Some 8,500 people are on a waiting list for an NHS dental practice – and those trying to join will face an eight to nine-year wait.
The practice, based in Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is the only dental practice providing NHS dentistry in the area. The seaside town, with a population of 35,000, saw the closure of two other NHS dental practices in 2022.
One Bridlington resident said the closest practice taking new NHS patients is 18 miles away in Scarborough where she is on ‘a waiting list for a waiting list’.
A Mydentist spokesperson told the BBC: ‘As the only NHS provider in Bridlington, we are aware of the high demand for NHS dental care in the area.
They added that they are ‘actively recruiting new NHS clinicians to join the team’.
Access troubles
This comes after reports that pregnant mothers have been unable to get free NHS check-ups or treatment due to ongoing access issues.
Chris Webb, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Blackpool South, highlighted the issue in the Blackpool area. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ‘As I met a mother on the doorstep in South Shore who couldn’t access NHS dentist care during her pregnancy, my heart sank.
‘Every pregnant woman should have the opportunity to receive vital NHS dental services, ensuring the wellbeing of both her and her baby.
‘We must address the issue urgently and ensure that no expectant mother is denied the free dental care she deserves.’
What are your thoughts on this story? Contact [email protected].
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
