'Our £200m dentistry plan will make a significant difference - quickly'

RISHI SUNAK'S HEALTHCARE PLEDGE

- Steph Spyro

RISHI Sunak yesterday insisted his dental care funding boost would quickly make a big difference to people struggling to look after their teeth - and take a bite out of waiting lists.

His £200million NHS dentistry plan will offer dentists cash to take on new patients and give £20,000 "golden hellos" to those who work in under-served communities.

The Prime Minister described the package as a "very significant new investment".

He added: "The new funding that we've announced will, I think, make a significant difference - and quickly. This is going to be rolled out imminently.

"Two and a half million more appointments to take us up to pre-Covid levels of NHS dentistry, I think, is a significant step. And it's part of a broader plan to bring down waiting lists across the NHS."

Mr Sunak who yesterday met staff and patients at the Gentle Dental practice in Newquay, Cornwall - said his dentistry plan was the latest in a string of measures aimed at helping people access healthcare.

He said: "Last week we made it easier for families to go and see pharmacists to get medicines for common ailments like ear infections or sore throats. That will make a huge difference, particularly for parents with young kids not having to go to the GP and get an appointment."