A campaign group calling for an NHS dentist for everyone are urging people to share their struggles ahead of an inquiry launched by MPs to examine the lack of access to NHS dentistry services.

The Health and Social Care Committee launched the inquiry into dentistry on December 8 following a survey that showed 90 per cent of practices across the UK were not accepting new adult NHS patients.

The campaign group Toothless, a national campaign hub, will be submitting evidence to the inquiry and Toothless in Huntingdon is urging dentistry patients who have been impacted to submit their testimonies to the group.

Founder of Toothless in Huntingdon, Simon Brignell, said: “The announcement of an inquiry into NHS dentistry is something we welcome, bearing in mind that the current contract was deemed unfit for purpose as long ago as 2008.

"We need your voices more than ever as this is a real chance to make an impact and help bring back an NHS dentist for everyone."

During the inquiry, MPs will consider to what extent the current NHS dental contract disincentivises dentists from taking on new patients, look at what incentives can be offered by the NHS to recruit and retain dental professionals, and explore the role of training.

The inquiry will then establish what the government and NHS England must do to improve access and reduce "such unnecessary pain and suffering".

MPs reaction

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara addressed the announcement of the inquiry and said: “I'm very pleased that the Health and Social Care Committee is doing an inquiry into this important matter, which concerns so many of my constituents.

"Increasing access to NHS dentistry must be a key priority, and I look forward to seeing the findings of the inquiry, for which evidence is currently being gathered.”

Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly said: “Accessing NHS dentistry services is crucial for many residents across Huntingdon, but I know that it can prove challenging.

"This is an area of concern that I have raised directly with Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care and, whilst I know they understand the issue’s complexity and scale, I am pleased that the Select Committee has launched an inquiry into it too.

"Ensuring residents can promptly access high-quality healthcare, including dentistry, remains one of my top priorities, and I will continue to speak up to ensure that local services receive the attention, support and funding that is needed.”

What next?

In August, The Hunts Post reported from research conducted by the BBC that of the 45 dental practices in Cambridgeshire with NHS contracts, all confirmed they were no longer accepting adult patients.

The latest figures from the British Dental Association also show that more than 47 million NHS dental appointments have been lost since the lockdown in England alone, with some Cambridgeshire residents resorting to pulling their own teeth and fillings out.

Toothless is collecting evidence of stories like this which illustrate the impact the lack of public access to NHS dental services is having on patients and their quality of life.

Simon added: "If you have a story you’re willing to share about the problems, pain and suffering due to not being able to access an NHS dentist, please send it to us via email at contact@englandsteeth.org.

"We will be looking to include it in our submission to the inquiry.”

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will also be submitting evidence to the inquiry. CEO Sandie Smith said: "Our local Healthwatch and others across the national network are pleased that the government is looking into the provision of NHS dental services.

"We will be submitting our findings as part of the inquiry, which we hope will lead to a new way of thinking about dental care.

"Current arrangements for NHS dentistry are just not working.”

The Health and Social Care Committee invites written submissions addressing the issues, such as how inequalities in accessing NHS dental services should be addressed, to be submitted by January 25, 2023.