During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals, including myself and my parents, made the difficult decision to postpone routine NHS dental appointments. Given the unprecedented circumstances, prioritizing our health and safety was paramount. However, as a result of these necessary precautions, we now find ourselves removed from our NHS dentist's register, stripped of access to essential dental care.

The NHS dental system serves as a vital lifeline for countless individuals and families across the UK, providing affordable and accessible oral healthcare to those who may otherwise face barriers to receiving necessary treatment. According to the British Dental Association, access to NHS dental services has been significantly disrupted during the pandemic, with 19 million fewer dental treatments carried out in England alone in 2020 compared to the previous year.

The removal of patients from NHS dental lists due to delayed appointments during COVID-19 places an unfair burden on individuals who acted responsibly by adhering to public health guidance. This policy effectively penalizes those who prioritized the collective good over personal convenience.

We call upon the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to reinstate all patients who have been unjustly removed from NHS dental registers due to appointment delays prompted by the pandemic. Such action will ensure equitable access to dental healthcare and prevent the exacerbation of health inequalities.

Reinstating these patients not only acknowledges the extraordinary circumstances posed by the pandemic but also upholds the core ethos of the NHS: to provide comprehensive healthcare to all, based on need rather than the ability to pay.

Help us bring this issue to light and push for a fair resolution. Sign this petition to demand the reinstatement of NHS dental patients who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that everyone has access to the dental care they need.