Horncastle Residents Raise Concerns Over NHS Dentist Shortage
The residents of Horncastle have raised concerns over a shortage of dentists in the town.
NHS England officials have urged patients to get in touch after several residents reported they had difficulty trying to get an appointment.
Several people have been in touch with the local newspaper and one man claimed that a practice that formerly had three dentists is now struggling to keep hold of one. One has already left, one is working part-time and it is believed that the third is hoping to move to another surgery. The patient in question wrote to the local press to share his experiences of trying to get an appointment for his daughter, who suffers with dyspraxia. His story hit a cord with other local residents, with many coming forward to say they have had experienced the same situation.
Anne Williams, a Horncastle resident, said there appears to be a shortage of dentists in the town and this is making it virtually impossible to see a dentist. She also added that she has heard that dentists are reluctant to take up posts in the town because they know the demand is much higher than the supply.
Many patients have been told that appointments are available in Lincoln, which is a fair distance away, especially for those who don’t drive.
A spokesperson for NHS England has urged anyone having trouble accessing NHS dental treatment to get in touch via the Customer Care Centre.
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