Plans to convert an NHS dental practice into student flats has faced backlash amidst continuing access issues.
According to BBC News, plans have been submitted to the local authority to convert an NHS dental practice in Durham into eight purpose-built student flats.
The plans, however, have been met with significant local opposition.
Vital service
Durham City Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy said: ‘Over the last year, hundreds of constituents have contacted me about their difficulties in accessing a dentist. This application will do nothing to make this easier.
‘Durham was already in danger of becoming a “dental desert” and it’s unacceptable that a vital service for the city will be lost for the sake of a studio development which in some cases won’t even meet the minimum acceptable space standards.’
According to a Healthwatch report, 83% of dental practices in Durham are not registering new patients. Seven practices (17%) said they were, with clarification from three that this was only for children. Twelve were unavailable to answer.
The planning application is due to be considered by Durham County Council later this year.
NHS dental crisis
This comes as one MP said ‘it is easier to get Taylor Swift tickets than an NHS dental appointment’.
The state of NHS dentistry was the subject of extensive discussion at last week’s Opposition Day Debate (9 January).
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the government’s ‘Dickensian’ approach to NHS dental services. He said: ‘Under the Tories, NHS dentistry is dying a slow death.’
Some of the problems cited included a lack of NHS dental access, rising levels of oral cancer and increasing reports of DIY dentistry.
Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, said: ‘In 2024, it is easier to get your hands on Taylor Swift tickets than to get an NHS dental appointment.’
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