Cornwall pilot project aims to support most vulnerable to see an NHS dentist
It's hoping to focus on people with the greatest need for help
Last updated 29th Sep 2023
A new pilot scheme in Cornwall is set to give children and the most vulnerable patients access to an NHS dentist.
NHS services at Carriage Works Lostwithiel Dental Surgery will continue to be available to children under 18, patients over 80 and patients with medical conditions that may impact on their ability to maintain their dental health.
Around 4,500 patients will be affected by the change, who have been told they can either join an alternative dental practice or stay with the dental surgery on a private basis.
The aim of the project is to focus the practice’s limited NHS capacity on people with the greatest need for those services.
Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said: "The team at Carriage Works Lostwithiel Dental Surgery should be applauded for what they are preparing to deliver through this exciting pilot project that ensures they continue to provide NHS funded dental care to the people that need it most.
"We have worked closely with NHS England and the practice to support this change, which will see the contract offering NHS dental services for children, vulnerable people and those in most need of urgent care from October.
"We are interested to see how this project makes a difference locally and if there is potential to expand this approach more widely."
The practice will also see patients from the NHS waiting list and patients who need urgent dental care, referred by other healthcare providers.
Finlay Bason, practice owner and principal dentist said: "First and foremost, we are committed to providing excellent NHS dental care at Carriage Works Lostwithiel Dental Surgery.
"It is our hope that this pilot project will enable us to continue doing so, by allowing us to focus our limited NHS capacity on the people with the greatest need for those services.
"We know that for many patients the change won’t come as welcome news. We do hope to have their understanding that we are doing our very best in a complex and challenging situation."
The pilot contract comes into effect on 9 October 2023. It will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout a minimum of 2 years to assess performance such as improvements in access for the identified groups.