Odontika

Ministers have ordered an independent inquiry into continuing problems accessing NHS dentistry in England.

Figures show 1.2 million fewer patients visited a dentist in the two years to June than in the period beforethe reforms were introduced. The Department of Health said access had improved in some parts, but critics said the reforms had failed. NHS Information Centre statistics show that in the two years to lastDecember less than half the adult population went to an NHS dentist inEngland.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "It is disappointing that despite this investment there remain areas of the country in which people are unable to find an NHS dentist. I have appointed the independent review team to help us understand what more needs to be done to ensure that every person who wants to visit anNHS dentist can do so."

The British Dental Association welcomed the review. Susie Sanderson, BDA executive board chair, said: "The announcement recognises the significant problems patients and dentists face and places the Departmentof Health on a path to addressing those problems."

Ashleye Gunn, of the consumer magazine Which?, said: "It is a disgrace that patients have suffered from a dental postcode lottery for so long. "In the 21st century, it's disheartening that people still find it difficult to get an NHS dentis.