BDA calls for patience on Steele review pilots

The British Dental Association (BDA) has called on authorities to give pilot schemes of Steele review-mandated sector reforms enough time to demonstrate their worth.

It has been announced that more than 30 dental practices across the country are to be involved in trialling new ways of improving services, such as a contract which offers rewards for the quantity and quality of care provided.

The BDA has offered its support for these initiatives in order to establish a system which “works better for patients and dentists alike”.

However, Dr John Milne, chair of the BDA’s general dental practice committee, stated that a fair and proper evaluation of the results is necessary if the trials are to prove worthwhile.

He said: “These pilots must now be given the time they need to properly assess the proposed changes and allow reflection on the results they produce.”

Last week, the organisation issued a call for the party which wins the upcoming election to ensure that it works with the BDA to address the problems faced by the sector.