Glastonbury MP Demands Action as Constituency Faces Complete Lack of NHS Dentistry
Glastonbury & Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has launched a petition calling for government intervention after revealing no NHS dental practices within her constituency are currently accepting new patients. The petition, initiated on October 31st, has already garnered nearly 500 signatures in its first two weeks.
The absence of NHS dentistry in the area is creating meaningful hardship for residents, forcing them to seek potentially costly private care or go without essential dental treatment. This situation highlights a growing national crisis in NHS dentistry, particularly acute in rural communities like Glastonbury & Somerton.
Dyke challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions last month and has followed up with a letter to the Health Secretary, requesting a fully funded “Dental Rescue Package.” This package would aim to reform NHS contracts and incentivize dentists to practice in underserved rural areas.
According to figures cited by Ms. Dyke, only 30% of adults in Somerset received NHS dental care last year, and just 42% of children – both figures falling significantly below the national average of 55%.
“The lack of NHS dentists has become a chronic national crisis, and nowhere more so than in rural areas like Glastonbury & Somerton where too many people are suffering because there simply are no local dental practices taking on NHS patients,” Dyke stated.
To address the immediate crisis,Dyke has met with the Chair of the local Integrated Care Board,proposing emergency measures. These include repurposing decommissioned wards at West Mendip Hospital for dental treatment, deploying mobile dental units, and providing dental services within schools.
Residents are encouraged to sign the petition at https://www.sarahdyke.uk/campaigns/sarahs-dentistry-petition as Dyke pledges to continue advocating for the restoration of accessible NHS dental services in Somerset.
