Green Party research has shown that no dentists are taking on new NHS patients in Reading. Green campaigner Kate Nikulina is petitioning Reading Council to lobby the Integrated Care Board and the government to devise a plan to address this issue.

The shortage of NHS dentists is being made worse by the recent announcement that Castle Hill dentists will no longer be serving its existing NHS patients from September 1, 2023. This means that all existing Castle Hill NHS patients will need to find a new dentist.

The NHS' Find a Dentist website says that there are no dentists accepting new NHS patients in Reading. According to the website, the nearest practice accepting NHS patients is 9.7 miles away in Bracknell. However, the Green Party has also contacted this practice. It informed them that it is not accepting NHS patients.

The Green Party phoned all of these dentists in Reading, and none were taking on NHS patients.

Some dentists say they will accept NHS patients by referral. This is for specific services like sedation so treatment can be carried out. These dentists are not accepting new NHS patients for checkups and other treatments.

Kate Nikulina, a Green campaigner, said, “Reading is a dental desert. Too many Reading residents can’t get an NHS dentist.

“People are left in pain or, if they are lucky enough to be able to afford it, have to pay a large private dental bill in a cost of living crisis. Children and others entitled to free dental care aren't able to get it.

“This Conservative government has been asleep at the wheel over NHS dentistry, and as well as taking local action Reading Council should lobby the government on this issue.

“Please sign the Green Party petition for Reading Council to lobby the Integrated Care Board and the government to come up with a plan to tackle the dental desert that Reading has become.”

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