Town marks three years since last NHS dentist closed

Toothless in Suffolk is campaigning against "dental deserts", where areas lack NHS services

Residents have said they have had "enough" of the lack of NHS dentists available in their area, three years since the town's last practice closed its doors.

The final remaining NHS dentist in Leiston, Suffolk, shut in 2021, with another having previously closed in 2020.

Campaigners from Toothless in Suffolk descended on the town to highlight the issue of "dental deserts".

Mark Jones, the campaign's spokesman, said "communities must not be ignored any longer".

Mark Jones said Toothless in Suffolk was fighting for the community against dental deserts

"We're crying out for NHS dentistry and anyone to listen to us and end the pain and suffering that so many families up and down the country are experiencing," Mr Jones said.

"The reality is, the country as a whole is a dental desert.

"It's a big, big problem."

Campaigners from Toothless in Suffolk, which was founded in 2021, protested outside Nichols & Son Butchers on Sizewell Road in Leiston - three years after the butcher placed on the counter a petition that highlighted the issue.

Chris Nichols, who runs the butchers, said: "Everyone should be entitled to free NHS dental care which we pay through our National Insurance.

"[The petition] was well received, all of my customers signed it.

"There were several hundred [signatures]."

Mr Nichols said some residents have been forced to pay for private dentistry, while many have gone without any treatment.

"I've heard stories of people pulling their teeth out with pliers," he added.

Chris Nichols first placed a petition surrounding the issue in his butchers three years ago

Mr Jones said TV crews from Denmark were in attendance during the demonstration and the issue "came as a real shock to them".

"They are absolutely astonished at how we portray ourselves as a big player in the world in economic terms and yet we have people who are resorting to DIY dentistry.

"They can't understand it at all - I don't think anyone can really.

"I will never forget the day that [Toothless in Suffolk] set up our first street stall and the real anger, distress, anxiety that was felt was palpable.

"We've not forgotten you and we hope the people of Leiston haven't forgotten us - we're fighting for you."

Private dentists have opened in the town for those that can afford it and the NHS previously said it was committed to "ensuring everyone can access high quality dental care".

It added that it had been working closely with providers to improve access to services.

Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (SNEE ICB) similarly set up a new dental care plan to improve access to NHS dental care including helping practices open for longer and providing additional NHS sessions to priority groups, including children and the homeless.

NHS England has been approached for further comment.