New dentists providing 20,000 spots for patients

Somerset is set to benefit from three new NHS dental clinics, collectively offering 20,000 patient places to address the ongoing shortage of dental care in the county. Two clinics have already opened in Chard and Wellington, while a third in Crewkerne is scheduled to open in January.

This expansion represents the first significant NHS dental service procurement in Somerset since local commissioners assumed responsibility from NHS England in April 2023.

Local Residents Welcome the New Clinics

Emily Farr from Chard, among the first patients, expressed her relief: "I've had a tooth problem for several years and private treatment was far too expensive."

Approximately 8,000 individuals have shown interest in booking appointments at the new Chard clinic through an online portal, with the majority coming from nearby towns and villages.

The shortage of NHS dentists has created challenges for many residents. Nickie Smith from Bridgwater recounted her experience: after a mobility scooter accident a year ago, she endured six months with broken front teeth before finally receiving a denture after joining the NHS practice.

Smith said: "Waiting that long was awful. I felt embarrassed without my front teeth, and the dentists were extremely busy."

Concerns Over Registration Access

Roxy Koszmida from Chard raised issues about non-local patients registering before local residents. She has not seen a dentist in five years due to cost and website registration problems.

Koszmida stated: "Some people from Wells and Glastonbury were able to book before me. It feels unfair."

Clinic Commitment to Local Patients

Farha Mohamed, partner at One Smile Dental in Chard, emphasized the clinics mission: "Our priority is serving local residents. We hope to expand access to more patients by mid-2026 after treating our initial group."

Commentary: NHS Dental Expansion in Somerset

The launch of three new NHS dental clinics in Somerset marks a pivotal step in addressing the county’s longstanding shortage of accessible dental care. With two clinics already operational in Chard and Wellington, and a third in Crewkerne expected to open in January, the initiative provides 20,000 patient places, offering tangible relief to local residents who have faced extended waits and high private costs.

Early responses indicate strong community demand. The Chard clinic alone has attracted interest from approximately 8,000 individuals, highlighting the depth of unmet dental needs. Personal accounts underscore the strain caused by limited NHS availability, from prolonged dental issues to the social and physical consequences of delayed treatment.

Concerns over registration priority for local patients remain significant. While clinics emphasize their commitment to serving the surrounding communities first, experiences such as those reported by residents from Chard illustrate challenges in ensuring fair access for nearby populations.

Looking ahead, the clinics plan to expand capacity by mid-2026, reflecting a measured approach to balancing immediate demand with sustainable service delivery. This expansion represents the first major NHS dental procurement in Somerset since April 2023 and signals a renewed focus on addressing regional disparities in dental care.

Sources:

• New dentists offering 20,000 patient places

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.