How are we improving access to dental services?
One of the things I hear from people in letters and meetings is how important access to a dentist is, so I am pleased that the NHS Dental Recovery Plan has been launched to enhance access to NHS dentistry and reduce waiting lists.
£200 million in funding will be used to:
Deliver 2.5 million additional NHS dental appointments, particularly in underserved areas.
Introduce incentives for NHS dentists to treat new patients and work in areas with high demand, such as one-off payments of up to £20,000.
Enhance preventative care through programmes like Smile for Life to help prevent tooth decay in children.
Increase training places for dental professionals by 40% by 2031-32 as part of the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan.
Launch dental vans to reach isolated communities.
Dental workforce training and consulting on wider reforms to the dental workforce and contract in 2024.
