Dentists 'must see more NHS patients'

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An independent review ordered by the government and published today says more needs to be done to help people get access to a dentist on the health service.

The report calls for dentists' income to be linked to the number of NHS patients registered with them, not just the number of treatments they provide. The review was ordered after it emerged that more than one million people were unable to see an NHS dentist.

Critics argue this is the result of a contract for dentists, introduced in April 2006, which aimed to change the "drill and fill" culture by paying dentists the same amount to see fewer patients. But it has proved unpopular. Figures show 1.2 million fewer patients visited a dentist in England in the two years to June last year than in the period before the reforms.

During that time thousands of people across the country queued to join NHS surgeries. The number of complex treatments, such as bridges, crowns and root canal work, also dropped significantly.

Critics said because dentists receive a flat salary, they no longer have financial incentives to carry out difficult work.

Today's report, by Professor Jimmy Steele of Newcastle's School of Dental Sciences, also recommends the NHS should set up a helpline to assist people in finding an NHS dentist.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "We and the NHS are committed to ensuring that anyone can access high-quality dental services."