BDA’s red tape campaign backed by dental committees

The British Dental Association (BDA) has said England's Local Dental Committees (LDCs) are backing its calls to reduce the burden of red tape in the profession.

More than 60 officers pledged their support for the BDA's campaign during the LDC Officials' Day in London on December 3rd.

The association has urged dentists across the country to open a dialogue with their local MP about issues such as the registration of practices with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Dr Mick Armstrong, chair of the LDCs, claimed the ability of dentists to provide adequate care for their patients is "under threat from increasing amounts of red tape".

He added: "LDCs are proud to back this campaign, which calls for a commonsense approach that puts patient care first."

The BDA has produced a postcard that dentists can send to their MP and call for action on the CQC issue.

It will become mandatory for both private and NHS dental practices to register with the CQC, which is England's independent regulator for health and social care, in 2011.