skip content up to navigation menus

Dental Access is the latest Department of Health initiative to improve access to primary care services. It follows hotly on the success of the Equitable Access to Primary Medical Care (EAPMC) Darzi Scheme, which saw the successful procurement of new health centres and GP practices throughout Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England. 

Requiring all PCTs to identify and address areas of under provision, the Dental Access Programme will necessitate a procurement and contracting process bringing much needed capacity into the NHS Dental Sector.  The Scheme will be of interest to existing and new dental providers, including individuals and Dental Body Corporates.

Consultation and procurement will be the first challenges PCTs will face, shortly followed by contracting and the absolute requirement to ensure the contract matches the service that has been procured.

Other potential implications are premises, equipment and staffing. Having advised both commissioners and providers on over 80 EAPMC Schemes we have a wealth of experience in similar processes which will impact on Dental Access and are able to assist on any aspect of the process.

Note: Under the Health White Paper it is intended that all commissioning of Dental Services will transfer from PCTs to a new National Commissioning Board.

Related services

• Commercial
• Employment
• Primary Care
• Property
• Public Procurements

Related News Brief articles

• Are you ready for Dental Access?

• Training & Events
• Current Topics