2 weeks Ago
Bolton is set to benefit from a slice of nearly 18,000 urgent dentist appoint appointments after waiting “far too long” for the care they need. This comes as part of the government’s roll out of 700,000 extra urgent dentist appointments across the country over the next year. This is expected to include 18,000 extra urgent appointments across Greater Manchester, including in Bolton.
Council cabinet member for health Cllr Jackie Schofield said: “Too many people in Bolton have struggled for far too long to get the dental care they need. “We’ve heard heart-breaking stories of residents living with pain or being forced to travel miles just to see an NHS dentist. People across Bolton have struggled to access NHS dentists (Image: PA) “This investment will make a real difference for people here in Bolton, providing urgent appointments where they are needed most.
“But this is just the start, we’re committed to rebuilding local NHS dentistry so everyone can access high-quality, affordable care close to home.” The appointments are being rolled out to help people who are in pain or struggling to access treatment, with the priority given to area that have been the worst hit by NHS dentist shortages. The policy was introduce as part of what Labour calls its plan to "rebuild the NHS".
They will particularly be targeted at areas labelled as “dental deserts” as Bolton has been in the past. For several years the borough has been afflicted by a lack of NHS dental services. Figures back in 2023 showing that there were 2,000 people in Bolton for every NHS dentist , an increase of 35 per cent since 2019, marking one of the sharpest increases in the country.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “We promised we would end the misery faced by hundreds of thousands of people unable to get urgent dental care. ALSO READ: The shocking state of children's teeth in Bolton - and what is being done ALSO READ: Concerns as thousands of patients for every Bolton NHS dentist ALSO READ: Bolton patients pulling own teeth out because of a 'lack of dentists' “Today we’re starting to deliver on that commitment. “NHS dentistry has been left broken after years of neglect by the last government, with patients left in pain without appointments, or queueing around the block just to be seen.
“Through our Plan for Change, this government will rebuild dentistry, focusing on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists. “This will take time, but today marks an important step towards getting NHS dentistry back on its feet.”.
