Sir Ashley Fox MP has criticised the continued decline in NHS dental access across Somerset after figures provided by the Government revealed that thousands fewer NHS dental treatments are being delivered locally under Labour.
Earlier this year Ashley Fox asked Health Minister Stephen Kinnock what steps were being taken to improve access to NHS dentists in rural areas, following ongoing concerns from constituents struggling to secure appointments.
In response the Minister claimed the Government had delivered 1.8 million additional NHS dental appointments nationally and offered to provide Ashley Fox with the specific figures for Somerset.
However the figures later provided by the Department of Health showed that Somerset Integrated Care Board delivered 5,559 fewer NHS dental treatments in the seven months to October 2025 compared with the same period before the General Election, a reduction of around 4%.
Raising the issue again in Parliament last week, Ashley Fox told the Leader of the House of Commons:
“I was concerned when the Minister replied that Somerset ICB delivered 5,559 fewer NHS dental treatments in the seven months to October 2025 compared with the same period before the election, that is 4% fewer dental treatments in Somerset under Labour.”
He went on to question why dental services in Somerset were worsening despite repeated Government promises to improve access.
Speaking afterwards Ashley Fox said:
“Residents regularly contact me because they cannot register with an NHS dentist or are waiting far too long for treatment. In rural communities particularly, access remains a serious problem.
The Government promised improvements but the figures provided show the situation in Somerset has actually gone backwards. This is simply unacceptable.
I will be seeking a meeting with Sue Doheny, Regional Director of NHS England South West, to discuss what action is being taken to improve NHS dental access for residents across Somerset and what urgent steps can be taken to reverse this decline.”
Responding in the House of Commons, the Leader of the House insisted the Government remained committed to improving NHS dental access nationally, while acknowledging concerns raised about Somerset.
