Number of NHS dentists in North East Lincolnshire drops by almost 20%
There used to be 73 back in 2017, but now there are only 59
The number of NHS dentists in North East Lincolnshire has dropped by almost 20% in the last 5 years.
The area had 73 back in 2017, but now there are only 59.
Tracy Slattery, from the local Healthwatch group, isn't shocked by the figures.
"We are aware of the issue regarding dentistry.
"I'm also aware that at a regional level, across Yorkshire and the Humber, they're having the same issues we are.
"Obviously, due to the Covid impact, this has compounded the issue even further."
She said it's affecting people of all ages.
"We have a high rate of children under-5 having teeth extracted.
"If you look at those that live in care homes that are not being able to access dental or oral health services of any description, that's compounding their health and wellbeing across the board because they're not going to be able to eat or drink correctly."