Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Dental Training College: East Anglia

11 October 2022 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jerome Mayhew raised concerns about dental training college: east anglia in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The speech by Jerome Mayhew highlighted a severe shortage of dentists in Norfolk and East Anglia, with only 38 dentists per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 43.
  • Mayhew argued for establishing a new dental training school in East Anglia to address the issue and boost local employment.
  • The Minister acknowledged the challenges and committed to further discussions on short-term and long-term measures to improve access to NHS dentistry.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham

The speech by Jerome Mayhew highlighted the severe shortage of dentists in Norfolk and East Anglia, exacerbated by the pandemic and historical NHS dental contract issues. The MP stressed that there are currently only 38 dentists per 100,000 people in Norfolk compared to a national average of 43. He argued for the establishment of a new dental training school in East Anglia to address this issue over the long term, emphasising how such an institution would boost local employment and retain graduates who study there. Additionally, Mayhew advocated for short-term measures including easier recruitment from abroad and contract reforms.

Other contributors (2)
  • Peter Aldous Con Waveney

    Suggested the need to address immediate crisis in NHS dentistry through strategies like recruitment and retention, contract reform, fair funding settlement, focus on prevention, and improved local accountability.

  • George Freeman

    Highlighted the potential of establishing a dental training college for microbiome research and diagnostic advancements, making East Anglia a leader in digestive health diagnostics.

Government Response

Will Quince

The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges in recruiting dentists to Norfolk and East Anglia, but stated that establishing a new dental school would take several years. He emphasised ongoing efforts through initiatives like centres for dental development and postgraduate training opportunities to address workforce shortages and improve access to NHS dentistry in short-term measures while also addressing long-term issues. Quince committed to further discussions with the MP on these plans, expressing support for local solutions tailored to meet regional needs.

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