Treatment For Tooth Extractions Growing In Stockport

Thu, 27 Aug 2009

The number of people in Stockport having their teeth taken out has soared over the last 6 years, according to new figures.

Data from the Department of Health, released to MP Andrew Stunell, reveals a 60 per cent rise in tooth extractions among Stockport residents since 2003.

The increase has been blamed on a shortage of NHS dentists in the town, which has led to fewer regular inspections and treatment, and more extractions.

Commenting on the findings, Mr Stunell said: "There is a clear link between the shortage of NHS dentists in the area and the extraordinary rise in the number of people needing their teeth extracted under general anaesthetic ."

"Many people are unable to afford to go private and are simply missing out on regular treatment that would save these extractions."

" NHS dental provision for Stockport residents is in serious trouble," he continued. "Many people have been struggling for a long time to find an NHS dentist, and despite the Primary Care Trust's efforts, the situation is worsening."

"In December, I warned that the lack of access to local NHS dentists could mean that fewer people would go to a dentist at all, with their dental hygiene suffering as a result. I'm disappointed these figures prove I was right."

He added that the "staggering rise in tooth extractions" highlights the failure of the government’s dental contract, which was introduced in April 2006 in a bid to improve access to dental care .
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