West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed a commitment to increase the number of new dentists in training by 40 per cent as part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

The MP also welcomed Ministers' intention to develop a recovery plan for dentistry to support the profession.

Harriett was speaking following the reduction of NHS dental services in Pershore, leaving many patients struggling to find NHS dental care.

Harriett said:

“I have had a number of constituents complain to me about the changes of dental provision at dentists’ practices in Pershore and despite writing to both the local team and the national management, I haven’t been able to get a clear answer.

“I’ve now written to the chief executive but it is now important that we understand how to get the right blend of NHS and private provision for the town.

“The long-term NHS workforce plan commits to training many more dentists and there is a £15,000 one off payment for dentists who commit to working in a particular area.

“The Department for Health and Social Care is expected to publish further plans soon and I hope this will help to deliver improved NHS dental healthcare provision for Pershore and across West Worcestershire.”

Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP outside Pershore’s BUPA dentist practice.