The January 2023 bulletin from Ali Sparke and Sara Hurley opened with the writers stating their “support” for NHS contractors who can “deliver up to 110 per cent of their contract value”.
Most importantly, the authors “confirm that in order to support the ongoing recovery of dental services, for Financial Year 2022/23, funding will be available to support any primary care dental contractor delivering mandatory services to deliver up to 110 per cent of their contract value without needing to secure further regional agreement. This does not cover orthodontic treatment.”
Payments for activity in the 100 to 110 per cent range will be at existing UDA values. Following the contract amendments, the payments will “reflect the minimum indicative UDA value of £23”.
The primary dental services statement of financial entitlements
The Primary dental services statement of financial entitlements has been amended. The changes will enable the “commissioning of 110 per cent of contracted UDA and the regularised payment of dental contractors for the training of Dental Foundation Trainees, regardless of who the contracting arrangement is with. These both came into force from 28 December 2022.”
Publication of urgent dental care clinical standard
Ali and Sara say that the onset of the Integrated Care Systems (ICS) has led to the publication of “a clinical standard for urgent dental care for both commissioner and practitioner reference.” The guidance details the “requirement and nature of an effective urgent dental care system, the various patient pathways, enablers, dispositions and clinical expectation.” As a result, the new standards will “facilitate standardised, equitable patient access to urgent dental care”.
Implementing the changes should have a positive impact on local and national dental care systems. The writers believe the guidance will allow the system to adapt to changing situations, for example, “seamless transition and delivery of care through different incident phases (including those related to COVID-19) or more local issues such as major power outages” when required.
Publication of dental anxiety management clinical standard
To expand the capacity of an ICS to commission “anxiety management care pathways”, the clinical standard on dental anxiety management has been re-published.
The document supports anxiety management techniques for patients covering a range of potential options, including behavioural therapies, conscious sedation and referrals for general anaesthesia. A combination of techniques might be required, so the standard outlines ways to utilise a complimentary fusion of techniques.
The bulletin suggests the following chapters for specific guidance:
- “Chapter 2 a focus on anxiety management and the assessment of anxiety.
- “Chapter 3 describes conscious sedation techniques appropriate to community and primary dental care settings.
- “Chapter 4 outlines referral for treatment under general anaesthesia.”
Also mentioned in the update:
IACSD standard on clinical use and training: In relation to anxiety management, the authors urge their colleagues to be aware of the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) standards. Those using sedation will be expected to comply to these standards.
Core20PLUS population uptake of NHS prescribing and exemption schemes: In collaboration with the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, the NHS Business Services Authority has published a report on inequalities in prescribing and exemption schemes.
BDIA showcase 2023: Ali and Sara remind readers that the annual event is scheduled to take place on March 24-25 at London’s Excel.
Chief dental officer’s clinical fellowship scheme – 2023/2024: The scheme is a 12-month leadership programme to support dentists that wish to upskill. Applications close on February 15, 2023. For more information, visit the clinical fellow scheme webpage.
NHS ConfedExpo 2023: The expo will be returning on June 14-15, 2023, at Manchester Central. NHS, local authority and public sector staff are eligible for free tickets.