The Faculty of Dental Surgery

17/08/2026

Modern dentistry didn't emerge by chance.

Our latest Faculty Dental Journal explores the legacy of Sir John Tomes, whose work helped shape dental education, professional standards and regulation in the UK.

Using records from our archives, it traces how Tomes helped transform dentistry into a recognised profession, and why his influence can still be felt today.

More: https://ow.ly/SN4650ZzWEA

21/07/2026

How can dental surgeons use new technology without losing the clinical judgement that keeps patients safe?

Our latest looks at 'digital Darwinism' in dental surgery, from CBCT and intraoral scanning to AI, 3D printing and guided surgery.

More: https://publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/abs/10.1308/rcsbull.2026.95

17/07/2026

The decision to ban energy drinks for under-16s is a win for children's oralhealth.

These drinks are often extremely high in sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Reducing young people's access to them will help protect their teeth and support healthier habits from an early age.

Responding to the Government's announcement, our FDS Dean, Professor Martyn Cobourne, said: "Restricting the sale of energy drinks to under-16s is an important step towards improving children's oral health."

More from the DHSC: https://ow.ly/6ZTg50ZoNY0

14/07/2026

The state of children’s oral health across the UK is a serious cause for concern.

New data from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's State of Child Health 2026 report highlights the stark inequalities shaping children's health across the UK, and oral health is no exception.

Responding to the findings, our Dean, Professor Martyn Cobourne said: "Fundamental reform of the NHS dental contract and meaningful new investment will be essential to improve access to NHS dental care, support the dental workforce and deliver better oral health outcomes for children.”

More:

The State of Child Health report shows the UK has some of the worst outcomes for children in Europe in terms of 12 health indicators. RCPCH officer for health...

11/07/2026

Five years on from its introduction, is the specialist grade delivering on its promise?

Our latest explores the specialist grade's role in career progression for SAS dentists, the opportunities it creates and some of the questions that remain around its uptake and impact across the NHS workforce.

Read more: https://publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/abs/10.1308/rcsfdj.2026.27

01/07/2026

Our latest Faculty Dental Journal brings together different parts of practice which aren't always get considered together. You’ll see how clinical decision-making connects with public health priorities, how digital tools are starting to influence everyday dentistry and how training and early careers shape what the profession becomes next.

Read full issue: https://ow.ly/GCxZ50Zj1Op

16/04/2026

Three members have been elected by you to join our FDS Board. We welcome and congratulate Neil Shah, who will be formally admitted to the Board in June and to Robert Crawford and Professor Jennifer Gallagher, who have been re‑elected.

Read the elected members’ statements and find out more about our Board: https://ow.ly/w2Xt50YKiBv

01/04/2026

April’s issue of the Faculty Dental Journal brings together the everyday realities of practice with wider questions about how care is delivered.

We look at the financial and environmental impact of unattended appointments, antimicrobial prescribing in a hospital setting and how patient and public involvement can strengthen research.

Read the full issue: https://ow.ly/AZw850YBBsM

30/03/2026

Over the weekend, The Telegraph reported that children born with a cleft lip and palate could face lifelong complications under plans to scrap specialist training, following concerns about the future of specialist training.

Earlier this month, we wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC, along with a dozen other organisations, warning that the axing of central funding would put patients at risk.

In the article, our President, Mr Tim Mitchell, said:
“TIG Fellowships have been a vital part of training cleft surgeons, ensuring they gain the highly specialised skills needed to deliver safe, high-quality care for children with cleft lip and palate. Ending national support for these posts without a clear alternative risks undermining the future workforce for cleft services.

“The same concerns apply across other complex surgical areas – from head and neck cancer to major trauma and breast reconstruction. A coordinated national approach is essential to make sure patients continue to have access to surgeons with the advanced expertise these services rely on.”

Read more in the Telegraph:

Plans to scrap specialist training could leave patients with permanent speech difficulties and problems with eating