The government’s plan to reform the NHS dental contract in England continues, and dentists can help by completing a new survey, as published on the GOV.UK website.
Recently launched, the survey examines the costs and pressures of running dental practices. The survey answers will paint a clearer picture of the most expensive areas of dentistry. By identifying and better managing the areas of concern, the hope is that NHS work will be more appealing to dentists. This will then increase the amount of NHS appointments, ensuring the nation’s oral health is better protected.
The results of the survey will support the government’s dental reform programme which is a crucial part of the Plan for Change. Growing concerns over DIY dentistry have led to a greater demand for NHS dentistry, tackling dental problems as soon as possible.
The Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, reinforced the positive changes that have happened already, and the progress the government hopes to make:
“We have already rolled out an extra 700,000 urgent dentistry appointments and introduced a supervised toothbrushing programme to prevent tooth decay in young children in the most deprived communities.
“More work is needed but we must make sure we are clear about the problem. Through this survey, we will gain a better understanding of the pressures faced by the sector so we can fix them and deliver better care for patients through our Plan for Change.”
Targeting the dental deserts is a vital mission: these areas are filled with patients looking for appointments and the longer the gap between check-ups and treatments, the greater the risk of oral disease. Answering the survey can help shrink the dental deserts and better ensure the nation’s teeth and gums are well protected.
Complete the survey to have your say.
>Since you’re here, why not read about recent patient satisfaction with the NHS?
Main image credit: Unsplash
