From today, the NHS dental contract is changing, aiming to improve access to NHS dentistry and the quality care provided.
The main pillars of change, amongst others, in these reforms encompass:
8.2% target for NHS urgent care
From this month, NHS dental providers with contracts of over 100 UDAs will be required to deliver 8.2% of their contract as unscheduled care. A payment of £75 will replace the 1.2 UDAs for urgent care. The target aims to encourage practices to take on new patients.
Introduction of complex care pathways
From June this year, complex care pathways will be introduced, focussed on providing care to high need patients. The pathways will result in set rates paid as set out below:
Ultimately, complex care pathways will result in the provision of fewer band three treatments.
Supporting skill mix
Dental nurses with the appropriate training will now be able to apply fluoride varnish for patients up to 16 years old, under prescription from a dentist. This course of treatment will now be worth 0.5 UDAs, and is a change which has been broadly welcomed by the dental team.
Overall, the reforms reflect a move to prevention, whilst some are concerned about the inherent unpredictability of urgent care, and therefore the ability to meet the demands of the new contract structure.
The true impact of these changes is yet to be seen, but it is certainly an interesting time for dentistry, and NHS access for patients.
>Since you’re here, why not read about poor oral health linked with snus use?
Main image credit: Unsplash
