Councillor quizzes health select committee on NHS dentistry

Conservative Wiltshire Councillor Dr Monica Devendran raised the issue during a recent Health Select Committee meeting, urging the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) to outline how progress will be tracked.

Dr Devendran said: "Access to NHS dental appointments remains one of the most common concerns raised by residents.

"Residents consistently raise concerns with me about access to both NHS dentistry and community pharmacy services.

"Through my role on the Health Select Committee, I will continue to ask constructive questions, seek evidence of measurable improvements, and work with our health partners to ensure local people receive the high-quality healthcare they deserve."

The ICB responded by stating it monitors the percentage of adults and children seen in accordance with NICE dental recall guidance.

It added that performance data is regularly reported to the committee to track progress.

Dr Devendran also questioned why there remains a gap between contracted dental activity and actual delivery, noting that current figures stand at just over 84 per cent.

The ICB said any undelivered activity can be reassigned to other providers later in the financial year or redirected into the broader dental budget.

It also noted that contracts can be reduced if a practice consistently underperforms over a three-year period.

Concerns about high hospital admission rates for tooth extractions in parts of the county were also raised.

The ICB clarified that Amesbury falls under the Sarum North Primary Care Network, following questions about data linked to Sarum Cathedral PCN.

Regarding urgent access, the ICB confirmed that new contractual requirements introduced in 2026 include treating patients who are not registered with a dentist.

Compliance will be monitored through activity data submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority.

Questions about the reasons behind dental extractions in children remain under review.

The ICB was unable to confirm how many practices have joined the voluntary Neighbourhood Dental Scheme but said promotion of the scheme through professional networks will continue.

Dentists are expected to follow NICE guidance on recall intervals based on clinical need, supported by a quality improvement programme and peer review processes.