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This Week in Dentistry: 5 key Dental news stories Dentists should know about.
- Dr Dan Shaffer
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Staying informed on the latest developments in dentistry isn’t just good business it’s essential for making sound decisions about your practice’s future. Here’s this week’s curated round up of the most important UK dental news, with quick, actionable insights for Dentists.
3rd August 2025 | The Business of Dentistry | Dental news
🗂️ Quick Summary Table
📰 Story | 🧩 Topic | 💡 Relevance |
1. Dental Earnings vs Expenses | Financial Pressure | Profit margins are being squeezed |
2. DCP Indemnity Gap | Legal Risk | Many aren’t adequately covered |
3. Tech Workforce Crisis | Lab Shortages | Supply chain delays possible |
4. AI Training Platform | CPD Innovation | Flexible, remote clinical learning |
5. Pearl Global Expansion | AI Diagnostics | UK roll-out of smart radiograph tools |
💷 1. Dental Earnings vs Expenses: 2023–24 Review
What happened: Recent figures show NHS and private dentist earnings are up slightly—but expenses (staffing, labs, energy) rose faster, reducing net profitability, particularly in high-overhead urban practices.
What it means for you:
Review what each treatment really earns you. Use digital or outsourced solutions to cut overhead. Associates may want to renegotiate UDA terms or add private offerings.
🛡️ 2. Are Your DCPs Properly Protected?
What happened:
Many UK hygienists, therapists and dental nurses may be unknowingly underprotected. The article highlights the importance of occurrence-based indemnity, which protects clinicians for historic work indefinitely without extra costs at retirement or job change.
Key advantages of occurrence-based indemnity:
Lifetime cover without needing run-off
No policy gaps during transitions
Greater job confidence for staff
Less legal exposure for employers
What it means for you:
Double-check indemnity policies for all team members. Ensuring occurrence-based cover supports staff retention and reduces practice risk.
🔧 3. Technician Workforce Crisis Escalates
What happened:
The UK dental technician workforce has halved since 2008. Fewer apprenticeships, poor sector visibility, and retirements are accelerating the shortage. Meanwhile, dentist numbers are increasing, straining lab turnaround times and capacity.
What it means for you:
Expect lab bottlenecks. Strengthen relationships with labs investing in digital production, in-house training or CAD/CAM. Managing patient expectations will be key in the coming years.
🧠 4. AI-Powered Clinical Training Comes to the US
What happened:
RipeGlobal has launched a new AI-based platform offering 600+ hours of remote, interactive dental training in the US. It blends simulation tools, instructor feedback, and self-paced learning.
What it means for you:
For dentists looking to upskill without travel, this type of CPD can save time and money, especially valuable in multi-site clinics or post-maternity leave returns. It’s worth watching for a UK launch or pilot opportunity.
🌐 5. Pearl Expands Dental AI Globally
What happened:
AI dental diagnostics company Pearl has named Cher-Marie Scott to lead international expansion. Their radiograph analysis software, already FDA-approved, is expected to enter the UK and EU markets soon.
What it means for you:
This kind of AI tool can:
Improve diagnosis consistency
Reduce missed findings
Enhance patient communication and treatment acceptanceConsider registering for early access or training if offered.
✅ Weekly Action Plan for UK Dentists
1. Audit Treatment Profitability
Recalculate margins with new lab/staff/material costs
Consider dropping or repricing unprofitable services
2. Review Indemnity Coverage
Ask your DCPs to confirm whether their indemnity is occurrence-based
Offer guidance or support on switching if needed
3. Secure Lab Reliability
Contact your lab about workforce planning and turnaround expectations
Explore digital lab options or on-site scanning investments
4. Explore Online Training Tools
Research AI-based CPD platforms like RipeGlobal
Start planning flexible learning for associates or DCPs
5. Prepare for Diagnostic AI
Join waitlists or webinars from companies like Pearl
Identify which areas of diagnostics your team struggles with most
And most importantly consider attending the Dental Business event of the year...
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