Concerns Remain over Dentistry Provision on the Yorkshire Coast

Thursday, 21 December 2023 06:00

By Matthew Pells

There are concerns that the dental service on the Yorkshire Coast remains fragile.

There are concerns that a lack of dentists on the Yorkshire Coast could mean more people struggling to get treatment.

Many people in Eastfield were left without a dentist when the local practice closed last year.

And despite the opening of a new practice in Scarborough, Eastfield Councillor - Tony Randerson - feels the system is still precarious.

Councillor Randerson says the loss of the dental practice in Eastfield has been partly offset by the new practice in Scarborough, but says local people remain worried.

Healthwatch North Yorkshire published an update on the dentistry situation in North Yorkshire earlier this year they said:

"Dental access and oral health continue to be one of the subjects that we hear most about from the public. Accessing an NHS dentist still remains a challenge for many people, and one that is effecting people’s health, wealth and happiness. However despite this there have been some successes and we’re beginning to see an improvement in services."

Their report quoted one Scarborough resident who said:

“I am really starting to struggle with my mental health due to being unable to access NHS or Denplan treatment after four years of trying to get my teeth treated. My teeth are loose and about to fall out. I can’t eat out of worry.

I feel so depressed and embarrassed about my other bad teeth and gum disease getting worse. I am only 52 and starting to refuse photographs or smiling.

I am losing confidence and getting very depressed. I don’t fit the NHS 111 category so my teeth are going to rot and fall out.

I will never go out in public again.”