Over a decade of Tory cuts has caused there to be fewer NHS dentists than ever. People are being forced to travel for hours so access a simply dental check-up. In more severe cases people are so desperate that they are resorting to DIY dentistry.

Toby took action after being contacted by a number of constituents that despaired at the lack of access to NHS dentistry.

In his letter to the Government, Toby raised concerns that “the issue was first raised by my colleague, the Shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, over 2 years ago” he goes on to ask “whether the Government is planning on addressing this issue at all”.

As a Chesterfield resident himself, Toby shared similar concerns about access to NHS dentistry as he has been unable to find an NHS dentist too.

Toby questioned the Government “why, in a developed and prosperous country such as we are, people are unable to access basic dentistry services, and many are having to resort to DIY dentistry?”

Conservative cuts are causing fewer dentists every year to carry out NHS work. In the 2022-23 financial year alone only 23,577 dentists performed work for the NHS, down 695 on the previous year. Our NHS is being stripped to its bare-bones after decades of Tory neglect.

Labour will address years of Conservative neglect of NHS dentistry, and the problems with the NHS dental contract, we will tackle the pressing access crisis, prioritise prevention of poor oral health and cut oral health inequalities.