Watch a clip of my speech on tackling the dentist shortage in South Devon

In the last debate of the parliamentary term, I spoke about an issue that continues to fill my inbox: NHS dentistry.

Despite Labour saying sorting out this crisis was a top priority for them, we’ve seen shockingly little action, and with the Government pursuing broad, cruel welfare cuts, this situation will only worsen.

Private dentistry is already out of reach for most people, and now those on the lowest incomes will find this to be even more inaccessible.

Recent changes to the benefit system are estimated to leave half a million people without access to free dental care. Even those who are still eligible for free dental treatment are unable to access it as the dentists just aren’t available.

Since my election, I’ve been working hard on this issue. I’ve written to the Minister of Care asking what considerations have been given to grant Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) more flexibility in funding projects outside their contractual regulations.

I also asked what plans are in place to allow ICBS to modify underperforming contracts more easily. With a current underspend of around £12m in Devon, granting this flexibility is key.

In both instances, though, I’m yet to receive a response. Along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I’ve been urging the Government to realise its solution of rolling out 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments will not solve this crisis if there are not the dentists to deliver them.

Although money is a big factor in attracting dentists back to the NHS, there are other steps we can take. Private dentists can give more dedicated attention to patients, deal with less red tape, and typically experience a better work-life balance. We need to look at the system overall to make NHS work more attractive.