Lancashire dental crisis: Fulwood dental surgery Dentistry by Cure Clinics is offering free checkups this month

A recently opened dental clinic on Eastway Retail Hub, Fulwood, is offering free essential dental checkups throughout the months of July, August and September to those in Preston who may be struggling to access their dentist.

Dentistry by Cure Clinics is the latest dental clinic to open in Preston which claims to boast “a modern and relaxing clinic, with state of the art technology and a focus on patient experience.”

Their free scheme comes as the Post recently revealed that no NHS dentists in Lancashire are currently taking on new adult patients, in what has proven to be a national dental crisis.

Explaining why the clinic was opening up free essential dental checkup appointments to those eligible, clinical director Dr Chris Ball said: “It has never been harder to see a dentist. Many people are struggling to register with a dentist, let alone book an appointment. The oral health of the general public is suffering as a result, and we feel like we are in a good position to help people within our local community”

The current UK dental crisis, fuelled by a lack of dentists and a backlog exacerbated by the pandemic, is meaning some people are waiting months or even years between dental checkups.

Recent statistics from HealthWatch show that 63% of people they surveyed had difficulty booking an appointment and over 30% couldn’t access the treatment they required.

The crisis has led to ‘dental deserts’ emerging across the UK; areas where there is little or no dental provision, and people are having to manage without proper oral health care.

Chris explains that whilst the practice is not yet operating at full capacity, they have the ability to make an impact and combat the dental crisis within Preston.

He said: “As a newly opened practice, we aren’t yet at full capacity. That means we have empty appointment slots in our calendar which could be utilised to serve the local community by providing essential dental checkups which can identify key issues such as oral cancer, tooth decay and gum health, amongst other things. There’s no catch or charge, it’s just our way of paying into the local community and helping those who need it.”

So far the clinic has given away 196 free appointments, and there are still 230 available appointments until mid September.

The appointments, which do not include treatment, check for key oral health issues including: tooth wear and tear, gum health, tooth decay and oral cancer check.

Each patient is then provided with a bespoke treatment plan, written by a dentist.

There is no cost or obligation to use the clinic’s services, and the only qualifying criteria is that patients have had difficulty accessing a dentist within the last 6 months, and that they live in a PR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 25 or 26 postcode.

There is one booking available per person, with both individual and parent and child appointments available.

In order to make a booking, people are asked to visit www.getseensooner.co.uk or call 01772 953 510.