Suffolk MP calls for action to prevent NHS dentistry crisis
Peter Aldous, who represents Waveney, said the lack of access to dentists was one of his constituents' biggest concerns
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
Waveney MP Peter Aldous has called on the Government to address the pressures facing NHS dentistry, which he says is "reaching crisis point". He recently brought up the issue during a debate on the new Health and Care bill, and said:
"The the problem with access to an NHS dentist in our area in Suffolk. and Norfolk has been building up for a long time, and the I think it has been accentuated and made worse by the pandemic.
"What has brought the situation to ahead in East Suffolk is that two NHS dental practices, one in Leiston had to shut down because they couldn't recruit dentists and the one in Lowestoft closed because the dentist retired.
"Now, when I look at my inbox the lack of access to dentists has been the main item for most of the year", he explains.
Healthwatch England, earlier this year found that 80 percent of people found it difficult to access timely dental care. With dentists either shut or treating only the most severe cases during the pandemic, they are now facing a huge backlog. This has been compounded by an acute shortage of dentists.
When asked about what measures are required to address the strains on dentists, Mr Aldous said:
"I think the Government does need to make it easier for those dentists who are qualified, whether it's from EU countries or from other countries around the world and that may be South Africa, New Zealand, India, people with the right qualifications, to come to the UK.
"In the longer term, government also need to be stepping up and building more dentistry schools so that those people here who want to become dentists or want to work in the dental profession, that opportunity is open to them, and I think in that context it is important that we have a dentistry school in our area as well."
He also adds that another reason prospective dentists are put off from working in the NHS is unattractive contract terms. This has been an issue of contention and although an inquiry into the need for reform of the contract system was promised, its results are not expected till April.
For people in Lowestoft, Bungay, Beccles and the rural areas surrounding these towns he has the following advice: call 111 or use the online services which can sign-post the user to the nearest available dentist.
"If you're a real emergency, let me know. Contact me at my parliamentary email ID and we'll we'll get in touch with the with NHS dentist and they will see you as soon as possible" he adds.