Treeline Dental explains the function of Local Dental Committees (LDC) and how its co-founder is helping the cause.
As Treeline Dental Group in the Midlands has expanded – today employing over 250 staff and caring for more than 90,000 patients – its co-founder Dr Jimmey Palahey has long believed in giving back where he can.
Indeed, Dr Palahey has been the chair of the Nottinghamshire Local Dental Committee (LDC) for over 10 years now. He ensures he brings his experience as a clinician and a dental group business leader to bear by sharing his deep understanding of the issues and needs of dentists, practices and patients.
But what actually is a Local Dental Committee or an LDC? And what role do these committees play within supporting those delivering dental care? A Local Dental Committee is a statutory body recognised within the NHS framework. Members of an LDC are democratically elected, and the group allows them to raise relevant concerns nationally, as well as providing guidance and support for dental professionals and practices locally.
LDCs represent dentists who are on the NHS Performers List with a General Dental Services (GDS) contract or a Primary Dental Services (PDS) agreement. LDCs have in-depth insight into developments in the local area and are able to represent their dentists in discussions with NHSE commissioners, covering a whole range of issues that affect the profession.
Nottinghamshire LDC: supporting dentistry in the region
With a mission of ‘supporting dentistry in the region’, the objective of the Nottinghamshire LDC is to steer activities to ensure fair representation for all NHS levy payers in the region. Covering workstreams and through liaison with local ICBs and national bodies, the focus is on achieving a fair deal for patients and practices, providing pastoral care for dentists in difficulty, and delivering local CPD events plus services to support practices.
Lobbying activities also support advocating for regional community water fluoridation, an initiative proven to benefit the oral health of its inhabitants. The LDC also pushes for fair and equal services for colleagues, for example adequate occupational health services and secondary care support.
In Nottinghamshire, the Local Dental Committee also hosts a number of online and in person events throughout the year. These training courses include, for example, ‘QA level 3 first aid at work’ and ‘The limits of orthodontics… and when to seek advice’ courses.
In addition, the Nottinghamshire LDC provides advice on a range of topics including guidance on handling complaints, discipline issues and performance concerns – as well as facilitating local networking. On a practical level, the Nottinghamshire LDC Buying Group offers an efficient way for a local dental practice to purchase materials and services.
Dr Jimmey Palahey said: ‘It is a pleasure to help dentists facing challenges, and provide a clinical voice to support them. Sometimes it is about helping dentists seek peace of mind or we can provide in-depth assistance. For Treeline, the benefits include allowing us the opportunity to showcase our work to local patient groups, as well as the local authorities. I highly recommend dentists and practices joining their regional LDC. By coming together we can advocate on issues and support during times of challenge.’
Discover more about Treeline Dental here.
Discover more about Nottinghamshire Local Dental Committee here.
This article is sponsored by Treeline Dental.
