Friday 22 January 2021
15:23
England: NHS pay re: associates and practice staff
NHS England has been seeking feedback from associates and practice staff via its
pay survey form in relation to situations where staff have had concerns about pay levels during the pandemic.
Up until the end of December 2020, the expectation was that practice owners were required to ensure that all staff including associates, non-clinical and others continued to be paid at previous levels prior to the pandemic. Where staff had concerns that these expectations were not being met, they were asked to complete the form on the BSA website.
We also set up a service last year to help practice owners and associates to seek to resolve disputes.
Since the beginning of quarter four from 1 January, the NHS requirement to pay at previous NHS levels no longer applies. This reflects the fact that contract holders no longer have the same reassurances about levels of NHS income.
However, the pay form has remained open for associates and staff to register any concerns. At the same time, the BSA advises local resolution as the appropriate first step in resolving any disputes.
NHS England has now confirmed the following in relation to the form:
- The current BSA pay survey form remains open until the end of January
- A new version of the survey form will be made available from 1 February
- If there are concerns that have been recorded previously that remain outstanding, these should be recorded on the new form from 1 February
- If existing issues that have been raised before are not transferred to the new form, they will be assumed to have been resolved
- Concerns can be raised on the form about pay issues from quarters one to three in 2020 and also new issues relating to the fourth quarter
We will keep you updated as we hear more.
11:58
England: PPE reimbursement until 20 February 2021
The window for NHS practices in England to claim for PPE reimbursement opened this week and is accessible until 20 February 2021. According to the guidance, no further claims will be accepted after this date.
All claims must be for COVID-19 PPE used in the provision of NHS dental services between 27 February and 31 December 2020. You can submit your claims via the PPE Reimbursement Claim Form in
Compass.
More information on PPE reimbursement claims.
11:45
Scotland: Progress in the vaccination training programme
Earlier this week the Scottish Government responded to our letter regarding the overly bureaucratic COVID vaccination training programme. In their response, the Scottish Government provided
details of how the training and participation processes will be simplified.
NHS Boards were informed of these new processes and instructed to register all independent contractors (including dentists) who want to take part in the vaccination programme as part of their staff banks.
Dentists are keen to contribute to the national vaccination programme and we welcome these developments.
10:30
Video: The impact of COVID-19 on dentistry
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on dentistry. With limited information from governments, we stepped up and supported the profession.
This very page has helped to inform 7,000 of you on a daily basis and has now been viewed more than three million times.
As the pandemic continues, and while we still have many issues to overcome, we will continue to work with you and continue to fight for you.
Together, we are stronger.
Thursday 21 January 2021
17:13
Vaccination and the dental team
We suggest that practices discuss vaccination with all members of the dental team. Concerns about the vaccine should be discussed in good time and sensitively. The University of Bristol has produced a helpful
Communications Handbook on this.
Pregnant members of the dental team are also advised to speak to their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
If after a discussion, a member of the dental team refuses to have the vaccine, the practice has to accept that decision. In any event, practices should ensure that all members of the dental team continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures and to practice policies and procedures. The situation is no different for associates.
For more information see our
FAQs.
13:08
Pregnancy and COVID-19: Risk assessments updated
If you are pregnant and working in a dental practice, we advise you to wear a mask and follow infection control procedures at all times, no matter your gestation. If staff follow correct procedures and wear appropriate PPE, we understand that the dental environment is a safe one and that pregnant members of the dental team can continue to work safely.
However, those who are aged over 35, in a BAME group or who have an underlying health issue are at increased risk if they are infected by COVID-19. We have updated our risk assessments for pregnant members of the dental team, in line with guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
Members can also access our risk assessments:
11:48
Northern Ireland: Upcoming forum on mental health
Former BDA President Roz McMullan is speaking at the up-coming Northern Ireland Healthcare Leaders Forum. Taking place online on 29 January, it will focus on exploring how multidisciplinary services contribute to mental health provision in NI. You can
register today to attend this free event. Please do consider joining us and making your voice heard on this important issue.
10:31
Wales: Seeking confirmation on Q4 proposals
Welsh GDPC are continuing to engage with the Chief Dental Officer for Wales, Dr Colette Bridgman, regarding NHS Q4 proposals and beyond. Dr Bridgman has replied to our initial questions and a further reply from WGDPC is being prepared in response.
We are seeking clarity on a range of issues including specifics around new patients, AGP provision and contract reform proposals.
We will update you as soon as we have more information.
10:25
Northern Ireland: Keeping financial support front and centre
In his most recent blog Richard Graham, Chair of NI Dental Practice Committee, gives us an insight into progress made on Health Service dentistry campaigns this week. Covering work done on financial support for GDS and prepping for the DDRB, this blog gives you an insight into some of the day-to-day work done by our team in NI this week.
"Discussions on the future shape of GDS financial support arrangements for after April began in earnest this week. We have invited Michael Donaldson and Michael O’Neill along to Friday’s committee meeting to share their initial thoughts."
10:01
Wales: Mental health survey launched
We are inviting all dentists working in Wales to take part in a
survey, which looks at the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of dentists in Wales. This survey will provide valuable evidence for future policy work on mental health regarding dentists working in Wales.
Whether you feel the pandemic has or hasn't affected your mental health, we are greatly interested in hearing from you, so we can gain a balanced and full picture. Please also share this link with your colleagues, as you do not need to be a member to fill it out.
Take the survey: Mental health of dentists in Wales
Wednesday 20 January 2021
17:43
Scotland: Progress in simplifying the vaccination training programme
Following our letter yesterday about the overly bureaucratic COVID vaccination training programme, we're pleased to see the Scottish Government has responded with
details of how the training and participation processes will be simplified.
The Scottish Government has also
contacted NHS Boards to inform them of these new processes and to instruct Boards to register in their staff banks all independent contractors (including dentists) who want to take part in the vaccination programme.
Dentists are keen to contribute to the national vaccination programme and we welcome these developments.
15:54
England: MPs unite against imposed targets
In his latest blog, BDA Chair Eddie Crouch reflects on the unprecedented cross-party support our members have helped generate for our campaign against targets.
"Frustrating as it may be and despite our best efforts, dentistry rarely tops the political agenda. It therefore speaks to the scale of the challenge dentists are currently facing that we managed to secure not one but two debates in Westminster on our issues in less than two months.
"Last week, the House of Commons met to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on dental services. The debate, which we worked with Fleur Anderson MP to secure, was granted after 36 MPs from seven different parties came together to call for it."
15:16
Scotland: Advice for wholly private practices following latest lockdown
Last week, the National Clinical Director and Chief Dental Officer have issued a
joint letter to confirm that dentistry is essential healthcare and that wholly independent or private practices can deliver a comparable service to that available through the NHS. As before, cosmetic or aesthetic procedures are not regarded as essential and must not be provided in Level 4 areas.
We had received queries from members about an apparent contradiction between what could be provided under private and NHS dentistry, and this letter should help to clarify the issue.
13:40
Take part in an important COVID-19 study
UK-REACH is an urgent public health study to help understand why people from certain ethnic minorities are more likely to have severe COVID-19. They are especially keen to hear from people from ethnic minorities to understand why some groups have been particularly affected by the pandemic. We encourage dentists to take part in this important study.
Register here and you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire. UK-REACH will then send you two further questionnaires over this year. Each questionnaire will ask for some information about you, your health, work and home life. Each will take about 30 minutes to complete and can be done in parts if you wish. You can
find out more about the study and how your data will be protected on the website.
10:25
New mental health and wellbeing resource
A new guide,
Wellbeing support for the dental team, has been created by an independent collaborative for all dental team members, including students and non-clinical roles.
It outlines how to assess your own mental health and wellbeing and provides resources for self-care, including the range of organisations available to support you.
As dental professionals, we recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing for our patients. However, we may not always recognise or prioritise our own mental health needs.
Stress is common amongst the dental profession and is a key driver of burnout and mental ill health. These problems can affect individuals at any stage of their career.
Visit
www.supportfordentalteams.org to download your free copy.
Tuesday 19 January 2021
16:42
England: Updated advice on quarter four targets
We have been clear that the reintroduction of targets by NHS England at this difficult time threatens practice viability and undermines patient care.
But from 1 January, practices have been directed to carry out 45% of their monthly contractual activity between January and March. If you are struggling to meet these targets, our
updated advice
on exceptional circumstances and making a force majeure claim may help you.
We have created two side agreements for Associates in England in relation to the Q4 targets.
Version 1 is for Associates who are being paid at a lower rate - with a possible uplift if the practice hits its target.
Version 2 is for Associates who are being paid at a higher rate - with a possible clawback if the practice does not hit its target.
16:25
Even once vaccinated, full PPE is essential
Despite the progress that has begun to be made regarding the vaccine roll-out, it is essential that dentists and dental teams continue to follow the
infection control guidance currently in place. Even if you and your team have been vaccinated, you should continue to follow universal precautions.
There are several reasons for this. As government guidance states, it may take a week or two for your body to
build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. We also know that some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, and while this should be less severe, taking precautions reduces this risk.
More importantly, while a full course of the vaccine will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill, it is not yet known whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus. It is expected to reduce this risk, however, until more is known you should continue to follow the guidance to help reduce transmission and protect those around you.
15:59
Scotland: Call to reduce bureaucracy for COVID vaccination training
Dentists in Scotland are keen to take part in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, but are being put off participating due to the onerous and time-consuming training required to become a vaccinator. That's why, we have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport today to urge the Scottish Government to
reduce the bureaucracy facing dentists undergoing COVID vaccination training.
The roll-out of the vaccination programme should not be undermined by the number of vaccinators available to deliver the jabs. As experienced medical practitioners, dentists are fully capable of delivering vaccines and while we acknowledge that some training is required (especially as the vaccines are new), the current training programme is overly complicated and bureaucratic. We will update you when we receive a response.
12:37
Scotland: PPE supply extended to end of June
We have received confirmation from NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) that the current arrangements for supplying dental practices with a limited amount of
free PPE will be extended to the end of June.
We have liaised extensively with NSS about PPE supplies for dentists, including reported problems with local communication and provision. Today’s letter should provide some reassurance about the continued supply of PPE to practices.
09:24
England: Vaccination information for locums
NHS England have
confirmed that all dentists, teams and support staff - in both NHS and private settings - will receive priority access to the COVID vaccine.
Dentists and their staff are advised not to contact their GPs to set up their appointments.
- High street NHS dentists and teams - sit tights and wait, you are on the list.
- Dentists working in trusts - your HR will have matters in hand.
- Private practices - you will be covered, but you
must ensure your
CQC accounts are up to date. This data will be passed to the vaccination programme for follow up.
- Locum dentists - Locums who are working with a practice can be done as part of that practice, and that locums between employment aren't patient facing and so are not part of the priority group at this time. NHS England have acknowledged that some falling between the cracks, but have said that they are looking for solutions and will update the profession shortly.
For more information see our
FAQs.
Monday 18 January 2021
14:13
Business interruption insurance: Supreme Court decision
The
Supreme Court issued its judgement on Friday in relation to the Financial Conduct Authority’s case on business interruption insurance. Widespread media coverage gave the impression that the decision was a significant outcome for large numbers of small businesses.
However, many sets of insurance policy wording were not covered by the scope of the Supreme Court ruling. This was particularly the case where wording was already deemed to be clear regarding exclusions of coverage relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of the decision will be felt more in relation to ambiguous policy wording, where insurers are now being told again to settle claims.
Our assessment, based on previous survey work, is that most dental policyholders are not directly impacted by the FCA decision because claims for cover were excluded.
Some QBE policies were overturned in favour of the insured by the ruling, however again based on assessment of the market, we do not believe that many dental practices have those QBE policies impacted by that part of the decision. There are some dental practices insured by QBE, but the Court had already ruled in favour of the insured practices in those cases.
There are some positive aspects to the decision for those claimants with an established case:
- Insurers will now find it difficult to argue that they can reduce any loss that happened before lockdown, if that loss is because of a slow-down in activity relating to the Covid-19 pandemic
- Insurers cannot take any Covid-related issue into account in negotiating a payment
- Prevention from accessing premises now includes partial prevention from accessing premises. Some policies in the dental sector had wording that required there to be prevention of access.
In summary, most insured businesses (in dentistry and across the economy) did not have a legal route before the Supreme Court decision, and won’t have a claim afterwards. However, the position on damages is now likely to be more simple to calculate where businesses haven’t settled but where claims have been accepted.
We are working with lawyers Brown Rudnick to offer a further webinar to members outlining in more detail the implications of the ruling.
13:29
England: Free PPE extended until end of June 2021
The distribution of free PPE for practices in England has been extended to the end of June 2021. Eligible health and social care providers can continue to order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is guidance on the
PPE Portal, including weekly order limits for different types and sizes of provider.
If you have any questions you are advised to call the PPE Portal customer service team on 0800 876 6802. The team is available from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, to help resolve your queries.
12:52
England: PPE reimbursement commences today
The window for NHS practices in England to claim for PPE reimbursement opens today and is accessible until 20 February 2021. According to the guidance, no further claims will be accepted after this date.
All claims must be for COVID-19 PPE used in the provision of NHS dental services between 27 February and 31 December 2020. You can submit your claims via the PPE Reimbursement Claim Form in
Compass.
More information on PPE reimbursement claims.
12:03
Dental contract reform prototype practices: quarter four targets
Whilst NHS England has set a quarter four target of 45% of UDAs for most practices, we still haven’t got clarity around what is expected of prototype practices involved in dental contract reform. The blended payment mechanism for prototypes, made up of both capitation and activity elements, makes things more complicated. We have been discussing potential approaches with the Department of Health and Social Care and expect confirmation on the way ahead imminently. In the meantime, prototype practices should continue to operate in line with the arrangements set out for quarters three and four and devote appropriate time and resources to NHS activity in line with
NHS England’s letter of 13 July 2020. We will update you when we have further information.
10:09
New mental health and wellbeing resource
A new guide,
Wellbeing support for the dental team, has been created by an independent collaborative for all dental team members, including students and non-clinical roles.
It outlines how to assess your own mental health and wellbeing and provides resources for self-care, including the range of organisations available to support you.
As dental professionals, we recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing for our patients. However, we may not always recognise or prioritise our own mental health needs.
Stress is common amongst the dental profession and is a key driver of burnout and mental ill health. These problems can affect individuals at any stage of their career.
Visit
www.supportfordentalteams.org to download your free copy.
09:31
How can I access the COVID-19 vaccine?
As essential healthcare providers, dentists and their teams across the UK will receive priority access to vaccination for COVID-19. However, there are different systems and timetables in place across the UK. Take a look at
our COVID-19 FAQs to find out what is happening with vaccinations in your local area.
