The UK's National Health Service (NHS) dentistry is in crisis, with a severe shortage of available dentists leading to difficulties in obtaining appointments and forcing dentists to prioritize emergency work. This has resulted in a situation where rotting teeth are the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged 6 to 10. The Labour Party has criticized the Conservative government's handling of the situation and proposed a plan to rescue NHS dentistry. One case illustrating the crisis is that of Emma from Grimsby, who, after her NHS dentist closed in 2020, was referred to hospital to have three teeth removed. In Peterborough, efforts are being made to open new NHS dental practices following the green light from the Minister, as part of a local plan to address the shortage.
🦷 There isn't a single dental surgery in #Ipswich currently accepting new adult patients on the NHS. Yet, when he had the chance to rescue NHS dentistry, Tom Hunt voted against Labour's plans for more dentists and more appointments. He's all mouth and no trousers. https://t.co/Wj7EPefUpe
A third of council areas, no dentists were taking on adult NHS patients & 8 in 10 NHS practices were not taking on children read this truly horrific account below to understand why we need a fully funded nationalised NHS dental service with completely free service & prescriptions https://t.co/foRoZ4nQnn https://t.co/YyZUgxKL01
A truly horrifying account of what has happened to NHS dentistry under this Conservative Government. We need a general election & a @UKLabour Government to save NHS dentistry before it’s too late! Have a read ⬇️⬇️⬇️! #GeneralElectionNow #Dentistry @wesstreeting @TheBDA https://t.co/SE1vINh544
I was at the NHS dentist the other day. They aren't taking on any new NHS patients at the moment the receptionist told the person on the phone. Meanwhile a colleague pulled his own tooth out and a friend can't work in the UK because her dentistry training isn't recognised here 🤔 https://t.co/ueppJdjiim
🦷 We look forward to meeting @PreetKGillMP soon, as was proposed by @wesstreeting when we met last week. A system that places targets above the needs of patients' oral health is preventing access to NHS dentistry. https://t.co/VFvGVHZVVY
🌟WE NEED NEW NHS DENTISTS IN PETERBOROUGH🌟 Two practices handed back their contracts & caused big problems for new patients. We need new NHS practices and I am working on a Peterborough plan. The Minister gave the green light to what we need to open new practices in our City. https://t.co/u0qu5nhyI5
Keep at them, Preet. The same story can be told across the country. As far as I'm aware Knowsley has very limited, if any dentists taking on new registrations and we have just had one dentist close. They just don't understand the impact of their Tory-enabled #NHSDentist crisis! https://t.co/c2yAoZGtV0
NHS dentistry is dying a slow death. Emma, from Grimsby, had her NHS dentist close in 2020 and hasn't been able to register with one since. After an emergency appointment in Scunthorpe, she's been referred to hospital to have three teeth removed. My question to the Minister 👇🏽 https://t.co/5EBEKdlhsW
NHS dentistry is at breaking point, and millions of people are suffering as a result. Make no mistake - this is a public health emergency. I will continue pressing the Government until it takes the urgent action that is needed. My comment in the MEN 👇🏾 https://t.co/kalOCdloAL
In my latest Telegraph and Argus editorial, I tackle the decay of NHS dentistry, and invite you to share your stories with me in my Dentistry survey. Read it in today's T&A and have your say on the state of NHS dentistry here: https://t.co/Yn867eEbzh https://t.co/qfPF0Q4D6w
Under the Tories, NHS dentistry is in crisis. People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when needed. The consequences are appalling. Rotting teeth is the number one reason children aged 6 to 10 are admitted to hospital. Labour has a plan to rescue NHS dentistry 👇 https://t.co/YW1xCq6XD1
The NHS desperately needs more dentists. Very difficult to obtain appointments in some areas of the country >>Dentists prioritising emergency work. >>Little time for primary prevention or advice in general. https://t.co/D3Mr2sszFg
From @PreetKGillMP: ‘Labour will rescue NHS dentistry – children should be chasing their dreams not appointments’ https://t.co/2dahotpppv