Lincolnshire MP calls for new dental school to ease local NHS access issues
A Lincolnshire MP is calling for a new dental school to open in the region to ease local NHS access issues.
Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, has proposed opening a new dental school in the East Midlands to encourage more dentists to work in the area in the future and increase capacity for NHS dental services.
Dr Johnson held an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday 20th October to outline and discuss dental access problems in Lincolnshire. Recent statistics suggest that only 41% of adults in the county have seen a dentist in the last two years, with less than a third of children attending a dental appointment last year.
Access to general dentistry is poor across the county, but there are also growing issues for patients who need specialist dental treatment. There is now just one permanent consultant orthodontist covering Grantham, Lincoln and Boston. There were previously three orthodontists.
Dr Johnson raised concerns voiced by her constituents and appealed for proposals for a new dental school in the East Midlands to be considered carefully.
The MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham believes that opening a dental school would improve access to training and development for local dentists and encourage more dentists to work in the area in the future. Most graduates either return to their home town or stay close to the school or university where they gained their degree.
At the debate, ministers agreed to explore the proposals and also pledged to investigate short-term measures to improve access, including renewing target-based dental contracts.
For more news click here.
Join this Discussion