Watch our second Practice Plan exclusive video of BDA General Dental Practice Committee chair, Shawn Charlwood’s view of the current dental landscape, with Dr Simon Thackeray, practice owner.
Without reforming the current system, there is no point importing dentists from abroad. That’s according to Shawn Charlwood, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee.
His remarks were made when he was a panelist addressing one of Dentistry’s Biggest Questions, ‘Is there a future for NHS dentistry?’ at Practice Plan’s Dental Business Theatre at the Dentistry Show in May.
The BDA’s own research shows that only 50% of dentists who come to the UK from overseas are still providing NHS dentistry three years after their arrival. Within that time, they have either chosen to work in private practice, or returned home.
Reducing commitment
Attracting more dentists from other countries to work in a system that is fundamentally flawed is not a sustainable solution to the present problems of NHS dentistry.
Although current NHS funding is meant to commission enough dentistry for 50% of the population, in reality, the funding allocation is only sufficient to provide for 25% of the people who live here. Little wonder it’s under strain!
In addition, UK spend on dentistry, expressed as a percentage of healthcare budget, is the lowest of any European nation. However, insufficient spend on dentistry is nothing new, but rather a situation that has existed for 20 years or more.
Add in the stresses and strains of the cost of living crisis over the past year or so, and dentists have reached a point where they are no longer able to afford to continue providing NHS dentistry.
And, as Shawn says, for every dentist who leaves the NHS, a further 10 are reducing their commitments.
Rather than encouraging dentists from other countries to come and prop up a failing system, we need to ensure the current one is fit for purpose and attractive to home grown dentists first, he concludes.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a provider who will hold your hand through the process whilst moving at a pace that’s right for you, why not start the conversation with Practice Plan on 01691 684165, or book your one-to-one NHS to private call today: practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
For more information visit the Practice Plan website: www.practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
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