Campaigners march for better dental services in Suffolk
Campaigners organised a march for better dental services in Suffolk over the weekend (Sunday 17th October).
Large crowds gathered in Bury St Edmunds for the event, which was organised by the campaign group, Toothless in Suffolk.
Around 150 people participated in the march, with crowds lining the streets to show their support for the cause. The group is calling for urgent action to ensure that everyone can access NHS dental care.
Organiser, Mark Jones, said that the primary goal is to improve access so that every patient in Suffolk can see an NHS dentist.
One of the remits of the NHS, Mr Jones explained, is to provide treatment at the point of contact. In Suffolk, there is a need for dental treatment but services are not available.
Mr Jones stressed that the march was not a political movement or an attack against dentists, who he said were trying their best under difficult circumstances.
Mr Jones is keen to work with dentists to get their point of view and input and said that he was “delighted” to have a former NHS dentist on board.
Eddie Crouch, chair of the BDA, was in the crowd on Sunday and he praised the group for their passion and the efforts made to highlight an issue that should be a priority for ministers and health chiefs.
Mr Crouch said that large numbers of people are struggling to access dental services and the issue is widespread. MPs have taken an interest and there is hope that groups can come together to identify solutions and create a more effective NHS dental system.
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