NHS dentist boost to areas with greatest need

Wednesday, 5 March 2008 12:00 AM

Trainee dentists will be allocated to areas with the greatest patient demand, the government announced today.

Amid concerns that younger dentists are rejected the NHS in favour of lucrative private work, the government has announced measures to target trainee dentists at areas most in need of NHS services.

Forty extra vocational training places will be located in areas with the greatest demand and the government is also considering doubling the one-year vocational course.

This would give dentists a broader base of experience and tie them to the NHS for an additional 12 months.

In 2004, following concerns of a lack of NHS dentist services, the government pledged to increase the number of dental students by 25 per cent.

The first of these additional students are now preparing to begin their vocational training.

The NHS also announced at the end of last year that improving access to NHS dentists would be made a priority, responding to continued criticisms from patients.

Health minister Ann Keen said: "The NHS now has over 4,000 more dentists than it did in 1997. We are continuing our drive to expand the NHS workforce by ensuring that every student dentist has access to vocational training upon graduation.

"This vocational training will be targeted in those areas of the country where NHS dentists are in highest demand as part of our commitment to improving nationwide access and improving oral health."

The government has also announced an additional £32 million funding to meet training costs, on top of the £30 million the government invests each year in dental schools.

But news of the additional funding comes as the NHS Information Centre reports older dentists are more focused on NHS work than their young colleagues, who are increasingly turning to private, cosmetic work.

The British Dental Association warned this trend could be harmful to NHS dentistry if it is allowed to continue.

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• dentistry
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• health
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• nhs
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• private healthcare