NHS Pilot Scheme Shortlist Unveiled

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The shortlist of practices involved in the continued NHS dentistry pilot scheme has been unveiled.

The Department of Health confirmed that 29 new dental practices in the UK will join the pilot scheme from April with 70 practices already involved in the trial.

The second stage of the pilot scheme has been expanded to identify how different parts of the contract work. One of the major challenges facing the government is to work out how dentists will be paid. The aim is to change the current payment system to reimburse dentists according to the number of patients they treat, instead of the number of treatment courses they provide.

Dr Barry Cockcroft, chief dental officer for England, said he was “delighted” to welcome the 29 new practices to the NHS pilot scheme. Dr Cockcroft added that it was pleasing that so many practices had applied to take part in the trial and confirmed the department was “inundated” with applications. The department was fully committed to making the pilot scheme work to produce an effective and efficient service for patients, dentists and dental staff.

As part of the pilot project a new care pathway is being established to encourage patients to take better care of their oral health. Proposals include using a traffic light system to show patients how well they are maintaining their oral hygiene and how they can make improvements to reduce the risk of developing decay and gum disease.

The new practices are located across the UK and will join the pilot programme in April.

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