MP tells Prime Minister we need more NHS dentists in Ipswich

Tom highlighted how the new University of Suffolk Dental Centre is working to provide approximately 18,000 hours of NHS dental appointments which will benefit Ipswich and the greater Suffolk area.

Tom Hunt has raised the issue of NHS dentists in Suffolk and Ipswich with the PM (Image: Archant)

Tom also said that, as part of the June 2023 NHS Long Term Workforce plan, the Government had announced that the idea of a tie-in period for the dental workforce would be explored.

He said this should be for five years, to ensure that when dentists finished their training, which is heavily subsidised by the taxpayer, they give back to the NHS.  

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that alongside the tie-in period continuing to be actively explored, the Government would be launching a consultation on a tie-in period later this year.

Tom said: “I was very pleased to be able to raise the great work the University of Suffolk has carried out in collaboration with the local NHS in establishing the new dental centre. This will make a major difference locally. 

Tom praised the efforts of his fellow Conservative MP Jo Churchill over the new dental centre at the University of Suffolk

He also praised Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill MP for her work ensuring the completion of the University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company as part of her efforts to provide better dental provision in Suffolk. 

“It’s also appropriate that I pay tribute to the great work carried out by Jo Churchill MP on this matter. She’s been front and centre of the work here and I’ve been happy to support her," he said. 

“We do also need to ensure that those who get trained to become dentists, heavily supported by the tax payer, are obligated to give something back to the NHS.  I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister make clear that he is sympathetic to this and it is being actively considered.”