Access to dental services in Somerset is bucking national trends, it has been revealed.
Latest dental access statistics for the UK, published in the British Dental Association's (BDA's) Oral Health Inequalities Policy, revealed an "unacceptable and growing chasm" between those with good and poor dental health .
The report said poor oral health was closely linked to low socio-economic status, and called for a more preventive approach to dentistry .
But Richard Wood, NHS Somerset's dental commissioning lead, said dental staff in the county took pre-emptive steps to ensure Somerset didn’t suffer the same problem.
He said: "We know that low income, poor education and lack of life chances can be a major factor in how healthy your teeth and mouth is."
"This is particularly evident when comparing the harm done to people's teeth and increased risk of mouth cancer caused by excessive smoking and drinking."
"We are working hard in Somerset to reduce these inequalities in dental health and have already made great strides.
He added: "Despite news media reports of NHS dental shortages in other parts of England, NHS dental provision in Somerset has always been relatively good."
"There are currently 27 NHS dental practices taking on new NHS patients If people want NHS treatment we have dentists ready and waiting to treat them."
