BDA hails ‘constructive’ first meeting with Earl Howe

The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded positively after holding an introductory meeting with Earl Howe, parliamentary undersecretary of state for health with responsibility for dentistry.

In a move which represents the commencement of the organisation’s relationship with the new government, several prominent BDA figures met with Earl Howe to discuss issues such as reform of dental services and oral health among children and the elderly.

During the meeting, the minister committed to ongoing reform of NHS dentistry, as well as pledging to engage in further discussions of how to help disadvantaged demographics.

This follows on from statements made during the Queen’s Speech debate in the House of Lords, in which Earl Howe pledged to confer with the profession and patient groups over proposed reforms.

Executive board chair Susie Sanderson described the discussion with Earl Howe as a “constructive introductory meeting”.

She added: “We look forward to continuing this dialogue and discussing in greater depth the issues that have been raised.”