Pilot dental programme is a success according to the NHS

The NHS believes that their new pilot programme aimed at encouraging dentists to offer comprehensive oral health assessments and self-care plans in addition to traditional treatments has been successful in reducing levels of tooth decay in patients across England. Those practices involved in the programme reported that 97% of patients were satisfied with the dental care they received, 90% experienced reduced or maintained levels of tooth decay, and 80% had less or the same levels of gum disease.
Health Minister Steve Brine said: “The Government has made great progress in improving the oral health of patients and tooth decay among children continues to decrease – but there is more we can do. Our new proposed NHS dental contract focuses on prevention and quality of care and will be thoroughly tested to ensure it is financially sustainable for the NHS, patients and dentists.”
Sara Hurley, chief dental officer, said: “The announcement of up to 50 more prototype practices is an important step in developing the NHS dental service in this its 70th year. I welcome it and hope that further refinement and testing with the profession will lead us to a model that enables dentists and their teams to play their full part in the delivery of integrated care and further improvement of oral and general health.”