This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Trail to reduce tooth decay to be expanded
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that up to 50 NHS dental practices will be joining a scheme for prevention-focused dental care following successful results where it has been tested.
The new system, which incentivises dentists to offer full oral health assessments and self-care plans on top of traditional treatments, has seen 90 per cent of patients having reduced or maintained levels of tooth decay, 80 per cent of patients had reduced or maintained levels of gum disease and 97 per cent of patients said they were satisfied with the dental care they received.
The new practices will join from October 2018 and January 2019, while the existing 73 practices continue to test the new approach, with a new remuneration system added which supports dentists carrying out preventative work.
If it can be shown to benefit patients, the NHS and dental practice, the scheme could be rolled out nationally from April 2020.
Health Minister Steve Brine said: “The government has made great progress in improving the oral health of patients and tooth decay among children continues to decrease ‒ but there is more we can do. Our new proposed NHS dental contract focuses on prevention and quality of care and will be thoroughly tested to ensure it is financially sustainable for the NHS, patients and dentists.”
Chief Dental Officer Sarah Hurley said: “The announcement of up to 50 more prototype practices is an important step in developing the NHS dental service in this its 70th year. I welcome it and hope that further refinement and testing with the profession will lead us to a model that enables dentists and their teams to play their full part in the delivery of integrated care and further improvement of oral and general health.”
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