Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: A new NHS dentist is welcome news. Now we must go further

In her weekly Sussex World column, Alison Griffiths MP welcomes a new NHS dental practice in Littlehampton, while warning that local families still struggle to access care.

An NHS dentist opening in Littlehampton should hardly be headline news. Given how difficult finding an appointment has become, it really is.

Last Friday, I joined Littlehampton’s Mayor, Councillor Maralyn May, and Karen McDowell, Chief Executive of NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB, at the official opening of One Smile Dental in Beach Road. Congratulations to Amit Patel and Katie Cook, who run the practice, founder Farha Mohamed, and everyone who made it happen.

Nobody should have to spend their lunch break ringing surgery after surgery, only to be told there are no NHS appointments. Yet that is what constituents tell me.

In Parliament, I spoke about Anthony from Littlehampton, who needed a dental crown costing hundreds of pounds he could not afford. Clare in Bognor Regis had kept up with NHS appointments but was put on a waiting list when her practice reduced NHS provision.

People want a check-up when they need one, affordable treatment, and somewhere nearby to take their children. Their income should not decide whether their teeth get treated.

In June, I welcomed new NHS dental contracts for Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. Four months later, One Smile is opening its doors. That is real progress, and everyone involved deserves credit.

But one new practice cannot fix dentistry’s wider problems. When I challenged Labour Ministers in the Commons, they acknowledged that the NHS dental contract is not working. Acknowledging a problem and fixing it are different things.

We need more dentists providing NHS care in coastal communities, and more focus on prevention before problems become painful, expensive emergencies. Another One Smile practice is planned for Bognor Regis, which I look forward to visiting.

For families who have spent months searching for care, what matters is not another announcement. It is being able to book an appointment.

One Smile is a welcome step for Littlehampton. Now we must build on it.