Residents of Suffolk and Norfolk are experiencing “real pain every day” and resorting to “pulling out their own teeth” due to the inability to secure dental appointments, according to recent statements.
Mark Jones, co-founder of Toothless in Suffolk, alongside Adrian Ramsay, the leader of the Green Party and MP for Waveney Valley, is bringing attention to this urgent issue while urging the government to reassess its NHS dental contract.
The British Dental Association reports that a staggering 97% of new patients are unable to access NHS dental care.
In response, Downing Street has indicated that “rebuilding NHS dentistry is a priority,” with plans to offer an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments to those most in need.
During his appearance on the Wayne Bavin Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Suffolk, Ramsay emphasized the necessity of addressing the root cause of the issue swiftly.
“It’s particularly dire in Suffolk, Norfolk, and the broader East of England,” he stated. “Patients are consistently expressing their frustration about the impossibility of obtaining a dental appointment.”
He continued, “The current dental contract is ineffective, which is why I’m actively pushing the government to establish a timeline for these critical reforms.”
Ramsay highlighted the urgent nature of the situation, sharing stories from residents in Suffolk who face exorbitant costs for dental treatment or go untreated, enduring significant pain.
“For instance, Sarah, who resides near Beccles, is suffering daily with four dead teeth, while Chris from Laxfield had to take out a loan for £2,500 to cover dental expenses.”
Mark Jones, a resident of Felixstowe and co-founder of Toothless in Suffolk and Toothless in England, both advocacy groups for improved dental services, expressed his willingness to engage with policymakers to discuss necessary changes for enhancing NHS services.
“Patients and the overall oral health of the nation are in jeopardy, and we urgently need action,” he said. “However, it feels as though these issues are being pushed aside.”
Jones lamented that despite repeated assurances of government priority on this matter, “no substantial action has taken place beyond mere words, which hold little meaning.”
He added, “People are in desperate situations, with many resorting to the extreme measure of pulling out their own teeth.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care responded, stating, “Rebuilding NHS dentistry remains a top priority for the government.”
The spokesperson also mentioned, “We will reform the dental contract to incentivize more dentists to provide NHS services. In addition, we recognize that prevention is essential; thus, we will implement supervised tooth brushing programs for children aged three to five.”