Dentists drive to improve NHS coverage

DENTISTS in Gloucestershire are pulling out all the stops to provide NHS treatment for patients, according to figures.

The drive comes after coverage in the county reached an all-time low following the new NHS contract, which came into force in 2006.

Statistics from the NHS Information Centre show that in the past 12 months the number of examinations being carried out on the NHS rose by nearly 20% from 70,677 to 82,800.

Across the county, treatments including denture fitting increased by five per cent from 1,612 to 1,685 between 2006/07 and 2007/08.

At a time when more people in the UK are opting to have teeth removed rather than having costly dental treatment, the trend has been reversed in Gloucestershire.

The positive results show the county's NHS dental coverage is improving steadily and more money is being invested two years after the implementation of the controversial contract.

But Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust says there is a lot of work to be done to make up for the exodus of NHS dentists two years ago.

Figures show that 220,000 patients – equivalent to 38% of the county's population – saw an NHS dentist in the last two years.

It compares with 240,000 (41% of the population) in the 24 months to the end of March 2006, when the Government's new dental contract was implemented.

It was intended to allow dentists to spend more time with NHS patients in a bid to make the profession more attractive. But many felt the contracts were unworkable and opted out, clearing their list of NHS patients.

Dentists complained about a lack of government funding and being expected to do more work for the same pay.

This has left Gloucestershire fourth lowest in the country when it comes to the number of patients being seen by NHS dentists.

The Trust has recruited dentists for three new practices – in Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Lydney. Two new clinics have opened in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury and an emergency and dental access service will open in Springbank.

Phil Loughnane, dentist and owner of Chipping Manor Dental Practice in Wotton-under-Edge, said: "These figures are proof that dentists in Gloucestershire match the treatment they provide to patient needs."

A spokesman for the PCT, said: "We recognise that NHS dentistry is a key priority for people and are investing significant extra funds to expand provision across Gloucestershire."