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Dental reforms not succeeded

New contractual arrangements for dentists were designed to increase the number of people who access NHS dentistry. However, a report by MPs suggests they have not succeeded.

The changes were introduced in April 2006 in the face of widespread discontent with the previous system, both from patients and dentists.

The main problems were the lack of NHS dentists, leading to problems accessing NHS care in some areas, and an overcomplicated fee structure with over 400 separate charges for different procedures.

It meant dentists had a financial incentive for carrying out complex dental procedures, rather than preventing problems, and often left patients unclear on what their dental treatment would cost. 

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