Minister makes vow over 'dentistry crisis'

Jason Wong, chief dental officer for England said there were still "many people experiencing difficulties" accessing NHS dental services

A minister has vowed to tackle a shortfall in dentistry appointments after figures reveal thousands of people in the South East are in need of urgent dental care.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) said 53,450 people were in need of treatment, prompting health minister Stephen Kinnock to promise to confront "the NHS dentistry crisis".

Mr Kinnock, who was speaking following a meeting with NHS dentists in Crawley, said the government will roll out 700,000 extra dental appointments nationally.

Dr Kellie Downie, principal dentist at the Crabtree Clinic in Crawley, said the current pay does not reflect the work they do.

She added: "One issue is the current contract leads dentists to be really under-incentivised to work in the NHS because often the payments and the remuneration for working in the NHS just doesn't match the level of care that we provide.

"So often that means it just not financially viable for dentists to see NHS patients."

Dr Kellie Downie from Crawley said the current pay does not reflect the work they do.

Mr Kinnock said the government would make NHS careers "more appealing to dentists" in order to "increase capacity for more patients".

Statistics from the GP Patient Survey 2024 show one in four patients in Kent, Surrey and Sussex who tried to see an NHS dentist in the past two years were unable to do so.

Jason Wong, chief dental officer for England said there were still "many people experiencing difficulties" accessing NHS dental services.

"We are working with local systems to prioritise this," he said.

"We are incentivising dentists to work in underserved areas so that all areas of the country can receive the care they need."

Jacob Lant, chief executive of National Voices, a charity that represent health care and social groups, said repairing the oral health crisis "requires a sustained effort".

Mr Lant added local NHS leaders needed to work "creatively" so all patients' needs are met.

"We need to ensure available capacity is targeting those most in need," he said.

"Whether treating an infected tooth or ensuring cancer and transplant patients get the dental check-ups they need before starting treatment."