Ministers have now approved a real pay cut for dentists in England, following record-breaking delays. Contract holders will receive an uplift of 4.64% overall, backdated to April 2024. The Doctors and Dentists Review Body recommended a 6% uplift for pay last year, but Ministers have decided to allocate only 1.68% for practice expenses, resulting in this inadequate overall uplift.
With dental inflation estimated at 9.2%, this will amount to a significant funding cut and will not meet the recommendation of the independent pay review body. Utilities costs are estimated to have increased by 10% in the last financial year, staffing costs by 15%, and laboratory costs by 16.5%.
This week, a petition was delivered to Downing Street, co-signed by over a quarter of a million supporters, calling for urgency and ambition to save the service. The delivery prompted Wes Streeting to tell Parliament that “NHS dentistry is at death’s door,” but there has yet to be movement on key government pledges.
Formal negotiations to reform the discredited NHS dental contract, which is fuelling the access and workforce crises in the service, have yet to begin. We are yet to hear when we might expect a rollout on pledges to provide 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments and supervised brushing programmes in early years settings.
NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist for new patients, with ONS data in December showing 94% of new patients who attempted to secure NHS care were unsuccessful. Government data places unmet need for NHS dentistry at over 13 million, or 1 in 4 of England’s adult population.
“Wes Streeting recognised NHS dentistry is at death’s door,” says GDPC Chair Shawn Charlwood. “Handing dentists a pay cut after record-breaking delays won’t change the prognosis. These cuts will come at a high price in goodwill that is now in short supply.”
The Rising Importance of Dental Insurance for Employees
In light of these challenges, providing dental insurance for employees has become increasingly crucial for businesses. Not only does it offer financial security, but it also promotes overall health and well-being among the workforce.
Let's explore why dental insurance is becoming more important than ever for employees and employers alike.
Preventative Care Reduces Costs: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential in preventing serious dental issues and are included in all of our dental insurance policies. With dental insurance, employees are more likely to attend these appointments, which can prevent costly and extensive treatments in the future. This, in turn, translates to lower ongoing healthcare costs for employers.
Improves Employee Well-Being: Dental health is closely linked to overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By offering dental insurance, employers can help their employees maintain better health, reducing the likelihood of serious medical conditions and long term absences.
Increased Productivity: Dental pain and issues can lead to absenteeism and decreased productivity. Employees who have access to dental care are less likely to suffer from dental problems that can affect their work performance. This ensures that your workforce remains healthy and productive.
Attracts and Retains Talent: In today's competitive job market, comprehensive benefits packages can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Offering dental insurance demonstrates that a company values its employees' health and well-being, making it a more attractive place to work.
Boosts Employee Morale: Employees who feel valued and cared for are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Providing dental insurance is a tangible way for employers to show their commitment to employee well-being, which can lead to higher morale and job satisfaction.
Encourages Early Detection: Many serious dental problems can be detected early during routine check-ups. Dental insurance enables employees to undertake these check-ups without financial worry, ensuring that any issues are caught and treated promptly.
In conclusion, dental insurance is no longer a luxurious employee benefit add-on but a necessity in the modern workplace. It not only ensures the health and well-being of employees but also offers numerous benefits to employers. By investing in dental insurance, companies can foster a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. If you would like to find out more, please contact us for a no obligation consultation.
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