Dental campaign group set to march on anniversary of Suffolk practice closure
A campaign group, which formed to urge the government to take urgent action to improve access to NHS dental services, is set to march on the first anniversary of the closure of a practice in Leiston, Suffolk.
The closure of the clinic left Leiston residents without an NHS dental practice and sparked the launch of Toothless in Suffolk. Since April 29th, 2021, the group has expanded to become a national cause.
To mark the anniversary, Toothless in Suffolk will be marching on the town joined by members of other groups from across the country. Participants are frustrated at the lack of progress within the last 12 months, with thousands of patients unable to access NHS dental care and the demand for appointments continuing to rise.
Steve, co-founder of the campaign group, described NHS dentistry as a “national disgrace” and added that commissioners are failing to ensure that patients have access to NHS dental services. Suffolk is one of the worst affected areas for dental provision with a shortage of NHS dentists and a growing number of practices stopping NHS services.
Chair of the British Dental Association, Eddie Crouch, said that Leiston is an example of “where NHS dentistry is heading unless the government steps up.”
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