Hampshire MPs claim dental troubles “cannot go on”
MPs in Hampshire claim dental troubles “cannot go on” as patients struggle to see a dentist.
Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage said that she was actively “pushing” for urgent improvements following reports from constituents who were unable to register with practices or make appointments.
One patient, Dr Shakardokht Jafari, paid for private treatment after being unable to see an NHS dentist after suffering from severe pain for three weeks.
Having contacted dental practices in Fareham, Havant and Portsmouth, Dr Jafari was informed that none were taking on new NHS patients and advised to consider joining a waiting list or contacting a private dentist.
She has spoken to several friends who have similar stories to tell, with one even saying that they were considering pulling their own teeth out.
Chair of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Dental Committee, Phil Gowers, said that Hampshire is “traditionally a bit lower than other areas of the country” in terms of funding, with Portsmouth at the end of the local scale.
Morale among dental teams is low and many dentists are considering their future, with up to 47% of professionals thinking about leaving their jobs.
MP for Portsmouth North, Penny Mordaunt, recently raised the issue with health ministers and called for urgent support for local dental services and teams.
Patients are contacting their MPs increasingly regularly with complaints about access to NHS dental services and teams are stretched while trying to see as many patients as possible under restrictions.
Ms Mordaunt has asked for additional funding to increase capacity in addition to other measures, such as providing access to mobile dental services and setting up a dental school at the university.
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