We often overlook the importance of oral health, until we are personally affected. My ordeal is a testament to this. I have been grappling with dental issues, leading to anxiety and ongoing costs that seem to be never-ending. I am not an isolated case. There are many others who are restricted from accessing essential dental care due to the costs involved. This is deeply worrying as oral health is integral to our overall wellbeing.

The problem stems from the fact that dentistry is not fully covered by the National Health Service (NHS). A service that should be a fundamental right has turned into a luxury that only a privileged few can afford. In England, 26% of adults have not visited a dentist in the last two years and dental charges are the most common reason for patients to delay seeking treatment, according to the British Dental Association.

The NHS was established with the principle of providing comprehensive healthcare free at the point of use for everyone, irrespective of their ability to pay. However, the current state of dentistry contradicts this very principle. Dental health should not be neglected or treated as a secondary aspect of healthcare on the NHS.

We must ask for a change. We need a robust dental care system that is not only accessible and affordable for all, but also promotes preventive care, treating oral health with the importance it deserves.

Please join us in addressing this critical issue. Let us demand the inclusion of affordable and accessible dental care in the NHS. This is not a luxury; it's a basic right. Sign this petition now. Let's stand together for the dental health of our nation.