Context
In North Shropshire, the number of adults and children seen by a dentist has significantly decreased since 2019. Adults fell from 47.5% to 35.4%, while children fell from 59% to 49.8%. Constituents face difficulties accessing NHS dentists who are focusing on private work.
Question
In North Shropshire, the number of adults seen by a dentist between 2019 and 2022 fell by more than 10%, from 47.5% to 35.4%, and the number of children seen by a dentist in that time has fallen by just about 10%, from 59% to 49.8%. Constituents report not being able to access a dentist, and are being turned away from their NHS dentists as they seek to take on only private work. Can the Secretary of State reassure me that he is taking steps to ensure that dentists in rural areas will continue to provide NHS services, because this healthcare problem will continue into the future?
Answer from Steve Barclay
We recognise that we need to do more. That is why we are making NHS dentistry more attractive by creating more bands of units of dental activity, having a minimum UDA value, and increasing to 110% the amount of activity that dentists can do. Indeed, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS trust was above the national average in the 24 months until June 2022. We are putting reforms in place to build more capacity.
Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or assurances that dentists will continue providing NHS services in rural areas.
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