Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Loder Excerpts

Tuesday 19th July 2022 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Chris Loder (West Dorset) (Con)]

1. What steps he is taking to improve access to NHS dentistry services in the south-west.

[Selaine Saxby (North Devon) (Con)]

13. What progress he has made on increasing the availability of NHS dentistry services.

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Steve Barclay)]

During the pandemic, we took unprecedented action to protect NHS dentistry capacity, providing over £1.7 billion of income protection. We also ensured that those who needed it most could access the available care by establishing 700 urgent care centres nationwide. NHS dentists are now returning to 100% of their contracted activity.

[Chris Loder]

I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer, but in West Dorset we are really struggling with dentist availability; at the moment there is no capacity for new patients, and the NHS appears to be incapable of solving the issue. Could my right hon. Friend tell me what he is doing to help restore dental services in West Dorset for those who need them?

[Steve Barclay]

My hon. Friend raises a very pertinent point. I recognise that there are significant challenges in NHS dentistry, including disparities across regions. Improving access for patients is a priority, and that is why just today the Government, together with NHS England, have announced a package of improvements to the NHS dental system, on which we have worked closely with the sector and the British Dental Association.