The Government is offering a cash bounty to dentists to try and boost the numbers offering NHS cover for local people.

Dentists will be offered a £15,000 one off payment to encourage them to commit to working in a location for up to five years. NHS England, which is responsible for dental service provision, is also planning a county-wide activity to increase the number of dentists and to encourage existing businesses to take on more NHS patients.

The news was welcomed by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who has been feeding back local concerns about dental provision.

According to data provided by NHS England two local dentists – Bupa Dental Care in Pershore and Upton Dental Surgery - are taking on new NHS patients.

Harriett commented:

“I have had quite a few constituents who have passed on examples of where they have struggled to find a local NHS dentist and I am aware that in some places the cover has not returned to normal after the pandemic.

“I am pleased to hear that NHS England is taking a constructive approach to try and find more local dentists who are prepared to commit to an area and hope that we will see an increased level of provision soon.”