WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour has joined the British Dental Association (BDA), campaign group 38Degrees, and other MPs in Westminster calling for improved Government funding for NHS dentistry.

MPs from across the House of Commons met to raise awareness of a new ‘Fund NHS Dentistry Now’ petition which has gained more than 120,000 signatures.

The petition was put together by the BDA, Daily Mirror, and 38Degrees to highlight the fact that the Government currently only allocates £3 billion for NHS dentistry in England, enough to provide care for just half the population.

Mrs Gilmour has expressed ‘serious concerns’ about recent statistics from the House of Commons Library which show that the South West has the lowest dental delivery rates in the country at 61.6 per cent as of September, 2024, the most A&E visits due to dental problems, with 217.1 visits per 100,000 people in 2023-2024, and the highest NHS dentist vacancy rate at 22 per cent in the same year.

Recent NHS England statistics showed tooth decay was also the leading cause of hospital admissions in the five to nine years age range, with more than 21,000 children admitted to hospital in 2024-2025.

Mrs Gilmour said: “Ahead of the Budget, the Government must seriously consider increasing the funding for NHS dentistry and end the shameful reality of do it yourself dentistry.

“It is extremely concerning that the budget for NHS dentistry can only provide care for half the population in England, no wonder there are so many children and adults having problems accessing NHS appointments in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency.

“The Government needs to have a forward-thinking approach to NHS care, after all, prevention is cheaper than a cure.

“I will continue fighting to ensure there are more available NHS appointments right here in Devon and Somerset.”