John Leech MP Grills Minister as NHS Dentistry Declines

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Jun 2006

John Leech, Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington, secured a parliamentary debate on the new NHS dental contract, during which he spoke out about problems that the contact is causing for NHS staff and patients alike.

During the debate, held today (Wed 28th June) in Westminster, John Leech grilled Department of Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, after unveiling the shocking results of a new survey by the Dental Laboratories Association which shows a steep decline in NHS dental work since the new contract came into force

John Leech voiced concerns that the new charging structure was causing some dentists to provide cheaper and less effective treatments to patients. The Withington MP also raised the impact that the flood of foreign dental appliances was having on patients and the UK dental laboratory industry. The Minister was also challenged to explain what the government would do to raise awareness among patients of the different treatments available to them on the NHS.

Speaking after the debate John Leech MP said:

"I am glad to have had the opportunity to raise these issues of great concern to many in Manchester Withington Constituency and beyond. Patients and Dentists alike have borne the brunt of difficulties the new contract has brought with it. The Department of Health were given plenty of advance warning about this following a pilot study last year, but they took no action. Now this survey shows a massive decrease in NHS dental work. It is now time for them to act and sort these problems out."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Results of Dental Laboratories Association Survey After One Month of Contract (survey date May 22nd 2006):

NHS Denture work has decreased by 79%

Private Denture work has increased by 52%

NHS Chrome work has decreased by 91%

Private Chrome work has increased by 21%

NHS Bonded Crown work has decreased by 79%

NHS Precious Bonded Crown work has decreased by 86%

NHS Veneer work has decreased by 73%

NHS Yellow Gold Metal work has decreased by 38%

NHS Non-Precious Metal crown work has decreased by 61%

Private Bonded Crown work has increased by 17%

Dentists still providing NHS denture repairs has decreased by 34%