Access to NHS Dentistry 2022-07-19
2022-07-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted that NHS dentistry faced significant challenges, particularly during the pandemic. The question addresses progress made to increase availability of dental services.
What progress has been made on increasing the availability of NHS dentistry services? In light of the unprecedented action taken during the pandemic and the ongoing struggles with dentist availability in some areas, what specific steps have been taken to ensure that those who need it most can access available care?
During the pandemic, over £1.7 billion of income protection was provided to protect NHS dentistry capacity. Urgent care centres were established nationwide to ensure those in need could access available care. NHS dentists are now returning to 100% of their contracted activity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP from West Dorset highlighted the struggle with dentist availability, noting that there is no capacity for new patients and expressed concerns about the NHS's ability to solve this issue.
In West Dorset, we are struggling with dentist availability; currently, there is no capacity for new patients. Could you tell me what steps are being taken to help restore dental services in West Dorset?
Significant challenges exist across regions, and improving access is a priority. A package of improvements has been announced today by the Government and NHS England, focusing closely with the sector and British Dental Association.
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Assessment & feedback
no specific steps or funding for West Dorset mentioned
We Are Working Closely
A Package Of Improvements
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of dentists in dental deserts, such as her North Devon constituency. She has previously seen the former Minister for Dentistry to tackle this issue.
How will the measures announced today deliver extra dental appointments rapidly? The announcement should address the appalling lack of dentists in North Devon and provide immediate solutions.
Measures include contract management, increasing use of skills mix in workforce, and rewarding complex treatment to reflect its complexity. These steps aim to improve the availability of NHS dentistry services.
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Assessment & feedback
no specific timeline or rapid delivery mentioned
Measures Announced Today
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are 18,000 people on the NHS waiting list for dentistry in Plymouth. A cross-party plan exists to unlock funding for a new Cavell centre as part of a health village with extra dental capacity.
Will you agree to meet a cross-party delegation from Plymouth to make the case for unlocking the funding needed for a new Cavell centre, which is part of a city-wide health hub initiative?
As part of levelling up, there is interest in place-based approaches. The essence of integrated care boards is to facilitate such approaches. Willing to have discussions on how best to deliver these projects.
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Assessment & feedback
no commitment to meeting or unlocking funding mentioned
Place-Based Approach
Integrated Care Boards
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that NHS dentistry was in crisis long before the pandemic. Only a third of adults have seen an NHS dentist in the last two years, with fewer than half of children seeing a dentist.
Will you listen to dentists and patients demanding urgent reform of the current outdated system? The issue is exacerbated by an ageing unit-based dental activity system that does not reflect modern needs.
Today's announcement shows the Department has listened, facilitating better contract management, reflecting floor price for units of dental activity, and rewarding complex treatment. The Government provided £1.7 billion in income protection during the pandemic to support dentistry's ability to recover.
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Assessment & feedback
no commitment to urgent reform mentioned
Listening
Today'S Announcement
Response accuracy