BDA urges dentistry reform

Reforms are urgently needed to solve problems for both dentists and patients in the health industry, it has been suggested.

Dr Susie Sanderson, chair of the British Dental Association’s executive board, has commented that patients rather than targets should be at the heart of dentistry under the National Health Service (NHS).

Her comments come before her appearance at a health select committee later this week where Dr Sanderson is expected to demand changes to the flaws within the current dental contract between the NHS and the government.

Units of Dental Activity should be scrapped as the sole method of evaluating dentists’ activity commissioning funds need to pay primary care trusts in full to enable greater financial certainty within their budges, she noted.

This strategy has led to fewer interventions carried out by dentists within the courses of treatment for patients but this frees up more time for oral health advice and promotion, according to the NHS website.

Dr Sanderson stated: “It is clear that the dental reforms of 2006 have created problems for dentists and patients alike. This inquiry presents a real chance to look at those problems, consider the impact of the contract and look for positive solutions to improve the situation.”