14 Jul 2005
Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, says: "We welcome Primary Care Trusts' new responsibility for commissioning dental services which is due to come into effect in April 2006.
"The Public Accounts Committee report highlights disturbing variations in both the numbers of NHS dentists and the standards of oral health in England - for example, there are relatively few dentists in deprived areas while adults in northern England are twice as likely to have no natural teeth as those in the south.
"By taking responsibility for commissioning NHS dental services, Primary Care Trusts will be able to respond to local needs and exert more influence over where dental practices are located and we hope they will help reduce the number of people who are currently unable to register with an NHS dentist and improve oral health.
"The Public Accounts Committee is right to highlight the challenges this new commissioning role poses for Primary Care Trusts and so it is vital that over the coming months all the necessary support and guidance is in place to prepare for the 'go live' date of April 2006.
"Personal Dental Services (PDS) contracts have been piloted by the Department of Health since 1998 and therefore Primary Care Trusts now have some experience of commissioning dental services which needs to be shared with other PCTs."
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The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS throughout the UK. Its members include the majority of NHS trusts, foundation trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; NHS boards and special boards in Scotland; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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Last reviewed 9 Nov 2006