‘You’re working with one hand tied behind your back’ – Katrina James and Louise Anderson explore the complexities of Welsh dentistry.
Join Katrina James, area manager at Practice Plan, and Louise Anderson, regional support manager at Practice Plan, in the latest Bodcast episode as they delve into the current challenges faced by dental practices in Wales. With a combined experience of over 60 years in the dental industry, Katrina and Louise address the complexities of the Welsh NHS contract system, particularly in the context of recent reforms.
Together, they highlight the growing concerns over recruitment, retention, and the financial pressures that dental practices are having to navigate. Louise shares firsthand accounts of the struggles that practices are currently facing, including the difficulty of meeting new targets while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Changes to Welsh dentistry
We hear of the ongoing changes to the NHS contract, including the implications of the recent 6% uplift and the conditions tied to it. One such condition requires practices to undertake an antimicrobial audit, for which no funding is available.
Another significant change involves the transfer of all practice-held waiting lists to a centralised portal by June 2025 with practices receiving payments for appointments attended and missed through the portal. Although at first glance this could appear straightforward, in reality, it serves as a temporary fix to a deeper issue.
Katrina and Louise then move on to discuss the increasing interest in partial NHS conversions as a viable option for many, reflecting the shifting dynamics in the dental sector.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a plan provider who will hold your hand through the process at a pace that’s right for you, you can start the conversation with Practice Plan today by calling 01691 684165 or to book your one-to-one NHS to private conversation at a date and time that suits you, just visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual and we’ll be in touch.
If you’d like to find out more about introducing a plan, and how we can help you, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
This article is sponsored by Practice Plan.
