#nhs-dentistry

#nhs-dentistry

The British Dental Association says the reforms are the biggest changes to what it describes as a "failed contract" since it was introduced nearly 20 years ago. The Government says that its proposals mean that those needing more complicated care, requiring numerous appointments, could save up to 225. For years, many patients have found it increasingly hard to access services, with some towns in England referred to as "dental deserts", having no available NHS dentists at all.

The changes, which will be introduced from April next year, will include dentists being incentivised to provide emergency and complex treatments through the introduction of a standardised payment package, ministers said. It is intended to address the fact that many dentists have stopped their NHS-funded work because the fees for many procedures do not cover the costs involved. The inability of millions of people across England to access NHS dental care has resulted in dental deserts and even DIY dentistry.

"It's been massively frustrating. We are really wanting to serve the need in Beeston where there is a massive cry for NHS dentistry. We have realised this in the past few weeks, with people just popping in to see if we can offer them appointments via the NHS."