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Department slated by Public Accounts Committee
8th Sep 2005
The Public Accounts Committee published its report on NHS dentistry in July although it took evidence last December. Its chairman, Edward Leigh MP, said that ‘a staggering two million (people) are involved in the fruitless quest of trying to register with an NHS dentist.’ He conceded that some details of the programme were finally starting to emerge, and that time was fast running out to develop a system to which all parties can agree. He also questioned whether PCTs, had enough time to acquire the right expertise and resources. ‘These are far-reaching changes and there is still much work to do to reduce uncertainty and to win over a sceptical dental profession. If this fails, the Department’s attempts to cure NHS dentistry may turn into something that seriously damages its health,’ he concluded. This report is a damning indictment of Ministers. The Department has squandered the extra six months they were given in January, when they could have been trying to win over the profession. A clue to why this is may be the belief by the Department that they did not expect any delay in the timetable for implementing the new arrangements as local negotiations were the key to progress. In other words they don’t need to talk to the profession all they have to do is talk to PCTs. The committee does not share this optimism. They said: ‘Although trusts have had previous experience of negotiating GP’s contracts, theres a significant risk that a lack of resources and experience of monitoring oral health and commissioning dental services within trusts will lead them to conduct ineffective negotiations with dental practices.’ They are also concerned that unless funds for dentistry are ring-fenced within trusts then there is a further risk that these funds will be diverted towards other priorities. The Committee concludes that ‘the time needed for the consultation and ministerial debate will leave little time for convincing dentists to agree to the new charges by April 2006. The Department will need to manage the risks inherent in this to prevent an exodus from the NHS at the eleventh hour.’ The Minister, Rosie Winterton, continues to say that she is working with the profession to develop the new contract, but there have been few meetings this year. April 2006 is approaching quickly; the Department needs more urgency.
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