'Outdated' funding system for Harrogate NHS dentists is slammed by MP
Concern over funding problems for NHS dentist services in Harrogate have been raised by the town’s MP.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon pushed for answers on Parliament over what he said were the constraints of dentistry funding after learning of another example in Harrogate itself.
Addressing The Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care, the Lib Dem MP askes for clarity on changes to dental funding as one Harrogate dentists office struggles to fill open space.
The issue was underscored to the MP when one dental practice in the town flagged up that they were relying on a series of short-term contracts with NHS foundation dentists to staff one of its treatment rooms, rather than being able to hire someone long term.
Although care in the region had seen positive steps towards improvement, with an additional 50,000 procedures from last April to October in Yorkshire and the Humber, Mr Gordon said that concerns remained over the length of time it was taking to make improvements and the nature of the funding to do so.
The Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care responded in Parliament that a consultation on contract reform would be undertaken later this year with a public consultation due to start in the summer.
“I’m heartened to see a consultation on changes going ahead this summer – essential dentistry shouldn’t be constrained by something as daft as an outdated funding model,” he said.
"You wonder what efficiencies could be made by having a stable staff, instead of relying on locums.
"I look forward to helping our local practices contribute to the consultation.
"But that’s still a long time coming, two years after the election, which can feel a lot longer if you’re waiting for a root canal.
"People need the reassurance of a regular, reliable dentist.
"We’ve got the space, where’s the new dentist?”
The Harrogate MP has been raising the issue of a shortage of NHS dentists in his constituency ever since he was first elected in July 2024, often in conjunction with the British Dental Association.