MPs call for ‘fundamental reform’ of NHS dentistry in report
The cross-party Health and Social Care Select Committee said it is "totally unacceptable in the 21st century" that people are in pain and distress due to the lack of access to an NHS dentist. It suggested that fundamental reform of NHS dentistry is needed to end a "crisis of access".
The Committee added: "It is frustrating to have to return to recommendations made by our predecessor Committee fifteen years ago that still haven’t been implemented. Rarely has an inquiry been more necessary."
MPs say the current contract, which pays dentists for NHS ‘units of dental activity’ (UDAs), is not fit for purpose and needs to be scrapped.
Report: Health and Social Care Committee
Healthwatch England called for a rapid and radical reform of how dentistry is commissioned and provided – recognising that the current arrangements do not meet the needs of many people who cannot access NHS dental care in a timely way and acknowledging issues faced by the dental profession.
The British Dental Association stated:
"MPs have backed our call for a system based on weighted capitation, which will also give support to the patients who need us most. The Committee has also called for a permanent ring-fencing of the dental budget and for adequate resources to underpin the forthcoming recovery plan. From reform to funding, the Committee has provided an instruction manual to save NHS dentistry."
British Dental Association response
The small changes introduced by the government have not addressed the urgent problem of NHS dental care. Local dentists are struggling to meet the need. Because it is currently almost impossible to recruit dentists or other staff, practices are barely able to treat their longstanding patients. New patients are often having to be turned away.
We would advise patients to have an understanding of this, and to ensure that they are careful not to miss appointments, as this wastes their dentist's time when they could be seeing other patients. The service is, sadly, under huge pressure and access is shrinking.
Are you finding it difficult to get NHS dental care?
We have put together some information to help you find a NHS dentist in Haringey.
What is the situation in Haringey?
According to a BBC survey in 2022, 84% of Haringey dentists are not taking any new adult NHS patients. The situation was not much better in surrounding boroughs, and in Enfield only 9% of dentists were taking new adult NHS patients.
What is the Health and Social Care Select Committee?
The Health and Social Care Select Committee is a Departmental Select Committee of the House of Commons. Its remit is to examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the Department of Health and Social Care and its associated agencies and public bodies.
