Department seeks practices for 4th wave prototypes
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- Published: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 07:40
- Written by News Editor
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The Department of Health and Social Care has invited practices to submit their expression of interest to become a prototype practice. Prototype regulations have been extended for a further two years. The aim in taking on additional sites is both to increase the overall learning while simultaneously focussing on the practical learning that will be gained. The deadline for applications is March 9.
The BDA has responded to the news by restating its commitment to the reform process, but has expressed frustration over the pace of change, and the failure to offer changes in the prototype model for this latest wave. Despite widespread support for the approach to clinical pathways, the Association has expressed concern that many practices have struggled to deliver under the prototype business model. The BDA remains committed to a model that maximises capitation.
The BDA’s Chair of General Dental Practice, Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, said: “The BDA and GDPC remain committed to the need to press ahead with reform of the existing contract, although the profession is increasingly frustrated and concerned by the slow pace of change. We also believe that the absence of any change in the prototype model for the fourth wave is a wasted opportunity.
“The clinical pathway being tested across the programme has been widely welcomed and supported by both patients and clinicians. However, the prototype business model has not operated consistently with the same degree of success. Some practices, including those coming direct from the UDA system in the third wave, have struggled to achieve contractual targets without additional investment and, like GDS practices, face clawback.
“We need to continue to test the prototype system, but practices considering involvement in the fourth wave will clearly need to reflect on the potential business impact. Practices will want to look at their prospective patient number and activity targets, and also consider which prototype blend would best suit them. There should be an open dialogue about whether blend A or blend B is better for the practice. We remain of the view that a higher capitation payment element is the best way forward.”
Link to Department’s invitation for expressions of interest:
https://www.pcc-cic.org.uk/article/dental-contract-reform
Link to details of new prototypes:
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