Improving periodontal health

The recent British Dental Conference and Exhibition was the setting for a Colgate Oral Health Network session entitled ‘Improving Periodontal Health in Practice: Preparing for care pathways and skill mix’

The session was chaired by Eric Rooney, consultant in dental public health, and chair of Pathway Review Group. Eric gave some background to the context of care pathway approaches within the ongoing pilots and what this may mean for the future.

Last October, it was announced the number of pilot practices would be increasing to around 100, and the original pilot sites will continue for a further year. Early learning from original pilots can be viewed at the Department of Health web site (www.gov.uk/government/publications/extension-to-dental-contract-pilot-scheme) and states: “Significant challenges remain, but both dental staff and patients have been overwhelmingly positive about the new approach to clinical care seen in the pilots. Further development is needed but we think a pathway approach should form a key part of any future contract.”