New NHS data has revealed that an additional 2,294 Isle of Wight children have been seen by an NHS dentist over the last year compared to the 12 months before the General Election, correlating to a 23% increase.
The news follows work by Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, which brought together the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and dentists from across the Island in order to increase the number of available appointments.
As a result, a series of changes to strengthen NHS dentistry on the Isle of Wight are now helping to improve access, expand capacity, and support patients across the Island.
Nationally, the Government has already delivered 1.8 million additional dental treatments compared to before the election – and is on track to deliver over 2.5 million.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“These figures are really encouraging, but we know they are only the beginning of what will be a long journey to get NHS dentistry back to where it needs to be.
“But I want to thank the ICB and local island dentists for working with me to ensure that more children on the island get to see a dentist.
“During the 2024 general election campaign, I lost count of the number of Islanders who told me about their struggles accessing an NHS dentist. Time and again, residents shared their frustration with the lack of appointments and the challenges of getting the care they need.
Article continues below this advertisement “That’s why improving access to NHS dentistry became one of my top priorities when I was elected.
“Families deserve the confidence of knowing they can access a dentist when they need one, and that their children can receive the care they deserve.”
