Plans to expand the number of dentists working in the NHS were announced last week, as part of wider efforts aimed at improving access to NHS dentistry.
A spokesperson for Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said the announcement "builds on action taken since summer 2024 to rebuild NHS dentistry and improve access to care."
Mr MacAlister said: “Access to NHS dentistry has been a major concern for many people across West Cumbria.
“Over the past 18 months, I’ve been working with local dentists, the NHS and ministers to push for improvements, and the government has introduced additional funding and incentives to encourage dentists to provide NHS care.
“This latest announcement to expand dental training places—the first major expansion in nearly twenty years—alongside reforms to bring more dentists into the NHS workforce will help strengthen dentistry for the future.”
The government’s plan includes increasing dental training places, improving routes for overseas-qualified dentists to practise in the UK, and ensuring more newly trained dentists spend time working in the NHS.
Mr MacAlister said: “Importantly, we’re already starting to see progress locally, with new NHS dentists now working in Egremont, Whitehaven, and Workington and an Urgent Dental Access Centre treating around 140 patients every week.
“There is still more to do, but these are important steps in the right direction for patients across West Cumbria."
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