BDA calls for assurances on care standards for vulnerable patients

The British Dental Association (BDA) has called on the independent body NHS England to ensure that the provision of high-quality dental care for vulnerable special care patients is safeguarded.

A report from the organisation has raised concerns about the level of funding available for the provision of services and facilities, given that the number of people in Britain living with long-term illness, impairment and disability is predicted to increase.

As such, the organisation has called for budget allocations to be based on the historical cost of service provision and for the ongoing development of flexible commissioning and contractual arrangements that are responsive to patients' needs.

Dr Peter Bateman, chair of the BDA's salaried dentists committee, said: "Salaried dentists are looking to the new body to ensure their work caring for some of society's most vulnerable patients is properly funded, resourced and led."

Earlier this month, the association expressed concerns over proposed dental service cuts in Northern Ireland, as it believes such a move will harm patient care quality.