Shocking new figures show worsening dentistry crisis

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Oct 2006

Commenting on figures out today showing an 8% decline in NHS dentists since the introduction of the new dental contract in April 2006, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said:

"These figures make for shocking reading. We are witnessing a major crisis in access to dental treatment. More than 1500 dentists have opted out of the NHS in just three months.

"Our research shows that rather than increasing access to dentistry, the new contracts provide for just one check up per year for each NHS patient.

"This is indicative of Labour's failure to restore the NHS to what it should be: a universal, comprehensive service that provides ongoing health care to everyone who needs it."