NORTH Cornwall’s MP has slammed the region’s health board after £1.2-million in dental budget was returned to the government after being unspent.

Following a response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by Ben Maguire MP, the Liberal Democrat has called the situation ‘unacceptable’ and says that the funds could have been used to support those in ‘desperate need’ of treatment.

Mr Maguire says the failure to spend the money available for dental treatments puts a huge strain on other NHS services in Cornwall.

“This money could have provided over 40,000 visits to an NHS dentist for my constituents. The money returned would have paid for each primary school pupil to have a dental check-up,” claims Mr Maguire ,who says that over half the children in Cornwall have missed out on visits to the dentists due to a shortage of NHS provision.

“Cornwall ICB, who returned the £1.22-million to NHS England in February, must introduce contingencies to ensure all of the health budgets allocated to Cornwall are spent. It is unacceptable that money is returned, particularly in dentistry when there is a desperate need for more treatments.”

When asked to Explain the circumstances leading to the underspend and what action the ICB is taking to avoid funds having to be returned in future, the ICB stated: “ This was due to reduced activity and slippage against investment. We were fully spent in 2025/26. In 2026/27 and going forward we expect to fully spend our dental allocation.”

The MP is calling on health officials in Cornwall to ensure funds allocated to Cornwall are spent. Maguire, who is a part of the North Cornwall Dental Action Group says: “You cannot deny there is a need for more NHS dentistry in Cornwall. I hear daily from my constituents denied access to an NHS dentist, many travel hundreds of miles to find treatment while others simply fail to have regular check-ups because they cannot find an NHS dentist willing to take them on.”

A previous Freedom of Information request by Ben Maguire established that the number of children attending A&E at Treliske in need of urgent dental treatment has doubled in recent years.

“The failure to spend money allocated to NHS dental care in Cornwall is a real kick in the teeth to the public,” added the MP. “Health officials must ensure this does not happen again.”

Mr Maguire says that he raised the matter with the ICB and the Director of Public Health.

He continued: “I have raised this with Cornwall’s Integrated Care Board and our Director of Public Health since my election and received assurances the money would be spent.

“There are many great initiatives which would welcome this funding including the Smile Together dental van, which so far has managed one visit to North Cornwall.

“I am also working with the Good’s Shed in Wadebridge to explore an NHS Clinic there – it’s criminal funding is being handed back,”