Measures to improve dental care introduced by NHS
Government to pay dentists more for some types of dental work and now requires dentists to update NHS website regularly.
In a press release on 28 November the Department of Health and Social Care described a new package of measures to improve patient access to dental care:
- All NHS dentists to receive fairer payments for providing more complex dental care to those who need it most
- Dentists will be required to update NHS website regularly to make it clear which practices are taking on new patients and the services available, improving access
Minsters have done little more than rearrange the deckchairs. These minor tweaks will not end the access crisis or give demoralised dentists any reason to stay in the NHS. It's one thing to offer a shiny new website showing patients they can't get an appointment. It's quite another to put in place reform and funding so millions can get the care they need.
British Dental Association response
The British Dental Association (BDA) described these changes as "minor tweaks" to the NHS dental contract. They would do little to prevent dentists from leaving the NHS or make it easier for patients to receive NHS dental care.
