MP demands answers as NHS dentist shortage continues

An MP has warned the government a shortage of NHS dentists is showing no sign of easing and urgently needs addressing.

Speaking in the Commons, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb said "nowhere is taking on adult patients or looking after pregnant women" in the town and "this needs to change".

He said constituents unable to access a local NHS dentist were contacting him "every single week".

It follows a BBC investigation in 2022 which found 100% of practices in Lancashire were not accepting new adult NHS patients with some Blackpool residents saying they were left desperate and even resorting to creating makeshift dentures.

The Labour MP continued: "Can the minister outline to my constituents when they'll be able to get access to an NHS dentist under this Labour government?"

Health and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock replied: "There is no perfect payment system.

"We're in a mad situation now where demand for NHS dentistry is going through the roof and yet we're having an underspend every year on the contract.

"So we've got to fix that – it's going to take some time to work that out with the British Dental Association and other key stakeholders."

Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association, said: "Some might call Blackpool a 'dental desert', but that might give the impression there are dental oases out there. There aren't.

"The government has made the right commitments, but we need fundamental reform to restore care to millions. To save this service we need urgent action and sustainable funding."

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