The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) have signed a new memorandum of understanding that aims to strengthen ties between the two organisations.
IHPN will host the ADG’s policy and business management functions from 1 April 2019.
The two organisations will retain separate identities and boards, but they will work more closely together in developing policy positions to ensure NHS and privately-funded dentistry services are included in wider independent sector activity.
Earlier this year, IHPN extended its remit to represent the entirety of the independent health sector, covering both NHS and privately funded healthcare across acute, specialist, community, primary, clinical home healthcare, population health management and digital services.
The two organisations are currently recruiting for the position of a policy and business manager, who will be part of the current IHPN team and will be responsible for ensuring the effective running of ADG business within the wider IHPN.
David Hare (pictured), chief executive of IHPN, said the partnership comes at an exciting time for dentistry, particularly as part of the Secretary of State’s prevention agenda.
“In welcoming the ADG into the IHPN family, we look forward to supporting them in their fantastic work in representing independent dental providers who play a pivotal role in delivering high quality dental care across the UK,” he added.
David Worskett, chair of the ADG, said: “From a patient perspective it is high time that dentistry is properly reconnected with the rest of healthcare and these arrangements are a valuable step in the right direction.”