It’s been a busy month for announcements with a dental contract reform consultation and the publication of the 10 Year Health Plans, but another recent and very important announcement may not have been picked up so widely.
The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) welcomes the recent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) proposal to indefinitely extend the recognition of CE-marked medical devices. The proposal, strongly lobbied for by the BDIA, would deliver on a key priority for the dental industry, offering it the clarity, predictability and certainty necessary to facilitate the continued competitive supply and availability of dental products to patients in Great Britain.
The importance of ensuring continued market access for CE marked medical devices in Great Britain has been a central focus of the BDIA’s engagement with the government throughout the process of leaving the EU and associated regulatory reform.
Commenting on the proposal, Edmund Proffitt, BDIA Chief Executive, said: “The BDIA welcomes the MHRA’s proposals to consult on the introduction of swift and indefinite market access for medical devices bearing the CE mark on behalf of the dental industry, its customers and patients. Such an approach will benefit patient outcomes and foster innovation, whilst giving manufacturers, suppliers and dental practices the certainty and confidence they require going forward. By championing international reliance our regulator is leading the way in providing patients with safe, effective and innovative treatment solutions.”
The proposal to remove barriers to market access represents a sensible, proportionate and pragmatic step by the MHRA to support the dental industry and the patient population it serves. Hopefully this positive move will be complemented by equally positive progress on dental contract reform and benefits that may be delivered through the 10 Year Health Plan.
