Why the dental pilots are important?

The dental pilots programme provide a paradigm change in the way dental care is delivered, as well as the skills mix and composition of the dental work force. The programme is underpinned by the Steele Review, 2009.

DentalQualityOutcomesFramework: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/216300/dh_126627.pdf provide a cogent argument for prevention based oral health system - a transformational change in dental care.

The NHS pilots programme is not an attempt to conduct a clinical trial; it is about developing a model of oral health care system fit for the changing needs of the population. Earlier this year in a video recorded seminar “Dental Contract Reform –An update”, Professor Liz Kay, an epidemiologist, describe the changing needs of the population

Liz Kay for Westminster Health Forum

The piloting of the new contract models across more than 90 dental practices and 3 community dental health centres has been undertaken to develop a model for improved access and better quality of care for patients, with outcome indicators. The pilots have also generated a wealth of valuable information on a range of critical issues, not least the changing skills mix and composition of the dental work force.

The NHS Dental Contract Pilots-Early Findings Report, Oct 2012http://www.wp.dh.gov.uk/publications/files/2012/10/NHS-dental-contract-pilots-early-findings.pdf contain strongly expressed opinions on changes to the skills mix and composition of the dental work force. For example, 50 % of dental pilot providers will increase the use of therapists, only 8% of the providers; will not be inclined to change the dental practice work force. The pilots has not yet provided a prototype, but it is  important that strategic health planners and educationalists begin to evaluate the emerging data on the skills mix and evolving roles within the dental team. 

Direct Access to hygienists and therapists care is a good example of the evolving roles. From 1st May, 2013, hygienists and therapists have been able carry out treatment without a prescription or patients having to see a dentist first. At a symposium on “Direct Access – One year on”, this is how a periodontal practitioner describe Direct Access “improve team dynamic, quality and access to care”

Yogesh Wadher for Westminster Health Forum

It is important to begin evaluating the emerging data on the skills mix, extended duty and composition of the dental work force now, otherwise there is a risk that we will not have the necessary skills, to deal with a robust new contract.

If the profession is to move from piloting to prototyping and the final contract, they need to engage and start talking. The dental pilots offer an opportunity towards creating a practice of dentistry that is better for both the practitioners and the patients.