End to 'big bang' backed by dentists, British Dental Association

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 14 Jan 2005 - 10:00 PDT

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The BDA (British Dental Association) today gave 'in principle' backing to the Government's decision to delay further the implementation of a new contract for NHS dentistry. This decision comes after a critical report by the National Audit Office and just weeks after the BDA suspended discussions on the new contract.

John Renshaw, chair of the BDA's Executive Board, said:

"This is a sensible move by the Department of Health, which could provide breathing space to allow us to sit down again and resolve outstanding issues. Today's announcement finally brings to an end the concept of a 'big bang' approach, something which the BDA has long argued against. Now we can get on with working out the practical details to ensure a smooth transition into the new system."

The delay will now see implementation of the new contract in April 2006. In November a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) raised significant concerns about the state of readiness among the Primary Care Trusts charged with delivering NHS dentistry. The NAO report echoed many of the concerns highlighted by the BDA. Indeed, a poll of BDA members in May last year found that just one in ten dentists believed that their own PCT was ready for the changes.

Dr Renshaw continued:

"PCTs are already feeling the pressure of the extra responsibility for services. This delay will help ease that pressure and enable PCTs and dentists to work together on a smooth transition to the new system."

The BDA will continue to provide practical support to its members moving voluntarily into new working arrangements, as well as supporting those who wish to provide more private treatment.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. The Secretary of State for Health announced the delay to the implementation of the new contract for NHS dental services in a written statement to the House of Commons on Monday 10 January 2005. The new arrangements will now be in place by April 2006, rather than October 2005.

2. The British Dental Association has been in discussion with the Department of Health on the new arrangements since the publication of the Health & Social Care Bill in 2003 (which received Royal Assent the same year), but broke off talks in December 2004.

3. The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces. 4. For further information, please contact the BDA's media team on 020 7563 4145/6.

This is a press release from the British Dental Association

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