Norwich MP bemoans state of dentistry as local pub hands out free toothbrushes
The Labour MP for Norwich South has bemoaned the state of dentistry in the area after hearing about a local pub handing out free toothbrushes.
Clive Lewis MP said that he had brought the issue to the attention of the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, at Prime Minister’s Questions recently and accused the government of letting dental patients down due to a problem created in Downing Street.
The Garden House, a pub located in NR2, has made a name for itself by supporting local charities and good causes. Jonathan Childs, landlord, heard about the need for toothbrushes in the local community after helping the council to raise money for two large family feeds. Councillors mentioned that people are going without essentials, including toothbrushes so Jonathan, his wife and the team at the pub set about planning events to raise funds. From hosting a quiz night and a charity raffle, the team raised enough to buy 1,000 brushes.
Norwich and the surrounding area has been branded a dental desert due to the lack of NHS dental places and a shortage of dentists. Currently, there is one dentist for every 2,600 patients.
Mr Lewis criticised ministers for failing to address the issue of NHS dentistry, despite numerous attempts by MPs to highlight the crisis. He added that the government is not willing to confront or accept the issue and said that patients keep being promised improvements that never come to fruition.
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