(DH) Have your say in NHS Dentistry review

- Dentists and their teams invited to engagement events countrywide -

Dentists and their teams from across the country are being asked to share their views on how to improve access and quality of NHS dentistry at a series of engagement events this spring, Professor Jimmy Steele, chair of the independent review team for NHS dentistry, announced today.

Since its appointment in December 2008, the review team has been investigating why there are variations in access to dentistry in England and how the NHS can deliver continuous improvements in the quality of care.

Dental professionals are invited to join NHS commissioners and patient representatives at any of the five engagement events being held in Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and London during April and May.

At the events, Professor Steele will discuss the emerging findings of the review with people involved in delivering and improving NHS dental services, inviting them to contribute to the development of recommendations.

Professor Jimmy Steele, chair of the Independent Dentistry Review Team said:

"I want to continue to listen to the views of dentists and their teams, patients and NHS staff and to take their advice on improving access, promoting prevention and ensuring NHS dentistry of the highest quality.

"The NHS dentistry review is giving me and the review team some very useful insights into what matters most to both patients and the dental profession. I'd like to encourage dentists and their teams to share their opinions at these events and help us start to develop our recommendations."

The results of the study, 'A Review of NHS Dentistry in England' will be published this summer.