A dental pressure group from Huntingdon attended a high-level discussion in Westminster about the current state of NHS dentistry.  

Toothless in Huntingdon was invited to a roundtable discussion with the government’s Health and Social Care Committee.  

Simon Brignell, who represented the group, says he aims to “drive home the desperation and pain that patients are going through” when it comes to accessing NHS dental services.  

Toothless in Huntingdon and its national group Toothless in England were invited to the event at Portcullis House after submitting evidence to the committee’s inquiry on NHS dentistry earlier this year. 

The findings were published in July and advised “the government needs to undertake urgent and fundamental reform if people are to receive the dental and oral care they need”.  

The Hunts Post: Mark Jones (L) who founded the original pressure group Toothless in Suffolk and Simon Brignell who represents Toothless in Huntingdon.Mark Jones (L) who founded the original pressure group Toothless in Suffolk and Simon Brignell who represents Toothless in Huntingdon. (Image: Toothless in Huntingdon)The report opening summary added: “It is frustrating to have to return to recommendations made by our predecessor Committee 15 years ago that still haven’t been implemented.” 

Initial changes had been made to the NHS dental contract in 2022, but the committee argues “fundamentally reformed contract” needs to be implemented.  

Toothless in Huntingdon is also concerned the government has not yet engaged with the committee’s most recent findings four months after their publication.  

The campaign group’s press release said: “So far it has offered only minor reforms which, according to Toothless in Huntingdon, are inadequate and amount to ‘rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic’.    

In the meantime, the group is trying to find a democratic way forward for NHS dentistry in the area and has met with Cllr Alex Bulat, a Cambridgeshire county councillor.  

The Hunts Post: The pressure group were part of discussions about NHS dentistry held with the Health and Social Care Committee in Westminster. The pressure group were part of discussions about NHS dentistry held with the Health and Social Care Committee in Westminster. (Image: Toothless in Huntingdon)She has proposed submitting a motion to the council reflecting the asks of Toothless in Huntingdon.  

Mr Brignell said: “This sort of action could be a real step forward for NHS dentistry in the county. 

“Toothless in Huntingdon is more than happy to continue working together with local politicians toward the end of winning an NHS dentist for everyone.”