Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Primary Care to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by many in accessing NHS dental appointments. 
During our meeting, I highlighted the concerns raised by constituents who have struggled to find a dentist accepting new NHS patients or who have faced lengthy wait times for routine appointments. These challenges have resulted in delayed or forgone dental care, leading to pain, discomfort, and potential long-term health issues. 
The Minister acknowledged the seriousness of these concerns and expressed a strong commitment to addressing the issue. We discussed a range of potential solutions, including:
Increasing the number of NHS dentists: The government is committed to recruiting and retaining more NHS dentists, with a target of 6,000 additional dentists by 2024-25. This will require investment in dental training and support for new dentists.
Improving access to dental care in underserved areas: There are geographical disparities in access to NHS dental care, with some areas facing a shortage of dentists. The government is exploring measures to improve access in these areas, such as targeted recruitment campaigns and financial incentives for dentists to practice in underserved communities.
Exploring alternative models of dental care: The government is open to exploring innovative models of dental care that could improve access and efficiency. This could include expanding the role of dental hygienists and therapists, or using technology to provide remote consultations.
