Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset, led a Westminster Hall debate on the 24th May to raise his concerns with the provision of NHS dentistry in West Dorset and the South West. The local MP was joined by numerous neighbouring MPs from the region, including Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, and Sir Robert Syms, MP for Poole, in what was a well-represented debate.
In the hour-and-a-half debate, Mr Loder emphasised how many people in West Dorset and the surrounding areas experience poor access to routine and emergency dental treatment. Moreover, the South West is acutely affected; only a third of adults can access essential dental services, which is below the national average.
The local MP also outlined how the pressures on NHS dentistry are threefold. Addressing the Health Minister, Neil O’Brien, Mr Loder urged him to review and reform the 2006 dental legislation; to change the unfair remuneration system; and to act before the situation gets any worse. Speaking after the debate, Mr Loder reflected:
“There is evidently a regional issue with the provision of NHS dentistry in the South West. Along with my other demands, the Minister has agreed to meet with me to discuss plans for a potential dental school in Dorset, which should alleviate some of the pressures in West Dorset”.
