PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Dentistry: Vacancies (3 June 2019)

Information is not held by NHS England on vacancies for dentists or dental nurses in England. Primary care dentistry is provided by independent contractors who may sub contract with other dentists (associates) to deliver the contracted level of NHS service. dental care professionals, which include dental nurses, hygienists and therapists may deliver National Health Service care but are employed privately by the contract holder so no information on this group of staff is held by the NHS.

The Department and NHS England take reports of difficulty in recruiting dentists and any dental care professionals needed to deliver appropriate levels of NHS care very seriously. NHS England which is responsible for commissioning dentistry is aware of reports of difficulty in recruitment of dentists in more isolated areas and is closely monitoring the situation.

Longer term plans to support the sustainability of the NHS workforce including dentists and dental care professionals is set out in the Interim NHS People Plan.

Health Education England’s Advancing Dental Care programme is exploring the opportunities for developing flexible dental training pathways.

This programme sits alongside the Department’s and NHS England’s work on reforming the current dental contract and providing NHS dental services with an increased focus on improving oral health and increasing access to dental services.