Access to dentists
Friday, 06 Jun 2008 11:04
Fewer people see a dentist than in 2006
Whether or not the 2006 reforms to the dental contract have improved access to dentists has been called into question.
Figures from the NHS Information Centre show that fewer people now see a dentist than before the reforms were brought in during April 2006.
Some claim this decline shows the reforms have failed to improve access for patients.
In the two years to December 2007 a total of 27.3 million patients saw an NHS dentist - just over half of the population.
This compares to the total of 28.1 million patients who saw an NHS dentist in the two years to April 2006.
NHS IC statistics also revealed wide regional variation in the number of patients seen for NHS dental treatment.
While the figures have raised questions about the impact of the dental contract, the government maintains not enough time has passed for the full benefits to be evident.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comments on the issue throughout the day.
