Setting up an NHS Dental Practice: Steps and Considerations

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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................3
2.0 SETTING UP AN NHS PRACTICE.........................................................................................................................3
2.1 PURCHASE PREMISES....................................................................................................................................4
2.2 OBTAIN AN NHS CONTRACT.........................................................................................................................5
3.0 NHS DENTAL FEES CALCULATION.....................................................................................................................7
4.0 PEOPLE EXEMPTED FROM TREATMENT...........................................................................................................9
5.0 DIFFERENCE TO RUNNING A PRIVATE PRACTICE............................................................................................10
6.0 CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................................11
7.0 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................................12
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Dentist working with patients along with general public for preventing and
treating dental as well as oral disease (Hockley & Kinley, 2016). Dental practices
include treating children dental problems and facial injuries. Dentists work
towards protecting and in preventing gums and tooth decay. Dentist work
towards general dental, dental public health, community dental care, hospital
dental care and also for armed forces. In order that a dentist sets private
practice or practices in NHS, the following stages or steps needs to be adhered
to (Stewart, 2015). There are multiple knowledge which a dentists needs to have
regarding exemptions and treatment such that unhindered practice can be
conducted. A brief comparison of private practice against that of NHS is also
undertaken to throw light on the best possible course of action.
2.0 SETTING UP AN NHS PRACTICE
A dentist can effectively set up an NHS practice and work as general dental
practioner (GDPs) to provide dental care to general public. GDP can select
location from where they would work and also with flexible working hours.
Private charges are determined by individual dentists (Leonard et al., 2015).
There are two stages by which a dentist can start his / her practice, is by
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purchasing a premise and subsequently obtaining required contract / permission
from NHS. NHs England responsibly conducts high quality primary care services
for dental care for the entire population of England. The clinical practices are
commissioned primary to CCGs. It is also responsible for commissioning dental
specialists services, community services and community services. The policies
at NHS is focused on five primary principles of supporting care, maintaining
balance between operating consistently, aligning NHS England policy with its
business plan, compliance and so on.
2.1 PURCHASE PREMISES
Young or new dentists will have to make significant investment towards setting
up a new chamber for dental practice. It will involve financial costs, which might
include purchasing a premise and equipment, then obtaining necessary licenses
for the same (Ham, 2009). Before purchasing a premise, selection of the
location has to be determined on certain criteria. Some research on the location
will help selecting an appropriate location. On a map of UK, the area that has
been considered needs to be analysed for doctor’s chambers, pharmacies and
other dental practioner. Performers list has to be obtained from the PCT for a
small charge. But it is necessary as all practioner and pharmacies on NHS lists
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