New Dental Contract Leaves Locals with Toothache

2.49.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Apr 2007

A year after a new contract for NHS dentists was introduced, the Liberal Democrats have released figures showing it has short-changed local health trusts £56million.

In Southampton alone the Primary Care Trust (PCT) is expecting a shortfall of 1.3 million, over a third of its total dentistry budget. The local picture could be worse but it is difficult to tell as other local PCTs have yet to respond.

Plugging this hole could lead to money being taken from other services provided by PCTs, including public health services such as sexual health, immunisation and the already struggling maternity services.

Commenting on these figures, local MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow health spokesperson Sandra Gidley MP said:

"The new dental contract has been a disaster for local health trusts as well as for people looking in vain for an NHS dentist.

"Prior to the implementation of the new contract, less than 35% of adult patients and just 60% of patients under 18 years of age were registered with an NHS dentist in Hampshire & Isle of Wight. This shortfall could mean that even more people are denied access to an NHS dentist.

"The reality of NHS dentistry around the country is a stark contrast to the Government's bland assurances about universal access.

"Furthermore, as trusts desperately move money around to fill the gap created by the dental contract, the axe will be swinging over so called 'soft targets' such as sexual health treatment, alcohol services and immunisation. With sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol abuse in young people on the increase, this is not a shortcut we can afford to take.

"The NHS is struggling to balance the books around the country in a climate of endless and often contradictory reform. Yet the Government is introducing yet more volatility into the system.

Notes to Editor

1. The Liberal Democrats surveyed all 152 Primary Care Trusts asking them about the impact of the new NHS dental contract introduced a year ago

2. The results of the survey show:

• Of the 86 PCTs responding, 78% reported a shortage in patient charge revenue

• Average shortfall of all 86 PCTs is £639,755

• Total shortfall was £55,658,754

3. Each Primary Care Trust was asked:

• How much had you budgeted last year to receive for this year in patient charge revenue

• Are you on course to receive this amount? if not, how much of a shortfall are you expecting

4. Out of the local PCTs at the time of writing only Southampton city had replied.