NHS Dental Contracting Framework 2024-10-15
2024-10-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP notes significant issues in accessing NHS dental care, including long wait times for appointments and high levels of tooth decay among children. He references a constituent who had to treat her son's teeth herself after five years without an appointment.
What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of the NHS dental contracting framework? I am concerned about the massive scale of problems, such as one in four 5-9 year olds being admitted to hospital due to tooth decay and the inability for some constituents to access necessary care. The Government's pledge to provide more emergency appointments is appreciated but will take time to address the issue.
We cannot fix the matter overnight, but we are committed to reforming the dental contract and working with the British Dental Association to focus on prevention and retention of NHS dentists. We are also working at pace to ensure that patients can access an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The effectiveness assessment was not provided
Committed To Reforming
Working With The Bda
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights horror stories from his constituency, including a constituent who could not find an NHS dentist after five years and another whose teeth are crumbling due to illness. He requests assurances that people in his area will receive the necessary priority.
Can you reassure me that people in my constituency will be given the priority they deserve? South Yorkshire has the highest level of hospital tooth extractions, and I want to ensure interventions target areas of greatest need.
We will target interventions at the areas of greatest need. For example, integrated care boards have started to advertise roles through our “golden hello” scheme, which will drive recruitment of graduate dentists to areas of greatest need for three years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific priority mechanism not provided
Target Interventions
Recruitment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP raises concerns about the issues faced by those above state pension age, particularly regarding benefits such as attendance allowance. He requests an assessment of the contract for these individuals.
Will you look at the contract for those who are elderly and in receipt of certain benefits? There are significant challenges for this group, including unmet needs due to dental care limitations.
We are looking at the contract with the BDA and I am more than happy to look into the issue raised by the hon. Gentleman.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline not provided
Looking At
Happy To Look
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP references the Secretary of State for Wales' statement at a Labour party conference, suggesting that Wales could serve as a blueprint for NHS dentistry reforms. He notes that less than 60% of dentistry courses are being completed in Wales compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Does the Minister agree that the Secretary of State for Wales is right and that Wales is a blueprint for what a Labour Government will do in England, or will they drop the bluster, get serious and commit to the dental reforms set out in the dental recovery plan?
I find it extraordinary that yet again we see a total lack of humility and contrition from the Opposition. We now have some grown-ups in charge in Westminster, who will work with colleagues in Cardiff Bay to ensure that a rising tide lifts all boats and improve NHS dentistry across the UK.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No acknowledgment or commitment to dental reforms
Lack Of Humility
Grown-Ups In Charge
Response accuracy