Sir, as a dentist of over 25 years who amazingly helped vote this Government in, here are some of my thoughts and ideas:

  • 'NHS' dentistry could be a very basic free service only available at drop in centres.

  • Private payment schemes should be tax deductible and practices should be able to set up their own schemes.

  • Private fee paying dental schools could be formed to train more dentists and hygienists.

  • Student debt should be set at £250,000 interest free over 15 years to prevent non-dedicated to the profession applicants from applying.

The public should not be afraid of the cost of private dentistry because competition will soon drive prices down – there will always be someone out there willing to offer a no frills service.

Why cannot the Government see that if 33% of dentists have opted for the new contract it means that 66% have not?

Why have the Conservative Party not taken advantage of the turmoil in dentistry and come up with high profile alternative policies? No Tory dentists out there?

Is it not prudent for dentists to strategically opt out of the NHS now? It almost certainly will be easier to return once the dust has settled rather than 'go private' later.

Going private means that we have to only add 10% to the present NHS fees in most instances and I reckon the queues will be just as long.