NHS DENTISTRY

Early day motion 791, tabled 28 February 2005 by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 55 members.

That this House believes that dentistry should be a core part of the National Health Service; notes with concern that less than 40 per cent. of adults in England are currently registered with an NHS dentist, and that in many areas dentists are no longer taking on new NHS patients; further notes the delay in implementing a new system of patient charging and a new Personal Dental Services contract; further believes that current measures to address the shortfall in NHS dentistry are insufficient to meet immediate local needs; and calls on the Government to work with the dental profession to attract and retain more NHS dentists.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 32, Labour 12, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Independent 1.