Councillors met to discuss ways to improve access to dental treatment in Hertfordshire – with the enormous backlog caused by Covid still looming large.
Michelle Campbell, head of primary care contracts at Herts and West Essex ICB, presented the organisation’s plan to the council.Ms Campbell said: “One of the few things to note is that actually, dental practices in high streets don’t operate on a registered patient list, so patients can access services wherever they choose. That maybe nearby where they live, where they work or where their children go to school.
“Patients are required to pay for treatment where they are not exempt, that’s quite a challenging barrier for patients, especially at the moment with the cost of living crisis.” “We’re working with Public Health colleagues in the local authorities around oral health initiatives and how people can improve their oral health.”
Increase of the minimum UDA value from £23 to £28 – this will take effect from 1 April 2024 and will be applied nationally