Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a need to address the shortage of NHS dentists in certain areas.
What recent steps has the Department taken to increase the number of dentists working in the NHS?
The number of dental school places is up from 810 in 2019 to 970 in 2021, making it easier for qualified dentists to come to the UK. We are putting through secondary legislation and encouraging new centres for dental development.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address recent specific steps taken by the Department directly.
Secondary Legislation
Encouraging New Centres
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent closure of a dental practice and increasing difficulty for residents to access NHS dental care prompted this question.
Is the Minister aware that there is a particular problem in Bridlington where an increasing number of residents are finding it difficult or impossible to access NHS dental care, and will he agree to meet me on this matter?
I would be keen to meet to try to address those issues and to build on the work that we are doing nationally.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged the issue but did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for action.
Keen To Meet
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of York have faced long wait times for NHS dentists, and the situation has not improved despite upcoming changes to integrated care systems.
How are integrated care boards going to solve the problem of a six-year waiting time for an NHS dentist in York?
Large, remote regional commissioning has made it unlikely that specific local problems are picked up. Moving to more local accountability over service commissioning is a step towards solving this problem.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specifics on how integrated care boards will solve the issue in York.
Local Accountability
Response accuracy