My personal experience with the National Health Service's dental support, or the stark lack or thereof, mirrors the frustrations felt across our nation. Recently, I found myself at the dentist for a routine check-up which was included in a dental plan I had no option but to join! The plan and payment will have to be paid privately due to the absence of an NHS facility for patients like us. I cannot afford this treatment !! The bill for treatment for three teeth alone amounted to a staggering £1080. 00 an amount I, like many others, am unable to afford. I am not alone, many others are gripped in the clutches of dental pain, with rotting teeth and an urgent need for fillings. Some have been neglected for so long, their only option now is extraction. This is a horrendous situation for our country, a situation that yells for action.

The British Dental Association reports that over 24 million adults in England alone are finding it nearly impossible to get appointments with NHS dentists due to severe recruitment and funding issues ("Access fall alarms dentists", The Times, 2020). It's a crisis compounding the suffering of a significant portion of our population, and immediate action is needed to address this.

We implore the current Labour Government and the House of Commons to review this issue urgently and to take substantial action on the nationwide lack of NHS Dentists. Our country deserves better, our people deserve better. We cannot let the cries of pain continue to echo unanswered. We ask you, our elected representatives, to prioritise our right to essential healthcare services. Sign this petition to ensure that accessible, affordable dental care is available to all NHS patients, not just the privileged few.