NHS DENTISTRY IN CUMBRIA

Motion Text

That this House believes that dental health care provision should be a fundamental component of overall health care provision by the NHS; notes with great concern that nationally only 38.8 per cent. of adults are currently registered with an NHS dentist, which has fallen from 51.8 per cent. in 1997; recognises that in many parts of the country, including Kendal in Cumbria, there are currently no dental practices registering new NHS patients; and calls on the Government to work with the dental profession, the British Dental Association, primary care trusts and health authorities to ensure that new dentists are brought into NHS practice and that those currently practising in the NHS continue to perform their highly valued and vital role.