A shortage of dentists may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Makerfield by-election for Andy Burnham, according to recent polling data. The British Dental Association (BDA) investigation revealed that no dental practices in the area are currently accepting new adult NHS patients.
Survation polling conducted on behalf of campaigning group 38 Degrees highlighted the significance of this issue in what is considered one of the most consequential by-elections in modern British political history. Out of 500 surveyed Makerfield constituents, 63% expressed concerns about the accessibility of affordable NHS dental care, while only 32% reported no worries.
Moreover, the BDA’s outreach to dental practices listed as accepting new NHS patients on the NHS website revealed that none are currently accepting due to lengthy waiting lists, with the only available NHS dentistry option being Hindley Prison within the constituency.
Eddie Crouch, Chair of the BDA, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that promises by the government must be backed by proper funding to address the critical situation. The Dentists for All campaign, supported by a Mirror petition with over 250,000 signatures, is set to be debated in Parliament, highlighting the growing concern over the state of NHS dental services.
The petition was launched in response to a decade of funding cuts under previous Tory administrations, resulting in inadequate resources for NHS dentistry in England. While Labour is working on reforming the NHS dental payment contract, no substantial commitment to increased funding has been made yet.
In the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham of Labour faces a challenge from Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, who has faced controversy over past social media posts. With unclear policies on NHS funding, Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has hinted at a shift towards an insurance-based system while maintaining free access at the point of delivery.
Campaigns director Veronica Hawking stressed the importance of addressing the dental care crisis in Makerfield and urged all political parties to prioritize voters’ concerns. The need to restore funding for dental services, recruit more NHS dentists, and reform existing contracts to better meet patient needs has become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
