Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Deferred
NHS dental contract uses Units of Dental Activity to measure treatment complexity
Conclusion
Under the current NHS dental contract, dentists are contracted to deliver a certain number of Units of Dental Activity (UDAs). Based on current treatment bands, there are six different levels of UDAs that a treatment can attract depending on the complexity of the treatment. Simple treatment such as a regular check–up counts as one UDA whereas the most complicated treatments, such as crowns and dentures, count for 12 UDAs.75
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation and is conducting analysis on the 'actual costs' of providing dental care, engaging with the BDA, and expects to publish this work in due course. It also notes ongoing work to reform the dental system and interim changes to the UDA system.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.2 The government is conducting analysis on the ‘actual costs’ of providing dental care and engaging with the BDA on this work, which the government expects will be published in due course. 5.3 The government is working to reform the dental system, and in the interim have made vital changes to how dentists are paid within the current UDA system, for example, through fairer payment for more complex band 2 treatments, in turn incentivising access for patients with a need for higher volume or more complex treatment within band 2. 5.4 The government recognises that different communities will have different needs and that there is a link between deprivation and higher need for dental care. The national contract provides for the breadth of treatments that could be needed by different populations and it also enables flexible commissioning so that ICBs can commission tailored dental programmes and initiatives to meet the specific needs of their local population. ICBs are responsible for commissioning NHS dentistry to meet the needs of the local populations, as well as undertaking oral health needs assessments to identify areas of need.