PEOPLE in Wellington and its surrounding villages are being offered an official opportunity to voice their frustrations over the refusal of local dentists to treat NHS patients

Healthwatch Somerset wants to hear what residents have to say about their NHS dentistry experiences and is conducting a survey which runs until the end of the month.

Wellington is one of many areas across England suffering from what has been termed a ‘dental desert’ – an absence of NHS dentists.

The last local NHS dentist told patients three years ago they would no longer treat them unless they went private.

Now, Healthwatch Somerset, an independent health and care champion, is asking people to give it their stories and experiences so they can be documented and passed to the Government.

The watchdog aims to ensure ‘people are at the heart of care’ by listening to people’s views on what they like about local services and what could be improved, with the findings shared with decision-making organisations to make ‘a real difference’.

Healthwatch Somerset manager Gill Keniston-Goble said: “The consequences of this lack of NHS dental care on the oral health of our communities are likely to be significant, potentially leading to a notable decline in the overall oral health of our residents.

“Coupled with the rising cost of living, concerns over the accessibility and affordability of dental care have become even more pronounced, contributing to discussions about health inequality, locally and nationally.

“We want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, so we are investigating local people’s experiences and perspectives of NHS dental care.

“We will share our findings with those responsible for dental care and oral health in Somerset.”

Wellington Mayor Cllr Marcus Barr told the Wellington Weekly: “The absence of any NHS dentists in town is a real issue of concern for people and something which town councillors have been acutely aware of.

“It is raised every time we do public consultation about the town and what is needed here, just like the need for a Post Office.

“We hear terrible stories of people who have been suffering tooth pain and are at their wits’ end because they cannot find help when they need it.

“One woman recently had to take her son to Exeter for emergency treatment because dentists here would not treat him unless he paid to go private.

“People do not understand why they can see a GP as NHS patients but the Government allows dentists to refuse them.

“The Government really needs to listen to people and understand what a serious issue this is for communities like us.

“I urge everybody to take part in the Healthwatch survey so there is no doubt in Government minds about how angry people are with dentists and the need not just for something to be done, but for it to be done urgently.”

Wellington MP Rebecca Pow met Dental Minister Neil O’Brien earlier this year to highlight the lack of available NHS dental treatment.

Ms Pow said Mr O’Brien assured her some ‘positive progress on access to dental services’ would be announced and a ‘further comprehensive package’ would also follow.

MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who currently represents West Somerset but will be the Conservative candidate at the next General Election in the new Tiverton and Minehead constituency covering Wiveliscombe and much of the Wellington hinterland, has been pressing for action by the Government.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said years of under-investment had left the State dental service ‘hanging by a thread’ and a so-called support package launched last autumn had been ‘utterly inadequate’.

He said the issue came down to a question of money, with dentists feeling they were not paid enough for working within the NHS.

Healthwatch Somerset said its research in the Wellington area was in response to ongoing concerns raised by local people about the scarcity of NHS dentists, leading to difficulties obtaining both routine and urgent dental care.

A spokesperson said: “People are also telling Healthwatch Somerset that a lack of NHS dental care is affecting their physical and mental health, and they are highlighting the high cost and financial strain associated with private dental care.

“Demand for NHS dental care in Somerset is currently greater than the services available.

“Research has shown that the closure of dental practices locally and changes to NHS dental services have contributed to the shortage of NHS dentists in the county.”

Healthwatch Somerset’s online dentistry survey can be found here or people can call the free number 0800 999 1286 to request a paper copy of the survey or to share their views over the telephone.