Living in a Dental Desert

Back in July, I attended Lys Kernow for the dentistry summit. It was good to catch up with councillors and health leaders to discuss the issues with dentistry in Cornwall, which has very poor access to dental care.

We live in a dental desert, and so many people have contacted me about this increasing issue. In Cornwall, more than a quarter of practices that previously offered NHS treatment have stopped doing so, and between 2017 and 2026 there has been a 26.9% reduction in NHS practices. In fact, Cornwall, Devon and the wider South West have seen some of the biggest reductions in the number of practices offering NHS care.

I am writing to the new dental minister about this stark reality and will push the need for special attention to be paid to Cornwall. People in Truro & Falmouth should not have to choose between going private and going without care. Access to NHS dentistry should not depend on where you live, and I will continue pushing to make sure Cornwall gets the healthcare it deserves.

Please use the Dentistry helpline if you need urgent or follow-up care. They will direct you where to go. Call Smile Together on: 0333 405 0290  – this is Cornwall’s emergency dental service.