Government's dental plan “too little too late”

Thursday, 15 February 2024 00:00

Salisbury’s Liberal Democrats have slammed the Government’s new dental plan.

According to figures, there are currently over 75,000 children in the NHS area covering Wiltshire, Swindon, and Bath who have not been seen by an NHS dentist in 12 months.

Those searching for an NHS dentist will currently face a long trip to see one, with Totton over 15 miles away, the closest taking on children aged 17 or under. Shirley is the closest, over 17 miles away, that is accepting those aged 18 or over.

The Government’s new Dental Plan will see cash incentives for NHS dentists, mobile dental services and dental teams visiting schools and nurseries.

It has previously been estimated that the NHS budget was underspent by a record £400m last year due to dentists not finding it economical to take on NHS work.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Salisbury, Victoria Charleston, said: “The government’s plans are too little too late for local families who have been left waiting in pain, struggling to get a dentist appointment.

“It is appalling that so many children in our area are struggling to see an NHS dentist when they need to. This is the effect of living in a dental desert where the NHS website advises Salisbury residents looking to register with the NHS that the nearest dentist is in Southampton. It is shocking that tooth decay is now the most common reason children are admitted to UK hospitals.

Victoria Charleston

“Instead of half-baked reforms, we need a proper rescue package for dental healthcare. That means guaranteeing access to an NHS dentist for everyone needing emergency care, boosting the number of appointments and removing VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.”

Salisbury's MP, John Glen, believes the Dental Plan will have the desired results.

Mr Glen told the Salisbury Journal: "We announced our plans to turn the tide on access to NHS dentists with the NHS Dental Recovery Plan.

"To ensure more dentists can take on more NHS contracts, we are investing £200 million to help them recover from the pandemic.

"We want to recognise the enormous contribution which dentists make to public health by rewarding their hard work and making it easier for everyone to get an appointment.

"As Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, has rightly said, ‘this plan is a significant step towards transforming NHS dental services for the better.’"