Context
The question stems from a need to address the lack of access to NHS dental care in the South-West region. There is currently a £400 million national underspend in the dental care budget.
Question
What steps he is taking to increase access to NHS dentistry services in the south-west. I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. It is not sustainable for the people of West Dorset who have needed dental care for some time when there is a £400 million national underspend in the dental care budget.
Answer from Neil O'Brien
Absolutely. I am keen to continue the conversation with my hon. Friend. These issues are exactly why, this summer, we legislated to allow rebasing and to end the inflexibility he describes. We are also in the process of ringfencing local dental budgets, because we do not want to see underspends. We want to see that money going to NHS dentistry.
Not addressed: The specific timeline for a solution to the contract difficulty was not provided and no immediate commitment to meet was given beyond showing willingness.
How: Absolutely, I Am Keen To Continue
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