Bradford South MP Questions Prime Minister Over Shortage of Dentists
Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, challenged the Prime Minister over a shortage of dentists in her constituency in the House of Commons this week.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Ms Cummins asked Prime Minister David Cameron whether the government would be willing to fund more dentists in the region to improve access to NHS services and tackle rising rates of decay.
The latest figures show that 46% of 5 year old children in Bradford South suffer from tooth decay and less than 50% of children have seen a dentist in the last 24 months.
Ms Cummins highlighted the benefits of investing in preventative care, including saving money compared to treating decay in children and asked the Prime Minister what the government is willing to do to make sure everyone is able to see an NHS dentist.
In response, Mr Cameron said that government spending on dental services had increased significantly and reminded opposition MPs of the times when people used to “queue around the block” to see a dentist under the Labour government.
Mr Cameron also reassured Ms Cummins that he would look into the situation in Bradford South.
Speaking after leaving the House of Commons, Ms Cummins reiterated her desire to get “a better deal” for her constituents and said MPs will work in line with the council and public health organisations to try and finds ways of improving standards of oral health in Bradford.
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