The Regulation of Dental Services Programme Board (RDSPB) has today published a report outlining the key areas of improvement for an effective future model of dental regulation.
The future of dental service regulation is the culmination of a one-year programme carried out by the RDSPB. It outlines seven key areas of improvement and agreed actions that will make dental regulation more coherent, streamlined and effective.
The RDSPB was established in September 2014 to bring together the key organisations with a role and responsibility for setting, managing and regulating dental care in England.
The Board is made up of representatives from the General Dental Council, NHS England, The Department of Health, the Care Quality Commission, NHS Business Services Authority and Healthwatch England. It is chaired by CQC Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice and Dentistry, Janet Williamson, and supported by CQC National Professional Dental Advisor John Milne.
Over the last twelve months, the Board has focused on how to reduce the burden of regulation in dentistry, while still providing the protection that the public must receive. It consulted widely with stakeholders, particularly with the dental profession and patient representatives.
The report identifies the areas of improvement as:
- Defining respective roles and responsibilities in the dental system
- Defining a clear model for the regulatory system
- Improving data, information and intelligence sharing
- Defining a system with a recognised role for complaints handling
- Developing a proactive approach to keeping patients informed and involved
- Defining the role of quality improvement
- Implementing a communications programme to providers
Working groups led by each organisation represented on the Board will take forward the areas of improvement. A steering group made up of the members of the RDSPB will oversee the work of the groups.
David Behan, Chief Executive of the CQC, said ‘This is an important initiative that brings together the key organisations responsible for managing and regulating dental health care across the country.
‘It gives us a great opportunity to reduce the burden of regulation and ensure that patients, whoever they are and wherever they are in England, receive the best dental care possible.’
Evlynne Gilvarry, Chief Executive of the General Dental Council, said: “We look forward to building on the excellent work done to date with our partner organisations by pressing ahead with implementing the specific actions highlighted in the report. Our key aim is to bring about making meaningful improvements in dental regulation for the benefit of patients and dental professionals.”
Sara Hurley, NHS England Chief Dental Officer said: ‘As CDO England I welcome this joint report which aligns accountability and the regulatory organisations’ responsibilities as custodians of the dental profession’s high standards and quality care values.
‘With the clarity offered by the report and consensus of all the agencies involved in dental care, our patients can remain confident that they continue to receive the highest standards of dental care in England and are well protected.’
The report is available on this website.
Ends
For media enquiries about the Care Quality Commission, please call the press office on 020 7448 9401 during office hours.
Also, follow the team on Twitter for the latest national announcements: @CQCPressOffice
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. (Please note: the duty press officer is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters).
For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.
Read the report
It gives us a great opportunity to reduce the burden of regulation and ensure that patients, whoever they are and wherever they are in England, receive the best dental care possible.
David Behan, CQC Chief Executive