A damning report on commissioning in health in England published by the House of Commons Health Committee this week emphasises the challenges that commissioners must overcome and the need for them to be supported properly in their work, according to the British Dental Association (BDA). It also provides a reminder of the value of the BDA's 2009 guidance for commissioners of dental care, the BDA believes.

The Health Committee report cites numerous concerns about many aspects of commissioning, including that articulated by the BDA in the evidence it submitted for the report about the importance of properly interpreted and well-managed data as the backbone to high quality commissioning. Its report also reiterates the concerns it had expressed in its previous reports about PCTs' effectiveness in particular areas of health, including dentistry.

Susie Sanderson, Chair of the BDA's Executive Board, said: "This is a critical report that highlights some of the concerns dentists share about local commissioning. It also reflects the results of BDA research carried out in 2009 that identified problems facing PCTs.

"It is clear that PCTs must be properly supported and engage constructively with dentists if they are to discharge their commissioning duties effectively. The 2009 BDA guidance on commissioning provides an excellent resource for PCT staff getting to grips with dentistry and has been embraced by commissioners across the country. We know dentists value constructive relationships with PCTs and hope the guidance builds that cooperation and helps to deliver improved care for patients."

Notes

1. The House of Commons Health Committee report, Commissioning, is available here.

2. The BDA guidance on commissioning of dental care is available here.

3. The importance of properly supporting PCTs is one of six priorities identified in Smiles all round, the BDA's manifesto for the forthcoming General Election. Visit bda/manifesto for further details.

Source
British Dental Association