Rochdale can smile at extra dental funding

Date published: 29/03/2006

Recognising the importance of dentistry locally, the Rochdale Primary Care Trust has allocated an additional £232,000 to be used for NHS dentistry in Rochdale.  This money is in addition to the Government’s allocation of £5.25m for dentistry for 2006/2007.

Trevor Purt, Chief Executive of the PCT, said, “We recognise that NHS dentistry is a major local priority.  We have therefore identified an extra £232k – from money not originally earmarked for dentistry – to add to our Government allocation so that we can make sure many more patients can benefit from NHS dental treatment.”

“This extra money will be used to fund a new dentist working in the town centre area with a list of approximately 2000 and will also be used to fund the practice which recently opened in Milnrow which has a list of 3000 patients already”

NHS dentistry is being reformed from 1 April to address long-standing criticisms of the present system from both dentists and patient groups. The budget for dentistry is being devolved to Primary Care Trusts, and the system of NHS dental charges is being simplified.  Rochdale’s PCT has worked closely with local dentists to ensure that patients continue to see their usual dentist and to develop services in ways that meet the needs of the local population.

Many patients and dentists have found the current system of patient charges difficult to understand.  The new three-banded system, which comes into force on 1 April, will mean patients can understand how much their treatment will cost. Instead of being charged for each individual item, patients will pay for an overall course of treatment.

Also the PCT will have the power to commission new services to replace capacity where dentists leave the NHS or reduce their NHS commitment – and to decide where new practices go to meet local needs.