Will this government have the courage to gamble?

Nigel Jones asks whether the new government will hedge its bets or be brave enough to go all in when it comes to dentistry.

‘It felt like I was betting my house on red or black.’ 

So said the owner of a very successful private practice as he described to me the pressure he felt under as he made the decision over a year ago to hand back his very large NHS contract. It was a decision he believes undoubtedly to have been the right one.

For years, even decades, it has felt like successive governments have used the enormity of that decision, and the associated perceived risk, to keep many dentists from leaving the NHS rather than genuinely creating reasons for healthcare professionals to stay within the National Health Service. 

However with every successful NHS conversion, and there have been hundreds, the sense of a huge gamble is lessening. Partly because the testimonials are very compelling. Partly because private practices (usually) see fewer patients so strengthen the position of those that might follow.

This new government is therefore faced with some difficult choices. Finding ways to make it harder to leave the NHS is an option. I suppose this is where the proposal to tie in dental graduates to the NHS fits in. Along with, arguably, the potential to increase competition for patients by flooding the market with overseas dentists. 

Recruitment problems

We undeniably have a workforce challenge. I work with private practices that are struggling to recruit associate dentists, dental therapists and dental nurses. However, addressing this in a manner and speed that protects the safety of the public will be no mean feat. Too fast, and without extensive and costly supervision, quality of care will suffer. Too slow, and the strategy will be partly overtaken by events.

The real choice for this government was most recently distilled down by the Nuffield Trust into a choice between significantly increasing funding, or moving towards a core service targeted at priority groups such as the under 18s and vulnerable adults.

Perhaps the beginning of a new Parliamentary term offers the opportunity to be bold and grasp the nettle in the hope that there will be public acceptance by the time of the next general election. Or perhaps it will feel like a political gamble on red or black and the bravery currently being demonstrated by so many dentists across the UK will desert the powers that be.

Time will tell.

If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a plan provider who will hold your hand through the process at a pace that’s right for you, you can start the conversation with Practice Plan on 01691 684165 or book your one-to-one NHS to private call today at practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.

For more information, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.

Going to Dentistry Show London on 4-5 October? Join us on stand F32 for a chat!