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<p>Many of the dentistry commissioning functions undertaken by NHS England will transfer to integrated care boards (ICBs) from April 2023. ICBs will be responsible for meeting the needs of the local population by working with patient groups, including on access to dental care. NHS England has made available to commissioners an assurance framework to provide assurance that commissioning functions are carried out safely and effectively by ICBs.</p><p> </p><p>Where a person is unable to access an urgent dental appointment directly through a local National Health Service dental practice, they are advised to contact NHS 111 for assistance. Community Dental Services provide NHS dental care to people who cannot be treated in general dental practices. This includes vulnerable people or people in situations or locations that are out of reach. In September 2022, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’ which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including for groups such as vulnerable people, whilst making the NHS dental contract more attractive to dental practices. These changes have been implemented, including through regulations that came into effect on 25 November 2022.</p><p> </p><p>Discussions on further improvements to the NHS dental system are underway and being led by NHS England, involving the British Dental Association, other dental stakeholder groups and patients.</p> |