The government claims the changes mark ‘the first step towards a new era for NHS dentistry’. ndy Rain/EPAThe government claims the changes mark ‘the first step towards a new era for NHS dentistry’. ndy Rain/EPADentists in England to be paid more for emergency NHS appointmentsBritish Dental Association says government’s plan has ‘no new money behind it’ and further changes neededDentists in England will be paid more to ensure patients have easier access to emergency appointments under government plans, but experts have expressed doubt that it will improve care. The changes, which will be introduced from April next year, will include dentists being incentivised to provide emergency and complex treatments through the introduction of a standardised payment package, ministers said. It is intended to address the fact that many dentists have stopped their NHS-funded work because the fees for many procedures do not cover the costs involved. The inability of millions of people across England to access NHS dental care has resulted in “dental deserts” and even “DIY dentistry”. A report by the patient watchdog, published on Monday, found that people needing emergency dental care in England were being denied help from the NHS despite guidance saying it should be available, leading to some people pulling out their own teeth. The government said its changes would allow patients who need urgent treatment to get appointments more easily, with dentists incentivised to offer urgent care for issues such as severe pain, infections or trauma to teeth on the NHS. Those who need complex care, such as treatment for severe gum disease, will be able to book a single package of treatment, rather than it being spread over several appointments.
