The British Dental Association Scotland has stressed that there can be no complacency over the future of NHS dentistry, following the first evidence from frontline dentists since the Scottish Government’s reforms rolled out in November last year.
A new poll of high street dentists shows:
- While two thirds (66%) of respondents say the new system represents an improvement on the previous model, 9 in 10 (88%) say this cannot be the final destination for NHS dentistry.
- Only 22% say the new system enables a move to a preventive model of dentistry. Only 7% believe it will enhance access for NHS patients, and just 5% say it will support a reduction in oral health inequality.
- 26% feel changes have made their practices more financially sustainable. 31% disagree. Nearly half have not formed an opinion.
- 34% agreed reforms met the Scottish Government’s goal of increasing clinical freedom, while 38% disagreed. On reducing bureaucracy, respondents were tied for and against on 38%.
Just over a year ago the BDA’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee and the Scottish Government entered formal negotiations on the new fee structure and Payment Reform. This moved at pace within a challenging fiscal environment. The previous funding model was unsustainable, as surging costs had left dental practices delivering some NHS care at a financial loss.
In an open letter to the Scottish Government the BDA stress the Scottish Government must show it is willing to build on these reforms, and to double down on policies to ease the workforce crisis in the NHS.
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said: “Given the critical place dental services were at this verdict is welcome news, but there is absolutely no room for complacency. Dentists have seen improvements, but have told us reform falls short on access, inequalities and prevention. Changes might make some practices more sustainable today, but they do not provide the foundations for a 21st century service. The Scottish Government has set goals on improving access and sustainability. These promises must be kept. Scotland cannot have NHS dentistry without NHS dentists – and this service must be a place which can recruit and retain talent.”
