NEW data has revealed people living in the Chew Valley, Longwell Green and other areas of North East Somerset are struggling to access NHS dentists,

Constituents in the newly formed North East Somerset and Hanham constituency cannot find a dentist who is able to take on new patients.

A total of 16 dentists across Keynsham, Saltford, Oldland Common, Hanham, Longwell Green, the Chew Valley and Paulton were contacted with an enquiry to take on a new NHS patient.

But the research has apparently found that not a single dentist in the new constituency is taking on new adult patients for NHS treatments.

This data comes after a recent poll by the British Dental Association found just 3 per cent of dentists believe the government’s dental recovery plan will result in them seeing more NHS patients

Out of 16 dentists identified in the new constituency, 12 (75 per cent) were not taking on any new NHS patients, even for a basic check-up. One was only taking new NHS patients for specialist dental care by referral, and another was only accepting children under 17. 

One practice would only take on new NHS patients for a basic check up, with any treatment having to be paid for privately. 

The final practice failed to respond to multiple attempts to enquire for a new NHS patient. 

Dr Rebecca Montacute, who carried out the research, and who is shortlisted in Labour’s race to select a candidate for the new constituency, has said people in the affected areas “deserve better.”