Concerns are being raised about the difficulty in accessing NHS dental appointments in Hucknall.

Last month, Bupa Dental Care on Portland Road sent a letter to its patients confirming that at present they are unable to offer NHS appointments.

This leaves Portland Road Family Dental Centre as the only Hucknall dental practice offering NHS appointments. It is unclear whether they are currently taking on new patients however a statement on their website reads: "We are currently experiencing an abnormally high demand for NHS Treatment."

Councillor Keir Morrison who represents Hucknall South on Ashfield District Council for the Labour Party was critical of the situation and the uncertainty it has left residents facing.

He said: "The provider points to a lack of staff that can provide NHS dentistry services but suggests paid private dentist care which seemingly can be delivered as an alternative.

"Therefore unless you have the money to pay for private care then unfortunately you're out of luck. Here lies the problem with privatisation which is now extending to GP surgeries. 

"There are many skills shortages across many sectors and this is a challenge for organisations but it's funny how there's always staff there to provide paid for private services whether that be dentistry or health.

"Those who cannot afford to pay suffer, it's that simple.

"I would like to know the extent of the salary and T&Cs that these organisations offer when recruiting staff, perhaps they could be a bit more generous to make the vacancies more appealing?

"Or maybe they're more concerned with widening profit margins after all isn't that what privatisation is all about? Forget the service that's being provided so long as it's profitable even at the expense of your health.

"A few months ago I asked a series of questions along the same vein as the above, outlining the huge concerns I have with regards to the proposed new Cavell Health Centre. I am still awaiting answers from the CCG months later…. I won't hold my breath.

"It's about time that vital services such as health, mail, rail and energy were all brought back into public service and out of the hands of greedy profiteers.

"Then we will have quality, accessible services for everyone and not just for a select few that have extra cash in their pocket."

Speaking to Hucknall Nub News, a spokesperson for Bupa Dental Care said: "We understand how difficult it is to get an NHS dental appointment in Nottinghamshire, and we're sorry that we're not able to offer NHS appointments at this time.

"The dental sector across the UK is experiencing a national skills shortage, which makes it extremely difficult to recruit dentists to deliver NHS care.

"The Hucknall practice currently has four longstanding vacancies for NHS dentists, and despite our best efforts, finding NHS dentists for these roles is very challenging due to the workforce shortages.

"We want to reassure all our patients that we're doing everything we can to recruit more dentists to Bupa Dental Care Hucknall.

"Please be assured that we will be in contact with patients when we can offer NHS appointments."