Paperwork delays leave thousands of patients without an NHS dentist
Delays in processing paperwork have left thousands of patients without an NHS dentist, it has been revealed.
NHS dentists are required to submit papers to register on the National Performers List, but delays in processing their papers have left many dentists unable to work. Registration confirms that dentists are fit to practice and they have training and language skills that meet specified standards. Without registration, dentists are unable to treat patients, and ongoing delays are leaving patients without access to a dentist. It is believed that some dentists face up to a year off work, which could result in them losing thousands of pounds.
The firm responsible for processing applications, Capita, has been accused of committing a catalogue of errors, which has resulted in delays with this process, as well as problems related to GP services. Last September, the BMA (British Medical Association) suggested that there were “systematic failures” that had prevented some GPs from being able to treat patients safely.
The British Dental Association claimed that dentists all over the country had been affected, and some were facing the prospect of losing out on “tens of thousands of pounds.” Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of BDA general dental practice, said that Capita’s most recent error had caused hundreds of dentists to “sit idle for months”, leaving patients without access to NHS dentistry and dentists thousands of pounds out of pocket. The BDA is now seeking compensation from NHS England, and the government has stepped in to help see that Capita is “held accountable.”
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