As Solihull’s MP, I am thrilled to welcome the government's newly announced dentistry plan. This comprehensive initiative addresses the pressing issues surrounding NHS dental care, a matter of significant concern for many of our constituents.
Over the past few years, the challenges in accessing dental care have been profound, with millions experiencing difficulties in securing necessary treatments. This plan represents a crucial first step in rectifying these issues and ensuring that everyone who requires NHS dentistry can access it.
The plan encompasses a range of ambitious measures aimed at improving access and preventative care, particularly targeting under-served communities. From deploying mobile dental vans to offering incentives for dentists to work in areas facing persistent shortages, the government's commitment to tackling these issues head-on is evident.
Initiatives such as the Smile for Life programme demonstrate a proactive approach towards promoting good oral health across all age groups, starting from infancy. By integrating preventative measures into early years services and schools, we aim to instil lifelong habits that will benefit the oral health of our community.
Crucially, this plan not only focuses on immediate improvements but also lays the groundwork for long-term transformation. By investing in workforce expansion and streamlining bureaucracy, we are ensuring that NHS dentistry becomes faster, simpler, and fairer for both patients and dental professionals alike.
As your MP, I remain dedicated to addressing the concerns raised by constituents regarding dental care. I believe this plan represents a positive stride forward in meeting those concerns and improving the overall oral health of our community. I look forward to seeing these initiatives implemented and will continue to advocate for further improvements in dental services for Solihull & Shirley.