This section provides regulations and guidance for the dental care profession.
Following publication of the report the Department of Health established, last autumn, the 'Steel Implementation Programme' to implement, through piloting, the key recommendations. The overarching aim is to ensure that, as set out in the Steele review, the NHS dental service moves from a service focused on activity, to one that is a true oral health service. The Steele review recommended extensive piloting and robust evaluation of its key proposals to test the right range of incentives to promote access, quality and oral health improvement. We are now asking for expressions of interest in taking part in piloting. Piloting will initially take place in two waves. We are designing a number of 'whole system' options, which we aim to pilot from this autumn. We are also looking to launch a small first wave of pioneer pilots - to begin this April.
Reforms introduced in April 2006 are designed to help provide better access to dental services and simplify the system of patient charges.
The statutory body that provides payment, information and support services to PCT's and primary care dentists.
