Paddy McGuinness shares dad's harrowing experience amid NHS dentist struggle

09 February 2024 , 12:45

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Paddy McGuinness appeared on Question Time last night where he said his dad had removed his own teeth with pliers because he could not get an NHS dentist (Image: BBC)

Paddy McGuinness has revealed his own dad removed his own teeth with pliers because he could not get an NHS dentist.

The Top Gear presenter revealed the horrifying story while appearing on BBC ’s Question Time during which he lambasted a top Tory for their broken promises while in government. His appearance on Thursday night came in a week which has seen chaotic scenes as prospective patients queued outside a dental practice in Bristol for days.

Presenter Fiona Bruce asked panellists “is it time to invest in a pair of pliers” and was visibly shocked at Paddy’s response. He said: “Funnily enough, my dad did that. He took his own teeth out because he couldn’t get a dentist appointment.”

Ms Bruce responded: “What?” Paddy said: “This is a few years back. So I know this first hand. But as someone who as a child was terrified of going to the dentist I’ve got to congratulate the Government, because they’ve managed to get people queuing up. People can’t wait to get in to the dentist. They’re saying “get me in there!”

Paddy appeared on Question Time last night (BBC)

Paddy, 50, grew up in Farnworth, Lancashire to Irish parents. He revealed last year that he lost his father to colon cancer.
Paddy appeared on the show alongside new Deputy Chair of the Conservatives James Daly.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

When questioned about the dentistry crisis Mr Daly said the Tories were “trying our very, very best to address the issues”.
Paddy sparked applause from the studio audience after he shot back: “It’s been announced this week because there’s an election around the corner, that’s why you’ve announced it.”

NHS data has indicated 83% of surgeries now refuse to accept adults as patients seeking NHS care. Just over 70% do not accept under-18s. Also on the panel was Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who tweeted after the show: “It’s tempting to make Paddy McGuinness the Chief Dental Officer tbh [to be honest].” The position of Chief Dental Officer for England has been vacant since May 2023 when the incumbent retired.

The British Dental Association had previously tweeted: “How on earth can the Government put the mouth back in the body when Ministers drag their heels over putting a new CDO in to NHS England?”

Earlier this week, hundreds queued outside St Pauls Dental Practice in Bristol, who had opened registrations for NHS patients (PA)

Paddy also discussed the Tories failed promises included the Brexit pledge to provide £350 million more a year for the NHS. Paddy said: "Lucky for me, most people know I'm not here for my great political brain. But that didn't stop Boris Johnson, so that's alright. For me, James, you saying to Wes that Sir Keir Starmer is doing anything to get a vote is a bit rich coming from a Tory, let me tell you. We're still waiting on the £350 million a week Boris Johnson promised us for the NHS."

Mr Daly claimed the NHS had received the money, but Paddy replied: "Well where is it? Why is the NHS on its knees if it's here? Why are they going on strike, nurses and doctors, if it's here? Where is it?"

The plan for dentistry includes a New Patient Premium for dentists to receive a bonus of between £15 and £50 for treating someone who has not had a check up for two years. The minimum amount paid to dentists for NHS treatments will also rise from £23 to £28. However only 900 of the 8,000 practices in England are not currently getting a £28 minimum so a minority of practices will benefit from the uplift.

Crucially, it is unclear whether the NHS dentistry budget will be increased. It has flatlined at around £3 billion for the last decade which after inflation has meant a real terms cut of around £1 billion.

Rishi Sunak was grilled on the lack of NHS dental care during an appearance on BBC Radio Devon. The Prime Minister, who is on a visit to the South West, acknowledged it would be an "important" area in the next general election. Mr Sunak dismissed criticism of his dental plan from dentists, 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."

Martin Bagot