Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Dan Poulter and Jason McCartney(9 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)
8. What steps his Department is taking to improve access to and standards of dental care.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter)
Between May 2010 and December 2013, 1.5 million more patients were able to see an NHS dentist. We are committed to reforming the current contractual arrangements to promote improvement in oral health and to increase access to dentistry services.
Jason McCartney
What specific advice would the Minister give to my constituents who are trying really hard to access good quality, local dental care on the NHS?
Dr Poulter
A recent HealthWatch report highlighted this issue in west Yorkshire, where access to dental services has been a long-standing challenge. NHS England is looking at the financial arrangements in west Yorkshire and will report back soon. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend and representatives from the local NHS to take this issue further forward and ensure that local patients get the service they deserve.