Dentistry Minister Rosie Winterton faced scrutiny by the Health Select Committee on her ministerial responsibilities in a two-and-a-half hour session dominated by two portfolio responsibilities — patient and public involvement and dentistry.

Dentistry questions focused on issues including: workforce planning, the much publicised five per cent reduction in number of courses of treatment, and guaranteed funding commitment and patient registration levels. They also covered the future of Dental Access Centres, water fluoridation and the lack of guidance and leadership from the Department of Health, how the UDAs and patient charge bands correspond, and the desire for more efficiency within the system. The BDA had briefed the Committee beforehand.