Somerset residents have shared their worries about the ongoing dental access issues for children in the area.
In April 2023, the Liberal Democrats released data exposing the rise in “dental deserts” across the country. The survey revealed that some areas now have over 3,000 people for every NHS dentist, creating long waiting lists and increasing pressure on dental professionals.
Andre Louw, chair of the Somerset Local Dental Committee and a Bridgewater dentist, spoke to BBC News about his concerns. He said, "Since the pandemic, because of the increased workload, it became very difficult to take on new patients.
"This part of the world is very difficult to retain and attract new dentists to the area."
David Fothergill, leader of Somerset County Council and the chair of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, echoed Andre’s concerns. He said, “My concern for dental provision within the county is that we really aren't spotting the issues which are developing in quite young children, that they are not presenting themselves to dentists, and they're not following the right preventative work that they need to have.
"So my great fear in Somerset is that by not having access to dentists and not having access to that preventative work, we are really storing up problems in the next five to 10 years for a lot of people."
Serena Wooton lives near Chard. She said, "My son now is going to be 18 in September, and he's not now had a dentist check his teeth since he was 14.
"Everybody's just saying the same thing, 'yeah, no nor have we, our kids haven't seen them for a couple of years’.”
Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer, said, “It's going to take some time. We're looking carefully at what quick fixes might look like and we'll be sure to deploy whatever changes we can as soon as possible."
BBC News also contacted the Health and Social care department for a comment. A spokesperson said, "The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities works to improve children's oral health, and we have taken action to expand water fluoridation schemes - which can reduce the number of children experiencing tooth decay amongst 5-year-olds by up to 28 per cent in the most deprived areas."
"There were over 500 more dentists delivering NHS care in 2022 than in 2021, but we know there is more to do and we will be announcing further measures to improve access across the country soon."