EDM 1214: Access to NHS dentists

That this House notes with grave concern that only 30.7% of adults in West Berkshire have been seen by a dentist in the last two years, significantly below the national average of 40.3%; further notes with alarm the 7.8% decline in West Berkshire adults accessing dental services since 2015; recognises the vital role of NHS dentistry in preventative healthcare and reducing inappropriate pressure on hospital services; expresses deep concern that limited NHS dental provision in Newbury constituency, with only 17 NHS dental practices, is creating substantial barriers to access and resulting in unacceptable waiting times; and calls on the Government to implement an urgent and comprehensive NHS dental reform strategy and introducing measures to support dental practices in taking on more NHS patients.