Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to NHS Dentistry

Tuesday 19 July 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • During the pandemic, over 1.7 billion of income protection was provided to protect NHS dentistry capacity.
  • A package of improvements focusing on working closely with the sector and British Dental Association has been announced.
  • Measures announced include contract management, increasing use of skills mix in workforce, and rewarding complex treatment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Selaine Saxby
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Loder
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no specific steps or funding for West Dorset mentioned

How: We Are Working Closely, A Package Of Improvements

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Q3 Selaine Saxby
NHS
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no specific timeline or rapid delivery mentioned

How: Measures Announced Today

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Q4 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no commitment to meeting or unlocking funding mentioned

How: Place-Based Approach, Integrated Care Boards

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Q5 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
NHS
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no commitment to urgent reform mentioned

How: Listening, Today'S Announcement

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