Rutland's Liberal Democrats have spoken out about a 'shocking' investigation of dentistry services across the UK in which new analysis by the BBC has found that 100% of dentistry practices they approached in Rutland are not accepting any new NHS patients.

This follows the announcement that NHS patients at MyDentist have been removed from their practice list prior to their relocation to Maresfield Road.

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of "breaking" the dental system due to a lack of investment. The party have also called for new plans to be brought forward to recruit more local NHS dentists, so no matter where you live you know you can get the NHS dental care you need.

Responding to the figures, the Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Cllr. Gale Waller said: "People in our area should know if they are in pain or face a health emergency that the NHS is there for them. Yet these scandalous figures prove NHS dentistry in Rutland is broken. 

"Our NHS dental system is broken because this Government has failed to recognise the problem and has failed to create contracts which attract dentists to, and keep them in, the NHS.

"The fault for this lies solely with the Conservatives. They have done next to nothing to tackle this crisis. Liberal Democrats are demanding a Health Minister explains to the people of Rutland just why we have no NHS dental care in the County for new NHS patients."

Liberal Democrat Councillor, Stephen Lambert (Uppingham Ward) added: "It would be wrong to think that people in Rutland don't require access to good quality, affordable dentistry. This lack of NHS dentists means that people are faced with unaffordable bills for treatment, just as many are struggling with the cost of living. The only alternative for some will be to live with the pain that comes with untreated dental health issues."

Find out more about this report here.

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