Ongoing trend sees NHS dentists turn private in Suffolk
We speak to dental campaigner Mark Jones
With several NHS dental practices turning private recently there is concern for accessible dental care in our region.
Recently a practice in Felixstowe sent their patients a letter informing that due to changes they would have to pay between £10.33 and £19.59 a month.
Mark Jones, a campaign co-ordinator for ‘Toothless in England’ told Greatest Hits that the NHS dental contract poses issue.
“Some could argue it could be evidence of privatisation of the NHS.”
“More fundamentally, what it means for individuals and families and particularly young families is that they will no longer have the association that they once had having good oral healthcare which has helped through visiting the dentist on a regular basis.”
Campaigner, Mark Jones feels the NHS dental contract needs revision.
“What we are calling for is an NHS dentist for everyone for the government to radically reform and fund the NHS dental contract.”
“And align its focus to patient needs over targets”