Peterborough dental patients struggle to get an appointment, as only 2 practices have NHS spaces

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Dental patients in Peterborough are struggling to get an appointment, as research shows that only two practices in the town are accepting NHS patients. 

According to NHS England, there are currently only two surgeries, one located in Eye and the other in Werrington Village, offering NHS dental places. The shortage means that many people are facing a choice between travelling or paying for private dental care. 

Rates of decay among children in Peterborough are higher than the national average, with almost 33% of 5-year-olds having at least one filled, decayed or missing tooth. This is significantly higher than the average in England, which is 23.3%. The percentage of children with no signs of decay is also lower than national average (76.7) at 67.6%. 

Employees from the Peterborough Telegraph contacted NHS England about the town’s access crisis after receiving a letter from a resident who had struggled to get an appointment for her granddaughter. Having called around a number of local practices looking for a place for her granddaughter, Elodie, Zoe Wright was advised that the nearest NHS places were in St Ives, Warboys and Somersham. Although the location is not ideal for the family, Zoe and her daughter both drive and therefore it is possible for Elodie to get to the dentist, but Zoe said that she was concerned about other families, especially those who rely on public transport. 

Rachel Webb, director for primary care and public health at NHS England and Improvement in the East of England said that the issue was currently being dealt with and NHS England is exploring potential options to provide more NHS places in the near future in Peterborough. 

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