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26/05/2004
Majority of dentists opposed to contract proposals: survey
Nearly 60% of high street dentists will either reduce their NHS commitment or quit the NHS altogether in protest at government proposals, according to new research from the British Dental Association (BDA).
The figures, which form part of a major consultation exercise by the association, showed that dentists have "little confidence" in the government's plans for NHS dentistry in England and Wales in April 2005. The consultation also found that just one-in-five dentists thought the government had listened to their concerns, according to the 20,000 members strong association.
Just 2% of high street dentists said that they would increase their NHS work on the back of the government's proposals, while a 16% said that they would stop providing NHS dentistry altogether.
The government is proposing that dentists should work under primary care trusts and local health boards – abandoning nationally negotiated contracts in favour receiving payments per patient.
John Renshaw, chair of the BDA's Executive Board, said that the NHS dental service was now at "breaking point" – with too few dentists, too little investment and too little time to give patients the care and treatment they deserve.
"Barely a week goes by without yet another story about the difficulties patients are facing to get NHS dental care. We have a highly dedicated workforce out there who want to be able to provide a service that is about more than the drill-and-fill treadmill. Dentists want to help patients manage their own dental care, to offer prevention advice, but neither the current system nor the proposed new one allows that to happen," he added.
Commenting on the report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow said that the root cause of the current crisis was the "botched Conservative contract of the 1990s".
"Government claims that everyone has access to an NHS dentist are a kick in the teeth for people across the country who cannot get registered at their local dental surgery. With so few dentists accepting new NHS patients, people are forced into queuing down the street when NHS places become available," he said.
(gmcg)
The figures, which form part of a major consultation exercise by the association, showed that dentists have "little confidence" in the government's plans for NHS dentistry in England and Wales in April 2005. The consultation also found that just one-in-five dentists thought the government had listened to their concerns, according to the 20,000 members strong association.
Just 2% of high street dentists said that they would increase their NHS work on the back of the government's proposals, while a 16% said that they would stop providing NHS dentistry altogether.
The government is proposing that dentists should work under primary care trusts and local health boards – abandoning nationally negotiated contracts in favour receiving payments per patient.
John Renshaw, chair of the BDA's Executive Board, said that the NHS dental service was now at "breaking point" – with too few dentists, too little investment and too little time to give patients the care and treatment they deserve.
"Barely a week goes by without yet another story about the difficulties patients are facing to get NHS dental care. We have a highly dedicated workforce out there who want to be able to provide a service that is about more than the drill-and-fill treadmill. Dentists want to help patients manage their own dental care, to offer prevention advice, but neither the current system nor the proposed new one allows that to happen," he added.
Commenting on the report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow said that the root cause of the current crisis was the "botched Conservative contract of the 1990s".
"Government claims that everyone has access to an NHS dentist are a kick in the teeth for people across the country who cannot get registered at their local dental surgery. With so few dentists accepting new NHS patients, people are forced into queuing down the street when NHS places become available," he said.
(gmcg)
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26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
10 May 2004
Report reveals NHS dentists in short supply
A recent survey has highlighted a chronic shortage of NHS dentists in England and Wales and claimed that over 5,000 dentists need to be recruited in these regions.
Report reveals NHS dentists in short supply
A recent survey has highlighted a chronic shortage of NHS dentists in England and Wales and claimed that over 5,000 dentists need to be recruited in these regions.
19 May 2005
Dental practises accused of failing patients
Almost half of NHS dental practises in England could not offer urgent NHS appointments to unregistered patients, a consumer survey has found. Almost half (49%) of those practises visited by consumer magazine Which? could not give appointments to unregistered patients, according to their survey.
Dental practises accused of failing patients
Almost half of NHS dental practises in England could not offer urgent NHS appointments to unregistered patients, a consumer survey has found. Almost half (49%) of those practises visited by consumer magazine Which? could not give appointments to unregistered patients, according to their survey.
16 July 2004
Government announces overhaul of dental care
The Government has pledged to invest an extra £368m in NHS Dentistry in England in an attempt to improve public access to dental care. The move, hailed as the biggest overhaul of the NHS Dentistry system since 1948, could see prices double in an attempt to lure more dentists back to the NHS sector.
Government announces overhaul of dental care
The Government has pledged to invest an extra £368m in NHS Dentistry in England in an attempt to improve public access to dental care. The move, hailed as the biggest overhaul of the NHS Dentistry system since 1948, could see prices double in an attempt to lure more dentists back to the NHS sector.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
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