Local Dental Committees (LDCs) in the UK were set up in 1948, at the
inception of the NHS. In England and Wales, provision in statute has
been made for them to be recognised and consulted since the NHS Act
1977. Local NHS representatives may consult with LDCs on any matters of
local dental interest.
In both Scotland and Northern Ireland no
provision is made for LDCs in statute. LDCs in both countries do exist
and frequently consult with the health boards for their
respective localities.
There are 110 LDCs across the UK.
Who do LDCs represent?
Where
they are recognised, LDCs represent dentists with a General Dental
Services (GDS) Contract and may represent dentists working under a
GDS contract or a Primary Dental Services (PDS) agreement.
An LDC may
only represent those dentists who are members or who are on an
'NHS Performers List' list at the locality covered by the LDC. LDCs can
also represent dentists in the NHS community dental services and other
spheres of dental practice, but this must be agreed locally.
Regional Groups and LDC Federations
In
England LDC Secretaries and Chairs meet on a regional basis to discuss
issues affecting the profession. These Regional Groupings generally
reflect Strategic Health Authority (SHA) boundaries.
In some areas, LDCs
simply group together to share information and support colleagues. In
other areas, LDCs federate and share resources, offering a single point
of contact.
The BDA's General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC) has regular meetings with regional LDC representatives. The GDPC - LDC Regional Liaison Group
is chaired by Dave Cottam, Vice-Chair of the GDPC and exists as an
information exchange to inform both the work of LDCs locally and the
work of GDPC in its national negotiations.
LDCs involved in these
groupings find them a very useful way of developing communication across
the locality, while maintaining individual LDCs autonomy.
The BDA would
encourage any LDC that is not currently a member of a regional group
to explore joining one for their locality. For information on how to do
this please contact LDC Support.
Getting involved in the work of LDCs
- Are you a primary care dentist interested in representing colleagues at a local level?
- If yes, why not contact your LDC Secretary or the BDA for more information?
Further information
For
further information on any of the articles contained in the LDC pages,
or for the contact details of the LDC secretary in your area please see
the LDC Contacts pages of the site or contact LDC Support at the BDA on 020 7563 4158.
