09 February 2024 , 09:32
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Rishi Sunak was confronted on air over the struggles of a single mum trying to access an NHS dentist.
In an interview with BBC Radio Devon, presenter Michael Chequer challenged the Prime Minister over messages from listeners who are being forced to pay for private dental care.
"I wonder if you get the scale and the anger and the worry about access to dentistry, particularly in Devon, in the South West," the presenter said.
It comes as more than 100,000 people signed a Mirror petition demanding fair access to dentists for all.
One woman, Sharon, had been unable to get a register herself or her 19-year-old daughter for an NHS dentist and was being forced to use a private one. "I don't know what to do in a dental emergency," she told the programme.
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The presenter also played Mr Sunak a clip from listener, Rachel, whose dentist went private last year. She said: "I am a very proud being a single mum that I can hold my own financially.
"But in this climate I have had to take out a credit card for emergency purposes and unfortunately, if I needed dental treatment, that would be an emergency situation. It would have to go on the credit card."
Mr Sunak said: "That's exactly why I came to the South West to talk about dentistry because I know it's been a particular challenge here. We announced these plans this week, I really think they will make a difference."
He brushed off criticism of his new dental plan from the British Dental Association, telling the station: "Everyone will have their views, I'm confident that it will make a difference. It's a significant amount of money. It's two-and-a-half million appointments, which will take us back to pre-Covid levels."
The Government unveiled a dental recovery plan to hike the minimum amount paid to dentists for NHS treatments from £23 to £28 for practices receiving below this rate. Dentists who set up practice in areas of England with little access to NHS care will be offered a £20,000 bonus.
But dentists slammed the “sticking plaster” plan - and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins refused to rule out whether it could mean more budget cuts.