TEES Local Dentists' Committee is recommending its members refuse to take on any more NHS patients following what they feel is a poor deal in the latest round of Government funding.
They learned at a meeting last week, called by Middlesborough Primary Care Trust, that the allocation of new funding for new development (£679,000) will be much lower than other areas which have a poorer NHS record and are therefore deemed by the Government to require a bigger incentive.
On Tuesday at the meeting of local dentists, the subject provoked a lengthy debate.
Afterwards, a member of the committee said: "Our argument now is with the Department of Health, not the PCT. We have a good record of care and feel very let down.
"Although we are all independent dentists and can take individual action, it is suggested we refuse to register any new patients and withdraw from any more negotiations with the PCT until the department comes up with some fairer allocation figures. The fight is not yet over.
"This does not mean we will completely withdraw our services. We would still see people who were obviously in pain," he added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article