Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, has questioned the Government on the shortcomings of the new NHS Dental Contract, which was introduced in 2006. Christopher Fraser will highlight the fact that Dentists are paid the same whether they fit one filling or ten fillings, so many are refusing to treat patients with the poorest teeth.
The Dental Contract was brought in to improve access to NHS dentistry and to introduce a system more geared towards preventative care. Primary Care Trusts pay Dentists on a monthly basis according to the number if Units of Dental Activity (UDA) they perform each year.
Christopher Fraser said: “There are a range of problems that stem from the new Dental Contract, all of which have been brought to my attention by local Dentists in my constituency. Despite a good working relationship with Norfolk PCT, Dentists feel that they are on a treadmill, trying to complete their UDA targets in order to receive funding. Under the contract, Dentists gain the same amount of UDAs whether they fit one filling or ten, which means many feel reluctant to treat High Needs Patients.
Dentists have also told me they do not have any time to spend on preventative care for patients for the same reasons. I fail to see how this system is improving access to NHS Dental care, and I sympathise with Dentists who are in a Catch-22 situation – treat patients who need their help the most, or risk falling short of their targets. It is no wonder that many Dentists are considering the move into private practice. It is clear to me that the Dental Contract is failing to achieve what the Government intended, and I will be pressing the Government to address the Contract’s shortcomings.”
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