Answer:

Many people across the country are facing the difficulty that they do not have access to an NHS dentist when they really need one. A lot of dentists, because of cuts to their funding from central government, have decided only to take on privately paying patients. This is a particular problem in rural areas.

Firstly, you may wish to check with the Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT) which dentists are in your area and which are providing NHS services. You can check online at www.nhs.uk or by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647. You might be able to find a dentist slightly out of your normal town or area, but within Suffolk who is willing to take you on as a new patient.

Suffolk PCT is responsible for providing a suitable level of NHS dentists to cope with reasonable demand.

The national organisation Citizens Advice has for some time been running a campaign about access to NHS dentists. It uses information about the demand for NHS dentists in local communities in order to show the government and local PCTs that there is a requirement for more and better access to NHS dentists.

If you have internet access, then you can register your experiences with Citizens Advice by going to the website www.adviceguide.org.uk, clicking on the logo for NHS dentists at the top of the screen and completing the survey.

Alternatively, pop into the Sudbury and District CAB office and speak to an advisor who will be able to help you further.



This article is intended as a guide only. Please do not rely on this guide for advice in your personal situation. If you have any specific concerns or questions about how the rules could help you, then the Citizens' Advice Bureau may be able to help.

The CAB service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing advice and information and influencing policymakers. The advice provided by the CAB is free, independent, confidential and impartial and open to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

Sudbury and District Citizens' Advice Bureau, Belle Vue, Newton Road, Sudbury CO10 2RG, telephone 01787 374671, fax: 01787 881564, email: contact@sudburycab.org.uk.

Further information on other debt, welfare and consumer issues can be found on www.adviceguide.org.uk.