NHS dentistry under the Tories is in decay.
A staggering eight in 10 dentists are refusing new NHS patients. Vast regions are now designated as dental deserts, leaving many with no accessible dental care.
This alarming situation has pushed desperate individuals to resort to DIY dentistry and, in severe cases, seek urgent care in A&E departments.
Shockingly, tooth decay has become the leading cause for hospital admissions among children aged six to 10.
It demands immediate attention. And Labour’s comprehensive plan, if elected this year, will address the crisis.
Labour will rescue NHS dentistry from its downward spiral. We’ll rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.
Under the Conservative government, NHS dentistry risks going underground. Its demise sees dentists abandoning the NHS in droves, resulting in considerable portions of the country being labelled dental deserts – areas where NHS dental care is virtually non-existent. The consequences for patients are appalling.
The stark reality is that, under the current government's failure, NHS dentistry risks becoming limited only to children and the most vulnerable.
Those who can afford private care will be pushed to leave the NHS, with those less fortunate, including pensioners and all those of us who play by the rules, with a below-par service for use by a tiny few and only in an emergency.
In contrast to the Tories’ record in office, Labour is advocating for a return to universal healthcare, where dental services are accessible to all.
Labour’s plan includes both immediate measures to address urgent needs and long-term reforms to restore NHS dentistry for everyone with an additional 700,000 urgent appointments annually, targeting issues like fillings and root canals.
The plan also introduces incentives for new dentists to work in areas most in need, effectively combating the emergence of these dental deserts.
Recognising the Tory government’s legacy of childhood tooth decay from an absence of NHS dental provision for so many, Labour will target toothbrushing for three to five-year-olds.
After years of neglect, this initiative aims to instil good oral health practices early on, particularly in areas with the highest rates of childhood dental issues.
Labour’s plan includes a comprehensive reform of the dental contract to rebuild the service in the long run, ensuring that NHS dentistry remains accessible to all.
The estimated cost of this transformative plan is £111m per year, to be funded by abolishing the non-dom tax status, ensuring individuals living and working in Britain pay their taxes here.
At a time when the consequences of neglecting NHS dentistry are so starkly evident, swift and decisive action is essential to prevent further deterioration.
The proposed plan will restore hope for NHS dentistry and begin to redress the years of decay under the Tories. Labour will rebuild and safeguard the future of NHS dentistry for everyone.
James Frith is standing to be MP for Bury North at the next general election. He tweets @JamesFrith. Contact James@JamesFrithForBuryNorth.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel