Give patients notice of plans to go private, DDU advises

It was recently revealed that nearly 60 per cent of UK dentists are planning to leave the NHS in the next five years. The national survey by the British Dental Association echoed the findings of a 2016 report by NHS Digital of more than 6,000 UK dentists.

Writing in the latest edition of the DDU Journal, Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, senior dento-legal adviser, said, “Patients should be provided with at least six-month’s notice, agreed with the primary care organisation. This should give patients enough time to adjust and will mean any NHS-funded courses of treatment can be completed. If possible, give patients the news face-to-face when they attend for a routine appointment. Most will appreciate the chance to discuss their future dental care in person. Follow this up with a letter explaining the changes at the practice to all patients.

“If possible, include an outline of private consultation fees and information about any private treatment payment plans on offer. Provide details of how patients can find and transfer to another NHS practice, for example by giving details of the local NHS primary care organisation or directing them to the NHS Choices website. This will demonstrate that every effort has been made to keep patients informed, which may help in the event of a complaint.”