More than a thousand people respond to MPs 'dental deserts' survey
Gideon Amos MP is asking constituents to share their experiences
We're hearing more than a thousand people have taken part in a survey as Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos looks at so called 'dental deserts'.
He's asking people to share their experiences with some saying they've travelled hundreds of miles for treatment.
Back in February, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock promised more than 35,000 extra NHS appointments will be made available to patients across the South West.
Mr Kinnock said: "We promised we would end the misery faced by hundreds of thousands of people unable to get urgent dental care. Today we're starting to deliver on that commitment."
A government spokesperson said the extra appointments would be for patients who are likely to be in pain - including those suffering from infections or needing repairs to a bridge - and require urgent treatment.
Gideon Amos is planning to compile the results into a report which will be presented to a free public meeting being organised by Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats at the end of May and subsequently to Parliament.
His new campaign is supported by Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association, after the pair met in Westminster to discuss the particular problems facing people in Taunton and Wellington.
The MP said: “My team have received a fantastic reaction to the survey so far and we have now set ourselves a target of 2,000 responses.
“Some of the feedback has been shocking – from families travelling hundreds of miles for treatment to others paying thousands of pounds for their children to receive the care they need.
“Please can I urge all constituents to respond to this quick survey so we can build the real evidence we need and I can present the strongest possible case in Parliament.
“The survey will gather statistics for our area, as well as shared constituents’ experiences of how the system is failing them to help get the real action that’s needed”
Mr Amos said his research would form a detailed report made up of the public survey, a school survey, and feedback from local dentists who are being contacted this week.
His message to constituents is: “NHS dentistry is at breaking point, and your input will be valuable in taking hard evidence to the decision makers in the government.”