An MP has voiced support for dental nurses, calling for higher recognition and better pay.
Labour MP Cat Smith (Fleetwood and Lancaster) wrote to both the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
This comes after she spoke in Parliament. There, she discussed the state of NHS dentistry in her constituency and the access difficulties faced by her constituents.
In her letter to the Health Secretary Steve Barclay MP, Cat addresses the issues of pay and lack of recognition by the NHS of dental nurses. She also highlights the current crisis in their recruitment and retention.
In her letter to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, she requests that tax relief on CPD costs for employees is included in the next budget. This takes place on Wednesday 15 March 2023.
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Dental nurses are ‘vital members’
‘Cat Smith has spoken publicly about problems with access to NHS dentistry,’ said Debra Worthington, president of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN).
‘Following our meeting, she now understands fully that the crisis in dental nurse recruitment is exacerbating access problems.
‘This crisis has been caused by lack of recognition of dental nurses as vital members of the team. It is also due to the ridiculously low levels of pay and the costs they have to meet to practise.
‘The BADN welcomes Ms Smith’s recognition. We thank her for her continuing support.’
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