In a recent parliamentary debate, Richard Foord, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton, voiced urgent concerns over the availability of NHS dental care, particularly for cancer patients in rural areas such as Devon. The MP highlighted the government's recent initiative, which includes one-off payments aimed at attracting dentists to less accessible locations, but stressed that this measure falls short of addressing the broader crisis.

During the session, Foord presented the distressing story of Robin Whatling from Tiverton, a cancer patient who resorted to extracting his own tooth due to the unavailability of NHS dental appointments. This drastic step came after his scheduled NHS dental treatment was abruptly cancelled, with the dental practice deciding to cease NHS services.

The British Dental Association has signaled an alarming increase in such "DIY dentistry," with reports indicating that 80% of dentists have encountered patients attempting self-treatment due to the lack of professional care. This trend underscores the dire state of NHS dental services, exacerbated by a real-terms funding reduction of £1 billion under the current Conservative government.

Mr. Foord called for significant reforms, including the revision of the NHS dental contract to increase appointment availability and the establishment of a fast-track system for cancer patients needing urgent dental care. He criticized the government's oversight and lack of effective interventions, labeling the current situation a "dental desert" in rural regions where residents are forced to either travel long distances or pay substantial fees for private dental services.

The MP's commentary paints a grim picture of neglect and insufficient support for vulnerable populations, particularly those battling severe illnesses like cancer, who require reliable access to dental care not just as a matter of health, but of dignity.