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<p>We are monitoring Dental Statistics for England, published annually by NHS Digital, which includes information on the number of children seen by a dentist for courses of treatment. In Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 29,211 children were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the 12 months to June 2022, which is 49.6% of the child population, using The Office for National Statistics mid 2021 population estimates. This is higher than the national figure, where 43.9% of children in England were seen by an NHS dentist in the 12 months to June 2022. In circumstances where parents are unable to access an urgent dental appointment for their child directly through a NHS dental practice, they are advised to contact NHS 111 for assistance.</p><p>In September 2022, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’ which sets out how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to NHS dental care for all age groups, including in Newcastle Upon Tyne, whilst making the NHS dental contract more attractive to dental practices. These changes have been implemented, including through regulations that came into effect on 25 November 2022.</p><p>NHS England is holding further discussions with the British Dental Association and other stakeholders for additional reforms of the NHS Dental System planned to take place in 2023.</p> |