Isle of Wight MP calls for more action over NHS dentists

His comments followed a damning Healthwatch report, which highlighted the problems.

One Islander told Healthwatch, in a report published last week, that not being able to access an NHS dentist meant: “Three teeth almost missing, two others chipped and I am in constant pain with several abscesses.

“It’s getting hard to chew and even to speak, as I am missing a front tooth."

• Isle of Wight dental patient tells Healthwatch of "scandalous” delays

In a Westminster Hall debate, Bob Seely highlighted to Dentistry Minister, Jo Churchill, the struggles that some Islanders have been facing with trying to access an NHS dentist.

Mr Seely said: “Some Islanders who are getting a new dentist are now having to go to the mainland for treatment.

“That is incredibly inconvenient, especially given that, with the most expensive ferries in the world, some kids on the Island have never seen a dentist in their life.”

Speaking on Tuesday, May 25,  he said the problems seemed to be exacerbated in coastal, rural and isolated areas such as the Isle of Wight - with the nearest dental school (in Portsmouth) not producing enough dentists.

Further problems are caused by dentists leaving the Island or retiring, he said.

Mr Seely repeated his calls for a dental training scheme on the Island, the need to simplify the process for qualifying as a training practice, and a boost to the funding for the salary of interns as some possible 'quick fixes'.

He said changes to contracts, to incentivise dentists to remain in the NHS, were important as was the separation of laboratory fees from dental fees, to help laboratories survive.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Seely said: “There is no easy solution to the problem, I understand that, but I want to work with the Government to see what can be done to ease problems here on the Island.

"I know that the Minister is receptive to new ideas and I will continue to engage in further conversations with her to see what can practically be done.”