Are associates and dental nurses being forgotten in NHS dentistry?

Are associates and dental nurses being forgotten in NHS dentistry?

Dental professionals have warned that dental associates and dental nurses are being forgotten. As talks considering dental reform continue. Last week, the Health and Social Care Committee unveiled its ninth report into dentistry of the 2022-23 period.

It said it is ‘totally unacceptable in the 21st century’ that people are in pain and distress. Due to the lack of access to an NHS dentist. It added: ‘It is frustrating to have to return to recommendations made by our predecessor Committee fifteen years ago that still haven’t been implemented. Rarely has an inquiry been more necessary.’

Recommendations from the committee include urgent changes to the dental contract. The commission of a dental workforce survey, and incentives to attract and retain dentists within the NHS. Last July saw a number of changes made to the dental contract, including the modification of UDA awarding. Three or more fillings or extractions. Which were both previously included in Band 2, accruing only three UDAs – were changed to award five or seven UDAs.

‘Great need for transparency’

One dentist, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their thoughts about the current state of NHS dentistry and proposed changes. ‘It might be a step in the right direction with an increase in the UDA values. However this is not filtered through to the associates,’ they said.