This project has almost completed drafting standards (stage 2). The draft standards are currently with the project group and the Care Commission for final approval and sign off. Final publication and sign off by the Minister is expected by the end of July 2005.
Key Dates
Final publication of standards due end of July 2005.
Key Contacts
Senior Project Officer: Neil O'Shaughnessy, tel: 0141 225 6864
Senior Project Officer: Morag Swankie, tel: 0131 623 4344
Team Manager: Steven Wilson, tel 1031 623 4303
Aims and Objectives
To develop national standards for dental services jointly with the National Care Standards Committee, on behalf of Scottish Minister, and by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. The standards set out what an individual can expect from the following dental services:
- any private dental service (including private treatments provided alongside NHS treatment in mixed practices); and
- any primary care NHS dental services (including those provided by community dentists)
The standards focus on the people who use the services and what they can expect as a result of using them. The standards are addressed to the user of the services. This approach recognises the individuality of everyone using the service.
The purpose of the standards is to make sure that individuals receive high quality care and treatment from their dental service. NHS QIS and Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Commission) are working together to develop the best way of assessing and monitoring the standards, to meet the needs of all the main stakeholders. By building on and adapting the existing monitoring systems and best practice guidelines, we aim to develop a single system of monitoring for all dental services.
Project History
The National Care Standards Committee joined with NHS QIS to develop NHS/Private National dental standards. Members of both project groups merged and were jointly chaired by Mrs May Hendry, NHS QIS Working Group and Professor James P McDonald, NCSC Working Group. The working group was supported by colleagues from NHS QIS and the Scottish Executive. The consultation for the standards was carried out jointly by NHS QIS and the Scottish Executive with NHS QIS focusing on professionals and service providers and the Executive focusing on service users. The consultation involved issuing the draft standards to all dentists and dental practices, relevant professional organizations and groups representing service users, organising open meetings for dentists and a series of focus groups for service users. The final standards are due to be published at the end of July 2005.