BDA welcomes government white paper

The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded positively to government plans for the dental sector outlined in its recent healthcare white paper.

Dr John Milne, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, stated that the body has been reassured by a number of commitments and promises for reform highlighted in the document this week.

He said news that primary care dentistry will be commissioned by a new NHS board will contribute to safeguarding dental services, while the increased focus on clinical outcomes rather than targets was also welcomed.

In addition, Dr Milne praised the government for pledging to pilot dental contract changes, calling on health secretary Andrew Lansley to maintain commitment to recommendations made in the recent Steele report.

He added: “We look forward to more detailed proposals on how the government intends to implement these changes.”

Last month, the BDA urged the government to review the regulatory system currently operating in the dental sector, expressing concern it is currently proving overly restrictive and bureaucratic.