To consider and comment on the proposals to transform dental services in Bedfordshire.

The Committee considered a report from NHS England that proposed to maintain and improve NHS dental service within Bedfordshire. Officers from NHS England were unable to attend however Feema Francis a Consultant in Dental Public Health presented the report.  Ms Francis advised Members on the dental access of 18-24 year group and data collected by Public Health England that indicated Central Bedfordshire was above the national average for this age group.  Public Health data referred to would be circulated with the minutes of the meeting.

In light of the update, Members discussed the following:-.

·         What steps were taken to educate residents of the importance of using the dentist? Ms Francis advised that a variety of approaches were used to advise on dental access for 0-5 year olds starting with visits to residents homes, special care settings and children’s centres.

·         Whether patients from Dunstable were able to access 8-8 services available in Luton?  Ms Francis advised that since 2009 it had not been necessary to register and residents could attend any practice including the 8-8 surgery.

Recommended

1.    The Committee welcomed the prospect of an improved service to relieve attendance at A&E.

2.    The Committee asked NHS England whether a ‘hub approach’ to provide a more comprehensive local service with practices sharing extended hours and some equipment rather than  an 8-8 service in another town had been considered.