Catherine Rutland on dispelling dentistry myths and finding solutions for the wider provision of dentistry in this country.
The Health and Social Care Committee has confirmed that it is holding an inquiry into dentistry. Thus, we must use this opportunity to provide a clear picture of the profession’s views and thoughts on key areas.
Easy to write, yet in reality, there will be many different opinions. The inquiry is focused on NHS provision. Yet we know that the role of mixed and private practice should also be considered if we are looking at solutions for the wider provision of dentistry in this country.
Policy work takes time, patience and often a fair amount of education. Over the last few years, I’ve recognised my need to continually educate myself on the workings of government, and in turn, educate those I speak to on the role of mixed and private practice. A common theme being that private dentistry does not, in many cases, mean cosmetic dentistry.
Misunderstandings about private dentistry
The wider media rarely portrays our profession well, or accurately. So, it always feels important to me to try and do my small part to allay some of the myths, as do many others in the profession.
So much of private dentistry is the ongoing care of generations of families in the same practice, regular attendance and oral health advice.
Possibly not as newsworthy or social media friendly as cosmetic cases, yet very much the reality of many mixed and private practices across the country.
This inquiry was urgent when it was originally scheduled. But now, with delays for several years, it is even more urgent, if that is possible!
For much of the profession, however they’re paid, the focus is on the care and oral health of their patients.
Being able to provide enough access isn’t just an NHS problem – we’re hearing the same in mixed and private practice.
Staff shortages and difficulty in recruiting associates is a profession-wide problem. It’s a situation that has worsened over the time of the delay in the inquiry.
The inquiry will deal with some specific questions and may not deal with all the issues the profession is facing. However, the more the reality is heard, hopefully, the easier it is to chip away at those myths and slowly affect change.
Catch up with previous Core Strength columns:
- Finding time to pause for thought
- Personal and professional development
- Being honest and open
- Step out of your comfort zone
- The ethical challenges with dental tourism.
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