Contract snag may hit dental patients (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Contract snag may hit dental patients

DENTAL patients in Shipston and neighbouring villages may find changes to NHS dental treatment charges a real pain this summer.

New NHS contracts have proved so unpopular that many dentists, including one in Shipston, are rebelling over signing them, putting NHS patients in limbo.

South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust has acknowledged there had been problems with the new government contracts and that the Shipston area could be experiencing a painful transition until a new dental practice opens in the autumn.

Dr Ian McIntyre, dental spokesman for the trust, said: "All dental practices providing NHS treatment in South Warwickshire have signed the new contracts apart from two practices in Shipston and Studley.

"South Warwickshire PCT is already in the process of commissioning new dental services to improve local access in these two areas. Members of the public have every reason to be confident that their needs will be met. In the meantime, anyone living in Shipston who needs an NHS dentist, can contact the PCT on 01926 493491 ext 240."

Dr McIntyre said another dentist was moving into Shipston providing a predominantly NHS service, and two surgeries will be opening in the autumn.

"They have to go through planning stages first. We cannot say more as it's commercially sensitive, but the dentist already has a practice in the South Warwickshire area.

"We do want to reassure patients that by autumn the provision of dental treatment in Shipston is going to be better than for many years if things go to plan."

The changes have introduced three standard charges for all NHS dental treatment - £15.50, £42.40 or £189.

The basic charge of £15.50 includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive care. If necessary, this will include X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.

The £42.40 charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £15.50 charge, plus additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.

The highest charge of £189 includes all necessary treatment covered by the £15.50 and £42.40 charges, plus more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures or bridges. Patients will pay one charge even if they have to visit a dentist more than once to complete a course of treatment.

From April 1, all Primary Care Trusts in England took responsibility for NHS dentistry, including urgent treatment and out-of-hours care. South Warwickshire trust is being given money to be used for local dental services and will be able to influence where new practices are established.

Anyone living in Shipston who needs an NHS dentist can contact the trust on 01926 493491 ext 240.