UK's Leading Dental Health Charity Welcomes Review Of NHS Dentistry

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 23 Jun 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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The UK's leading oral health charity has welcomed a newly-announced independent review into NHS dentistry and backed proposals to deliver better patient access to dentistry and improved oral health.

The British Dental Health Foundation, praising review author Professor Jimmy Steele and his team for their work following an open and wide-reaching consultation process, supported an emphasis on prevention and evidence-based treatment to support better oral healthcare. Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: "This thorough report and its proposals represent a sorely-needed opportunity to reform the existing system and help look after Britain's oral health.

"The Foundation is particularly happy to note the emphasis on prevention and reward for prevention within the system, which will help more of us attain a sound level of dental hygiene to help look after our health.

"The review marks a welcome return to continuity of treatment through patient registration and the report's emphasis on thorough oral health assessments to determine necessary treatment and a strong evidence base for any decisions are a pleasing. The proposed 'pyramid of need' approach, addressing advanced care, routine care and emergency treatment, is a sensible plan to ensure effective treatment when required."

"We also welcome a commitment to testing any proposals before they are implemented as many of the existing problems with NHS dentistry arose from a lack of thorough groundwork before contracts were introduced."

Source
The British Dental Health Foundation