Gideon Amos MP launches public survey on dentistry

The MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, has launched a survey to expose the impact of the NHS ‘dental desert’ on his constituents.

Mr Amos’s new campaign is supported by Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association, after the pair met in Westminster to discuss the particular problems facing local residents.

The MP said: “I ran my first local NHS dental survey back in 2022 but since being elected last July, I have received thousands more emails relating to access to NHS dentistry - something which is meant to be free for children and eligible adults.

“Like the many who have written to me, I was hopeful the new Government would bring in reforms to undo the disappearance of NHS dentistry from Taunton and Wellington which took place under the last Conservative administration.

“While the recent announcement of 700,000 extra appointments is welcome, as the BDA has pointed out, that only amounts to two extra appointments per month per NHS dentist and there simply aren’t enough of them.

“We think the government’s national figures also underestimate the position here in Taunton and Wellington.

“They said in February that one in four people have been unable to see an NHS dentist but my research in 2022 showed that figure was just over one in two in Taunton and Wellington

“The cases I’ve received since suggest that now the vast majority are going without an NHS dentist, and of course, many are going without any dentist at all.

"At a time of a rising incidence of mouth cancers, we need to see much more progress from the government. Too many in our area are facing the choice to pay up - or live in pain with bills often running into hundreds of pounds which people can ill afford, especially given the increasing cost of living”.

“The aim of this survey is to uncover the real effects of all this on people’s pockets.

“While we have some data for the South West as a whole, I want to put the real evidence of how this is affecting people in front of ministers through a clear, transparent and evidenced report on dentistry in Taunton and Wellington.

“Please can I urge all constituents to respond to this quick survey so we can build the real evidence we need and I can present the strongest possible case in Parliament.

“It’s one thing to say ‘we need more NHS dentists’ but so far the government simply haven’t delivered them which casts real doubt about whether their extra appointments will even happen.

“The survey will gather statistics for our area, as well as shared constituents’ experiences of how the system is failing them to help get the real action that’s needed”

 Mr Amos said his research would be a detailed report made up of the public survey, a school survey, and the results of direct contact with local dentists in the area.

“The full results will be shared publicly online and across social media in May,” he added.

His message to local residents is: “NHS dentistry is at breaking point, and your input will be valuable in taking this to the decision makers in the government.”

Mr Crouch has given his support to the research on behalf of the British Dental Association.

He said: “If NHS dentistry is going to have a future, it's essential that dental contract negotiations begin now, as was promised by the government.

“From 'DIY' dentistry to widening inequality, it's also vital we spell out the real effects of the current system until it’s consigned to history.

“I’m delighted to support Gideon’s proposed dental survey and research, and we look forward to hearing the results.”

You can take part in the survey by CLICKING HERE.