10.06.13
Quality not quantity
Dentistry is trialling a new payment contract, which would align funding with actual results, rather than simply the number of treatments carried out.
The new contract should better highlight practices which are highest performing, and more clearly indicate where any problems are occurring. The number of treatments carried out could represent demand for a good service, and efficiency in the practice to meet that demand.
Or it could imply more short-term fixes taking place as poorer quality care is delivered quickly to meet targets and get paid.
The whole NHS is moving towards a longer-term, preventative model of healthcare, and these trials will be an important part of the redevelopment of the dental contract to achieve this aim.
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