The idea of identifying ICBs to commission mobile dental vans seems a particular example of an ineffective interaction between a national policy and an appropriate measure on the ground. NHSE and DHSC identified twelve ICBs to deliver the initiative,69 but none of these ICBs have since chosen to invest in a dental van.70 DHSC acknowledged that ICBs know their own “patches” the best, and that allowing them to use that knowledge to decide on the best way to provide dental service would be prefe...

The idea of identifying ICBs to commission mobile dental vans seems a particular example of an ineffective interaction between a national policy and an appropriate measure on the ground. NHSE and DHSC identified twelve ICBs to deliver the initiative,69 but none of these ICBs have since chosen to invest in a dental van.70 DHSC acknowledged that ICBs know their own “patches” the best, and that allowing them to use that knowledge to decide on the best way to provide dental service would be preferable to trying to direct that from Whitehall.71 NHSE also acknowledged the importance of working with local commissioners, especially given that dentist Type: conclusion | Number: 24 | Response status: partially_accepted Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented: April 2025 4.2 Whilst NHSE sought to engage ICBs and regional colleagues in the development of the Dental Recovery Plan (DRP) NHSE acknowledge that there is more to do