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<p>Information is not held by NHS England on vacancies for dentists or dental nurses
in England. Primary care dentistry is provided by independent contractors who may
sub contract with other dentists (associates) to deliver the contracted level of NHS
service. dental care professionals, which include dental nurses, hygienists and therapists
may deliver National Health Service care but are employed privately by the contract
holder so no information on this group of staff is held by the NHS.</p><p>The Department
and NHS England take reports of difficulty in recruiting dentists and any dental care
professionals needed to deliver appropriate levels of NHS care very seriously. NHS
England which is responsible for commissioning dentistry is aware of reports of difficulty
in recruitment of dentists in more isolated areas and is closely monitoring the situation.</p><p>Longer
term plans to support the sustainability of the NHS workforce including dentists and
dental care professionals is set out in the Interim NHS People Plan.</p><p>Health
Education England’s Advancing Dental Care programme is exploring the opportunities
for developing flexible dental training pathways.</p><p>This programme sits alongside
the Department’s and NHS England’s work on reforming the current dental contract and
providing NHS dental services with an increased focus on improving oral health and
increasing access to dental services.</p><p> </p>
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