THE Government has been challenged by one of West Somerset’s MPs over the ongoing difficulty many people face in accessing NHS dental appointments.

Sir Ashley Fox raised specific concerns about the provision of NHS dentistry services in rural areas during health questions in the House of Commons.

He asked Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock what assessment the Government had made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services.

In response, the Minister highlighted additional appointments delivered since the General Election and outlined forthcoming contract reforms.

But, speaking in the Chamber, Sir Ashley drew attention to the situation facing residents in his Bridgwater constituency which also took in some of the rural communities in West Somerset.

Sir Ashley said: “My constituents continue to find it very difficult to get an appointment with an NHS dentist.

“What steps is the Minister taking to encourage dentists in rural areas, so that my constituents can have access to an NHS dentist?”

The Minister stated that nationally 1.8 million additional NHS dental treatments had been delivered between April and October, 2025, compared with the same period before Labour was elected.

He also offered to provide constituency-level data on NHS dentistry provision in the area.

Following the exchange, Sir Ashley said: “Access to NHS dentistry remains one of the most common concerns raised with me.

“People are struggling to find appointments, and in rural areas the problem can be even more acute.

“I will continue pressing the Government to ensure that rural communities are not overlooked and that NHS dentistry is genuinely accessible and affordable for my constituents.”

Last month, Exmoor Dental Centre, which has relocated to new premises in Minehead, announced it was taking new NHS patients under the age of 18 years.

It said pre-registration forms could be collected from its practice in Bancks Street.