MP slams failure of dentists “golden hello” scheme

The Labour Government’s “Golden Hello” scheme for dentists (Dental recruitment incentive scheme 2024/25) has been condemned by a Stockport MP, after it was revealed that only two dentists have been employed through the scheme in the whole of Greater Manchester.

Lisa Smart MP had queried the effectiveness of the scheme, after it was cited by Health Minister Stephen Kinnock in response to a question from the MP about improving access to NHS dentists – a regular problem in her constituency. 

After following up with the Integrated Care Board, it was revealed that none of the 10 places in Greater Manchester that the scheme had identified as being in need were in Stockport, and out of those 10 locations, only two had successfully appointed a dentist. 

Lisa Smart, the MP for Hazel Grove constituency, said: “This scheme seems to suggest that there isn’t an issue in my patch. I can tell the Minister now, that far too many people in my area can’t get an NHS dentist and even more have had to pay for private treatment.

“The last NHS dentist in my village – Romiley – went over to private practice a couple of years ago, a story that is repeated across the area. Any scheme which isn’t dealing with this is not addressing the problem.”

In a recent health survey by the MP, 45% of residents said that they weren’t registered with an NHS dentist, and 41% said that they had had to pay for treatment because they couldn’t access an NHS dentist. 

The Liberal Democrat MP continued: “There is a clear need for NHS dentists locally. The ‘golden hello’ scheme is failing to address this, and they aren’t even managing to get dentists into the places they do find. 

“The whole thing just smacks of inefficiency, and it needs to work better.”