LONDON, UK: A new report from the Health and Social Care Committee deems NHS dentistry “totally unacceptable in the 21st century”. The cross-party report has addressed calls for urgent and fundamental reform.
The July report cites evidence from UK dentists on the exodus from the NHS, sharing recommendations on how to stem the flow. It presses for a break from the 2006 contract and outlines suggested next steps.
The committee has called for a permanent ring-fencing of the dental budget and for adequate resources to underpin the forthcoming recovery plan. “From reform to funding the committee has provided an instruction manual to save NHS dentistry,” said General Dental Practice Committee Chair Shawn Charlwood. “The real question now is whether government or opposition are ready to use it. Failure to act will condemn this service to oblivion.”
The report states that any approach the government might take to tie-ins is conditional on first delivering fundamental reform to the current system. It also highlights the issues with workforce planning given the effective absence of accurate data. The committee recommends a dental workforce survey to find out how many full- and part-time equivalents are working in NHS dentistry, so they can actually pinpoint where the dental deserts actually are.
The British Dental Association responded that they have long argued for an end to the current system, advocating for a renewed focus on prevention, and person-centred care. MPs have backed our call for a system based on weighted capitation, which will also give support to the patients who need us most.
The government has pledged to fast track a recovery plan and to ensure meaningful reform of the NHS dental contract. Over 1,300 dentists have already urged Health Secretary Steve Barclay to act.
Tags:
EDINBURGH, Scotland: The lamentable state of public health dentistry across the UK is now glaringly obvious and concern continues to be raised in various ...
LONDON, UK: Workplace stress can lead to mounting anxiety or even depression. As is the case with other healthcare providers, dentists and doctors are often...
A new report by Brandessence Market Research outlines the trends and opportunities for dental professionals to thrive in the industry. In an era where ...
BELFAST, UK: Recent statistics from the Health and Social Care Board have revealed that children in Northern Ireland are three times more likely to have had...
LONDON, England: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish National Health Service (NHS) England, aiming to integrate its functions ...
A new report commissioned by the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme has found that rolling out three preventative oral health interventions could reduce ...
LONDON, England: While chewing gum may be considered a somewhat undesirable habit, sugar-free varieties have been proved to be highly beneficial for oral ...
BELFAST, UK: Under the theme of “Perspectives”, members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) are currently meeting at ...
LONDON, UK: The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into NHS England dentistry services, stating that the focus of NHS...
LONDON, UK: Seeking to show the commitment of the dental profession to fight discrimination and bias in dentistry, the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group ...
Live webinar
Wed. 18 June 2025
1:00 am UTC (London)
Dr. Ira Lamster DDS, MMSc, Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Jessica Lee
Live webinar
Wed. 18 June 2025
3:00 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Wed. 18 June 2025
4:00 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Fri. 20 June 2025
5:00 pm UTC (London)
Dr. Rishita Jaju DMD, Pediatric Laser Dentist
Live webinar
Mon. 23 June 2025
6:00 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Tue. 24 June 2025
7:00 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Tue. 24 June 2025
7:00 pm UTC (London)
To post a reply please login or register