BDA outlines expectations for dental contract reform

The British Dental Association (BDA) has outlined its expectations for the new NHS dental contract and the targets it will need to hit to succeed.

Addressing a meeting of local dental committees in London, Dr John Milne, chair of the BDA's general dental practice committee said the contractual arrangements must work for practitioners and patients alike in order to maintain confidence in the sector.

Criticising the target-driven arrangements introduced in 2006 that are currently in place, Dr Milne said the new contract needs to deliver improved patient outcomes and fair remuneration, while preserving current benefits for practitioners.

Measures also need to ensure practice ownership remains sustainable, while quality routine and urgent care also needs to be prioritised, as well as clarity on NHS service provision and the costs for patients.

Dr Milne said the government "must continue to engage constructively with the profession as the dialogue enters a more detailed and potentially more difficult phase".

This comes after the BDA last month called for clarification from the General Dental Council on the implementation of new direct access regulations for the sector.