While the two organisations will retain separate identities, including separate boards, they will work more closely together in developing policy positions to ensure that NHS and privately-funded dentistry services are fully included in wider independent sector activity. This move follows recent changes at the IHPN which extended its remit earlier this year to represent the entirety of the independent health sector, covering both NHS and privately funded healthcare across acute, specialist, community, primary, clinical home healthcare, population health management and digital services.
The two organisations are currently recruiting for the position of a policy and business manager, which will be part of the current IHPN team, and will be responsible for ensuring the effective running of ADG business within the wider IHPN. The post-holder will report to the chair and board of the ADG on overall progress and delivery of ADG objectives and to the chief executive of the IHPN on day-to-day performance, delivery and management issues including integrated working with the IHPN team and rest of the NHS Confederation.
David Hare, chief executive of the IHPN, said, “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the ADG at what is an incredibly exciting time for dentistry, particularly as part of the secretary of state’s prevention agenda.
“In welcoming the ADG into the IHPN family, we look forward to supporting them in their fantastic work in representing independent dental providers who play a pivotal role in delivering high quality dental care across the UK.”
David Worskett, chair of the Association of Dental Groups, said, “The ADG is very pleased to have agreed these new arrangements with the IHPN and NHS Confederation. From a patient perspective it is high time that dentistry is properly reconnected with the rest of healthcare and these arrangements are a valuable step in the right direction.”