NHS Contract’s impact on patients tops dentists’ fears

The viability of smaller practices was the next largest concern, with more than half (59 per cent) forecasting closures, while an increase in private dentists (28 per cent) ranked as the third biggest fear.

Consolidation of practices (25 per cent) and an increased demand for dental care professionals (23 per cent) were identified as other concerns with the contract. Only four per cent believed it would have no effect on the profession.  

Judith Husband, a dentist and member of Wesleyan’s Members Advisory Board, commented: “The 2006 version of the dental contract led to one million fewer patients accessing care after two years. This new research shows that, despite the Steel Review and years of piloting and prototypes, the dental profession remains concerned about the impact on the patient.

“Just last month, Wesleyan found that half of dentists would not recommend their profession, and the introduction of the new NHS dental contract emerged as the industry’s biggest worry.”