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NHS dental extractions increase NHS dental extractions increase
(about 2 hours later)
The number of patients in Wales needing their teeth extracted has gone up since the introduction of a new dental contract in 2006, figures show.The number of patients in Wales needing their teeth extracted has gone up since the introduction of a new dental contract in 2006, figures show.
The data from the NHS Information Centre showed a 1.5% increase in the number of teeth being removed.The data from the NHS Information Centre showed a 1.5% increase in the number of teeth being removed.
And the statistics also show that patients are shying away from more expensive procedures.And the statistics also show that patients are shying away from more expensive procedures.
The number of patients receiving root-fillings and crowns decreased significantly.The number of patients receiving root-fillings and crowns decreased significantly.
It's the first opportunity to look at trends in dental care since a new dental contract was introduced in 2006.It's the first opportunity to look at trends in dental care since a new dental contract was introduced in 2006.
A review for the Welsh Assembly Government published earlier this year found there had been 'tensions' in the implementation of the contract, and patients in deprived areas continued to suffer from poor oral health.A review for the Welsh Assembly Government published earlier this year found there had been 'tensions' in the implementation of the contract, and patients in deprived areas continued to suffer from poor oral health.
In a statement the Welsh Assembly Government said access to NHS dental treatment was increasing.
"The key issue is whether dentists, like all health professionals, are delivering all the care that their patients need," it said.
"The reduction in complex treatment is no bad thing and is an expected consequence of a move to a new system based less on 'drill and fill' and more on prevention."
ProceduresProcedures
The figures were based on a sample of 1,500 courses of treatment in 2007/08 and show that in Wales 9.3% now result in tooth extraction, compared with 7.8% in 2003/4.The figures were based on a sample of 1,500 courses of treatment in 2007/08 and show that in Wales 9.3% now result in tooth extraction, compared with 7.8% in 2003/4.
Meanwhile, fewer patients are receiving expensive dental procedures.Meanwhile, fewer patients are receiving expensive dental procedures.
The number of crowns per 100 courses of treatment fell from 61.8 to 37.6 and the proportion of treatment including root-fillings almost halved, from 6.2 to 3.3%.The number of crowns per 100 courses of treatment fell from 61.8 to 37.6 and the proportion of treatment including root-fillings almost halved, from 6.2 to 3.3%.
Separate figures published showed the number of dentists offering NHS treatment had risen in Wales by 9% between March 2007 and March 2008. This means the proportion of dentists per 10,000 is now 4.2, as compared to 3.8.Separate figures published showed the number of dentists offering NHS treatment had risen in Wales by 9% between March 2007 and March 2008. This means the proportion of dentists per 10,000 is now 4.2, as compared to 3.8.