Local Dental Committees (LDCs)
Local Dental Committees in the UK were set up in 1948, at the inception of the NHS
In England and Wales, provision in statute has been made for them to be recognised and consulted since the NHS Act 1977. Local NHS representatives may consult with LDCs on any matters of local dental interest.
In both Scotland and Northern Ireland no provision is made for LDCs in statute. LDCs in both countries do exist however, and frequently consult with the health boards for their respective localities. There are 110 LDCs across the UK. A Model LDC Constitution is available which outlines the basis under which LDCs are formed.
Who do Local Dental Committees represent?
Where they are recognised, LDCs represent dentists with a General Dental Services (GDS) contract or a Primary Dental Services (PDS) agreement. An LDC may only represent those dentists who are members or who are on an 'NHS Performers List' list at the locality covered by the LDC. LDCs can also represent dentists in the NHS community dental services and other spheres of dental practice, but this must be agreed locally.
LDCs can support all dentists in their locality across a range of issues. They are ready and willing to help. LDCs consist of NHS General Dental Practitioners from your area and usually secondary care and community representatives as well. They have deep insight into developments in your area and can represent you with local matters. Your LDC will be in close and regular contact with your NHSE commissioners and will speak for local dentists when new arrangements are being put in place.
Your LDC can:
- Ensure you are kept up to date with new regional guidance as it becomes available
- Feedback your concerns to the local NHSE team
- Feedback any local concerns to the BDA
- Offer advice if there is anything you need to know about what is happening locally with dental services
- Support you with empathy if you need someone to talk to.
- Signpost you to help if you are not sure where to turn.
Regional Liaison Groups
In England, LDC Secretaries and Chairs meet in regional groups to discuss issues affecting the profession. In some areas, LDCs simply group together to share information and support colleagues. In other areas, more formal arrangements have been made. The BDA's General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC) has regular meetings with regional LDC representatives.
LDC Conference
Every year, LDCs across the UK hold conferences to discuss the issues facing the profession.
The main LDC Conference is independent of the BDA, but BDA staff assist by providing organisational and administrative support, and by hosting regular meetings of the various LDC Conference organising committees across the UK nations.
LDC Officials' day
This event is only open to LDC nominated representatives and members of the BDA's General Dental Practice Committee. The last Officials' day event took place on Friday 1 December in London.
Get involved
Are you a primary care dentist interested in representing colleagues at a local level? Contact your LDC Secretary for more information: ldcsupport@bda.org.