100 signatures reached
To: Stephen Barclay
Urgent Need for NHS Dentistry
Recently the availability of NHS dentistry seems to have become almost non-existent. In our area in the South East there are no dentists within 50 miles taking on adult NHS patients. Our own surgery removed us from their list as they were now only seeing private patients. I am increasingly concerned that lack of treatment will lead to more health problems in future.
Why is this important?
I believe the lack of regular check-ups will lead to problems other than tooth decay. I had my mouth cancer spotted by my dentist leading to a hospital referral. This meant I had a biopsy within 3 weeks and this was followed by scans and urgent surgery - all within 6 weeks of my dental appointment. In effect, the dentist was at the beginning of a process that saved my life.
Without the availability of NHS dentistry many others may not be so lucky, and with mouth cancer on the increase this will lead to more complex problems to be dealt with by the NHS surgeons.
Without the availability of NHS dentistry many others may not be so lucky, and with mouth cancer on the increase this will lead to more complex problems to be dealt with by the NHS surgeons.
