Government support for dental practices during the covid-19 outbreak

That this House notes the impact of covid-19 on dental practices; recognises that dental practices offer vital services forncommunities; notes that the British Dental Association (BDA) has called for support with business rates to be provided for private and specialist dental practices and warned that some dental practices have not been able to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; further notes that the BDA are concerned that whilst support is being offered to NHS dental patients, dentists which receive revenue from a mix of NHS and private patients are struggling; notes the impact of the £50,000 earnings threshold for support to self-employed workers on dentists and hygienists; expresses deep concern that without immediate support, many dental practices could be forced to close permanently; and urgently calls on the Government to take action to support the dental industry.