Traditionally the Local Dental Committee (LDC) has been funded by a levy; a small percentage of dentists' NHS earnings were remitted by the Dental Practice Board (DPB now the BSA) each month. This levy collection was greatly disrupted for all LDCs by the contractual changes. No mechanism was built into the pilot PDS arrangements so practices paid an equivalent amount as a voluntary subscription. nPDS and nGDS meant this anomaly extended to all contracts. For a year the LDC had to manage on reserves. Now the payment online system used by PCTs and the DoH has been adjusted, and levies are being collected again. The current levy is set at £12 per month for every dentist in Essex with an NHS commitment. Note that where there is a practice based contract this should be incorporated in the calculation of associate earnings. Dentists directly employed by PCTs, in what used to be called the community dental service, are the subject of a separate scheme.
For information about Essex LDC elections click here
For information about Essex LDC vacancies click here
For help advice if you, or a colleague you know may be struggling to cope click here
