Dentistry: Access for Cancer Patients

Described the success of NHS dental access in Scotland, noting that more than 95% of the population is registered with an NHS dentist. She highlighted initiatives such as a new dental school and incentives for trainee dentists to work in underserved areas, including a £37,000 golden hello package over three years. Blackman also mentioned challenges posed by Brexit and the importance of person-centred approaches to support cancer patients. Made a brief intervention without specific statistics or policy requests.

Mrs. Hamilton highlighted the difficulties in accessing NHS dentistry for cancer patients, mentioning that more than 100,000 people live in her constituency with only seven dental surgeries available and at least three not accepting new adult patients. She cited a case of a constituent suffering from an abscess due to lack of access to a dentist. Additionally, she noted that nearly a quarter of respondents delayed or went without dental treatment due to affordability issues.

Critiqued the current state of NHS dentistry as Dickensian, highlighting how cancer patients face significant oral health issues due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Raised concerns over patient access to dental care with eight in 10 practices not taking on new adult NHS patients. Cited statistics from Macmillan Cancer Support indicating four in five cancer patients incur an average monthly cost of £570 as a result of their illness, exacerbating the financial burden. Questioned whether the Department had estimated the impact of the access crisis on cancer patients and survivors.

Mr Foord highlighted the challenges faced by his constituents in accessing NHS dentistry, particularly those living with cancer. He shared a personal story of Robin Whatling from Tiverton who was struggling to find an NHS dentist due to his advanced cancer diagnosis and the weakening of his bones and teeth from treatment. The couple's inability to afford private dental care led to a painful situation where Robin had to remove one of his own affected teeth at home. Mr Foord cited statistics from the British Dental Association, indicating that oral cancer is among the fastest-growing types of cancer in the UK with survival rates significantly higher if diagnosed early by dentists. He argued that NHS dentistry is in crisis due to a £1 billion cut in real terms since the Conservatives came into power. Asked the Minister if the low uptake of dental activity units in Devon is a workforce issue.

Dentistry is in crisis across the country, affecting patients with cancer. The author cited instances of individuals who could not afford necessary dental treatments due to financial constraints. She highlighted that even though pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free NHS dentistry, over 1.2 million missed out on this entitlement as they were unable to access an NHS dentist in the last three years. Additionally, she noted a significant decline in the number of dentists within the NHS and a reduction in practices accepting new adult patients. Questioned the Minister about dentists returning unused NHS appointments due to financial unsustainability.