Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Dentistry

Tuesday 17 October 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps include reforming NHS dentist contracts to make the work more attractive.
  • A minimum UDA value has been introduced to stabilize the system.
  • Rules changes allow for the reallocation of UDAs from underperforming dentists to those willing to take on more NHS work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Menzies Con
NHS
Context

The availability of NHS dentistry services has been an ongoing concern, with recent changes in the system aiming to improve access and attract more dentists.

Question

What recent steps his Department has taken to increase the availability of NHS dentistry services. The issue involves reforms in contracts, UDA bands, minimum UDA values, workforce growth, and empowering clinicians and commissioners.

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We are making NHS work more attractive to dentists. We have started to reform contracts, creating more UDA bands and introducing a minimum UDA value. Dentists can deliver 110% of their UDAs. We empower clinicians and commissioners through rule changes. Contract values are rebased in underperforming areas, and the number of dentists in training is growing by 40%, a commitment never made by the Opposition.

Answered
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Q2 Mark Menzies Con
NHS
Context

UDA rates have been deemed insufficient, with significant disparities between practices based on outdated figures. Local dentists report cost increases of 10% to 15%, exacerbating financial losses.

Question

What steps is my hon. Friend taking to reform the UDA system and stop dentists from leaving NHS? The question highlights concerns about current UDA rates, their impact on practices, and the need for reforms based on accurate cost increases.

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We have started to reform the UDA system with the introduction of a minimum UDA rate, helping constituencies like my hon. Friend's. We changed rules so commissioners can reallocate UDAs from underperforming dentists to those willing to do more NHS work, resulting in nearly 25% more NHS dentistry being done.

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