Adrian Ramsay challenges the Government on only 39% of adults having access to NHS dentistry

Adrian Ramsay challenges the Government on only 39% of adults having access to NHS dentistry

Adrian Ramsay, MP for Waveney Valley and health spokesperson for the Green MPs, questioned the Minister responsible for Dentistry: what is the Government's ambition for access to NHS Dentistry? 

Adrian asked:

"The British Dental Association has highlighted that current budgets allow just 39% of adults to access NHS treatment within 2 years. Is that really the height of the Government's ambition? And if not, what percentage of access is the Government aiming for?"

 
In reply, Minister Stephen Kinnock said, “We are working closely with the BDA on long-term contract reform. That’s got to be about getting the balance right so that dentists are incentivised to do NHS dentistry, and we also maximise access. Fundamental contract reform. A public consultation is coming up before the summer, and I’m sure he’ll want to take part."

After questioning the Minister, Adrian said, "Of course, we need dental contract reform and also training places, and I've been actively pushing for those things. But if we are serious about NHS dentistry being accessible to everyone, the Government's ambition has got to be much greater than 39% of adults - and that is going to have to mean more funding."

ENDS