Dentistry needs to take a positive stance on Brexit and recruitment opportunities it could create, Sara Hurley says.
Speaking at the BDIA Showcase, the England CDO says dentistry should utilise skill mix and support a ‘multidisciplinary workforce’.
‘Brexit may be an issue that some people believe is closing opportunities,’ Sara Hurley said.
‘I think we need to take a positive stance, because it is the only show in town.
‘We need to look at how other relationships can support a flexible workforce.
‘Working across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales remains something that we will continue to support.
‘Along with patients, patient care, in partnership with NHS England.’
Digital transformation
The CDO warned dentists they will to join the digital transformation within the NHS, or be siloed from healthcare.
NHS England has been introducing new digital innovations such as NHS.net and Eredbook.
SNOWMED CT is aiming to structure clinical vocabulary and terminology across the NHS and Sara is calling for dentists to get involved.
‘If the dental profession don’t accept the offer of a digital transformation,’ Sara continued.
‘We will find ourselves where we were back in 2002, out in the cold, siloed and not being able to talk to anyone.
‘We won’t be able to deliver the care to our patients because we haven’t got involved.
‘Whilst we try to put the mouth back in the body, without that integration into digital we may isolate the dental profession from the rest of health care.’
Dental check by one
Friday 5 October saw the CDO, Sara Hurley present the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year Award.
The award has been created to recognise the efforts many practices are putting into the Dental Check by One scheme.
The winners of the award and the £1,000 prize were announced as The Maltings Dental Practice, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
‘We are delighted to win this award,’ Louise Butler, practice manager at The Maltings Dental Practice, said.
‘The whole team work so hard and to receive this kind of recognition will really spur the team on.’
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