Politics

Poll shows every parliamentary constituency backs phasing out tobacco

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has published a modelling analysis by YouGov, which demonstrated majority support for phasing out the sale of tobacco in every constituency in England, Scotland and...

Welsh politicians call for an end to the dental ‘drought’

The lack of available services, especially in rural areas, has resulted in Wales being labelled a “dental desert”. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the government to improve access.

Plan to ‘end dental deserts’ as 4.5m children didn’t see an NHS dentist last year

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has announced a plan to “end dental deserts,” including an emergency scheme to guarantee children and young mothers free dental checkups on the NHS.

New dentists required to deliver NHS care under government plans

Newly qualified dentists could be required to deliver NHS care for several years after they graduate under a government consultation launched on May 23, 2024.

Northern Ireland takes steps towards a smoke-free generation

Robin Swann, the health minister for Northern Ireland, has welcomed the passing of a motion to include Northern Ireland in the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

‘Dentistry is not fixed yet’, MP says

John Penrose, minister for Weston-super-mare, has asked the prime minister when more NHS dental appointments would be available for patients.

Access to dentistry ‘remains a challenge’ in Lincolnshire

County councillors have been told that, at the end of 2023, just 25 per cent of people in Lincolnshire had access to an NHS dentist.

One in six children leaving primary school with rotting teeth

The Labour Party has pledged to rescue NHS dentistry, as analysis reveals one in six children are leaving primary school in England with rotting teeth. In Suffolk, 11.7 per cent of children aged 10-11...

Government to explore ‘non-van solutions’ to improve access to dentistry

The British Dental Association (BDA) has issued a response to the government’s launch of a pre-procurement exercise for “non-van solutions”.

The number of NHS dentists is falling in Scotland, says minister

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, accused the Scottish government on April 14, 2024, of leaving NHS dentistry “to rot”. It follows research by his party, which revealed that the...

Government to review the duty of candour system

A new call for evidence launched by the government on April 16, 2024, aims to capture and consider views about how the duty of candour system is honoured, monitored and enforced in health and social...

Cumbrian dentist calls for further NHS contract changes

John Lewis, chair of the North Cumbria Local Dental Committee, says NHS dentistry has “become unsustainable.” He is calling for the contract to be updated to prevent more practices from going private.