Liverpudlians are struggling to book an NHS dentist appointment with a new surgery.
A nationwide shortage of dentists is wreaking havoc on patients. The UK is now a dental desert, according to experts, after more than 2,000 specialists quit the NHS in 2021.
Thousands have complained how difficult it is to get an appointment. Last week, one Southport mum expressed her anger after she was struck off her NHS's dentist list after more than 62 years.
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The ECHO contacted more than 15 city surgeries to investigate how widespread the problem was. After approaching each practice we did not find a single surgery willing to take on NHS patients.
A handful of surgeries, including My Dentist Park Road and Love Smile on Smithdown Road, were open to private bookings.
Broadway Dental Practice, on Townsend Avenue, L11 do not have a waiting list and have not signed any new patients up since 2019. My Dentist Park Road, L8 is offering private check-ups for £39 but has no new NHS appointments.
The Park Road surgery said it could be 12 months until it takes on any new customers. A receptionist from Belle Vale Dental Centre said it was dealing with a backlog of patients from Covid.
Walton Road Dental Practice has not taken on any new patients since July 2021 and urged new residents to check its website. Sheil Road Dental Practice in Fairfield, only offers private care and is in desperate need of five new dentists.
County Road Dental Practice has urged patients to call again in August as the surgery is short staffed and looking for maternity cover. Hale Road Dental Practice has no new NHS slots and will create a new waiting list in two months’ time.
Swanside Dental Practice in Huyton, and Rice Lane Dental Care in Walton, have not taken on any new patients in two years. Queens Drive Dental Surgery in Walton, does not have a waiting list and told customers to phone again in July.
Love Smile is offering a minimum fee of £45 for an appointment and additional costs of £60-£150 for new fillings. A receptionist from Muirhead Dental Practice on Muirhead Ave East, said to “keep ringing” for an NHS appointment.
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