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 increase the capacity of NHS dentistry services in Mansfield constituency.

Access to primary care dental services nationally remains high, in England 22.1 million adults were seen by dentist in the 24 month period ending 30 June 2018 and 6.9 million children were seen by a dentist in the 12 month period ending 30 June 2018.

We are aware that there have been local recruitment difficulties in Mansfield which have resulted in some dental practices offering fewer appointments than usual. NHS England North Midlands advises it is working closely with providers to address these issues and ensure that access improves.

NHS England is responsible for commissioning dental services. It has a legal duty to commission National Health Services dental services to meet the needs of the local population. NHS England should have arrangements in place to help patients who cannot find a local dentist that is accepting new patients.