Lack of funds to blame as dentists quit NHS

A national survey conducted by the Dental Practitioner’s Association showed that 26 per cent of dentists want to quit the NHS after next April.

The DPA blames the dental contract drawn up by the Government two years ago.

Ray Steggles, a former NHS dentist who now runs the Wharf Dental Practice in Lowesmoor Wharf, blamed under funding.

“We’re now getting a division between private dentistry and basic NHS dentistry and when I say basic dentistry I mean basic NHS dentistry,” he said.

“The people who can’t afford private dentists will not get a reasonable standard of care, while people who can afford it will get good care. The NHS system is very hit and miss at the minute.”

The survey revealed that 95 per cent of dentists said that access to NHS treatment had not improved and that 85 per cent said the new contract, which involves dentists being paid annually in return for units of dental activity, was unworkable.

However, the figures have been criticised by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, who say just 86 dentists responded to the survey.

Alan McMichael, Worcestershire PCT’s consultant in dental public health, said: “The DPA survey should be viewed with caution as just 86 responses were received.

“In Worcestershire we are optimistic about the future for NHS dentistry and we remain committed to delivering a high-quality dental service for local people.”

Mr McMichael said NHS work for dentists locally would increase by 10 per cent over the course of 2008/09, after the PCT announced an opportunity for dentists to bid for additional amounts of NHS-contracted work.

For 2009 plans are being drafted to commission further additional activity in the form of permanent contracts.

Figures are still being finalised but the PCT estimates between 10 and 13 per cent of additional activity will be fed into dental contracts locally.

For information on how to register with a local NHS dentist call the dental helpline on 01905 760111.