The BDA has said there’s ‘no excuse for unfinished business’ with the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as Secretary of State for Health.
Responding to claims that a government reshuffle could slow progress on dental contract reforms, the British Dental Association (BDA) has indicated it will now be looking for timetables on the delivery of a range of pledges including an NHS dental contract, reform of healthcare regulation, the sugar levy, and a pilot programme delivering prevention in areas of high need in England.
Lasting benefit
‘Continuity at the Department of Health means there’s no excuse for unfinished business on oral health,’ BDA chair, Mick Armstrong, said.
‘We’ve heard the right noises, but expect concrete action on the NHS contract, on regulation and on prevention.
‘We will be contacting each member of the health team to secure a commitment and a timetable on each of these measures.
‘We have seen the consequences when oral health is left off the health agenda.
‘Ministers have a duty to provide clarity on existing policies, and an opportunity to set out a joined-up strategy that can bring lasting benefit to all our patients.
