I am aware that My Dentist has now permanently closed its South Molton practice after complications with the building. On top of this My Dentist have told the NHS that they are relinquishing their orthodontic contract in Barnstaple. Dentists are private businesses and can operate wherever they wish, but this obviously hugely disappointing news, on top of what I know is already a huge shortage of dentists in North Devon.
I contacted My Dentist about the decision and it has become clear that the reasons for closure are because they are unable to recruit new dentists, despite offering £25,000 as a golden hello. Yes we do have a dentist shortage in the UK, but My Dentist also highlighted that because of our remote location, poor transport links and older population that young dentists be they UK or international, in general, did not want to relocate to North Devon. This is obviously a far bigger issue than just a lack of dentists, and does echo some of the conversations I have had with dentists locally and nationally. But we as a community need to ensure that not just dentists, but other young professionals, want to be based in our community if our public services and economy is going to thrive.
I have already met with the Dentistry Minister, Dame Andrea Leadsom, OBE MP about the My Dentist closures, and she is taking a personal interest in the situation, as I know those in the middle of orthodontics treatment it is a particular concern. Any residents who have not bought their case to my attention please do email my office: [email protected]. I have also asked the Integrated Care Board who commission dentistry for help, as well as raising the recruitment concerns with both our District and County Council, as economic development is a local issue which I believe we need to look at way beyond just the specific dentistry issue.
