Helen launches petition for action on rural NHS dentistry

Helen Morgan has launched a petition demanding action to improve the state of NHS dental care in rural areas like Shropshire.

The MP has raised the issue of poor dental provision in the House of Commons, visited several dental practices in her North Shropshire constituency, and has now decided to petition the Health Secretary after a flurry of responses to her call for experiences of NHS dentistry last month.

She says that too many of her constituents have stories of being unable to access care, with some even undertaking ‘dangerous DIY dentistry’ at home after being unable to find an NHS provider.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire said, “The Government has allowed NHS dental provision in Shropshire to reach crisis level, with far too many patients no longer able to access NHS treatment.

“Having heard from dentists, patients, and having raised this in the House of Commons, we need to show the strength of public support for fixing this crisis. Some of the stories I have heard from residents unable to access care are appalling, including people forced to turn to dangerous DIY dentistry.

“Please sign our petition to show how strongly people feel about the lack of provision in rural areas, and that this issue cannot simply be ignored by the government.”

The petition reads ‘We support Helen Morgan's calls on the Government to increase the number of NHS dental appointments available in rural areas. In particular, we call on the Government to increase training places for new dentists, reform NHS dental contracts and make it easier to recruit experienced dentists to fill dental vacancies in rural areas.’ and can be signed at https://www.helenmorgan.org.uk/dental.