Update on my campaign for extra dentists and dental practices in Norwich North

I was happy to have the chance to take my campaign for extra dentists and dental practices further recently, by meeting virtually with the Head of Commissioning for NHS Improvement in the East, David Barter, and a local dentist, Tom Norfolk.

In this meeting, I made clear the concerns my constituents have with accessing dental treatment at present and the need for more dental practices when large new developments are built.

However, it was encouraging to hear that NHS England and NHS Improvement are reviewing plans to procure additional primary care dental services across Norfolk and Waveney.  The preparatory work was paused due to COVID-19, but it has just been re-started and is currently in the review stage.  

Currently, dental practices are still operating in a very limited capacity and will continue to do so until new guidance has been issued. I will aim to keep constituents updated when this happens.

There are 99 Urgent Dental Care Centres across the East that are still being used for emergencies, 9 of which are in Norfolk and Waveney. These are also working on Saturdays and Sundays.

Finally, it was good to hear that dentists have been using their free time delivering different sessions of treatment, such as virtual oral health groups for children.

If I can help constituents with any matter, please do email me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk.