Pilots for a new dental contract that will begin this month will boost preventive care and increase access for children, Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley MP said yesterday (12 July 2011).
Speaking at Health Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Lansley told MPs that the government would build on an increase in the overall number of patients visiting NHS dentists.
He also noted the profession’s support for the broad thrust of the reforms, quoting General Dental Practice Committee chair, John Milne’s, comments on the pilots concentrating on the principles of quality of care and the continuing care relationship between practitioners and patients.
Mr Lansley also defended the government’s intention to shift the commissioning of dental care from primary care trusts to the National Commissioning Board, arguing that the move will mean greater consistency.
