A dental practice in Chippenham, Wiltshire, says it is unable to increase its NHS appointments even after hiring additional qualified staff, highlighting the ongoing challenges local dentists face in expanding services for patients. Dr Michael Frain Ltd, which manages offices in both Wiltshire and Bristol, recently added an orthodontist at its Hathaway practice capable of serving extra NHS patients. The practice believes it could treat around 50 more children needing braces before April.
Last year, the practice had to reduce its NHS contract due to several dentists leaving, which limited the number of NHS patients it could accommodate. After months of searching, the practice was able to recruit new dentists, but mostly for private work, not the NHS. Dr Keith Garber, a director at Dr Michael Frain Ltd, explained that their decision to hand back part of the NHS contract was made reluctantly. Despite now having the capacity to see more NHS patients, their request to expand the contract under current rules has been denied by local NHS authorities.
The regional NHS care board, overseeing Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire, stated that NHS dental contracts are set annually, and cannot be quickly adjusted to meet sudden changes in local demand. They emphasized that when a practice reduces or returns its contract, alternative services are arranged with other local providers to ensure access remains stable for residents in places like Chippenham and Melksham. The care board said that dental access has not decreased as a result of Dr Michael Frain Ltd’s contract changes.
Local Member of Parliament Sarah Gibson has raised concerns about these issues with the chair of the Integrated Care Board, asking for a solution so practices with extra capacity can take on more NHS appointments at short notice. She also called on the government to deliver on promises to reform the NHS dental contracting system to benefit both patients and dentists, echoing sentiments expressed by industry leaders.
The British Dental Association has criticized the inflexible contract system, describing it as problematic for both patients and dental professionals. Changes to the NHS dental contract are expected in April 2026, with a focus on emergency care and support for people with complex dental needs, but the main commissioning system is set to remain unchanged for now. These developments reflect ongoing struggles and debates about the best way to ensure local communities have adequate access to dental care through the NHS.
Tags: dental care