Recommendations & Conclusions
7 items
7
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
Fundamental reform of the dental contract is essential and must be urgently implemented, not only to address the crisis of access in the short-term, but to ensure a more sustainable, equitable and prevention-focussed system for the future. We are concerned that any further delay will lead to more dentists leaving …
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Fundamental reform of the dental contract is essential and must be urgently implemented, not only to address the crisis of access in the short-term, but to ensure a more sustainable, equitable and prevention-focussed system for the future. We are concerned that any further delay will lead to more dentists leaving the NHS and exacerbate the issues patients are experiencing with accessing services. (Paragraph 50) 34 NHS dentistry
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation for fundamental reform, committing to build on existing contractual changes and work on further reforms to the 2006 contract, though they rejected a previously piloted capitation model due to its identified shortcomings.
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Department of Health and Social Care
8
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
We welcome the Government’s recognition of the need for dental contract reform. The Department and NHS England must urgently implement a fundamentally reformed dental contract, characterised by a move away from the current UDA system, in favour of a system with a weighted capitation element, which emphasises prevention and person-centred …
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We welcome the Government’s recognition of the need for dental contract reform. The Department and NHS England must urgently implement a fundamentally reformed dental contract, characterised by a move away from the current UDA system, in favour of a system with a weighted capitation element, which emphasises prevention and person-centred care. This should be based on the learnings from the Dental Contract Reform Programme and in full consultation with the dental profession.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation for urgent reform, stating they will build on existing contractual changes and work on further reforms to the 2006 contract, but reject moving to a weighted capitation model based on previous pilot evaluations.
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Department of Health and Social Care
14
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
Any contract reform now will almost certainly be too late for those dentists who have already left the NHS or are considering doing so in the near future. The Government must urgently introduce incentives to attract and retain dentists to undertake NHS work. These should include, but not be limited …
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Any contract reform now will almost certainly be too late for those dentists who have already left the NHS or are considering doing so in the near future. The Government must urgently introduce incentives to attract and retain dentists to undertake NHS work. These should include, but not be limited to, the reintroduction of NHS commitment payments, incentive payments for audit and peer review, and the introduction of late career retention payments. The development of a careers framework should be considered, including on-going education, supervision and support. This should form part of a wider package, accompanied by a communications drive, to entice professionals to return to NHS dentistry.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, rejecting some specific incentives listed but committing to explore other measures, such as a tie-in for new graduates. It also agrees with the importance of a sustainable careers framework and is working with NHSE to develop a career pathway …
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Department of Health and Social Care
20
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
Given the varying views expressed regarding a tie-in for new graduates into NHS dentistry, we urge NHS England and the Government to ensure full consultation with professionals and representative bodies, as they seek to explore the potential merit of such a policy, although its success depends on fundamental contract reform, …
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Given the varying views expressed regarding a tie-in for new graduates into NHS dentistry, we urge NHS England and the Government to ensure full consultation with professionals and representative bodies, as they seek to explore the potential merit of such a policy, although its success depends on fundamental contract reform, and should be accompanied with a careers framework. (Paragraph 92) Integrated Care Systems
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to explore incentives like a tie-in as part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and agreeing on the importance of a careers framework. They are working with NHSE to develop a career pathway and have implemented other dental system …
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Department of Health and Social Care
21
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
The dental profession should be represented on Integrated Care Boards to ensure they have the necessary expertise to inform decision-making around contracting and flexible commissioning. This should include wider engagement with the profession locally, for example through Local Dental Committees and Local Dental Networks.
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The dental profession should be represented on Integrated Care Boards to ensure they have the necessary expertise to inform decision-making around contracting and flexible commissioning. This should include wider engagement with the profession locally, for example through Local Dental Committees and Local Dental Networks.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, stating that while they have not changed their stance on mandatory representation, existing legislation allows ICBs the discretion to appoint additional members, including dental professionals, where locally deemed necessary. DHSC will continue to work with NHS England and ICBs to ensure …
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Department of Health and Social Care
22
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
We contest the Department’s rejection of the recommendation in our ‘Integrated Care Systems: autonomy and accountability’ report, and reiterate that they should centrally gather information relating to the membership of ICBs, including the specific role of members and their area of expertise. We also recommended the Department should review that …
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We contest the Department’s rejection of the recommendation in our ‘Integrated Care Systems: autonomy and accountability’ report, and reiterate that they should centrally gather information relating to the membership of ICBs, including the specific role of members and their area of expertise. We also recommended the Department should review that information with a view to understanding whether the policy of keeping mandated representation to a minimum is the right one and whether any specialties are especially under-represented. We believe this is particularly relevant in the case of NHS dental services.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, stating that NHS England has published guidance on effective clinical leadership and ICBs are asked to ensure diverse professional integration. However, the government has not changed its stance on centrally gathering and reviewing ICB membership information itself, noting that ICBs already …
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Department of Health and Social Care
26
Recommendation
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Accepted in Part
By the end of July 2024, every ICB should have undertaken an oral health needs assessment, in consultation with service users, patient organisations and the profession. NHS England should provide support to ICBs to undertake this, including sharing examples of best practice and learnings from other ICBs. NHS England must …
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By the end of July 2024, every ICB should have undertaken an oral health needs assessment, in consultation with service users, patient organisations and the profession. NHS England should provide support to ICBs to undertake this, including sharing examples of best practice and learnings from other ICBs. NHS England must also ensure each assessment is sufficient to meet its intended purpose. (Paragraph 122) NHS dentistry 37
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, acknowledging that not all ICBs may complete oral health needs assessments by the July 2024 deadline due to varying maturity. However, it confirms that all ICBs are working towards having these assessments in place with support from NHS England.
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Department of Health and Social Care