Kicked in teeth by Tories again
AS it’s now nearly impossible for patients to be taken on as new NHS patients, it follows that children who are entitled to free NHS treatment will suffer too.
This is a terrible state of affairs, which is getting worse.
Dentists say they can’t afford to carry out treatments on the money given by the NHS on the current banding system. This may be true, so the Government needs to change the system so more than two fillings on one visit incur extra cost. It would still be dramatically cheaper than the extortionate price of paying privately.
New NHS clinics in health centres where basic fillings could be carried out could also be introduced too.
NHS dentistry is in crisis but leaving teeth untreated could lead to more serious complications, which could be less cost effective for the NHS in the long run.
This needs to be a priority. Diane Silva, Bournemouth
■ Would it be an idea to pay all the university costs for student dentists in exchange for them signing a contract to practice for the NHS for the number of years they had to study dentistry? This scheme could then be adapted to get existing practices to sign contracts on similar terms, which would help solve things in the short term.
The dental health of all ages is so important because it leads to other health issues, putting more of a financial burden on hospitals and GP practices.
Stan Brock was a philanthropist who founded the medical charity Remote Area Medical in the 1980s.
Initially this provided medical treatment, including dentistry and eye care, for people living in very poor countries.
Very quickly, Brock noticed that such treatment was needed in the US due to the lack of medical services for the poor, and started clinics there.
Looking at the woeful state of dentistry in this country in the 21st century, I wonder how long until RAM starts opening its free clinics here?
How have we fallen this far?
Robert Boston, Kings Hill, Kent
Well done for tackling the Government on this important issue. When are we going to see any improvements? Is the system so broken that they don’t know how to fix it?
The health of the nation should be something driving every politician, no matter what party.
We all pay out National Insurance contributions so where is the money going? Let’s be told.
Do other people feel as sad as I do at the state of this country?
Marion Bolwell, Portsmouth
The Tories can afford to pay for private dental treatment so as far as they’re concerned, the rest of the population can lump it.
Young children in this country are suffering with dental problems and this is not their parents’ fault.
The real reason is that they can’t make an appointment for a check up at an NHS dentist.
Tony Howard, Salford
These Tories have no idea of what it’s like to live in the real world. They don’t have to rely on the NHS, which they’ve destroyed, and they can afford extortionate charges for dental treatment.
As usual, the Tories mess up the country and leave it to another party to sort out.
Paul Booker, Clay Cross, Derbys
Regarding your campaign to save NHS dentists, dental services have been going downhill for years under the rotten Tories.
Let’s just hope it’s not too late to fix the problem.
R Walker, Doncaster