Lib Dems slam decline in NHS dentists

4.20.53pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Apr 2006

Figures published today reveal the number of NHS dentists has declined by 13% in England alone.

Leader of Northampton Borough Council Liberal Democrats, Cllr Tony Woods reacted to the news, saying: "Almost 3 million adults and half a million children are not registered with a dentist, and given the reception NHS dentists have given to the renegotiation of their contracts, the trend seems set to continue.

"In 1999 Tony Blair promised that by 2001 everyone would have access to an NHS dentist. Not only has this not happened - the situation has actually worsened.

"60% of dentists have signed the new contract on an 'in dispute' basis and dental practices around the country left the NHS refusing to sign the contract, implying the fallout may be even more devastating than predicted.

Reforms to NHS dentists' contracts, which came into effect last weekend, will mean that, rather than being paid for each item of work they perform, dentists will have to commit to a set number of 'units' of treatment over a year. The British Dental Association is so concerned it has written to Tony Blair asking him to commit to monitoring the impact of the reforms.

Practitioners say the new contract will mean they have less time to see patients and advise them on dental care. Meanwhile concern has been rising over the long term impact on children in particular, who are increasingly receiving treatment for pain such as tooth extraction, whilst being denied regular check-ups.

Tony Woods added: "The whole approach is reactive and centred around treating symptoms, rather than carrying out preventative work which could save a great deal of pain.