Tory MPs encourage oversees recruitment to bolster dentist numbers
Some Tory MPs have called for a recruitment drive to encourage dentists from overseas to work in the UK.
As the number of dentists working within the NHS falls, some Conservative MPs have advised government ministers to consider bringing more dentists from abroad into the country to bolster numbers.
Bob Seely, the MP for the Isle of Wight, said that it is virtually impossible for patients on the island to get a dental appointment and backlogs and waiting times are growing.
Mr Seely said that adapting restrictions on overseas dental qualifications could enable more dentists to come and work in the UK. He advised developing a 12-month course, which would enable dentists from outside of the UK to register with the General Dental Council.
Mr Seely’s suggestion was backed by Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, who said that “Brexit freedom” should be used to open up the pool of candidates and welcome the talented dentists “of the world we have so long spurned.”
Health minister, Maria Caulfield, said that the government was exploring a raft of measures designed to boost dentist numbers, including changes that would “really open up dentistry to those who trained overseas.”
The British Dental Association has also urged the government and the GDC to bring about “rapid change” to testing laws for overseas dentists.
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