Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the risk of people going overseas for dental treatment as a result of a difficulties accessing NHS dentistry in the UK; and what risks he has identified in people pursuing that course of action.

State funded healthcare is a devolved matter outside of England, and is the responsibility respectively of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments. The Department has not assessed the risk of patients going overseas for dental treatment as a result of difficulties in accessing National Health Service dental care in England. However, NHS England has made available guidance for patients on seeking treatment abroad, including the risks which is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/going-abroad-for-medical-treatment/

NHS patients in England can access care from any high street NHS dental practice accepting patients, or NHS 111 can arrange urgent care if needed. Community Dental Services also provide NHS dental care to people who cannot be treated in general dental practices. This includes vulnerable people or those in situations or locations that are out of reach.