Cash incentives for NHS dentists (From Gazette & Herald)

Cash incentives for NHS dentists

'GOLDEN hellos' and loyalty bonuses could be used to lure and secure NHS dentists in Ryedale.

Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale Primary Care Trust submitted plans to the strategic health authority on Friday, November 21, in a bid for funding.

The PCT proposes to use financial incentives to persuade dentists to come to the area and join existing dental practices and provide NHS treatments, and to pay loyalty bonuses to dentists who stay with the NHS. £35m has been made available nationally for NHS dentistry, £1m of which has been allocated to this area's strategic health authority.

Head of patient and public involvement at the PCT, Derek Bartrop, said: "We're confident that our plan will be viewed positively and we are keen to work with local dentists in increasing the provision of NHS dentists."

The PCT has been identified as one of the areas in the region to receive funding, and the scheme has the support of Ryedale MP John Greenway. The plan also proposes the support of existing dental practices to take on more NHS patients and make grants to improve facilities.

Updated: 10:31 Wednesday, November 26, 2003