Seismic shift

More than 60 dental practices around the country will be paid for keeping the nations’ teeth healthy, rather than just for treating problems as they arise. Health Minister Lord Howe visited Woodford Dental Care in Essex, one of those who have signed up, and spoke to staff about their practice.

Staff showcased the software they use to help patients through their care pathway and manage their oral health, which they described as ‘invaluable in making the pilots work’.

The new prototypes announced by Lord Howe are based on evidence from almost three years of piloting a preventative approach to dentistry – but for the first time introduce a brand new payment scheme.

The current UDA (Units of Dental Activity) system pays dentists based on the number of treatments they provide, across three different payment bands. The existing dental pilots have been paid for the number of patients seen.  The new payment scheme will reflect the number of patients dentists see, the treatments delivered and the quality of the treatment provided. It will encourage dentists to focus on prevention as well as delivering any necessary treatment.