Shortage of Bridlington dentists 'resulting in people leaving the town'
It's after concerns about NHS services from local campaigners and councillors who say it's the Government's fault
Last updated 25th Aug 2022
A lack of dentists and space for patients in Bridlington is being blamed for some people leaving the town.
It is after concerns about NHS services from local campaigners and councillors who say it is the Government's fault.
They say many patients and dentists are choosing to go private instead.
Councillor Mike Heslop-Mullens represents Bridlington North ward and said: "The dentists in town are full and they can't cope with anymore patients. Covid has put people off going and when you've got people who are in multiple deprivation areas, not being able to go and see a dentist means they may get worse symptoms later on.
"The contracts that dentists were given in 2006 sounded good. They were paid a lump sum based on the number of people they saw but of course, what it also said was 'if you don't see that number of people, we'll do claw back'. If you're a new dentist coming in and you're thinking 'do I want that when I can go private and earn the money that I earn?' that is one of the problems.
"The Orthodontics clinic has closed in Bridlington so people have to travel at least to Beverley and that's assuming the NHS works with the contracts and children shouldn't be said there with metal in their teeth that needs replacing while somebody sorts it out. They should get it done and then sort it out if there's a problem. We need people looked after in town, we can't afford not to have.
"I already know of people who have left this area because they're getting to an age where they know where they'll need better services and they're moving closer to where there are, and because of that we're losing a certain percentage of the town everytime. If families decide to move then we lose the next generation of people in the town. We need something done to protect Bridlington."
The Government says it's investing significant funding to address concerns.