Dozens of desperate patients have formed lengthy queues outside a dental practice which announced it would welcome thousands of fresh NHS patients. The Lodge Causeway Dental Centre in Fishponds, Bristol, revealed it would open its books to new patients today between 8am and 4pm.
The surgery had previously made thousands of fresh appointments available to NHS patients back in July, though these were restricted to those suffering pain or requiring urgent dental treatment. Following the recruitment of three additional dentists, a practice spokesperson has estimated they could accommodate up to 3,000 new patients.
A practice owner explained: “We’re pleased to offer an opportunity for new NHS patients from our local community to register with us, in response to the ongoing high demand for NHS dental care in the area.
“To ensure we can manage enquiries efficiently and continue to provide uninterrupted service to our existing patients, we’ve chosen to open our appointment books for new registrations on one dedicated Saturday.”
Similar scenes unfolded in February 2024 when Saint Paul’s Dental Practice opened its doors, providing much-coveted NHS dental treatment.
Emily Mayes, 36, who is six months pregnant, arrived to join the queue at 7:30am. She revealed she hasn’t visited a dentist for 25 years and experiences bleeding gums whilst also having a chipped tooth.
Emily explained: “The reason I am here is because I am pregnant and I haven’t been to the dentist in 25 years. I chipped my tooth a year ago, and I haven’t been able to get it fixed. I have bleeding gums, but I haven’t been able to get to a dentist, which is why I am standing here. Things should not be this way. I am also thinking about my unborn child, they won’t have a dentist, and they should have dental care.”
“That will be another hill I will need to go over.”
Maurine Watts, an 80 year old from Kingswood, Bristol, has been in the queue since 6:30am. Since 2020, Maurine hasn’t managed to secure a dentist appointment.
She stated: “I have been waiting a long time for an NHS dentist. I am so pleased for people to get this opportunity to get their teeth seen to after so long. I have been waiting so long, my two front teeth at the front have collapsed, and I cannot afford a private dentist. I have been standing here since 6:30, I have just filled in the form, and I hope I get accepted.”
A 41 year old electrician from St George, Bristol, revealed he hasn’t had a dental check-up since 2020. He’s been queuing since 6:30am this morning.
He commented: “Its very cold, I have been out here since 6:30am. I have been waiting for a dentist spot for years – I went privately around COVID. People aren’t taking new patients NHS wise so I haven’t been able to get an appointment since. I don’t know why it is so hard to get a dentist, it really shouldn’t be this way. I am hopeful I get a spot today – I need a check-up.”