Andrew George MP statement on Nuffield Trust report on NHS dentistry 

In response to the recent release of the Nuffield Trust’s report on the state of NHS dentistry, Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (St Ives) has made the following statement, which is also available on his social media. 

“Yesterday’s Nuffield Trust report confirms Cornwall has the poorest access to NHS dentistry in the country. “Two-tier” dentistry is now endemic. There’s been a further 25% decline in NHS dentistry here in the last decade. 

“The dentistry contract doesn’t incentivise provision of services to those who most need it. It should incentivise preventative dentistry, but doesn’t. 

“Our Health Committee previously warned of the impact of dentistry crisis, of “dentistry deserts” in places like Cornwall, and of the need to review the contract and prioritise need and preventative dentistry. 

“Cornwall Council’s recent Dentistry Summit was a helpful review of the challenges faced and identified the action needed.  

“I’ll take these matters again to Parliament”