People are finding it increasingly difficult to get an NHS dentist when they need one in Southampton, according to The Labour Party.

 

Labour analysis found that more than half of dental surgeries in England aren’t accepting any new patients.

In Southampton out of 23 dental practices surveyed 19 are not accepting new adult patients and 11 are not taking anyone, including children.

The party criticised the Conservatives for overseeing “the decline of NHS dentistry for the past 14 years”, and said it would “take immediate action to provide care for those in most urgent need and set up long-term reforms to restore NHS dentistry for all who need it”.

A surgery on Burgess Road, Southampton, presumably not accepting NHS or private patients at the time of the photo in July 2023

Southampton Itchen Labour candidate Darren Paffey said, “Patients in Southampton are finding it impossible to see a dentist, with some having to resort to DIY dentistry. Yet when the chance came to do something about it, Conservative MPs failed people yet again. Ministers promised a ‘Dental Recovery Plan’ last year but it still hasn’t been published.

“I fully support Labour’s plan to rescue NHS dentistry from this crisis and get patients seen on timeagain. It will cost around £111million a year and we will pay for it by abolishing non-dom tax status, which allows ultra-wealthy people who live and work in Britain to pay their taxes overseas.”

Current Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith (Con) was approached for comment.

Previously
'Toothless in Southampton' group will highlight access to NHS dental care

A dentist on Bedford Place photographed this week that does appear to be accepting new patients — although there's no mention of NHS treatment