The BDA is looking forward to progress on the reform on general dental services in England and Wales, following news that the first steps in the process of piloting the conclusions of Professor Jimmy Steele's Review of NHS dentistry in England have been taken.

Working groups concentrating on different facets of the piloting process have now been established. According to John Milne, Chair of the BDA's General Dental Practice Committee, the news is evidence of concrete progress towards much-needed reform of NHS dentistry.

Dr Milne said, 'Professor Steele's review received broad support from both the profession and patient groups, as well as from across the political spectrum. The beginning of the piloting process is an important step forward and we must now see sustained progress. What is important now is that the Department continues to engage with the profession on the pilots.'

Outlining his priorities for 2010, Dr Milne has also warned that the issues with the current contract must not be forgotten, and pledged continued BDA support for members affected by them.

'It is important that the profession is fully engaged with the Department as we seek a better future for NHS dentistry,' Dr Milne said, 'but we must also remember the problems dentists across England and Wales are facing with the current arrangements. Issues such as goodwill will remain firmly on the agenda for our discussions with Government.'

Dr Milne also issued a fresh warning about the potential problems for practitioners opting to sign the PDS+ contracts being used in tenders by some primary care trusts, warning that the possibilities of breaching such contracts are rife and urging any practitioner considering such a contract to think very carefully and take professional advice before doing so.