Time for targeted, expert inspections

The BDA (British Dental Association) has argued that the CQC (Care Quality Commission) needed to move away from its current inspection regime, and expressed its hope of a more effective and efficient future for dental inspection.

John Milne, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC), said: 'Time and again the CQC has shown dentistry to be a low risk sector.

'But for too long it adopted a costly "one size fits all" approach to dental inspection – and so we welcome moves to a more targeted, risk based approach.

'We are pleased that the CQC appears to have listened to reason, so we finally see dental experts on the front line for dental inspections.

'It’s a simple, common sense move that would be seen as positive throughout the profession.

'The result should be a more effective, more efficient inspection regime.'

The CQC has stated that it does not intend to rate dental providers when it starts its new approach to inspections in April 2015, but it will be seeking views on whether it should rate in the future.

John Milne added: 'It remains unclear if an OFSTED-style system is a decent fit for dentistry.

'The profession would need to be convinced that any rating system is fair and workable.

'We are a long way from that position at present.'

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