Councils commit to improving dental care in North Devon

North Devon and Torridge District Councils are taking action to address the ongoing dental care crisis in the region. 

Following a joint meeting last month, the councils are committed to implementing a range of strategies aimed at improving local dental services.

The special meeting brought together members of North Devon Council's Policy Development Committee and Torridge District Council's External Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

During the session, a panel of dental professionals highlighted the significant challenges facing the dental sector, both regionally and across the country. 

They also fielded questions from both the committees and the public, providing valuable insights into the current situation.

Since the meeting, both councils have held follow-up sessions to outline actionable steps for enhancing dental provision. 

These steps include working closely with education providers to create stronger links to dentistry qualifications and promoting better oral health across the region.

Additionally, the councils plan to emphasize the need for improved dental services in their joint local plan and economic strategy.

Councillor John Patrinos, Vice-Chair of North Devon Council's Policy Development Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “As councillors we have been inundated with complaints from residents about access to dentists and orthodontists in the area and have heard concerning stories of people of all ages foregoing treatment or travelling across the country to see dentists in areas they previously lived.

“Our councils are committed to doing what we can to help mitigate and improve on these issues.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Chair of Torridge District Council's External Overview and Scrutiny Committee, echoed these concerns: “The sustained lack of dental provision across Torridge and North Devon has led to a critical reduction in health outcomes.  As councillors, we are extremely concerned about the lack of NHS dentists and the massive impact it has on the community – especially when we hear horror stories of people resorting to DIY dentistry and the potential problems it is storing up for the future. 

“As a council we are fully supportive and committed to doing what we can to make this happen and bring more dental provision into our area.”

The recording of last month's joint meeting is available for viewing on YouTube, offering the public a chance to see the full discussion and proposed solutions in action.