Nigel Jones explains why NHS dentistry is increasingly looking like unsolvable Rubik’s Cube.
So, a fundamentally reformed contract for NHS dentists in England has been promised by the end of this parliamentary term and negotiations should begin this autumn. I say ‘begin’ but given deliberations about contractual arrangements have been going on since 2008, perhaps ‘continue’ or ‘restart’ would be more accurate words to use.
Given that track record, it’s hard not to be doubtful about the likelihood of landing on a solution which all the relevant stakeholders find acceptable. Squaring the circle for patients, government and the profession was always going to be a tall order. And now accommodating the needs of practice owners including corporates, those of the wider dental team, including associates, hygienists and therapists, and the requirements of the GDC, it’s never looked more like an unsolvable Rubik’s Cube.
Perhaps, as I’ve noted before, the acceptance of the need to make difficult decisions to get the most out of a budget that most consider inadequate, will unblock the impasse. Possibly, there will be honest and frank discussions built around an acceptance that the only way to effectively target the use of that inadequate limited budget is to seriously contemplate some form of core service.
Fascinating ideas
If that’s the case, it would be my sincere hope that much of the deliberation centres on how best to cater for the estimated 10% of the working-age population considered to be the working poor. These are individuals living in households where at least one member is working but where the household income is below the relative poverty threshold. They are the people who could fall down the cracks left between a core service and private dentistry.
There are some fascinating ideas being tested around how to solve this conundrum that revolve around creatively blending together different contractual frameworks to align the needs of practice owners and the communities of which they are such an important part. So, there are glimmers of hope in amongst the gloom.
However, given how many voters would be affected, it will require political bravery so I fear that, whatever is agreed in principle behind closed doors, political expediency may well win the day, and the oral health of the nation will be poorer for it.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a plan provider who will hold your hand through the process at a pace that’s right for you, you can start the conversation with Practice Plan today by calling 01691 684165 or to book your one-to-one NHS to private conversation at a date and time that suits you, just visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
If you’d like to find out more about introducing a plan, and how Practice Plan can help you, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
Ready to talk?
If you’re ready for a confidential discussion with Practice Plan about the next steps in converting to private dentistry, leave your details below.
