New measures to improve access to dental care
The Department of Health have now announced changes that should improve the problems you're facing getting dental care.
Hundreds of people in Milton Keynes have contacted us about their struggles to get dental care. Thanks to your feedback, our Healthwatch network has pushed for these changes.
What's changing?
- All NHS dentists to receive fairer payments for providing more complex dental care to those who need it most
- Dentists will be required to update NHS website regularly to make it clear which practices are taking on new patients and the services available, improving access
- This will ensure the system better supports all dentists and their teams while also providing better value for money dental care for patients
From today, NHS dentists will receive fairer payments for delivering complex dental care to incentivise practices to take on high needs patients who require treatment the most.
Previously dentists would receive the same payments for all treatments delivered within band 2, which includes fillings and tooth extractions, regardless of the amount of time taken to deliver the work. For example, they would receive the same payment for one filling as 3 fillings.
This meant dentists may not have been able to afford to take on patients who had not seen a dentist for an extended period who needed more extensive treatment as a result.
The contract changes, which come into force last week, will provide fairer payments to dentists by taking into account the time taken to do the work, incentivising practices to provide the care needed for patients with complex and high needs.
