MPs to examine struggle to access NHS dentistry services
Access to NHS dental care continues to be one of the main issues we hear about from the public.
Last year, as part of an investigation from BBC News and the British Dental Association, BBC news contacted nearly 7,000 practices and found nine in 10 NHS practices across the UK are not accepting new adult patients for NHS treatment.
Following the survey, the Health and Social Care Committee launched an inquiry. MPs will consider to what extent the current NHS dental contract disincentivises dentists from taking on new patients. They will look at what incentives can be offered by the NHS to recruit and retain dental professionals, also explore the role of training.
They will also explore the possible impact of making the new Integrated Care Systems and Integrated Care Boards responsible for the provision of dental services.
Local Healthwatch from across England have submitted evidence to the inquiry which can be read on the Parliament website.
Health and Social Care Committee Chair Steve Brine MP said:
"People resorting to DIY dentistry, even taking out their own teeth without anaesthetic or medical care are stories that should belong to another era yet such events are reported to be happening here today.
"Perhaps it’s not surprising when research shows that some parts of the country have become dental deserts and 90% of dental practices have turned away adults wanting to sign up for NHS services.
"We’re launching an inquiry to ask why dental treatment is so difficult to find and to establish what the government and NHS England must do to improve access and reduce such unnecessary pain and suffering."
