Conservatives push for dentistry overhaul
NHS dentistry in England is in need of a complete overhaul, according to the Conservatives. *
The party has proposed a series of initiatives to revamp the service, including school check-ups, missed appointment fees, a reform of dentist’s pay and NHS work quotas, which ensure that newly qualified dentists work in the NHS for five years.
The suggestions follow reports that the new contract, introduced in 2006 to attract more dentists to the NHS, has in fact reduced the number of patients being treated.
But the Government says that things are already starting to improve.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health said: "We aim to ensure that everyone who wants to see an NHS dentist can by March 2011.
"We have invested over £2 billion in NHS dentistry – the result is more NHS dental practices expanding and opening all the time. The tide is turning and we are now seeing access to NHS dentistry starting to increase."
The 2006 contract brought in a new system, paying dentists to complete set numbers of courses of treatment.
But after heavy criticism from both patients and dental practitioners, the Conservative party has announced they would restore the former system which meant dentists provided treatment for a set number of patients.
Westfield Health’s dental benefit, which is available on all its health cash plans, enables policyholders to claim back the costs of check-ups and treatment, up to set limits.
The benefit helps to provide more choice for people seeking immediate treatment and eases concerns about paying their dental bills.
For more information about the Advantage Plan, visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
For more information about the Good4you Plan, visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp
For more information about the Foresight Plan, visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/foresight/index.asp
For more information about the Westfield Flex Plan, visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/flex/index.asp
Reference
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8056230.stm
© Westfield Health Insurance 2012
- Personal Health Cover
- Health Cash Plan
- Health Insurance / Surgery Cover
- To sell
- As an employee benefit
- Corporate plans for your staff
- Westfield health insurance plans
- Advantage
- Foresight
- Westfield Flex
- Chamber Plan
- Institute of Directors Plan
- EASE
- Already have a health plan?
- My Westfield
- Cash Plan information
- Claim forms
- Fun and games
- GP Telephone Helpline
