Plan to improve dentistry has actually made things worse, MPs warn
A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found that the government 's Dental Recovery Plan has failed to improve access to NHS dentistry and has actually worsened the situation.
The plan, launched in February 2024, aimed to increase NHS dental treatments but has resulted in fewer new patients accessing care.
Initiatives like the new patient premium and a recruitment scheme for dentists have not yielded the expected results.
The PAC report highlights that current funding and contracts only cover about half of England's population for NHS dental care over two years.
The committee calls for significant reforms to address the crisis in NHS dentistry, including a new contract with dentists and increased resources for local health boards.
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