PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Dentistry in Coastal Areas - 15 September 2026 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Further to our online petition on NHS dentistry, which had over 1,000 signatures, there continues to be a desperate need in many coastal communities, including mine in Torbay, for more NHS dentists. That is why I am delighted to present a petition that calls on the Government to reform the NHS dentistry contract to ensure that coastal communities such as mine are adequately served.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that more NHS dental appointments are needed in coastal communities.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to reform the NHS dental contract to bring more dentists back to the NHS from the private sector, and adopt a flexible commissioning approach to meet patients’ needs, particularly in coastal areas.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P003242]