The dental reforms start in April

Dentists called for a rethink of a new contract starting in April, saying it may mean the end of NHS dentistry.

And the Patients Association will tell the Conservative conference this week the reforms will not benefit patients.

But the government said the changes, including a new fees and dental payment system, will improve services.

Dentists were initially optimistic about the contract, but the British Dental Association said the current proposals will not allow professionals to escape the "drill and fill" culture whereby dentists are paid per treatment they carry out.

Someone having a small filling will be charged �41, that is more than they are charged under the current system Dr Anthony Halperin, of the Patients Association Indepth look at impact of reforms

They have argued for more emphasis to be placed on spending time with their patients encouraging better dental care.

Lester Ellman of the BDA warned many dentists would be tempted to go private after feeling let down by the reforms.

"In the future there may be such a poor NHS service that it will not be viable."

And Dr Anthony Halperin, a dentist and trustee of the Patients Association, said the new dental fees could lead to patients needing simple procedures paying more.

Under the new system, treatment will fall into one of three bands - �15 for a check up, �41 for a filling and �183 for more complex work - replacing the complex system of over 400 different charges.

Filling

"Someone having a small filling will be charged �41, that is more than they are charged under the current system."

Dr Halperin said he was also concerned that local health bosses would cut dental funding after three years when the ring fencing ends.

He said he would spell out his concerns when he addressed the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday.

Professor Robin Seymour, dean of dentistry at Newcastle Dental School, said the reforms could lead to more dentists opting to do private work - currently over a third of patients are seen outside the NHS.

"And if that keeps on happening we will get a two-tier service, where the rich can pay for treatment, and the poor have to make do with what's left behind."

But Health Minister Rosie Winterton said the new fees system was fairer for patients, pointing out the maximum patients could be charged would be halved.

"Those with poor oral health or from low income backgrounds are often discouraged from seeking dental treatment due to the prohibitive costs.

"These patients will benefit from more affordable treatment."