Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

PUBLISHED IN LONDON T he Department of Health has announced that 68 den- tal practices across Eng- land are to officially begin a trial of three new contractual models. The pilots are intended to lead to the development of a new, outcomes- focused contract that the govern- ment hopes will encourage a more preventive approach to care. The pilots have come about after the wave of criticism against the current contract. The profes- sion has consistently said that the current contract leaves dentists concentrating on activity with no specific rewards for high quality care or for delivering prevention; however, these new pilot practices will test changes that will see den- tists paid for the number of patients they care for and the health results, rather than the number of courses of treatment dentists perform. The new trials will look at ways of increasing patient access and promoting preventative dental treatments like fluoride varnish. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: ‘‘The Government believes dentists should get paid for the quality of treatment they provide rather than simply for the number of treatments. This is not only better for patients, but also a better use of NHS resources. “The pilot sites will test differ- ent ways of putting this approach into practice. What we learn from this process will inform the new contract.” Professor Jimmy Steele, who is a member of the National Steer- ing Group that developed the pilot proposals, said: “It is vital that any further changes to dental contract- ing are piloted prior to the intro- duction of a new dental contract. It is heartening to see the profes- sion engaging so positively in the pilot process. “Oral health has improved but the risks of decay and gum dis- ease is still high for many people. It is now time to focus attention on achieving healthy mouths as our outcome and not just volumes of treatment provided.” The BDA believe that the launch of pilots signals a posi- tive step forward for dentists and patients. Dr John Milne, Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Prac- tice Committee, said: “The dental contract introduced in England in 2006 has been bad for patients and dentists alike. Based on an un- tried and untested system of Units of Dental Activity, it has put tar- gets ahead of health, when health should be the target. In taking that approach it has failed to promote the modern, preventive approach to care that dentists want to pro- vide and which patients would benefit from. “In the run-up to the 2010 Gen- eral Election I made a plea for Pro- fessor Steele’s report not to become a political football and encouraged dentists to engage with politicians to encourage whoever won the election to see the reform process through. It is a tribute to the lob- bying of the profession that Steele’s principles have transcended a change of Government and have now reached the stage where pi- lots are being officially launched. “This announcement is a posi- tive step and the pilots must now be given the time they need to pro- ducemeaningfulresultsandaclear direction for any final arrange- ments. It is also important that Government continues to engage with the BDA as reform progresses and new NHS structures are devel- oped. The General Dental Practice Committee will continue its policy of vigilant engagement as the proc- ess moves forward.” DT BEST SELLING PRODUCT ONLY £19.45 Per 250 For use on American style syringes.• Easy to use - no adapter needed.• Superior air/ water spray.• No sharp edges.• Helps prevent cross contamination.• Helps Dentists comply with OSHA guidelines.• Eliminates water leaks.• Spectrum Tips - Disposable 3 in 1 syringe tips Scan the QR code with your phone to visit our website! 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It has been estimated by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation that three million teeth will be lost due to sport- ing accidents this year. The numbers highlight the im- portance of wearing a mouth guard whilst playing certain sports for both children and adults and it was further sug- gested that for children who still have their baby teeth guards that can be boiled and moulded would be the best protection. The report also gave patients a number of steps they should follow if they do lose a tooth; the steps included visiting a dentist as soon as possible (within 30 minutes); not to touch the root as it can be easily damaged; rinse the tooth in milk if it is dirty and if you are unable to hold the tooth in its sock- et to put it in a glass of milk to feed the tooth nutrients. Groupon ban Groupon coupons have been banned by The Oregon Board of Dentistry, US, after den- tists claimed they ran afoul of the “no commissions” rule. It has also been reported that the state’s Board of Chiro- practic Examiners has also banned Groupons; this deci- sion came after a considera- ble amount of time was spent debating the issue. The issue came to light after a Groupon voucher offered dental treat- ment that was worth $520 for $49; the Oregon Board of Dentistry swiftly issued a statement claiming that the voucher possibly violated the ‘unprofessional conduct rule’. A mouthful A publishing deal on a den- tal book has recently been signed by John Lhota, DMD of Central Park West Den- tistry and a group of leading dental professionals from across the nation. The forth- coming book titled, More Than A Mouthful, will fea- ture top advice and the dis- cuss in detail the role of a healthy mouth in relation to the body. Nick Nanton, Esq, along with business part- ner, JW Dicks, Esq, recently signed a publishing deal with each of these authors to con- tribute to the book, which will be released under their CelebrityPress(TM) imprint. Dr Lhota is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and attended a six-year ac- celerated program for den- tistry in conjunction with Rensselaer Polytechnic In- stitute, which enabled him to obtain his BS in Biology (minor in Literature) and his DMD dental degree. www.dental-tribune.co.uk Online Marketing Rita Zamora discusses cost effective marketing tools Are you hesitant? Dr Kim discusses mandibular incisor implant Celebrating in style The AOG to celebrate 30th Anniversary News in Brief Clinical EventsSocial MediaNews A perfect purchase The BDA brings home The Dentist page 2 pages 18-20 pages 22-26 pages 27-30 Fanfare for official nnGDS pilot launch Health Secretary hails ‘commitment to promoting good oral health’ as pilots officially launch