Neil Carmichael highlights the importance of evidence from within the profession in the campaign to fix NHS dentistry.
In my previous life as an MP, I was privileged to chair a select committee. The insight this gave me into the importance of collating evidence, questioning it appropriately, and making sure the ‘truth is out’ is always carried with me.
The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) was very pleased when it was announced that the Public Accounts Committee were calling for evidence on fixing NHS dentistry. Called due to an unhappiness of the results of the National Audit Office review of the dental recovery plan, the ADG has raised that an enquiry should take place. The purpose of the enquiry was the exploration of the detail around the recovery plan and what the issues were for its failure.
A long-term problem
The acknowledgement early on in the hearing that the issues in dentistry are a long-term problem is important to reiterate. The profession is well aware of the issues, and it is important that people are called into account as to why these issues have not been solved earlier.
It was mentioned later in the hearing that since the 1990s many changes have occurred. Yet this has not fixed any problems, and in fact, access to care has got worse. Why does it need the access to care to be in crisis before it is taken seriously?
The ADG was of course pleased that a quote from our evidence was mentioned by the chair at the start of the main part of the hearing. The more important part is that evidence was submitted from many different areas. We have always advocated that any discussion on changes to dentistry must include a wide range of voices.
The committee explored all areas of the recovery plan, and were given candid answers from the witnesses, and recognition that it had not produced the results intended. Rightly, there was a strong focus from the committee on how learnings were going to be taken and how these will influence any future changes.
Awaiting solutions
Many of the issues that the ADG has repeatedly said about workforce were raised and acknowledged. Utilising the whole team and allowing people to work to their full scope of practice needs to be part of the solution, as well as facing into the challenges of dental deserts and training. Throughout the hearing, the reminder that we have full employment, and that we cannot ignore the shortage of all members of the dental team was repeatedly mentioned.
With a change in government since the recovery plan was announced, we now have to wait to understand what new ministers will want for any solution. This was reiterated several times throughout the hearing, and will be key to the development of any new contract. Sadly, this does mean there are not currently any timescales available.
While a long term solution is found to any contract change, the ADG members would welcome any changes to the ease of working with ICBs on flexible commissioning. Also, making sure the dental budget is ring-fenced and being part of planning the future of delivery of NHS care and improving access for patients.
For more information about the Association of Dental Groups, visit www.theadg.co.uk.
This article is sponsored by the Association of Dental Groups.
