Delegates at the event heard health minister Earl Howe outline a timetable for progress that will see a consultation on some key parts of the reforms over the next few months followed by decisions later this year, and a new and more advanced stage of the process in 2015/16.
He also stressed the importance of careful implementation of reforms.
Dr John Milne, the chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: ‘It is positive that the minister has chosen to come to the conference and, not only provide much-needed reassurance about the Government’s commitment to reform, but also to set out a timetable and route for the way forward.
‘As he has heard from delegates, significant concerns about the current arrangements continue and the profession is keen that progress is made.
‘Continued engagement with the profession and the practices already involved in the pilots will be absolutely crucial to the success of the reforms, and the BDA will continue to stress the need to get this right for patients and dentists alike.’
Dr Milne had called for a clear message from the Government of its continued commitment to reform when he addressed delegates on the first day of the event (10 April).
