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Christmas is rapidly approaching and before everything gets too manic, I wanted to send out this update.
Clinical Studies Development Officer for East Midlands Regional Research Delivery Network, Helen Ireland attended our recent LDC meeting and discussed research opportunities in dentistry, highlighting the benefits of participating in research, including financial incentives and CPD opportunities. She encouraged practices to get involved and explained the requirements for participation. Helen clarified that while the research scheme funding is only available for NHS practices, private practices can still participate in studies and receive payments per study.
I presented a PowerPoint presentation, and the Committee discussed the following:
· Lincolnshire Institute for Dental and Oral Health
The progress with the Lincolnshire Institute for Dental and Oral Health, has had a temporary loss of momentum due to a key member's illness, but there is hope that this project will continue to gain support from the ICB and Lincoln University. This is a key project for Lincolnshire, both in terms of service delivery and training and I would ask you to actively get involved and to contribute to the focus groups which will continue in the New Year
· Dental Recovery Plan and UDA Delivery
The meeting reviewed the dental recovery plan and UDA delivery statistics, highlighting Lincolnshire's lower performance compared to other regions and discussing potential reasons and implications.
· Lincolnshire Average and UDAs
Discussion on the Lincolnshire average and the distribution of UDAs among practices. Concerns about the accuracy of reported figures and the impact on budgets. Further discussion is needed on how to increase UDA delivery in Lincolnshire and address the challenges faced by dental practices in the region. Additionally, the accuracy of Lincolnshire's UDA figures needs further investigation to ensure correct budget allocation
· Therapist Delivery and Compass System
Examination of the decline in therapist delivery in Lincolnshire and potential reasons, including changes in recording practices and the Compass system were also discussed.
· New Patient Premium
Analysis of the new patient premium's effectiveness in providing access and its impact on NHS retention was also looked at.
· Orthodontics and UOAs
Concerns were raised about the provision of orthodontics in Lincolnshire. Further discussion followed as below
· Foundation Training and Career Plans
Overview of foundation training exit interviews and the career plans of trainees, with a focus on the trend towards private practice was also discussed.
Cardiovascular Initiative
The newly commissioned CVD pilot and diabetes projects in Lincolnshire is a positive step towards the integration of medical and dental services. 5 practices are taking part in the CVD Project and 3 in the Diabetes one. All from a wide geography in the County.
LDC Officials Day
Dr Millie Coulby, Sharon Cook and myself, attended this year’s LDC Officials Day on the 29th November. It was somewhat disappointing with little new information provided.
LDC Constitution
In light of the current outdated LDC Constitution, a revised version is being looked at. LDC officials are going to bring it up to date and will present it for approval at the next meeting.
Wider LDN meeting
This meeting will be held on Tuesday the 14th January and further details will go out to all nearer the time. Members were asked to save the date as it’s an important and informative meeting and gives a wider perspective of what is going on in Lincolnshire.
PGVLE
One of our leadership Fellows Dr Lakshay Gupta, advised that he has been working with Jenny Ross who is the Associate Postgraduate Dean for Dental Workforce Development. Jenny is developing a website called Postgraduate Virtual Learning Environment (PGVLE) which is free for all members of the dental team to access. They offer free CPD as well. Information below, just scan the QR code:
Orthodontic Secondary Care and Referral System
Dr Emily Smithard and Dr Emily Hooper attended the meeting. Both are Consultants with ULHT. Emily S. is based in Lincoln. Emily H. is a Locum Consultant in Grantham. Subsequent discussion highlighted the challenges faced by Secondary Care, which in turn has implications for Primary Care, including staffing shortages and referral issues.
· Local Talks and Presentations
Discussion on organising local talks to address the timing of referrals and whether they are appropriate or not. These can be done on-line or in person.
· Referral System Challenges
Challenges with the current referral system were discussed, including inappropriate referrals and the lack of middle-tier orthodontic provision. It is not the role of a consultant to determine whether deciduous teeth should be removed or not
· Advice and Guidance Service
Consideration of implementing an advice line for practitioners to seek guidance without referring patients unnecessarily.
· Defensive Dentistry Concerns
Concerns about defensive dentistry and the fear of legal repercussions leading to unnecessary referrals.
The shortage of Orthodontic Consultants, and primary care specialists and providers, poses a significant risk to service provision. These concerns have been escalated. The need for better orthodontic provision and referral pathways in the area remains unresolved, increasing pressure on existing services. Specific actions to address the orthodontics backlog and improve referral system efficiency need to be defined. Organising a presentation to address referral issues is necessary, and it was suggested that LG, alongside our other Leadership Fellow, and the current Orthodontic Registrar in training, may look at this as a part of their Leadership Fellowship year and ongoing training.
NHS Emails
This topic has been mentioned several times on previous updates. There is an increased expectation by NHSE that practices should have a generic email address and providers and performers the same. An NHS email address provides additional security, important when commissioning or procurement are being considered. Here is the link which explains how you can get such an email.
Dental Foundation Training
Workforce Training and Education (WT&E) would like to invite you to attend a webinar on Monday 9th December 2024 to learn more about DFT and DTFT. Applications to be an Educational Supervisor for training starting in September 2025 will launch on Monday 6th January 2025 and close at 23:59 on Sunday 2nd February 2025.
Date – Monday 9th December 2024 Time – 18:30 to 20:00 Platform – MS Teams Webinar. Click below to join the meeting
This course is aimed at dentists who are interested in applying to become Educational Supervisor (ES) for DFT or DTFT in the Midlands Region. Practice Managers and Practice Owners who are keen to find out more about DFT or DTFT are also most welcome.
CVD & Diabetes Pilot
The CVD Pilot is now up and running with participation from five practices in Gainsborough, Lincoln, Boston, Grantham and Skegness. Within the first 7 days there has been a significant number of onward referrals to Pharmacies & GPs and in one case an individual was referred to A&E with a previously undetected BP of 190/130!
It is anticipated that the diabetes pilot will commence in the early new year with three participating practices. Unlike the CVD pilot, whose participants were selected after expressions of interest were received, the selection criteria for the diabetes pilot, was inclusion in the register for the Regional Research Delivery Network.
And Finally
On behalf of everyone at the LDC, may we wish you, a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year. Enjoy your time off with friends and family.
Kind Regards
Kenny Hume Chair Lincolnshire LDC
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