§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many NHS dentists in Yeovil constituency are accepting new adult NHS patients; and if he will make a statement; [1376]
(2) what assessment he has made of the steps taken by Somerset health authority to deal with the shortage of NHS dentistry in the Yeovil constituency; and if he will make a statement. [1377]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 4 July 2001]: Somerset health authority has prepared a dental access plan to ensure that all residents who wish to can access a National Health Service dentist within a reasonable time and distance by September 2001. The plan has been subject to external assessment and the health authority has been assessed as low risk in terms of its ability to meet its access targets.
No dentists in the Yeovil constituency are currently accepting new adult NHS patients. Local availability of NHS dentistry changes frequently. Dentists can open and close lists at short notice. The hon. Member's constituents can access emergency NHS treatment through the Yeovil Dental Access Centre or the emergency dental service.