Access to NHS Dentistry Services in Bristol and the South West

Over the course of the past year, Darren has received many emails from his constituents - both NHS patients and dentists alike - outlining the difficulties that they have experienced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

In order to raise the issues being described to him, Darren led an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on access to NHS dentistry services in Bristol and the South West. During the debate, he outlined some of the problems that his constituents have raised with him. For example, not being able to complete a course of NHS treatment or being able to register with an NHS service provider in Bristol.

Darren also made reference to the difficulties that NHS dentists based in the community are experiencing with the current dental contract. He highlighted the financial strain that dentists face as a consequence of the contract and that the Covid-19 pandemic has made this harder to cope with.

He called for swift action from the Government to try and increase the number of dentists providing NHS dentistry services across Bristol and the South West and asked what patients could do, right now, if they were struggling to access treatment.

Regrettably, the Minister provided no concrete answers and Darren will be writing to her shortly to follow-up on some of the commitments she made.

To watch Darren’s debate, please click on the following link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/d45b7d6b-179a-4f20-8e2b-da4c2173d40d?in=21:19:32