Dental board highlights planned improvements to regulatory model

Regulations in UK dentistry are to be revamped following the publication of a new report from the Regulation of Dental Services Programme Board (RDSPB).

This represents the culmination of a 12-month analysis assessing how to reduce the burden of regulation in dentistry, while still providing the protection that the public must receive. The consultations involved discussions with the dental profession and patient representatives.

Key areas of improvement highlighted by the report included defining respective roles and responsibilities in the dental system and a clearer model for the regulatory system, as well as improving data, information and intelligence sharing.

Other priorities involved defining a system with a recognised role for complaints handling, developing a proactive approach to patient information, pushing forward quality improvement initiatives and implementing a communications programme to providers.

David Behan, chief executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: "This is an important initiative that brings together the key organisations responsible for managing and regulating dental health care across the country."