Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Ninth Report - NHS dentistry
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 964
Published 14 July 2023
Recommendations
7
Accepted in Part
Urgently implement fundamental dental contract reform to address access crisis
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department of Health and Social Care
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8
Accepted in Part
Para 51
Urgently implement fundamentally reformed dental contract, moving away from UDA system
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department of Health and Social Care
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14
Accepted in Part
Para 72
Introduce urgent incentives to attract and retain dentists for NHS work.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 for dental professionals.
Department of Health and Social Care
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20
Accepted in Part
Ensure full consultation with professionals on potential graduate NHS dental tie-in policy.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 improvements and remuneration uplifts.
Department of Health and Social Care
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21
Accepted in Part
Para 106
Ensure dental profession representation on Integrated Care Boards for informed decision-making.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 current arrangements are effective.
Department of Health and Social Care
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22
Accepted in Part
Para 107
Gather and review ICB membership data, assessing representation and policy effectiveness for NHS dental services.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 publish this data and can appoint additional members as needed.
Department of Health and Social Care
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26
Accepted in Part
Mandate all ICBs to complete oral health needs assessments by July 2024 with NHS England support.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department of Health and Social Care
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