Cornwall dentistry summit draws 160 questions on NHS access

More than 160 residents had sent in questions before anyone took a seat. That was the number Cornwall Council received ahead of its Cornwall Dentistry Summit, and it says a lot about how much sits behind the words “NHS dentistry” across the Duchy right now.

The summit brought together dental professionals, NHS leaders, councillors, community organisations and residents to talk through the challenges facing NHS dentistry and to agree practical actions on improving access across Cornwall.

A summit born from a council motion

Cornwall Council organised the summit after the unanimous, cross-party support given to Councillor Rosie Moore’s motion on NHS dentistry earlier this year.

It also sits within the wider work of the North Cornwall Dental Action Group. That group was set up by Rosie Moore and North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire, and brings local partners together to develop what they describe as “practical solutions” to the dental crisis.

160 questions before the doors opened

The volume of resident questions submitted ahead of the day, more than 160, points to the scale of public concern about getting an NHS dental appointment in Cornwall. Those questions were put to the organisations around the table alongside the discussion between professionals and NHS leaders.

What Rosie Moore said

Cornwall Councillor Rosie Moore said the summit was a step on from the motion itself.

“I’m delighted to see our summit take place following the motion I brought before Cornwall Council earlier this year. Passing the motion was an important first step, but what matters is now turning those commitments into real action.

“It was encouraging to see lots of organisations around the table, alongside the voices of Cornish residents with their questions, discussing how we can improve access to NHS dentistry across Cornwall. Through the North Cornwall Dental Action Group and continued partnership working, we’re aiming to bring about the right changes that Cornwall needs to solve this crisis.”

What Ben Maguire said

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire framed the day around what he called a “dental desert” facing his constituents.

“It is encouraging to see Cornwall Council, the NHS, and local partners all working together to focus on solutions to the ‘dental desert’ crisis my constituents face.

“We know the scale of the challenge facing families across the Duchy, with many people still basically completely unable to access an NHS dentist. Alongside the proud Liberal Democrats’ work at Cornwall Council, I’m pressing Ministers up in Parliament and liaising with local health executives to make sure we deliver the right improvements here locally.”