NHS Flashcards
- What do you know about the traffic light system and what are your opinions on it?
framework to categorize severity of health conditions and guide treatment decisions
-green: condition is stable & manageable. patients can usually manage symptoms at home
-amber: moderate level of concern. patients may seek medical advice but is not an emergency
- Red: urgent issue requires immediate medical attention. patients seek immediate help
What are your thoughts on the recent sugar tax?
- tax on sugary drinks in 2018, companies pay more money for more sugar
good as encourages companies to reduce sugar
good as encourages people to drink less sugary drinks
46% average reduction in sugar in soft drinks between 2015 and 2020
- What are some alternatives of the sugar tax?
- public education campaigns: educate about risks of high sugar consumption, promote healthier choices
- subsidise healthy foods- fruits, veg more affordable
- marketing: talk about article on adding labels to sugary foods, like tobacco labels
-encourage physical activity: in schools, parents, help tackle childhood obesity
Should fluoridation of water occur?
yes- reduce tooth decay, cavities, especially in areas where dental access limited or poorer so cant afford dentist
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, makes more resistant to tooth decay
no- fluorosis- stains on teeth, people worried about excessive fluoride consumption
- How should money be invested into dentistry for the NHS?
- improving access: expand dental services in areas which lack it so more can access dental care
-preventative care: invest is preventative programs, public education campaigns, going into schools- spreads awareness of oral health so can reduce treatment costs
- upgrade facilites: invest in modern technology & equipment
-workforce development: allocate funds to train more dentists
- Should dental treatment be free on the NHS?
yes: offers access to all, affordable
who is eligible examples:
- under 18,
- under 19 in full-time education
- pregnant/ had baby in the past year
- staying in NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
no: strains NHS resources and funding, cant buy new equipment, long waits- impacts quality of care, dentists not always paid greatly
- What changes have there been in dentistry over the past 100 years?
- advancements in technology- digital images, x-rays, laser dentistry
-materials & techniques- composite resins and ceramics for fillings and crowns
preventative care- more emphasis on oral health
fluoridation- addition of fluoride to water supply
access to care- establishment of NHS, changes in policies
- What are the differences between private and NHS Dentistry?
private:
- longer appointment
- shorter wait
- expensive
- more tech and materials
NHS:
- subsidised cost
- long wait
- short appointments
- less funding
- What are some of the reasons patients choose private treatment for their teeth over NHS?
greater quality of care- access to more advanced materials due to funding
shorter waiting time
longer appointments- treatment done in less appointments,
- Should dental treatment be free for patients on the NHS?
yes- NHS is there to help all access healthcare, should be open to those who cant afford
no- NHS still needs money to afford treatments
could be free for some:
- pregnant
- children
- elderly
- immigrants/refugees
- Give differences between the NHS systems in different countries in the UK
England, scotland, Wales
costs: example, band 3 dental treatment in England is £319.10, in wales is £260
- What is an NHS trust and how do they work?
trust is organisation in NHS that provides healthcare services - manage hospitals, clinics
different types- acute trusts (provide hospital services), mental health trusts, community health trusts
each trust managed by board of directors
Acute trusts ensure hospitals provide high-quality healthcare and that they spend money efficiently.
- Could you talk me through what would qualify as a Band 3 treatment?
dentures, bridges, night guards, crowns
fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth (bridge)
type of cap that completely covers your real tooth (crown)
false teeth (dentures) restoring damaged teeth with inlays, pinlays and onlays.
£319.10
- What are your thoughts on the current NHS Dental Contract and the system of Units of Dental Activity?
nov 2023 changes better than oct 2022 plan- changes to band 2
may be disproportionate to amount of work done
Paid on number of completed UDAs – may lead to rushed appointments and less comprehensive care for patients
Access to care- some say UDA system can limit access especially patients who need more complex treatments. If a dentist has a limited number of UDAs, they may prioritise simpler cases to meet their targets
Inequity- practices in wealthier areas have more resources to meet UDA targets compared to deprived areas,
- How do price bands work for treatment under the NHS?
band 1: £26.80 examination, assessment and advice, x-rays
band 2: £73.50 fillings, extractions, root canals, denture additions
band 3: £319.10 dentures, bridges, night guards, crowns
- When would a dental appointment be free patients are not exempt?
- Who qualifies for free dental treatment?
- under 18,
- under 19 in full-time education
- pregnant
- had a baby in last 12 months
- being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
- receiving low income benefits, or under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
What is the CQC?
Care quality commission
- make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, high-quality care.
- regulates all health and social care services in England.
What are AGPs?
Aerosol generating procedures
- medical procedures that results in release of aerosols from respiratory tract, release of small airborne particles
- high risk of Aerosol generation
What is NICE?
National institute for health and care excellence- provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.
- evaluate new health technologies for NHS
- produce usable guidance to help health practitioners
What is the GDC?
General dental council
- register dental professionals, set standards for dentists, ensure quality of dental education
9 GDC principles
- patient interests 1st
-communicate effectively with patients
- obtain valid consent