09 August 2002
The proposals could make NHS dentistry more readily available.
The present system, where NHS dentists are paid for each treatment they administer, has been criticised as it creates a lot of paperwork and is open to fraud.
Many dentists are also unhappy with the fees and offer limited or no health service treatments.
Ten demonstration sites will test systems similar to those in general practice - a salaried scheme and a contract with payments based on the number of patients registered with each dental practice.
Launching the initiative, health minister David Lammy said he was determined to bring dentistry back into the NHS mainstream.
'Many dentists are unhappy with the current fee per item payment system, so demonstration sites will explore more flexible ways of paying them. The current mix of private and NHS work can be confusing for patients who need clear information on what treatments are available on the NHS and what they cost,' he added.
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