Local campaigner Lorna Spenceley has today called on the Government to tackle the crisis in NHS dentistry. She referred to figures which show that

• As many as one in five people in Harlow are not registered with an NHS dentist.


• Nearly one in ten local residents has had problems trying to register as an NHS patient with a local dentist.


• One in three Harlow residents says check-up charges have put them off having dental check-ups.

The figures come from Lorna Spenceley's NHS Study, carried out in March and April this year. Nearly 700 people responded to the survey.

Lorna Spenceley is calling for:

• Tony Blair to keep his promise for everyone to get access to an NHS dentist.


• Free dental check ups for everyone.


• The Government to get more dentists to take on more NHS work, with the speedy introduction of a contract that pays dentists for each patient on their list, rather than per treatment.


• A focus on getting people registered, not just treated in emergencies.


• The Government to support primary care trusts to provide access to NHS dentists.

Lorna Spenceley said:

"In Harlow, at least one in five local people are not registered with an NHS dentist. Under Labour charges for check ups are rocketing. Charges for check ups prevent problems being picked up early enough. They should be scrapped. Tony Blair must keep his promise to get to grips with the crisis in dental care. Every patient deserves to be able to register with a local NHS dentist - and not to feel put off by the cost of check-ups and treatment."

Recent changes to dental charges proposed by the government mean that the cost of a check up could more than double from £6 to £15. Charges for simple treatment such as fillings would be £41. These charges would be likely to increase the proportion of local residents discouraged from getting a dental check up, and even from seeking treatment when it is needed.

British Dental Association research shows that nearly 60% of high street dentists will either reduce their NHS commitment or quit the NHS altogether as a result of initial plans for a new dental contract.