Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for West Dorset, Edward Morello, has launched a campaign to end Dorset's Dental Desert.
“So many of us have stories of how hardworking NHS staff have gone above and beyond for us when we needed it most.
“For me, it was when my son was born. The care and support my wife and I received from NHS staff was excellent. We couldn’t imagine our life without the NHS.
“But we all know our NHS staff are making do with very little.
“The Conservatives have failed the NHS year after year. So many people are struggling to see a GP or a dentist when they need one. We can’t go on like this.
“The Conservatives can’t be trusted with our NHS.
“This is personal for me. The NHS is my top priority.”
“The thought of not having basic dental care for my son keeps me up at night.”
Edward Morello
For so many across Dorset, access to basic dental care is a real struggle.
Talking about raising his young family in Dorset, Edward Morello tells us his worries about Dorset’s ‘dental desert’.
“The thought of not having basic dental care for my son keeps me up at night. My wife and I are also struggling to sign up for an NHS dentist. I know we’re not the only ones.
“That’s why I’ve devoted myself to campaigning for better funding for NHS dentistry in Dorset. It’s not right that people who are working hard can’t get affordable dental care.”
The British Dental Association says that there has been a £1 billion cut in th“e dental budget in real terms since 2010.
“We have all seen the images of people queuing around the street for the chance to register with a new NHS dentist here in the South West. A symptom of the Conservatives neglecting our dentists.
“Our plan will boost the number of dental appointments available on the NHS, meaning families like mine will have a chance to get the dental care we sorely need.”
The rescue plan also includes additional resources for mobile dental clinics to visit schools and the removal of VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.
You can sign Edward's petition backing the Lib Dem plan by clicking here.
Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate is calling for action to ensure that everyone in West Dorset can access an NHS dentist when they need one.
Lib Dem research has revealed that fewer than one-in-two children saw an NHS dentist last year, while only a third of adults did in the past two years.