Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to collect data on the number of people (a) waiting longer than (i) six months, (ii) 12 months, (iii) 18 months, (iv) 24 months and (v) three years to see an NHS dentist and (b) who have been unable to be placed on a waiting list for an NHS dentist.

Patients do not routinely join dental waiting lists and no data exists on the average length of time it takes for a patient to get access to a course of treatment. Patients are only registered with a dental practice for a course of treatment and can go elsewhere if they choose.

The Government has taken steps to address the challenges facing National Health Service dentistry, and the package of reforms announced last July is an important first step. We know we need to do more and will announce further changes soon. Patients who are struggling to find a local dentist can contact NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre for assistance or contact NHS 111 if seeking urgent care.