Number of NHS dentists in East Yorkshire drops by 20%
There used to be almost 150 back in 2017, but now there are less than 120
The number of NHS dentists in East Yorkshire has dropped 20% in the last 5 years.
The area had almost 150 back in 2017, but now there are less than 120.
It's a similar situation in North East Lincolnshire, which has seen a 19% reduction.
Tracy Slattery, from the local Healthwatch group, isn't shocked by the figures.
"We are aware of the issue regarding dentistry.
"I'm also aware that at a regional level, across Yorkshire and the Humber, they're having the same issues we are.
"Obviously, due to the Covid impact, this has compounded the issue even further."
She said it's affecting people of all ages.
"We have a high rate of children under-5 having teeth extracted.
"If you look at those that live in care homes that are not being able to access dental or oral health services of any description, that's compounding their health and wellbeing across the board because they're not going to be able to eat or drink correctly."