The British Dental Association (BDA) has urged the Health and Social Care Committee to set out a clear roadmap to reform for the government.
It has disputed data cited by Neil O’Brien MP on the supposed "recovery" in NHS dentistry. The minister repeatedly spoke of NHS activity rising by "a fifth" in the last year. Dentist leaders stress this "growth" is based on comparing 2021/22 figures to the reduced activity levels during the height of the pandemic.
The BDA has seen official data suggesting that 75 per cent of contracted UDA activity was delivered in the eleven months to the end of February 2023. This compares with activity levels before that pandemic, which, the BDA understands, was in excess of 95 per cent of contracted levels.
The BDA said the government’s pledge to develop a recovery plan for dentistry just ahead of the evidence session as "reeking of desperation."
Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair, said, “Witnesses tried to defend the indefensible, attempting to put a gloss on the government’s record.
“It won’t wash. NHS dentistry needs urgent reform, it’s got tweaks. It requires sustainable funding, instead we’ve got a charge hike that’s hit the patients who need us most.
“An exodus of dentists is still in motion, and millions remain unable to secure the care they need.
“The committee can draw a line under this and set an urgent ‘to do list’ for the government.”