Lincolnshire councillors voice concerns over ‘dire’ dental situation
Councillors in Lincolnshire have voiced concerns over the ‘dire’ dental situation in the county.
Members of the health scrutiny committee have called upon local health bosses to provide additional information about NHS dental services in the region after Bupa Dental Care revealed that it was closing its practice in Skegness, leaving thousands without an NHS dentist.
One councillor said that dentistry had become affordable only for the rich, with NHS services shutting down and dentists choosing to go private. Bupa Dental Care confirmed that it was also reviewing its services in Sleaford and Boston, putting more NHS places at risk.
At a recent meeting, councillors aired their grievances and said that the situation is getting worse rapidly, with patients unable to access affordable dentistry. There are no new patient places available and with the closure of the Skegness practice and potential for further losses, there will be even more people looking for an NHS dentist. The lack of services has already contributed to an increase in DIY dentistry across the country and will undoubtedly mean that standards of oral health decline.
The NHS recommends routine check-ups every 6-24 months for adults but data from 2022 shows that only a third of adults in England have seen a dentist in the last two years. The main barrier is access to NHS care but many people are also avoiding the dentist due to the cost of treatment. NHS charges increased in April and private fees are significantly more expensive.
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