Access to NHS Dental Services 2026-07-14
2026-07-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about closures of NHS dental practices in his constituency and the overall access to primary care dentistry.
What steps he is taking to improve access to NHS dental services. I thank the Minister for that answer. In my area, NHS dental practices have closed, and another practice has written to patients saying it cannot provide NHS care. While emergency dental treatments are appreciated, primary care dentistry still needs better funding and reform.
We are improving access with reforms to prioritise those in greatest need, creating an urgent care safety net, and delivering 2.5 million additional treatments. I am happy to meet the MP to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
The commitment to fund NHS dentistry was not explicitly stated.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In the constituency, three NHS dental practices have closed, and only 39% of people can access NHS dentistry within two years. The MP seeks clarity on future plans.
We have had no clarity from the Minister as to the vision for the future. What should people expect? Is it that most people will go private and not be able to access NHS dentistry? Will he or his officials meet me to discuss what we can do to help affected patients?
Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning dental services. Where practices close, we ensure patients have access to care. We accept that more needs to be done and I am happy to meet the MP to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
The vision for NHS dentistry by 2029-30 was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about a lack of clarity from the Minister on future plans for NHS dentistry, with only 39% access within two years. The MP seeks a clear vision.
What should people expect in terms of NHS dentistry by 2029-30? We have had no clarity from the Minister as to the vision for the future. What can we expect?
We aim to deliver fundamental reform before the end of this Parliament. It is complex with various contract models, and we need time to get it right. A public consultation will be launched soon.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific plan for 2029-30 was not detailed.
Criticising The Previous Government
Response accuracy