Home / Health / 20,000 New NHS Dental Places Open in County
20,000 New NHS Dental Places Open in County
5 Dec
Summary
- Three new NHS dental practices are opening, adding 20,000 patient places.
- New facilities are located in Chard, Wellington, and Crewkerne.
- This expansion follows NHS commissioners taking over dentistry responsibilities.
Three new NHS dental practices are opening in Somerset, significantly increasing local dental care capacity. These practices will offer a combined total of 20,000 new patient places, addressing a critical shortage of NHS dental services in the county. Two of these facilities have already opened their doors in Chard and Wellington, with a third anticipated to launch in Crewkerne by January.
This expansion represents the first major procurement of NHS dental services in Somerset since April 2023, when local NHS commissioners took over direct responsibility for dentistry from NHS England. The initiative aims to provide accessible and affordable dental treatment options for residents who have struggled to find NHS care.
Residents have welcomed the news, with early patients like Emily Farr from Chard sharing their relief. Farr highlighted her long-standing tooth problems and the prohibitive cost of private dental care, which often runs into thousands of pounds. The new practices offer a much-needed alternative for individuals facing similar challenges.
