NHS dentistry under Tory Brexit threat, Labour plans undeliverable as EU dentists consider quitting UK

"According to the British Dental Association, 22% of NHS dentistry is provided by EU/EEA dentists, " Dr Wendy Taylor, Liberal Democrats candidate for Newcastle East said today.

"In a 2019 General Dental Council survey of EU/EEA dentists working in the UK, nearly a third of respondents (32%) said they were considering leaving the UK in the next few years. Of those who are thinking of leaving, 82% said Brexit and uncertainty about arrangements for EU citizens living and working in the UK was a significant factor.

"In 2017-18 over 40,000 children and young people were admitted for surgery due to tooth decay - and this is with all under 18s having free NHS dental treatment free.

"Labour's proposals to scrap band one dentistry charges do not take into account the huge dependance of NHS dentistry provided by these dentists from the EU and EEA.

"Only this week, Labour failed yet again to confirm their position on freedom of movement. With the NHS reliant on dentists from the EU and nearly a third of EU and EEA dentists considering leaving the UK in the next few years, in large part due to Brexit uncertainty, Labour's support for Brexit will be so damaging for the oral health of the UK.

"Labour must stop proposing policies in this election that are undeliverable because of their support for Brexit. The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit to protect our NHS and NHS dentistry."