Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to ensure that those who cannot afford private dental care have access to an NHS dentist within a reasonable timeframe.
National Health Service dental practices are prioritising patients based on clinical need through urgent care, care for vulnerable groups and children, followed by delayed planned care. An additional £50 million for NHS dentistry has been made available for the remainder of 2021/22 to allow more patients access to dental care. We are currently developing proposals for dental system reform to improve access for patients.