Irish population affected in some way by literacy difficulties, … Continued