​Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, joined colleagues and campaigners at Downing Street to deliver a petition demanding urgent action to address the NHS dentistry crisis.

The petition, launched by The Mirror in partnership with the British Dental Association (BDA), the Women’s Institute and campaign group 38 Degrees, has been signed by over 257,000 people.

Adam said, “Dentistry is a vital part of healthcare, yet millions of people across the UK, including many in our own communities, cannot access the NHS dental care they need. This crisis is causing unnecessary pain and long-term health issues, and it’s unacceptable. The strength of this petition shows how urgently reform is needed.”

Millions of people across the UK, including 13m without access to an NHS dentist, are suffering. According to the Liberal Democrats, some individuals are resorting to extreme measures such as pulling out their own teeth, while children are being hospitalised due to preventable tooth decay.

Tony Page, a mouth cancer patient whose life was saved by a dental check-up, said, “I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for a brilliant NHS dentist, who I was lucky enough to have access to, spotting something that quite literally saved my life. It just goes to show how important dental care is and how crucial it is for everyone to be able to access NHS dental services wherever they live.”

Campaigners have urged the government to provide sufficient funding for NHS dentistry and reform failing contracts to rebuild the service, prioritise prevention, and ensure fair access to dental care for everyone.

Veronica Hawking, campaigns director at 38 Degrees, said, "The fact that a quarter of a million people have signed this petition demonstrates the widespread public frustration and clear demand for urgent action to fix NHS dentistry. Last year, prime minister Keir Starmer was elected on a promise to tackle the NHS dentistry crisis and reform the broken system - voters expect him to make good on that commitment. Now it's time they deliver.”

Adam added, “Dentistry is a vital part of healthcare, yet millions of people across the UK, including many in our own communities, cannot access the NHS dental care they need. This crisis is causing unnecessary pain and long-term health issues, and it’s unacceptable.

“The strength of this petition shows how urgently reform is needed. I stand with my constituents and campaigners in calling on the government to properly fund NHS dentistry and deliver on their promises to rebuild this essential service.”

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