I have been on dental waiting lists for over 10 years, and during this time, the number of dental problems I face continues to grow. Many dental practices, whether they serve both NHS and private patients, seem reluctant to accept NHS patients. On top of that, they often display an unwelcoming attitude, making people hesitant to even attempt getting the care they need. This discouragement only compounds the struggle to secure timely and essential dental care.

A feasible solution would be to establish an NHS dental clinic in every GP practice. By integrating dental care into existing GP practices, we can ensure that all residents have access to basic but essential dental services. This move would likely reduce the number of emergency dental appointments requested daily, as dental issues can be addressed before they escalate into serious problems.

Statistics demonstrate that many people in the UK face similar challenges. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, over 4 million people in the UK suffer from untreated oral health problems due to a lack of accessible dental care. Furthermore, research shows that untreated oral health issues can lead to more severe health problems, increasing the burden on emergency services.

By positioning NHS dental clinics in GP practices, we provide a structured pathway for comprehensive healthcare that addresses both immediate and preventative needs. This integration ensures more equitable healthcare access and promotes better overall community health.

Let's urge policymakers to support this initiative and make accessible dental care a reality for everyone. Please sign this petition to advocate for the establishment of NHS dental clinics in every GP practice across the UK. Together, we can bring about change that benefits the health and wellbeing of our communities.