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 whether NHS England has met its statutory duty to commission sufficient dentistry to meet the needs of the population; and if he will make a statement.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have set increasing thresholds for activity in National Health Service contracts, supporting increases in access whilst maintaining compliance with infection prevention and control measures. We have provided an additional £50 million for NHS dental services in 2021/22 to ensure access for more people, including children and vulnerable patients. In addition, the Department and NHS England and NHS Improvement are developing proposals for the reform of the NHS dental contract, working with the British Dental Association. One of its aims is to improve patient access to NHS dental care.