BDA: Government still lacking ambition in fight against decay

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said:

“I want to thank Alistair Burt for joining us in Manchester. His speech identified all the right problems, but was short on both detail and ambition when it comes to the solutions. 

“We heard about the role the profession, parents and councils can play, but little of what the Department of Health itself will do. Dentists are looking for leadership, and central government must take its share of responsibility. 

“The announcement of 10 pilot preventive programmes in areas of high deprivation could be a step in the right direction. We're clear that recycling existing budgets is no substitute for real investment, and we need to know that new money will be going to areas in most need. 

“We’ve seen real progress in Wales and Scotland in the fight against decay, because their governments have offered real commitment, strategy and dedicated funding. Dental policy in England is still lacking in ambition, and it is our patients who are paying the price.