We’ve got the space, where’s the new dentist? Tom Gordon MP pushes for answers on constraints of dentistry funding

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shouldn’t be constrained by something as daft as an outdated funding model.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 long time 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?”