MP Supports Dental Nurses
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Following a meeting with BADN President Debra Worthington, Labour MP Cat Smith (Fleetwood & Lancaster) – who spoke recently in the House of Commons about the state of NHS dentistry in her constituency and the difficulties faced by her constituents on accessing NHS dental care – has written to both the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
In her letter to the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, the Right Honourable Steve Barclay MP, Ms. Smith addresses the issues of pay and lack of recognition by the NHS of dental nurses, leading to the current crisis in dental nurse recruitment and retention. In her letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Honourable Jeremy Hunt MP, Ms. Smith requests that tax relief on CPD costs for employees be introduced in the next Budget.
“Cat Smith has spoken publicly about problems with access to NHS dentistry” said Debra Worthington. “Following our meeting, she now understands fully that the crisis in dental nurse recruitment and retention is exacerbating these access problems; and that the crisis has been caused by lack of recognition of dental nurses as vital members of the dental team, the ridiculously low levels of pay – particularly in general dental practice – and the costs dental nurses have to meet in order to be able to practise their profession.
“The British Association of Dental Nurses – the UK’s professional association for dental nurses – welcomes Ms. Smith’s recognition of the importance of dental nurses in the provision of oral health care and thanks her for her continuing support.”
To see Cat's letters, please visit the BADN website www.badn.org.uk
