Dental care among first in country

Oasis Dental Care in the town is among 29 sites across the country to be shortlisted by the Department of Health to join a pilot programme which is helping to shape a new dental contract.

The programme started in 2011 with 70 practices around the country. Oasis, based at The White House in Belmont Street, is in the second stage.

Barry Cockcroft, the chief dental officer for England, said: “This is great news for all the practices involved as well as for patients who may be among the first in the country to trial the new ways of working. Improving oral health across the country is our priority.”

Among the changes being tested in the new contract between the government and dental practices is a switch from payment for the amount of treatment to payment for the number of patients and their health results. The second stage starts in April.