BDA welcomes government commitment to dental reform

The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded positively to the government's pledge to press ahead with its dental contract reform plans.

During the recent British Dental Conference and Exhibition, health minister Earl Howe outlined a timetable for progress on this front, with a consultation on key parts of the reforms to take place over the next few months, followed by decisions later in the year.

A new and more advanced stage of the process will then follow in 2015/16. Mr Howe was also sure to stress the importance of careful implementation of any planned reforms.

According to Dr John Milne, chair of the BDA's General Dental Practice Committee, these statements will be taken as a much-needed positive sign for the profession at a time when margins are under threat.

He said: "Continued engagement with the profession and the practices already involved in the pilots will be absolutely crucial to the success of the reforms."

This comes not long after the government was targeted for criticism by the BDA over plans to reduce the amount paid to dental foundation trainees in future.