16YOURHEALTHHOMEPORT
New Deal for Dentists
W
e are all aware of the shortage of NHS
dentists – especially in naval port areas.
More and more dentists are opting to treat
private patients only. Dentists are self-
employed and can choose to take on as
many (or as few) NHS patients as they wish,
or to limit the NHS work to certain categories
such as children or those on benefits.
The Government has come under pressure to
improve access to NHS dental services. As
part of the Options for Change initiative, the
Government plans to transfer the
responsibility for dental commissioning to
local Primary Care Trusts. This should help to
improve the co-ordinated and consistent
delivery of dental services, allow for services
to be tailored to specific local needs and
improve the way dentists are funded.
The new changes
are due to come
into effect from
April 2005. In
general, the
British Dental
Association (BDA)
is supportive of
the proposals
outlined. However, recent debate in the
House of Commons outlined concerns that
some dentists have about the proposals, with
some choosing to opt out of the NHS system
before the new system starts. So it may not be
‘plain sailing’ ahead. Let’s hope that this new
scheme will make a difference to access to
NHS dental services.
For more information visit the BDA website at
www.bda-dentistry.org.uk
I wish I’d looked after my teeth!
For information about finding an NHS dentist
visit www.nhsdirect.org.uk or if you live in For information about dental health and how
Scotland contact NHS 24 on 0845 424 Y
ou could save money (and discomfort) by
investing time in improving your family’s to improve it, visit the BUPA website or the
2424. If this service is not available in your dental health. For children, sweet, sugary Dental Heath Education site: www.bupa.co.uk
area, contact NHS Helpline on 0800 snacks and drinks cause real problems – so (click on Health Information/ABC of health
224488. G restrict the number of times (and amount of fact sheets) www.dentalhealth.org.uk G
time) their teeth are exposed to all types of
sugar and get them to brush regularly with
Child Safety fluoride toothpaste. Take them to the dentist
regularly for check-ups – teeth and eyes are
F
or tips and advice about keeping your no longer checked at school. For adults the
little ones safe visit the Child Accident major problem is gum disease. Brushing and
Prevention Trust website. Two million children flossing correctly are your best allies.
are taken to A&E every year, many with Brushing correctly (all surfaces of teeth and
preventable injuries that have happened in gums) should take about 3 minutes – not
the home. Go to www.capt.org.uk G thirty seconds!
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