Dental services decimated

[youngerthanyellow]

Hi there, just wanted to highlight an issue that's been overlooked so far in the corona virus pandemic. We are trying to get as much publicity as this as possible. Thank you

www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/2104696/scottish-dentists-warn-of-collapse-of-nhs-services-unless-government-intervenes/

Most of the dentists have shut down except for urgent dentistry.

All we can do is man the phones now. We aren't allowed hands on treatment. We can give advice, and prescribe analgesics or antibiotics if we think that will help.
Unfortunately at present we can't furlough our staff as then we won't be entitled to NHS support funding.
The NHS funding is way short...
very worrying.
The only way we might get through this is if we can furlough staff ( pats the wages) AND claim the nhs funding, which will help with outfoxed outgoing costs.
Some of our dentists might get the self employed amount... but that's not helpful for new graduates.

We have also been asked to volunteer for redeployment, which most folk don't mind, but it's extremely worrying...

Does your area have a PDS/ HDS service OP? You should have heard from the chief of dentistry at the health board about the arrangements for your area ( is it the medical director in smaller HB? ) .

They are asking for volunteers ( for the Centres and also for acute medical services ) and also for donations of PPE - nitrile gloves, all types of face masks, surgical / implant gowns / kits, visors, wipes and sanitiser.

I understand that dentist are worried about their jobs. But in the middle of this crisis the public are going to be focussed on ITU beds, not GDP. I’m sorry but that’s the harsh reality.

IONA

thank you for your message. There is another thread at the moment on Mumsnet featuring a lot of very uncomfortable people with abcesses and toothache etc, all very worried and concerned. Dentists have, from the beginning been identified as one of the most major hotspots for spreading infection, as most procedures we do generate aerosol.

We are important. It breaks my heart not to be able to help people. Our remit is "Advice, Analgesics and Antibiotics" no hands on.

There is a PDS centre for our region, overstretched already, with a national shortage of PPE, and only seeing the very very worst cases, and we will all be volunteered to work there, as well as being redeployed to work with the medics, outwith our scope of practice and possibly in the front line.

It is EXTREMELY important that we have a fair deal so that when this pandemic is over that there will actually be dental practices left in the country. Other health care sectors such as opticians have received a fair package that will get them through this. What dentists have been offered will barely cover their fixed months costs, never mind pay their staff.

Severe toothache, dry sockets and abscesses can all lead to sepsis.

We are all extremely worried.

Severe toothache, dry sockets and abscesses can all lead to sepsis

I agree, AAA isn’t enough for these patients. But they are supposed to be triaged to the PDS centres. Is that not happening for your patients ?

I’m not trying to suggest that all is well - clearly we are In a crisis and it’s not going away in a fortnight . But patients‘ concerns will understandably be their own health, not dentists Income. They will assume it’s up to the health Boards and the Scottish government to sort that out.

I don’t need to tell you that most People don’t think of their dental health until there’s a problem.

I agree with everything you said Iona, but this is not just about dentists income. it's a financial crisis that will likely result in practices up and down the country having to shut their doors for good.

I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear. I agree with you completely . I just think it’s unrealistic to think that the general public will care right now.

@youngerthanyellow

You will no doubt have seen Tom Ferris’s letter published yesterday?

I am responding to the legitimate concerns that many of you have raised with me over the last few days about the ongoing financial stability of the NHS dental service during the current COVID-19 outbreak. I know that the current situation with COVID-19 has created a high degree of uncertainty across NHS dental services and I want to firstly recognise the professional commitment shown across the dental team in the face of unprecedented and extremely challenging times and I commend you for that

The primary objective for government is to ensure equitable and sustainable funding solutions are put in place to support the whole service to manage its way through the present very challenging situation. I understand the impact that the cessation of routine NHS dental services has had across NHS dentistry in particular upon practitioner and practice incomes, including the loss of patient contributions

To support you better during this period, I have revised the funding package, which will now provide 80 percent of the average income from item of service and patient contributions. This funding is additional to the protection provided through capitation and continuing care payments, GDPA, rent reimbursement and commitment payments, which will continue to be paid. This considerable enhancement replaces the funding announced on 17 March. Payments will be delivered through the March paid April schedule, and will be subject to review after 30 June. The full details of the arrangements will be provided in a memorandum which will follow as soon as possible

What’s your reaction ?

I'm delighted. There's still a lot of unanswered questions, but this will help a lot 👍