Amidst the national controversy over the availability of NHS dentists, Lib Dem councillors in Haringey have expressed concern at the official figures which show that less than 40% of adults and just 50% of children are registered with an NHS dentist in the North Central London area. The figures were published following a Parliamentary Question from the Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow MP.

Although North Central London has seen 2% increase in the last 4 years, there are no signs that this figure will dramatically increase with NHS registration for children under 18 falling nationally. Liberal Democrats in Haringey fear that a visible health gap is opening up with many families unable to pay for private check-ups and treatment, leading to a serious decline in dental health.

Lib Dem Health Spokesperson and group leader, Cllr Neil Williams wants to see the Government addressing the problem of dentists leaving the NHS. He is concerned with the current situation and fears it may worsen with the next generation of dental surgeons, who have had to pay tuition fees for their education, even keener to move into the lucrative private sector as soon as they can.

Cllr Williams comments:

“The lack of NHS dentists means that many people who cannot afford private treatment go without and this is resulting in a health underclass. The Government must address the reason why so many dentists are leaving the NHS, so that the crisis that we are facing here in London and nationally can be averted.”