Community voices their concerns for children’s oral health

In April 2023, the Liberal Democrats released data exposing the rise in “dental deserts” across the country. The survey revealed that some areas now have over 3,000 people for every NHS dentist, creating long waiting lists and increasing pressure on dental professionals.

Andre Louw, chair of the Somerset Local Dental Committee and a Bridgewater dentist, spoke to BBC News about his concerns. He said, "Since the pandemic, because of the increased workload, it became very difficult to take on new patients.

"This part of the world is very difficult to retain and attract new dentists to the area."

David Fothergill, leader of Somerset County Council and the chair of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, echoed Andre’s concerns. He said, “My concern for dental provision within the county is that we really aren't spotting the issues which are developing in quite young children, that they are not presenting themselves to dentists, and they're not following the right preventative work that they need to have.