Plymouth’s Labour MPs have welcomed a significant government initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing NHS dental crisis in Devon, with the announcement of 24,000 extra urgent and emergency dental appointments across the region. This move, part of a national plan to address the widespread shortage of NHS dental services, is seen as a crucial step forward in tackling the mounting pressure on local patients.
The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to provide 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments across England, prioritizing areas with the most severe shortages—commonly referred to as “dental deserts.” Plymouth has been particularly affected by the collapse of NHS dental services, with over 22,000 residents currently waiting for appointments. Many of these patients have been left with no choice but to seek private care or emergency dental treatment, underscoring the growing demand for accessible, affordable services.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock confirmed that the new slots will be rolled out over the next year, directed by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which will be tasked with prioritizing high-demand areas like Plymouth. The announcement has been greeted as a much-needed lifeline for those struggling to access NHS dental care.
Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, expressed his approval of the move, stating, “This is fantastic news for people in Plymouth. Last year, I promised that a Labour government would deliver extra urgent NHS dental appointments, and today’s announcement shows we are delivering on that promise. Dentistry in Plymouth is in crisis. There is no quick fix, but with a Labour council and government working hard to tackle the issue, we are making real progress.” He also highlighted the forthcoming opening of a new dental practice in the city centre, a collaboration between Peninsula Dental School and Plymouth City Council, which he believes will further improve access to care.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, also voiced his support, noting, “The last government broke NHS dentistry in Plymouth, and these extra appointments are an important step forward in fixing it. The new dental clinic opening in the city centre is another vital step, something I’ve been pushing for alongside Peninsula Dental School and Plymouth City Council since I was elected. There is still much more to be done, and I will continue campaigning until everyone in Plymouth has access to NHS dentistry.”
The addition of urgent dental slots is part of a broader reform effort aimed at improving NHS dental care across England, focusing on areas with the most acute shortages. The MPs and local leaders are hopeful that these new appointments, alongside the new clinic, will provide long-overdue relief to residents who have struggled to access even basic dental care.
However, both MPs and healthcare professionals stress that while these measures are important, long-term solutions are still needed to address the root causes of the crisis. These include increasing NHS dental contracts, recruiting more dentists, and improving the accessibility of dental services across the country.
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