Work still to be done

The figures show 28,163,000 patients in England accessed NHS dental care in the 24 months ending December 31, 2009, compared to 28,145,000 in the 24 months ending March 31, 2006, the day before the implementation of the current arrangements for NHS dentistry in England.

Susie Sanderson, chair of the BDA’s Executive Board said: ‘This increase is long-awaited news for the patients who can now see an NHS dentist. Oral health is important to overall health and visiting a dentist regularly is a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy. However, challenges remain. There are still people who would like to see an NHS dentist who cannot do so and primary care trusts have been charged with delivering access to these individuals by March 2011. The health department must also look beyond those who seek access to reach out to those who need dental care but do not ask for it. Thirdly, the Steele Reform process must deliver a new preventive, patient-focused contract that helps dentists provide the care their patients deserve.’