Winchester dentists trial new ways of working (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester dentists trial new ways of working

11:51am Monday 4th February 2013 in News By Wesley Rock

DENTAL patients in Winchester could be about to pave the way to a new era in oral health.

St James Dental Practice is one of 29 sites across the country to be shortlisted by the government to test a new contract for dentists who carrying out NHS work.

Some practices have also been trialling a new self-care plan based on a traffic light system, giving patients a rating of green, amber or red following an oral health assessment.

They are then given advice on how to improve their long-term dental health, focusing more closely on preventing problems before they arise.

The programme started in 2011 with 70 practices, with a second stage launching in April this year.

Barry Cockcroft, Chief Dental Officer for England said: “I am delighted to welcome St James Dental Practice to the pilot scheme and know they will continue with the excellent work which has been carried out so far.

“This is great news for all the practices involved as well as for patients who may be among the first in the country to trial the new ways of working. It’s also great that staff in the practice can help lead the way for how dentistry will look in the future.”