The role of your Somerset LDC
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Advocating for the dental community
We support both NHS and private dentists by advocating for fair working conditions, transparent policies and improved patient care. We engage with national and local health bodies, including NHS England, the British Dental Association, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), working in close collaboration to represent the interests of our members.
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Supporting professional excellence
At Somerset LDC, we aim to promote professional growth and maintain high standards in dental care. Through educational events, resources, and regular industry development updates, we help you stay informed and prepared to meet evolving challenges in healthcare. We also offer advice and guidance to support you.
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A resource for your patients
As well as representing dental professionals, we serve as a valuable resource for your patients, offering guidance on accessing quality dental services and helping them understand local dental services. We help educate patients about the dental access and care available across Somerset.
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Collaboration with health authorities
As an LDC, we work alongside NHS England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and other healthcare organisations, both local to Somerset and at a national level, to influence decisions on local dental service commissioning. Our aim is to ensure that regional healthcare strategies align with the needs of dental professionals and patients, and to identify any gaps.
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Representation and leadership
We’re proud to provide a unified voice for dental professionals across Somerset. Our elected committee members bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the table, making sure that issues such as funding, workforce planning and service planning are addressed effectively.
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Networking and community engagement
We hold regular networking events and forums designed to foster a sense of community among dental professionals in Somerset. You can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions that benefit Somerset dentists and patients.
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
We are dedicated to hosting CPD events, courses and workshops tailored to Somerset. These help local dentists remain up-to-date with the best practices and innovations, have access to the latest techniques and keep across any regulatory changes.
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Addressing local challenges
Somerset LDC is focused on our community. We understand the unique challenges faced by dentists across Somerset and strive to develop targeted initiatives and advocate for solutions that address these.
How can your LDC help you?
Your LDC can help you by:
- Ensuring you are kept up to date with new regional guidance as it becomes available
- Delivering your concerns to the local NHSE team
- Feeding back any local concerns to the BDA
- Offering advice about anything happening locally with dental services
- Supporting you and listening with empathy
- Signposting you to help if you are not sure where to turn
Get involved with your LDC
We encourage all Somerset dentists to become active participants in our committee.
Help us build a stronger and more unified voice for dentistry in Somerset, ensuring that our collective efforts lead to the improvements you would like to see.
Get involved today!