Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Victoria Charleston has actively called for an end to Salisbury’s ‘dental desert’.
Access to NHS dental services is an issue Victoria has long been aware of, and one that residents continue to raise with her regularly.
To understand the scale of the problem, Victoria contacted NHS dental practices to confirm current waiting times. Two practices were not marked as urgent‑care providers, but none were accepting NHS patients. Instead, residents were advised to call daily in the hope of securing a cancellation.
Data from the British Dental Association highlights the extent of the issue faced by residents across the Salisbury constituency. In Wiltshire, only 33% of adults have been seen by an NHS dentist in the last two years, a notable decline compared to 2019.
While there are 343 dentists in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) area carrying out some NHS work, this equates to just 119 full‑time equivalent NHS dentists, reflecting the wider pressures that are leading many to reduce their NHS commitments.
Responding to these figures, Victoria Charleston said, “Behind these figures are real experiences. I am hearing from elderly and vulnerable residents who are travelling as far as the New Forest to access treatment on the NHS, and from families who are paying around £85 for routine six‑monthly check‑ups. At a time when many households are already under financial pressure, this is simply not sustainable.”
Victoria has written to the ICB to discuss how she can work with them to support efforts locally and help ensure residents know what services are available. She has seen the success of recent approaches in Somerset and is determined to bring similar improvements to South Wiltshire.
Residents can support the campaign by filling out the dental survey and sharing their experiences of accessing dental care via the Salisbury Liberal Democrats website: https://www.salisburylibdems.uk/dentist-survey.
Take the hassle out of council tax: switch to e‑billing
Traditional Goose Fair returns in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity
Bennett Scores Points After Qualifying Disappointment in Hungary
Share Your Views on Adult Social Care
Revan Returns for a Second Season at the Ray Mac
Popular Organ Prom returns to Salisbury Cathedral
Wiltshire remains one of the safest places in the country despite rise in recorded crime
Wiltshire Council strengthens commitment to tackling violence against women and girls
