Thousands Waiting to See NHS Dentists in Plymouth
Almost 6,000 people in Plymouth are waiting to see a dentist, it has been revealed.
Research suggests that 5842 people in the city are currently on a waiting list for an NHS dental practice. Lisa Clark is just one of those waiting to join an NHS surgery. The 30-year old, who recently moved back to Plymouth from London, has been forced to pay for private dental care for her 16-month old son, after being told she would have to wait months for an appointment for him. Mrs Clark said that she was eager to register with a practice as soon as she moved, but she was informed that there were no free places in Plymouth and she would have to join the waiting list with thousands of others.
Julia Cory, NHS England’s head of primary care in the South West, said that health chiefs are aware that many people are struggling to find a dentist accepting new patients and stressed that NHS England is working hard to try and alleviate access issues. In the last six months, more than 1,000 patients have been allocated a place and efforts are being made to increase the number of spaces. Ms Cory also emphasised that emergency dental care is available for those in need and added that some practices in the city are accepting children.
NHS England South West is currently undertaking a review into access issues and waiting lists and a national strategy to reform the dental contract is under construction.
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