Local Hull and East Riding Labour MPs today announced a significant step forward in the campaign for improved NHS dental access in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Following recent discussions with local Labour MPs, The Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is set to open a new Centre for Dental Development in the coming weeks.
The centre aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of NHS dentists in the region, addressing a pressing need for dental professionals. In addition to boosting the workforce, this initiative will provide vital support in managing current waiting lists, helping to ensure that patients waiting on lists across local dentistry practices receive the care they need in a more timely manner.
Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy stated, “Recently, the oral health of residents in our area has been extremely negatively impacted by consecutive Conservative governments’ failures to address issues around the NHS dental contract. The current government is looking into these vital reforms, but in the meantime, the Centre for Dental Development is a much-needed boost for our local dental services. It reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to dental care for our community. While this is an encouraging step, we recognise that there is still much work to be done in tackling the NHS dentistry crisis in Hull.”
Hull North and Cottingham MP Diana Johnson added: “NHS dentistry is in crisis after years of austerity and neglect that left many of our constituents struggling to get or keep access to NHS dental services. While the new Labour Government is working on reform plans to reverse the decline nationally, Labour MPs locally have been working to boost the number of NHS dentists trained to serve our area. There is still much to do, but this new Centre is a welcome step towards restoring NHS dentistry to local communities.”
Andrew Hobson, Deputy Director for Dental Commissioning, shared his insights, stating, “I was grateful for the opportunity to join Emma in a recent discussion about the current challenges in NHS dental services. We understand the frustrations many people face when trying to book routine appointments, and we know that dentists are doing their best to offer as many NHS slots as possible to meet this high demand. Unfortunately, the ongoing difficulties with recruiting and retaining dental professionals are further limiting the ability of practices to accommodate all patients.
“During the conversation, we highlighted some of the steps we’re taking to address these issues, including the Centre for Dental Development planned to launch later this year. This initiative aims to improve recruitment and retention of dentists in our local area. We encourage everyone to keep reaching out to NHS dentists, as they do not have registered patient lists like GPs do, and practices can open their books to new patients at any time. For those in urgent need of dental care, NHS 111 remains available to assess symptoms like severe ongoing tooth pain, ensuring that those with the most pressing needs receive timely support.”
“The Centres of Dental Development are a positive step in the right direction by the ICB, they will help increase access, aid recruit and retention of dentists and increase the level of skills and expertise in our region” said Chris Groombridge, Secretary of the Local Dental Committee for Hull & East Yorkshire.
Despite this positive development, both MPs acknowledge that challenges remain in fully addressing the NHS dentistry crisis in Hull and East Yorkshire. They emphasise the need for continued investment and support to ensure sustainable solutions for the long-term future of dental care in the region.
As the Centre for Dental Development prepares to open its doors, Emma Hardy and Diana Johnson reaffirm their commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of their constituents. They will continue to work collaboratively with local healthcare providers and the ICB to ensure that dental services are accessible, equitable, and efficient.