The New Dental Contract-’Full of Holes and Causing Pain’ A Patients Association Report- 2008

Methodology In 2008 The Patients Association surveyed every Primary Care Trust in England, to assess the impact of the new dental contract. We did so because in 2007 we surveyed Members of Parliament about the top three health concerns of their constituents, with dentistry topping the poll.

Funding The majority of PCT’s said that they are happy with the level of funding. 87% said that funding was ring fenced. However PCTs complained about a widespread lack of funds for orthodontics and other specialist treatments.

Access On average around 50% of PCT patients were receiving NHS dental care. There was concern about the preventative role of dentistry in combating oral health disease. This role requires patients that are in regular contact with a dentist.

Complaints Complaints had risen in 55% of PCT’s following the introduction of the new contract. The report attributed this to confusion amongst patients with regards to the new charges and access arrangements set out in the contract.

National Dentistry Service? The report concluded that: “The mixed bag of access to service, emergency and out of hours care, and preventative campaigns revealed in this survey does not constitute a National Health Service for Dentistry.”

Patient Association Call to Action Examine the co-payments system for dentistry as the basis for expanding the availability of treatments elsewhere in the NHS Give patients the same level of preventative care as planned for other NHS specialists-ensuring problems diagnosed earlier. Remove the post code lottery for patients. Ensure PCT’s and patients are fully aware of important changes to their service. Ensure the same level of coverage and availability for special treatments as elsewhere in the NHS Require PCT’s to ensure dentists comply with the latest infection control guidance.