Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Deferred
DHSC and NHSE initiatives seek to improve dental workforce numbers and distribution.
Conclusion
DHSC and NHSE have begun some strands of work that might usefully improve the workforce situation if they are fully implemented. For example, there is a commitment in the NHS long–term workforce plan to increase training places for dentists by 40% by 2031–32.95 There was also a consultation put out last year proposing a tie–in period for dental graduates, ensuring that where graduates have benefited from taxpayer subsidies through their training, they then give back to the NHS for at a minimum period after completing their training.96
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation and confirms it is currently analysing responses from a consultation on a dental graduate 'tie-in' period. It will consider the outcome and decide on future actions, publishing its response to the consultation.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 6.2 In Spring 2024, the department ran a 6-week consultation on a ‘tie-in’ to NHS dentistry for newly qualified dentists. The department is in the process of analysing these responses. 6.3 Once this process is completed, the department will carefully consider the outcome of the consultation and work with the sector to decide what can be done to improve the recruitment and retention of dentists delivering NHS work. Following this, the department will publish its response to the consultation on a dental graduate “tie-in”. 6.4 It is important that the government considers strategically the impact such proposals would have in conjunction with other upcoming workforce initiatives, such as the refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan, and the 10 Year Health Plan.