Lib Dems criticise lack of dentists taking on new patients

Research conducted by New Forest Liberal Democrats has revealed that, whilst some dental surgeries in the New Forest are still accepting children, the closest dental surgery accepting adults entitled to free dental care is Southampton or Eastleigh.

The lack of NHS dental care in the New Forest is forcing people to pay for private dental care or, for those who cannot afford private dental care, to resort to DIY dentistry.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a dental healthcare rescue plan, which would include spending the estimated £400 million of funding for NHS dental services that went unspent this year, to boost the number of appointments. The Liberal Democrats are also calling for reforms to the NHS dental contract, additional resources for mobile dental units to visit schools, community centres and care homes, and the removal of VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Cllr Jack Davies, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for New Forest West, said:

"People who are entitled to free dental care in the New Forest, especially those in the west of the Forest, have to travel more than 15 miles away just to get the dental care they are entitled to receive. For many local people without a car, it simply isn't realistic to expect them to go into Southampton to get treatment.

"The Conservative Government needs to stop wasting money on gimmicks like the Rwanda Scheme and focus instead on ensuring people in areas like the New Forest can access the NHS services they pay their taxes for.

"The NHS is arguably the greatest British institution. That's why I have made protecting and improving local health services my top priority if elected as New Forest West's next MP."