Pioneering NHS dentists thrown under bus by government

These 'prototype' practices volunteered to form the test bed for new ways of delivering dentistry, to replace the widely discredited target-based NHS dental contract. In October they were informed that regulations supporting new ways of working would not be renewed.

NHS England has now confirmed it will be offering a helpline and patient leaflets. Whilst it is anticipated other NHS practices will have to hit 100 per cent of pre-covid activity from April 1, 2022, to escape financial penalties, these practices will be given leeway of hitting 90 per cent.

Under systems being tested, dentists were allocated greater time to assess the oral health needs of patients and provide needed care. This reduced the volume of patients these practices could treat, and their patient base. Pledges were made to practices that there would be no detriment as a result of their participation in the programme.