THE MP for Weston, John Penrose, has been speaking in Parliament about the importance of improving the dentistry situation for his constituents.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 5, Mr Penrose said that he was delighted to hear about last month's NHS Dentistry Recovery Plan, which involves targeted funding to encourage dentists to work in areas which historically have been difficult to recruit to.

Mr Penrose heard how dental activity as measured by courses of treatment increased by 15 per cent from the previous year in the MP's local integrated care board area. 2.5 million additional appointments across the country are also expected to follow.

Speaking to the Weston Mercury, Mr Penrose said: “We have a record number of qualified dentists but the vast majority are choosing to go into private practice rather than the NHS. It is causing a problem in NHS dentistry across the whole country.”