A West Lothian MP has used Prime Minister’s Questions to demand action on ‘dental deserts’.
This week at PMQ’s, Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan called on the Prime Minister to tackle the growing problem of dental deserts and ensure local NHS dentistry is accessible to all communities across the UK.
Highlighting the situation in Blackburn, Kirsteen drew attention to the dedicated dental space in the Blackburn Partnership Centre, which has remained unused since the centre opened in 2018.
NHS Lothian has been unable to secure a dental practice to operate from the facility, leaving residents without local access to essential dental care.
Kirsteen asked the Prime Minister: “Dental deserts mean that routine dental check-ups and treatment are often unavailable in local communities.
“In my constituency, we have had a dedicated space for a dental practice in the Blackburn Partnership Centre since 2018, but NHS Lothian has been unable to secure a dental practice.
“What steps will the Prime Minister take to work with devolved Governments to improve access to local NHS dentists across the UK?”
In his response, the Prime Minister acknowledged the severity of the issue, citing data showing that a third of Scots struggle to access dental care and a quarter of Scottish children start primary school with tooth decay.
He criticised the Scottish Government’s handling of public services in Scotland and pledged to work with devolved Governments to improve children’s oral health and access to dentistry.
Kirsteen Sullivan responded to the exchange.
She continued: “For years, the people of Blackburn and surrounding areas have been left without access to essential dental services.
“This is not just a matter of convenience – it’s about ensuring routine check-ups that can prevent serious health issues and save lives.
“This problem is not unique to Blackburn; across Scotland and the UK, too many people are left behind by a postcode lottery in dental care.
“While the Prime Minister has acknowledged the issue, the UK and Scottish Governments must now work together to ensure communities like Blackburn get the services they desperately need. I will continue to press for progress on this issue locally and nationally to ensure that no community is left without access to the dental care they deserve.”
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