Access to NHS Dental Services 2026-02-24
2026-02-24
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted the long-term consequences of Conservative rule on dentistry, pointing out that a quarter of children in her constituency have tooth decay. She cited an integrated care board report indicating higher rates among deprived areas.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services? A quarter of children in my constituency have tooth decay, and those in deprived areas are more likely to suffer than wealthier constituents miles away. I am pleased that we are fixing dentistry with urgent appointments and school programmes but need to do more for these children.
The hon. Friend is correct; Conservative rule failed our children's health, with tooth decay as the most common reason for hospital admissions among 5-9 year-olds. We provided Derbyshire county council £82,000 for this year's supervised toothbrushing programme and agreed further funding till 2028-29. By extending the soft drinks industry levy, we protect kids' teeth from decay, emblematic of our shift to prevention in a 10-year plan.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The MP highlighted a constituent awaiting NHS treatment with a low success rate compared to private care, questioning if this mismatch undermines confidence in the service.
My constituent is waiting for a root canal and crown treatment. She was quoted £400 for NHS treatment with a 60% chance of success vs £1300 for private care with a 90% success rate. This disparity risks undermining confidence. What reforms are being made to the NHS dental contract?
I am sorry about my hon. Friend's constituent's situation. The Tory neglect has led to a two-tier system; our 2026 reforms will help patients with complex needs via new care pathways, backed by tariffs of £250-700 which could save up to £225 in fees. Combined measures and contract reform aim for timely, high-quality treatment within reach.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP discussed the impact of Conservative rule on children's oral health, noting a quarter have tooth decay and those in deprived areas are more affected.
Fourteen years of Tory rule has left many children with tooth decay. A quarter of them suffer from it; those in deprived areas more so than wealthier neighbours just miles away. We are addressing this but need to do more. What further steps are being taken?
My hon. Friend is right; Conservatives failed our children's health with high rates of tooth decay leading to hospital admissions among 5-9 year-olds, a truly shameful state. We provided £82,000 for supervised toothbrushing in schools this year and further funding till 2028-29. Of the 42,000 treatment increase in Derby and Derbyshire ICB area, 19,000 were for children.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The MP asked about difficulties for constituents to get appointments with NHS dentists in rural areas.
My constituents struggle getting an appointment with an NHS dentist. What steps is the Minister taking to encourage more dentists in rural areas?
We delivered 1.8 million additional appointments between April and October 2025 compared with the same period before the general election. I will provide precise numbers of how many more have been provided in his constituency and ICB area, as he can watch for that information.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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The MP questioned the high number of unused urgent dental appointments and inquired about targets on these.
Daily Mirror reports nearly 1 million urgent dental appointments commissioned but not taken up due to strict rules. Too many people are without needed treatment. Will the Minister update us on when targets for urgent appointments will be met?
We have improved access by commissioning hundreds of thousands of additional urgent treatments. We broadened the definition of 'urgent' as per chief dental officer's advice. From April, urgent care will be embedded in the contract and we continue working on long-term contract reform.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The MP discussed the Conservative failure in NHS dentistry, leading to DIY extractions and high numbers of children not seeing a dentist. She questioned the promise of extra urgent appointments.
Everyone knows that NHS dentistry fell apart under the Conservatives with DIY tooth extractions and forced A&E visits. Last year, 38k kids in Shropshire did not see a dentist; 100k in Surrey, 133k in Sussex. The Government promised 700k extra urgent appointments but may have broken that promise last year. How many actual additional appointments were delivered last year?
We broadened the definition of 'urgent' as it was out of step with common sense. People removing their own teeth didn't fit into this category before. We have delivered 1.8 million additional appointments and treatments compared to April to October 2025 last year.
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