NHS Dentists

NHS Dentists in South East Cornwall: Progress, but More to Do

Access to NHS dental care remains one of the biggest concerns raised with me by people across South East Cornwall.

For too long, families have struggled to get check-ups, emergency treatment, or even join a waiting list. I’ve heard from residents travelling hours for care or going without altogether. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s a serious health risk.

After sustained pressure from MPs, campaigners, and local NHS leaders, we’re finally seeing some movement:

• Over 10,910 new urgent dental appointments have been created across Cornwall

• More than 7,000 additional appointments are being made available

• Some local NHS dentists are beginning to reopen their books to new patients

This is a step in the right direction, but we need to make sure South East Cornwall gets its fair share of those appointments.

I’ve asked for urgent clarification on where these appointments are being delivered and how residents in towns like Saltash, Liskeard, Torpoint, Callington, and Looe can access them. This must be clear, fair, and well-publicised.

We also need long-term reform. The current NHS dental contract is not fit for purpose. It discourages dentists from offering NHS care and leaves rural communities at a disadvantage. I’m continuing to call for:

• A complete overhaul of the NHS dental contract

• Recruitment and retention incentives for dentists in rural and coastal areas

• Mobile and community-based services for harder-to-reach areas

Everyone should be able to see a dentist when they need one not just those who can pay, or those who live in the right postcode.

If you’ve struggled to access NHS dental care, I want to hear from you. Your experiences help me hold the government and local providers to account.

Anna Gelderd MP
Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall