Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure equitable access to NHS dental care.

National Health Service dental practices are currently prioritising urgent care, vulnerable groups and children and delayed planned care. We have allocated an additional £50 million in 2021/22 to ensure equitable access to dental services. There are a range of exemptions to dental patient charges and approximately half of patients were treated free of charge in 2020/21. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for patients who are not eligible for an exemption or full remission.