Dentistry has turned the corner says Lord Howe
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- Published: Friday, 10 May 2013 11:38
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Lord Howe announced the creation of a task force to improve the oral health of groups who are usually considered hard-to-reach. He said that former BDA President Janet Clarke will chair the task force, which will report to NHS England’s newly established National Dental Commissioning Steering Group.
The minister stressed the importance of close, integrated working between NHS England, Health Education England, Public Health England and local authorities if improvements in oral health are to be delivered. He added that many oral health factors aren’t related to the availability of dental services, and there is a need to educate, empower and motivate people to take greater responsibility for their own health. The minister called this a “radical change from previous approaches” which will require a change of culture in dental practices.
The ongoing pilots for a new NHS dental contract, with a greater emphasis on prevention, will be part of this change. Earl Howe told the conference of his commitment to delivering the ‘right model’ for the new contract, so that it delivers for patients and dentists. The minister said that while he would like to see the new contract introduced before the next General Election in 2015 he couldn’t promise that this aspiration would be met, as the piloting process might require more time to develop the final model.
Lord Howe also commented on the value he placed on the Government’s relationship with the profession through the BDA. He acknowledged that there would continue to be areas of disagreement, saying “I think that’s healthy. In any robust relationship there needs to be an ability to have different views whilst maintaining a grown-up dialogue.” He added that he believed that this resulted in a ‘more effective’ relationship, which was more productive for both parties.
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