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Dental Work Contract reforms were designed to improve NHS dentistry The shift from \"drill and fill\" dentistry to a more preventative approach has failed to materialise, the head of an inquiry into dentistry says. The new contract in 2006 was meant to give dentists in England more time with patients to promote oral health. But Professor Chris Drinkwater, who is carrying out a review for the British Dental Association, said in many areas that was not happening. The government said preventative dental health was improving however. The 2006 deal, which has subsequently been implemented in Wales, promised dentists the same income for doing 95% of the work they had traditionally done as well as simplifying the NHS fees system for patients. Ministers said this would allow dentists more time to talk to patients about good dental health practices. But Professor Drinkwater, who is president of the NHS Alliance, an influential group which represents NHS staff working in the community, said: \"It seems reasonably clear that the contract is not allowing a more proactive approach to preventative dental health.But Professor Drinkwater, who is president of the NHS Alliance, an influential group which represents NHS staff working in the community, said: \"It seems reasonably clear that the contract is not allowing a more proactive approach to preventative dental health. \"In some areas it could be because of the way the contract is being implemented and there may also be an issue with funding. \"Clinician engagement is also problematic. It is something that needs addressing.\" The review he is leading was set up last month as an independent commission into NHS dentistry. It is expected to produce a final report in September this year. Pilot Professor Drinkwater said he would be talking to a range of experts, including local health bosses working for primary care trusts and dentists, about how the NHS could get more out of the contract. \"We need to look at what we are doing and whether it could be improved.\" The setting up of the commission comes after the publication of a critical report by the House of Commons\' Health Committee last year. The cross-party group of MPs said access to dentistry had not improved and the 2006 changes should have been piloted better. Even when it was introduced it was not popular among the profession, prompting 1,000 dentists to either retire or move totally to private practice - although the numbers have since been replaced. But the government, which is also carrying out its own review, said preventative health care had \"increased substantially\". Chief Dental Officer Barry Cockcroft added: \"Prescription of high concentration fluoride toothpaste rose by 133% in 2006-7 and sales of topical fluoride varnishes have increased dramatically. Rajesh Raja E-mail: raja.rajesh1@gmail.com Landline: +254 051 2210046 Cellphone: +254 722 780957 P. O. Box 150 - 20100, Nakuru. Kenya

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Dear Dr D\'Lima, I have had a bad experience with a dental assistant who was pilfering my dental materials. On discussion with other dentists, it has emerged that there are some dental staff who move from one dentist to another and continue their bad ways, without us being aware of their past histories. I would like to propose that we as Kenya Dental Association set up a list of web based reports and complaints concerning dental assistants and reception staff we have employed who have carried out criminal activities specifically theft; as well as any other immoral act by staff of dentists. We have to protect our profession and our patients against such characters, and we can warn other dentists not employ such people. It will be a confidential list, and we can ask for the secretariat to check any prospective new staff against this list at a search fee of say 1500/=. Both the request from the dentist and the response will be online. This ensures confidentiality.I am taking the liberty to forward this proposal to some other colleagues and let them give you their opinion by e mail. To my colleagues: If you recive this e-mail please let Dr D\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Lima or KDA secreatriat know what your opinion is of this proposal. Blessings, Please let the executive committe know of this suggestion and give us a reply soonest; -- JANE OLOO

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