Minister acknowledges ‘frustratingly slow’ progress on dental contract

A leading minister has recognised the dental industry's unhappiness over the slow progress being made on the delivery of a new dental contract for the UK.

Speaking at a Westminster reception, health minister Dan Poulter said he understands the British Dental Association's (BDA's) complaints about the "frustratingly slow" nature of the current contract reform process.

Initial trials of the new contract got underway three years ago, with the new system based on a preventive approach, as well as a focus on ensuring that those suffering from disease get appropriate treatment.

Early findings from a summer engagement event were made public within the last few weeks, with an announcement about prototyping now expected early in the new year.

Mr Poulter said: "We need to ensure any system does not disadvantage those with the greatest need and that is why the pilots and prototyping are so important."

The BDA has previously called for the new contract to bring an end  to the current target-driven approach and to instead focus on better outcomes, fair pay and improved sustainability for practice owners.