Neil Carmichael discusses some of the major issues affecting UK dentistry and what the Association of Dental Groups is doing to address them.
The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) represents private, NHS, community and various groups across dentistry in the UK. Growth in groups continues apace, with new groups being formed and existing groups expanding. ADG reflects the diverse, agile, responsible, innovative and, most importantly, patient focused characteristics of modern dentistry.
There are four key priorities for ADG over 2024: recruitment, regulation, reform and resilience. To help push forward on all of these fronts – which is necessary to increase patient access to dentistry, improve oral health and respond to constraints in public expenditure – FMC is organising an ADG conference for groups to network, learn and lead in what amounts to a mixed economy of dental provision. The conference will take place on Thursday 5 December at the iconic Wembley Stadium, rich with memories of football excellence.
Recruitment
Recruitment of dentists and indeed all of the professions in dentistry is in crisis. It remains ADG’s top priority. We simply do not have enough dentists. No matter which direction we look, we see the consequences. For example, this publication recently revealed the problem within the armed forces with some 27,000 serving members suffering from teeth decay.
ADG has highlighted the need to increase radically the flow of international dentists going through the General Dental Council’s (GDC) registration process – an increasingly successful campaign. But we also need to think longer term to secure the workforce we need. It is not comforting to know the UK has the lowest number of dentists per head than any other developed economy (OECD figures).
ADG will continue to press the case for swift action to resolve the recruitment crisis. Already it is exploring how the government’s plan for pre-registration practice can work without, of course, risking the high standards we are so dedicated to protect.
Regulation
Regulation matters, but it must be ‘good’ regulation. ADG frequently engages with regulators – GDC is, obviously, on the relatively lengthy list – but the Care Quality Commission (CQC) also performs a valuable role, so it was particularly pleasing to note how it has recognised ADG concerns and acted accordingly.
There is a balance to be struck between carrying out probing inspections and ensuring the dental team is properly respected. ADG works with CQC to help ‘create the right environment’ for inspections to be effective. As new technologies emerge and patient expectations change, we must ensure regulation processes are up to date.
Reform
Reform of the NHS contract is necessary. So far, ‘adjustments’ have been made but these do not address the structural problems or answer the question so powerfully put recently by the Nuffield Trust on the future of NHS dentistry. This is evidenced by the reliance on ‘clawback’ to finance incremental changes.
ADG is engaging with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to advance ideas for reform. These point to the need measure use of public money and apply national policies evenly across integrated care boards (ICBs). Further, to refocus on prevention strategies and, crucially, underpin the professionalism of dentists, hygienists, and therapists.
Resilience
Resilience is the foundation of excellent patient care. It can be achieved through the capacity of groups to consistently deliver best practice, nurture and train dedicated dental teams, encourage environmental sustainability. Most importantly, to ensure all parts of dentistry – private, NHS and community – are patient focused, modern, equipped and financially viable.
For more information, visit www.theadg.co.uk.