Adam Dance MP joins colleagues to hand in petition calling for urgent action on NHS dentistry crisis

Today (7 January), Adam Dance MP joined colleagues and campaigners at Downing Street to hand in a petition demanding urgent action to address the NHS dentistry crisis. The petition, launched by The Mirror in partnership with the British Dental Association (BDA), the Women’s Institute and campaign group 38 Degrees, has been signed by over 257,000 people, highlighting widespread frustration with the state of NHS dental services.

Millions of people across the UK, including 13 million without access to an NHS dentist, are suffering. Some individuals are resorting to extreme measures such as pulling out their own teeth, while children are being hospitalised due to preventable tooth decay. Campaigners are urging the government to provide proper funding for NHS dentistry and reform failing contracts to rebuild the service, prioritise prevention, and ensure fair access to dental care for everyone.  

Adam Dance MP said: 

“Dentistry is a vital part of healthcare, yet millions of people across the UK, including many in our own communities, cannot access the NHS dental care they need. This crisis is causing unnecessary pain and long-term health issues, and it’s unacceptable. The strength of this petition shows how urgently reform is needed. I stand with my constituents and campaigners in calling on the government to properly fund NHS dentistry and deliver on their promises to rebuild this essential service.”  

Tony Page, a mouth cancer patient whose life was saved by a dental check-up, shared his story: 

“I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for a brilliant NHS dentist, who I was lucky enough to have access to, spotting something that quite literally saved my life. It just goes to show how important dental care is and how crucial it is for everyone to be able to access NHS dental services wherever they live.”

Veronica Hawking, Campaigns Director at 38 Degrees, added:

"The fact that a quarter of a million people have signed this petition demonstrates the widespread public frustration and clear demand for urgent action to fix NHS dentistry. Last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer was elected on a promise to tackle the NHS dentistry crisis and reform the broken system - voters expect him to make good on that commitment. Now it's time they deliver.”

Launched by The Mirror, the BDA, the Women’s Institute and 38 Degrees, the campaign reflects the mounting concerns of people across the UK. It calls for urgent reforms to NHS dentistry to rebuild the service, prioritise prevention, and ensure everyone has access to the care they need.