The group of national bodies responsible for ensuring people receive safe, high quality and compassionate dental care is calling on the sector to continue to put quality improvement at the heart its work.
The board, which includes the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its report, “Working together, delivering change”, this week, calling for a cultural shift across the profession to help people get the best possible dental care.
In its review, the Regulation of Dental Services Programme Board (RDSPB) says that developments, such as its joint statement on dental complaints are significant steps towards achieving this but the commitment must be reflected and embedded across the wider dental sector including with providers, regulators and commissioners.
To support this, the report shares examples of what is working well across the sector.
Also, CQC has signed a new memorandum of understanding with the General Dental Council (GDC) to refresh its joint commitment to closer working, improved data-sharing and reduced duplication.
Dr Janet Williamson, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of General Practice and Dentistry, said: “As the regulator for health and social care, CQC is determined to make sure that people have access to safe and high-quality dental care, and to encourage improvement. We share this drive with our partners on the Regulation of Dental Services Programme Board and while the majority of dental services in this country are of a good standard, we need to see it from everyone involved in the provision and commissioning of dental care.
“Together, the board is finding ways to support a system of regulation that prioritises patient safety and shares best practice. I am extremely proud to say that the way the board now works together and communicates constructively is a real testament to the dedication shown over the last three years.”
Matthew Hill, Executive Director of Strategy at the General Dental Council, said: “We think the Board is making a real difference and has already delivered some innovative new ways of working. But there are still many opportunities for regulators to work with the dental team to get the best for patients. We will continue to support the board in driving further improvement.”
The board, which was established in 2014 to bring together organisations with a role to play in dental regulation, is made up of the Care Quality Commission, Department of Health, General Dental Council, Healthwatch England, NHS Business Services Authority and NHS England.
It aims to ensure that patients receive high-quality and safe dental services from professionals and organisations that are competent and meet national standards, and that supports services to improve.
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: www.cqc.org.uk/media. (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.
We think the board is making a real difference and has already delivered some innovative new ways of working.
Matthew Hill, Executive Director of Strategy, General Dental Council