I’m on a mission to restore NHS dentistry so everyone can get the care they need. Across East Anglia, thousands of children suffer from preventable tooth decay, and too many adults are in pain because they cannot access a dentist. Norfolk and Waveney has one of the worst ratios of NHS dentists in the country, and the region urgently needs more trained professionals.

The University of East Anglia is ready to open a new dental school, fully accredited and equipped, with teaching due to start in September 2027. The only remaining hurdle is confirmed funding for undergraduate places. I am pressing the Government to act quickly, direct new places to areas of greatest need, and ensure graduates are supported to stay in the NHS locally.

Everyone deserves access to timely, high-quality dental care. Expanding training and supporting dentists in underserved areas is the first step toward fixing this crisis.