AN MP has pressed the Government over inequalities in dental care.

Dr Paul Williams said in parts of his Stockton South constituency children were more than twice as likely to have teeth removed than the national average.

Despite this he said local dentists reported being paid less than their counterparts in more affluent areas.

Speaking in the House of Commons Dr Williams said: “It is hardly surprising that NHS dentistry is becoming harder to access in more disadvantaged areas. We can and must do more to remove these inequalities.

“People in Stockton South deserve better.”

Health Minister Steve Brine said the Government was reforming dental contracts for this reason and trialling a preventive focused clinical approach to the way dentists were paid.