We have invested a record £2 billion in dentistry and set up a national access programme to help the NHS deliver its goal of access for all who seek it by 2011. We therefore expect access to continue to increase.
The latest data shows that access has grown for the fourth quarter running, with 721,000 more patients accessing NHS services in the 24 months ending June 2009 than compared to the 24 months ending June 2008. The next quarterly statistics will be published on 26 November.