A new package of measures to improve patient access to dental
care has been introduced by the government.
From today, NHS dentists will receive fairer payments for
delivering complex dental care to incentivise practices to take
on high needs patients who require treatment the most.
Previously dentists would receive the same payments for all
treatments delivered within band two, which includes fillings and
tooth extractions, regardless of the amount of time taken to
deliver the work. For example, they would receive the same
payment for one filling as three fillings.
This meant dentists may not have been able to afford to take on
patients who had not seen a dentist for an extended period who
require more extensive treatment as a result.
The contract changes, which come into force today, will provide
fairer payments to dentists by taking into account the time taken
to do the work, incentivising practices to provide the care
needed for patients with complex and high needs.
Health Minster Neil O’Brien said:
“I am determined to make sure everybody seeking NHS dental care
can receive it when they need it.
“Our new contract rewards dentists more fairly for taking on high
needs patients and delivering treatments to those who need it
most.
“It will not solve all the problems overnight, but it will help
improve access and ensure the system supports dentists and their
teams.”
The new contract will also require dental practices to regularly
update information on the ‘Find a Dentist’ tool on the NHS
website, ensuring it accurately reflects available services. This
will help patients to locate practices taking on new patients and
access the treatments they need quickly.
This government is also introducing legislation which will
provide the General Dental Council (GDC) with greater flexibility
to amend its international registration processes for overseas
qualified dentists. This will pave the way for additional exams
places and enable the GDC to recognise and accept more
qualifications for dentists and dental care professionals who
want to work in the UK and support a reduction in unnecessary
delays.
Louise Ansari, national director of Healthwatch England
said:
"Thousands of people have spoken up about their struggles
accessing an NHS dentist over the last few years, telling us
about dental practices in many regions either closing down or not
accepting new NHS patients. This announcement shows the power of
their voices, with government listening and taking action.
"The changes should help people find clear and up to date
information on dentists taking on new NHS patients. While people
with more complex dental problems will find it easier to access
care because of the shift in how the NHS pays dentists.
Ultimately, we hope these combined measures will help to reduce
long waiting times, the extended periods of pain many people
suffer and prevent the extreme cases of DIY dentistry we have
seen.
"These changes are a good start and when put into practice can
help ensure dental care that is accessible and affordable to
everyone who needs it.”
