The state of NHS dentistry

24 August 2023

Advocating the role of a mixed and private practice within dentistry

By Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan

In July the Health and Social Care Committee's report on NHS dentistry was published. While there is nothing unexpected in the report, we were pleased to see many of the things we have been lobbying for included with the Committee taking our recommendations into account.

As you know, we have been focussed on our political engagement activity for over three years, driving the importance of a mixed and private practice within dentistry to address the issues of access for patients. I was pleased to meet with the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, Steve Brine, after our submission of evidence and also the clerk of the inquiry separately to share our views. It's really positive that the Committee took our recommendations into account and mentioned Denplan throughout the report (footnotes, where applicable). They also published our consultation response here: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/117188/html/  

While this report is a step forward, we know more needs to be done to address the wider issues the profession is facing outside of contract reform. The NHS Long Term Workforce plan does not go far enough to identify how we can attract and retain the next generation of dentists and dental team members and we also want to see further detail on the provision of additional funding for dental training for all team members.

We will continue to engage with government and key policy makers on the issues you raise with us to influence and educate on the support private dentistry can provide to the NHS and the UK population.