Tom Gordon MP addressed the Minister this week, asking for clarity on changes to dental funding as one Harrogate dentists office struggles to fill open space.
The issue was underscored to the MP when one dental practice in the town flagged that they were relying on a series of short-term contracts with NHS foundation dentists to staff one of its treatment rooms, rather than being able to hire someone long-term.
Care in the region has seen positive steps towards improvement, with an additional 50,000 procedures from last April to October in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care responded in Parliament that a consultation on contract reform would be undertaken later this year. The public consultation is due to start in the summer.
Tom said:
I’m heartened to see a consultation going ahead this summer, essential dentistry shouldn’t be constrained by something as daft as an outdated funding model. You wonder what efficiencies could be made by having a stable staff, instead of relying on locums.
I look forward to helping our local practices contribute to the consultation. But that’s still a longtime coming- 2 years after the election, which feels a hell of a lot longer if you’re waiting for a root canal.
People need the reassurance of a regular, reliable dentist. We’ve got the space, where’s the new dentist?
Tom will be holding a dentistry coffee morning in the summer for practitioners and patients to share their experiences.
