Tom Gordon calls for reform of dental contracts to get people’s teeth fixed

Today, Tom Gordon called for action from the Government to reform dental care to fix the dental crisis. He asked a question to the Minister in Parliament about orthodontics. 

Tom highlighted the current crisis with dental and orthodontic contracts that means many children who need care are unable to get it. Now, when children get an appointment with an orthodontist, they are often referred back to a dentist as their teeth are in such poor health, but are often unable to get an appointment with a dentist, meaning they cannot get the orthodontic care they need. 

Having talked to dentistry providers in Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom has called for reform of orthodontic contracts so that they can carry out routine dental work too, rather than having to pass children back to dentists, where getting an appointment is often near impossible. 

The Minister answering the question responded to say that the Government would review orthodontic contracts. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“I’m pleased to have asked this vital question today. Our children deserve the best care, but without reform and investment in the dentistry sector they won’t get it. 

“I and the Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign on this. Healthcare is more than just hospitals and GPs – it includes dentistry and so many other areas. All of them are essential. 

“Some fairly basic changes to contracts will go some way to starting to solve this crisis, relieving some pressure on dentists whilst increasing the number of children getting vital care. I will continue to hold the Government to account on this issue, to make sure that we see the essential reforms we need.”

ENDS