DENTISTS are warning patients their care is in jeopardy because of new Department of Health rules.

In April, north Kent dentists signed a contract which was supposed to provide patients with better access to services and a new, simpler charging system.

But the change has not been working for many surgeries in the area, according to dentists.

Under the plans, dentists are supposed to complete Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) a points-based system.

They are awarded points every time they carry out a dental procedure.

Each practice has to gain a certain number of UDAs to receive funding from the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Dentists say the scheme leaves little time for preventative work and argue they are working harder to hit targets, compromising service quality.

Dentist Surjeet Photay, of Highfield Dental Centre, Dartford, said: "We are trying to maintain quality but dentists are spending so much time trying to hit targets to avoid funding being withdrawn patients don't get the time they need.

"It feels like we are on a working treadmill."

He added: "Because we are paid a set wage dentists have lost incentive to work longer hours, restricting the time for patients."

The PCT is aware of the unrest among practices.

PCT medical director Dr Alasdair Thomson said: "Out of our 33 practices, 31 have accepted the new contract, although several have signed in dispute'."

Cash has been given to the PCT to make sure everybody in the area gets improved access to a dentist.

Dr Thomson said: "The PCT has been awarded £500,000 from the Department of Health and will be tendering for dental services in the near future, which will further improve access to NHS dentistry."

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway, said: "This is a big problem.

"Patients are paying more for services and in some surgeries there is a 12-week waiting list.

"The whole thing is based on targets and not on clinical need."


FILLING IN RESIDENTS

THE main rule change is the local commissioning of dental care by Primary Care Trusts who will arrange contracts with dentists.

There will be three standard charges for NHS dental treatment:
£15.50 for examination, diagnosis and preventative advice.

£42.40 for examination, diagnosis, preventative advice and one or more fillings.

£189.00 for examination, diagnosis, preventative advice, one or more fillings and one or more crowns.

Free treatment will continue to be provided for groups which were entitled to it before the new system was introduced.