REGION'S DENTISTS SHUN GOVERNMENT'S DENTAL CONTRACTS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 5th Mar 2007

Answers to written parliamentary questions tabled by Otley MP, Greg Mulholland, have revealed that 23% of dentists in the region who were offered the new NHS dental contracts in April last year chose not to take it up, compared with 4% nationally.

Commenting on the figures Mr Mulholland said:

"The fact that these figures have revealed that such a high proportion of dentists in our region have chosen not to carry on treating NHS dentists is extremely concerning and proves just what a terrible idea the Government's new contracts were and still are.

"I have been contacted by a range of people since the dental contract came into force, angry and dismayed at the huge difficulties they are facing in just trying to get access to dental treatment.

"It is simply unacceptable that patients seeking NHS dentistry in Leeds are not able to get it. Local dentistry appears close to breaking point and it is clear that unless action is taken now, the problem will only continue to get worse."