Additional clinics to join NHS dental contract pilot after trials reveal positive results
A number of additional NHS dental clinics will join an NHS dental contract pilot after trials revealed positive results. Up to 50 more practices will be added to 73 clinics already participating in a scheme that is focused on a preventative approach to dental care.
The new system, which encourages dentists to offer extensive oral health assessments and self-care treatment plans in addition to general dental services, has been trialled by practices in England over the course of the last 12 months.
Initial feedback from the pilot shows that 90 percent of patients either maintained or reduced levels of tooth decay and 80 percent of patients maintained or reduced levels of gum disease. Ninety-seven percent of those participating in the scheme said that they were satisfied with the care provided by their dentist.
A report, which was published recently to outline the findings of the first 12-month period, recommended that the pilot scheme be extended to include additional practices. The selection process is currently underway, and the new clinics will join the programme between October 2018 and January 2019. Practices already involved in the scheme will continue to trial the new guidelines.
If the trial shows significant benefits to patients, it is thought that guidelines will be changed to include all practices in England from April 2020.
Health minister, Steve Brine, said that the results of the trial underline the government’s commitment to preventative care.
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