Dentists call for end to industry ‘culture of fear’

The government has been urged to address the "culture of fear" in the dental sector and introduce a renewed focus on patient care.

Mick Armstrong, chair of the British Dental Association (BDA), told participants at a Westminster Health Forum event that a failing regulatory framework and a difficult economic climate is making it more important than ever that the voices of dentists are heard.

He underlined the high levels of patient satisfaction with dental treatment and high Care Quality Commission compliance rates seen across multiple studies as evidence that dentists have earned more trust than they are given.

As such, he called for a new joined-up approach to regulation and a dental care model that focuses on dentists being given the opportunity to get on with their jobs.

Mr Armstrong said: "Don't repeatedly attack the dental budget, but invest in it. Make us a valued part of whole-person care. Make us positive professionals once again: enable us to do the best for our patients."

This continues the organisation's repeated calls for the government to be clearer about its plans for reforming the dental industry, particularly in terms of its regulatory structure.