MP joins forces with the British Dental Association to attract more NHS dentists to the South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron has met with the chair of the British Dental Association (BDA) Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen as part of his campaign to fix the ongoing dental crisis in the South Lakes.

Recent research from the BDA found that South Cumbria is the worst area in the country for access to an NHS dentist, with people having to travel to either Maryport or Blackpool for their nearest available place.

During the meeting, Tim learnt that over half of all adults in Cumbria haven't seen an NHS dentist in the past two years, whilst over 1 in 3 children in the county don't have a place with an NHS dentist.

In the meeting Tim agreed to work with the BDA to lobby the Government to change the current NHS dentist contracts to focus on rewarding dentists for doing preventative care.

Tim said: "It was great to meet with Henrik as part of our campaign to get more NHS dentists for Cumbria.

"We face a desperate situation in the South Lakes - patients should not have to travel to North West Cumbria or Blackpool to receive dental care.

"Speaking to Henrik it's clear that the current contract is simply not fit for purpose - we need to start rewarding dentists for doing preventative work.

"I look forward to working more closely with the BDA to get the Government to sit up, take notice and change the contract so people get the dental treatment they need locally."