Councillors quiz NHS on access to dentists

2.22.55pm GMT Wed 4th Nov 2009

The Director of Primary care and Public Engagement for Bradford and Airedale is to be quizzed by members of the Health Improvement Committee on Thursday.

Cllr John Watmough ( Lib Dem Windhill & Wrose ) said,

" There has been a crisis in NHS dentistry throughout the term of the present Government. They promised access for an NHS dentist for everyone who wanted it but the presentation to the Health Improvement Committee clearly shows that this has not happened.

Only 58% of adults have had treatment in the last two years and 68% of children.

They admit that oral health is worse in poor communities but have prioritised a new dental practice in Ilkley. This is only acceptable if they also encourage Ilkley residents who are getting their dental care in practices away from Ilkley to 'come home', leaving places for those in deprived communities to get care near their homes.

I shall be questioning the Director closely about a number of things in her report but I will also be welcoming the modest progress which has been made.

I shall also be asking what happened to the 4000 patients who were bumped off the NHS list by the Carnegie Clinic earlier this year."