The Association of Dental Groups’ (ADG) response to the recommendations in the recently published ‘Open consultation – NHS dentistry contract: quality and payment reforms’ is that in general, they are to be welcomed. The proposals which include support for a focus on the highest priority and highest need patient groups and delivery of evidence-based prevention interventions, whilst ensuring a quality-related element into the contract for the first time – are all positive intentions.
However, whilst the overall direction is on track, the Association’s members are keen to take this consultation period to examine the recommendations in detail. In particular, understanding the rationale behind the proposed reimbursement for the new care pathways and exploring the quality improvement, appraisal and minimum terms proposals are important.
Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair, Association of Dental Groups said:
“The Association of Dental Groups welcomes the general thrust of the NHS dentistry consultation’s focus on providing improved access for higher needs patients, more focus on prevention and the use of the wider dental team. However, it is important we use these next few weeks of the consultation period to dive deep into the proposals and consider how these will provide fairer funding for the treatment of patients with more significant care and treatment needs – and ultimately improve patient access to NHS care.
“As I have said many times before, we are desperately short of skilled workers across the whole dental workforce. We know we have a gap in the workforce of over 3,000 dentists – but we also need dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental nurses. Right now, the dental team is woefully depleted, and morale is low. So, we have to get the proposed changes to the NHS dentistry contract right – and quickly. We cannot afford to still be talking about this for the months and years to come – and ADG members are looking for improvements to be agreed as soon as possible after the end of the consultation period and no later than the 2026/7 contract year. Neither the profession, which is on its knees, nor patients, who are resorting to DIY dentistry – can wait any longer!”
ADG members are now working to submit their expert recommendations via the open consultation process in time for its close in August – and as always, the ADG remains ready to support policy makers and stakeholders during this period.
