Somerset is set to welcome three new NHS dental practices, providing a combined total of 20,000 patient places in an effort to tackle the county’s long-standing shortage of dental care.
The first two practices have already opened in Chard and Wellington, with a third planned to launch in Crewkerne in January. This initiative represents the first major NHS dental procurement in the county since local NHS commissioners assumed responsibility for dentistry from NHS England in April 2023.
For many residents, the new practices are a welcome relief. Emily Farr, a patient from Chard, described the impact of the new service. “It’s a huge relief to have this here. I’ve had problems with a tooth for three to four years. I looked at private treatment, but the costs are in the thousands,” she said.
Interest in the Chard practice has been significant. Approximately 8,000 people have expressed an interest in registering through an online portal, with more than half of those applicants coming from Chard and nearby villages.
The shortage of NHS dental care has left some residents in difficult situations. Nickie Smith, 73, from Bridgwater, recounted her struggle to access treatment after an accident left her with damaged front teeth. “I fell off my mobility scooter a year ago and had to live with broken teeth for six months before finally getting them removed and fitted with a denture,” she said. “It was horrible waiting all that time. I was so embarrassed not having front teeth. The dentists were so busy, and I was six months without proper teeth.”
Concerns about access have also been raised on social media. Roxy Koszmida, a disabled resident from Chard, highlighted issues with the registration process. She claims she was repeatedly unable to register at the new practice because the website kept crashing. Meanwhile, she said, some patients from outside the local area, including Wells and Glastonbury, were able to secure appointments. “It feels very unfair,” Koszmida said. “I haven’t seen a dentist for five years and can’t afford private care.”
Farha Mohamed, partner at One Smile Dental in Chard, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the practice’s commitment to local residents. “Our focus is on doing our best for local people,” she said. “We know not everyone who wanted an appointment has been able to get one, but we really want to open access to more people—hopefully by mid-2026—once we have seen our initial group of patients.”
The expansion of NHS dental services in Somerset comes as part of a broader effort to address national concerns about long waiting times and limited access to public dental care. For many patients, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, these new practices may finally offer timely, affordable treatment within their communities.