Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Dentist Industry and NHS Backlogs

07 February 2022 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Andy Carter Lab Warrington South

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andy Carter raised concerns about dentist industry and nhs backlogs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Carter highlighted a significant drop in NHS dental treatment numbers due to a lack of dentists willing to take on NHS contracts.
  • The MP discussed outdated dentist lists online and the lack of training places for the north of England.
  • Minister Caulfield acknowledged the impact of the pandemic on dentistry and outlined a 50 million investment to tackle backlogs.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andy Carter Lab Warrington South

Mr Carter highlighted the decline of NHS dental services, citing figures that show a significant drop in treatment numbers due to lack of dentists willing to take on NHS contracts. He emphasised difficulties in finding local dentists for new residents and patients being forced into private care despite having paid taxes and national insurance. The MP also discussed issues such as outdated dentist lists online, lack of training places for the north of England, poor incentives under the 2006 dental contract, and problems with recruitment and staffing.

Other contributors (2)
  • Giles Watling Con Clacton

    Mr Watling echoed concerns about NHS dentistry access issues and highlighted Clacton's need for more local leaders with devolved budgets. He also suggested measures to increase overseas recognition of dental qualifications.

  • Bob Seely Con Isle of Wight

    Mr Seely discussed the severe shortage of NHS dentists on his island and proposed several measures, including introducing a section 60 order to increase GDC discretion on recognising overseas dental qualifications, developing a UK adaptation course for experienced overseas dentists, funding an overseas registration exam catch-up programme, and accelerating changes to dental therapists' scope of practice.

Government Response

Maria Caulfield

Minister Caulfield acknowledged the significant impact of the pandemic on dentistry and outlined short-term measures such as a £50 million investment aimed at tackling backlogs. She also discussed plans for long-term reform, including contract negotiations, widening dental education participation, and legislative changes to upskill dental professionals. The minister highlighted efforts to improve international dentist registration processes and mentioned consultations with the General Dental Council to expand access for overseas dentists.

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