NHS dentistry is ‘improving’

Oral health available on the NHS is improving, it has been asserted.

An independent review about dentistry has been published highlighting how more surgeries have opened recently, meaning the public has better access to services.

Despite this, it noted there is still a lot more that could be done to drive NHS dentists forward even further.

Health secretary Andy Burnham commented on the report, stating he recognised additional actions can be done to bring services up to the level of care that the public expects.

“The NHS [is] committed to ensuring that anyone can access high-quality dental services,” he said.

Changes that have been outlined in the review are due to be piloted in a number of areas around the country from the autumn onwards, Mr Burnham concluded.

Those aged 18 and in-full time education are entitled to free treatment from their NHS dentist, as are those who are under 18-years-old.

People who are pregnant or have had a baby during the 12 months before treatment begins are also eligible to receive oral healthcare without being charged.