DT News - UK - Mydentist clinical service director warns tough Brexit could affect UK dentistry

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 2 February 2017

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LONDON, UK: Yesterday, Parliament cleared the way for government to invoke Article 50 in March that will open negotiations for the country to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May announced earlier this year that the UK will not remain in the single market regardless of the deal negotiated with Brussels. In an article, mydentist Clinical Services Director and member of the Association of Dental Groups Dr Steve Williams has now warned that this version of Brexit could have serious implications for dentistry in the UK.

Exploring the potential consequences of the referendum outcome, Williams said that NHS dentistry could be one of the areas most likely to suffer from the country leaving the EU.

“Dentistry is one of the areas of NHS care that is most heavily dependent on EU-trained professionals,” he said. “It will be vital to ensure that Brexit does not undermine our ability to provide NHS dental care by inadvertently disrupting the supply of dentists in the UK.”

Currently, almost one-fifth of dentists registered with the General Dental Council are from Europe. To withdraw these professionals from the workforce would be devastating, especially in underserved areas, where there is already a shortage, according to Williams.

“The UK dental market relies strongly on the European workforce. Without them, the profession’s ability to recruit would be greatly affected. Unless training places can be increased, there will be a continued need for additional European dentists throughout the UK,” he explained.

The government has announced no specifics about the status of EU nationals in the UK after the country has left the EU; however, the protection of their rights was included in the 12-point plan announced by PM May to guide the Brexit process.

“Any announcement made on whether European professionals will be allowed to stay in the UK will be hugely beneficial for dentistry, as at least some stability will be guaranteed,” Williams said.

Practice owners should expect the prices of consumables and materials to increase as a result of the plummeting exchange rate between the pound and other currencies.

“We are already seeing a ripple effect as a result of the referendum outcome. Indeed, not only did the pound plummet to a 35-year low shortly after the vote—which will likely continue to fluctuate and generally worsen as we get closer to Article 50 being triggered, but the exchange rate is also extremely poor right now,” Williams said.

Things are not all bad, however, as a split from Europe could also mean restructuring legislation.

“There are a number of EU laws that affect dental practices—including regulations on tooth whitening and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide that can be used. What’s more, current EU legislation prevents the transfer of NHS contracts by any way except through the partnership route, which could change if the UK decides to create its own commissioning rules. The problem is that so much legislation will require changing, that it will be several years after leaving the EU before anything will actually take affect,” Williams said.

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