Bleak future forecast for
NHS dentistry
Access to NHS dentistry could become harder during the economic downturn, as fewer overseas dentists come to Britain to work, it has been claimed.
Panelists at a debate held in Westminster this week agreed that the recession could only make it harder for people to see an NHS dentist. Not only will there be fewer overseas dentists coming to the UK to work - which has been seen as one way of plugging the gap in NHS services - but fewer private dentists are seeking to return to working for the health service.
The debate, hosted by Denplan, the dental funding provider, heard that there has been a "disappointing" failure to move dental care toward a more preventative approach.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that NHS dentistry remains "national illness dentistry" and is not focused enough on improving people's oral health. Other speakers at the debate suggested that dentists are struggling to cope with new NHS contractual agreements and face an uncertain future.
Health Insurance Magazine, February 2009
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