The British Dental Association has warned the Government that sticking plaster policies will not ease the crisis in NHS dentistry, following unprecedented scenes in Bristol last month as police attempted to disperse hundreds of people seeking NHS care.

Lines formed early this morning outside a former Bupa Dental Care site, now reopening as Saint Pauls Dental Practice. Videos posted on X show police attempting to turn away crowds. The Government has repeatedly stated its goal is to provide NHS dental care for all who need it. The BDA has not seen anything in trailed policies capable of meeting that objective.

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Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee said: ‘Does the future of NHS dentistry involve the police turning away desperate patients? If Ministers think sticking plaster polices will solve this crisis, then these scenes will be repeated. Nothing short of fundamental reform can save this service and restore access to millions.'