Stephen Hancocks Leads Westminster Roundtable: Shaping Dentistry’s Future!

Imagine a future where dental care is accessible, equitable, and effective for everyone. That vision is becoming clearer thanks to the innovative insights shared in a groundbreaking new white paper that dives deep into the future of dentistry. Crafted by dental payment plan experts, this publication gathers the voices of dedicated dentists, aiming to unlock tangible solutions for improving oral health across the nation.

Experts at the forefront of dental health gather for a pivotal discussion.

This pivotal white paper was unveiled at an engaging roundtable event held on November 26th at Portcullis House, Westminster. Sponsored by dedicated health advocate and MP, Helen Morgan, the gathering attracted leaders from twelve key organizations within the dental sector. The dialogue was expertly led by Stephen Hancocks OBE, Editor-in-Chief of the BDJ Portfolio.

Concerns are growing as recent reports from the National Audit Office indicate that a £200 million rescue package aimed at improving access to NHS dentistry in England is falling behind schedule. This is a wake-up call for all of us!

According to Denplan’s Oral Health Survey, a staggering 48% of adults in Great Britain see improved access to NHS dentistry as a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from the Government. It’s time for the dental community to unite and propose actionable solutions that can lead to significant progress in making dental care accessible to everyone in the upcoming parliamentary term.

The roundtable brought together crucial voices from the dental field and key parliamentary supporters, setting the stage for meaningful discussions about overcoming the challenges facing dentistry today. Afterward, a drop-in session allowed policymakers to engage with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the dental crisis and its solutions in England’s mixed economy of dental care.

The ‘Future of Dentistry’ white paper distills insights from a Denplan member survey and lays out actionable recommendations focused on three pivotal goals:

• Empower and Elevate the Dental Workforce – The government must collaborate with dental professionals to enhance training and career development, ensuring retention and recruitment efforts are prioritized. By equipping practices with the right guidance, we can enable the entire dental team to shine and optimize their roles.

• Prioritize Preventative Care Initiatives – Shifting the focus from treating dental issues to preventing them is essential. We need improved local commissioning of oral health programs, a formal role for dentists on Integrated Care Boards, national health campaigns, and stronger regulations on unhealthy foods.

• Ensure Financial Sustainability and Reform Funding Models – A call to action for the government and NHS to balance care delivery with patient-first payment models, streamline the dental contract consultation process, and guarantee that all communities—especially children and vulnerable adults—have consistent access to NHS dental services.

As Helen Morgan shared, ‘For far too long, dental care has been sidelined in the UK, resulting in a growing crisis in access. This report serves as a crucial turning point, rallying the dental sector and urging policymakers to act decisively in this parliamentary term. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier dental landscape that prioritizes accessibility, quality, and innovation for all.’

Attending the event were influential leaders from various dental organizations, including the BDA, ADG, GDC, and many more. This collaborative effort is a testament to the commitment to transforming dental care for everyone. For those eager to dive deeper into the findings and recommendations of the white paper, it’s just a click away!