Dental Health Care

In the House of Commons today, a minister presented a petition on behalf of constituents in York Central and others, highlighting the significant NHS dental crisis in the area. The minister stated that less than 40% of adults in York have accessed NHS dentistry in the past two years, and 1,707 residents have signed the petition to call for a new approach to oral health. The petition outlines several key issues with the current NHS dental contract, including the fact that the Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) do not match the time required for dentists to provide care to their patients. Additionally, the minister noted that England spends only £35 per person on dental care, compared to higher amounts in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, making the system unviable for most dentists undertaking NHS work. The petition also raised concerns about the extremely long waiting lists for patients to see a dentist, and the need to address workforce challenges within the dental sector. To address these issues, the petition called for the government to discontinue the current NHS dental contract and instead bring dental services fully back into the NHS through a National Dental Service. Furthermore, the petition highlighted the need for preventative dental care through fluoridation, as well as a school check-up service and supervised brushing programme. The petition also emphasized the importance of prioritizing dental care for those over the age of 60, as poor dental health can lead to malnutrition and other comorbidities. The minister concluded by presenting the full text of the petition to the House of Commons, urging the government to take action to address the ongoing NHS dental crisis and improve access to quality dental care for all.