R2Ip7sWl
type: Answer
type: WrittenAnswer
answer has question: 2fjoACGv
answer has answering person: MoB61exF
answer text: There are no plans to make estimate. Unlike general practitioners’ patients, dental patients are not registered to a particular practice. A dental practice can accept a patient for a course of treatment if they have capacity to deliver that treatment. There are no geographical restrictions on which dental practice a patient may attend, allowing patients the choice of where they receive treatment. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet National Health Service dental needs and increase access to dental services. As part of this, on 25 November 2022, the Department introduced legislation to amend the NHS dental contract, which now more fairly remunerates dentists to deliver care to high needs patients. This in turn will improve access for these patients. The legislation further improves access by requiring NHS dentists to update their NHS.UK profiles more frequently to ensure patients have access to up-to-date information on where they can access care. The Department continues to work with NHS England and the dental sector on further reform and long-term solutions with the aim to improve patient access and reduce health inequalities.
answer given date: 2023-01-20+00:00
answer has answering body: fpWTqVKh
written answer has answering body: fpWTqVKh