<p>Nationally, access to National Health Service primary care dental services remains high. In the 24 month period ending 30 June 2018, 22.1 million adults were seen by an NHS dentist and 6.9 million children were seen by an NHS dentist in the 12 month period ending 30 June 2018.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England has a legal duty to commission NHS dental services to meet the needs of the local population and to help patients who cannot find a local dentist.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England South East region has carried out a health needs analysis to identify the areas of greatest need for additional NHS dental services.</p><p> </p><p>The Department and NHS England are continuing to test a new way of providing NHS dental services which aims to further improve oral health and increase access. NHS England’s Starting Well programme is also aiming to improve access for young children, most at risk of tooth decay, who are not currently under the care of a dentist.</p>