New Prime Minister outlines plans to improve NHS dental service at first PMQs
The new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, outlined plans to improve NHS dental services during the first PMQs on Wednesday 26th October.
During his first Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Sunak, who assumed the position on Tuesday 25th October, was asked about what he will do to solve the dental access crisis. The MP for South Derbyshire, Heather Wheeler, questioned the Prime Minister about the current situation and asked for reassurance for her constituents, many of whom are struggling to get appointments.
One point that was raised by Ms Wheeler was the recruitment process for overseas dentists. Speaking in the House of Commons, she asked Mr Sunak to encourage the British Medical Association and the British Dental Association to “allow more doctors and dentists to work in the UK” to enable more people to access NHS services.
Mr Sunak sought to provide hope, suggesting that the government was already working on plans to simplify recruitment processes and make it easier for dentists from other countries to join the NHS. The measures are part of a “long-term workforce plan for the NHS” the Prime Minister explained, which would “ensure everyone can get the care they need.”
During the leadership contest between Mr Sunak and Liz Truss in the summer, Mr Sunak was much more vocal about dental services than his rival. In an interview, he said that he was committed to ensuring that people can access NHS dental care and cited his own experiences as a child, sharing that he has seven fillings because he used to drink a lot of Coke when he was younger.
One of the first jobs on the new PM’s list was to appoint Cabinet ministers. As part of the reshuffle, Steve Barclay has returned to the position of Secretary of State for Health and Social care, a role he held under Boris Johnson. He replaces Thérèse Coffey, who has a new role in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
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