Government plans to modernise NHS dentistry as dental pilot project is extended

Spitting after brushing your teeth instead of rinsing, can help teeth to absorb fluoride from the toothpaste and protect your mouth from disease, is the key message being given by dentists as the Government announces it will extend its dental pilot scheme.

The scheme involves dentists giving simple tips to help patients prevent dental problems before they appear. It is hoped this pilot scheme will modernise NHS dentistry and provide the evidence needed to develop the new dental contract.

Since last September, dentists from 70 practices have been trialling new ways of working and about 25 extra practices will now join the expanding pilot programme.

Dental hygiene is of vital importance to help teeth last well into older age and dentists across the country are advising patients to think about their dental hygiene habits as part of a renewed focus on better oral health.

Lord Howe, Health Minister said: “Patients have the biggest impact on their own oral health and making them more aware of ways to prevent disease is vital.

“I am delighted with the progress made since 2010 as more than a million new patients have now seen an NHS dentist. I am confident the new contract, when finalised, will take dentistry successfully into the future. It will have preventative care at its heart – and the pilots have a key role to play in making sure we get this right.”

Patients at the pilot sites are given a thorough dental check up and then a traffic light rating of red, amber or green depending on how healthy their mouth is. Dentists can then recommend a long term care plan for patients – and offer advice for better self care.

Barry Cockcroft, Chief Dental Officer for England said: “The pilot scheme has been received incredibly positively by dentists and a lot of excellent work has been carried out so far.

“Significant improvements have been made in oral health since the 1970s and making people more aware of everyday things they can do to keep their mouths healthy will help this trend continue.”

The new pilot sites will join the scheme from April.