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Re-shaping NHS orthodontic provision - the North Wales experience
B R K Lewis1, D J Plunkett2, J Hickman3
1Besti Cadwaladr University Health Board, Orthodontic Department, Department 8, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, Ll13 7TD.
British Dental Journal
|May 27, 2017
Summary
North Wales enhanced orthodontic care by restructuring services. Key steps included re-commissioning primary care, standardizing referrals, and accrediting dentists, improving patient access and NHS orthodontic provision.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Orthodontic services in North Wales faced long waiting times due to population growth, increased demand, and limited NHS provision.
- Geographical challenges in North Wales further complicated patient access to orthodontic care.
- There was a recognized need to reshape services for improved quality and efficiency within the NHS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the quality of orthodontic care available to patients in North Wales.
- To deliver more prudent and efficient NHS orthodontic services.
- To improve the coordination of orthodontic service provision.
Main Methods:
- Re-commissioning of the primary care specialist orthodontic service via a formal retendering process.
- Development and implementation of a standardized orthodontic referral form for all referrals.
- Establishment of a formal accreditation process for non-specialist dentists providing NHS orthodontic treatment.
Main Results:
- A more coordinated and improved orthodontic service was achieved.
- Enhanced collaboration between the North Wales Orthodontic Managed Clinical Network (OMCN) and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was crucial.
- The implemented strategies addressed challenges of increasing waiting times and access to care.
Conclusions:
- Reshaping orthodontic services through strategic re-commissioning, standardized referrals, and dentist accreditation can significantly improve care quality and efficiency.
- Effective partnerships between clinical networks and health boards are vital for successful healthcare service transformation.
- The North Wales model offers a potential framework for addressing similar challenges in other regions facing increasing demand for orthodontic treatment.
