GOVERNMENT has been urged to restore access to free NHS dentistry services as the British Dental Association (BDA) warns uptake among new mums has crashed with “little signs of recovery” since the pandemic.

Analysis of official data has revealed an estimated 1.2 million maternity appointments have been lost since lockdown.

BDA chairman Eddie Crouch said: “Many patients have a strong claim for free NHS dentistry, but sadly those who already have it are seeing few benefits.