One in 10 dentists 'plan to leave NHS'

The Guardian reports that the government was locked in a battle with dentists last night after claims that one in 10 is planning to leave the NHS.

All dentists have to sign a new contract to provide NHS care by the end of today or face uncertain funding.

The British Dental Association claimed that one in 10 has rejected the new contracts, which they say makes it impossible for them to survive financially and provide the standard of free NHS treatment the government is asking for.

Rosie Winterton, the health minister, dismissed the BDA's survey as unrepresentative and alarmist.