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HoC Inquiry 2007/8

Welcome to the DPA

The Dental Practitioners Association advises, supports and represents dentists in the UK. Membership is restricted to dentists in general practice (not academic, armed forces, clinical or community dentists). It is the largest such organisation representing over 2,500 dentists in the UK.

The DPA has given evidence to the House of Commons Health Select Committee Inquiry into Dental Services. The Chief Executive Officer, Derek Watson BDA explained to the Committee

how it was possible that different dentists within the same practice could have different UDA values.
how UDAs were related to the amount of treatment provided.
how UDAs will tend to normalise.
the DPA's concerns for the NHS in April 2009.
why the current system was not piloted.
the DPA's concerns about the cancellation of the 2008 Oral Health Survey.
how the DPA warned the Department of Health about the problems.
why a quick adjustment to 5 or 8 treatment bands is necessary.
why there is no prevention under the new system.
how and why the state could buy oral health improvements.
how a preventive system might be funded and measured.
how a system of direct payments would be fairer.
why patients expect to pay the difference if they choose more expensive treatment.
why dentists would be keen to embrace such a system.
why NHS subsidy could not fall below the cost of treatment.
why, without some imaginative and inclusive thinking, access to NHS dentistry will continue to deteriorate.
why dentistry, as an 'arm's length' service has not benefited from NHS grants.
why a co-payment prevents citizens from paying twice for their care, but especially where no NHS provision is available.

Read written evidence

View oral evidence (starts at 1h 32m) (limited period only)

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Membership is open to any dentist in general practice in the UK. For practice owners, the annual cost of £260 covers FREE contracts, telephone advice and support services as well as many other benefits. Reduced subscriptions are available for Associates/Performers, joint applications, retired dentists and KITS members.

To talk to an advisor or for instant membership, telephone 0207 636 1072 (10am - 4pm) or download an application form.

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