Dentistry summit in Truro aims to tackle Cornwall's access issues
Cornwall Council makes efforts to address dental care obstacles
A dentistry summit is set to take place next month in Truro, aiming to address significant challenges faced by Cornwall residents in accessing NHS dental care. Scheduled for Friday, 17th July, the summit will be held at Lys Kernow (County Hall), marking a proactive effort following a motion made to the Full Council in April.
The summit will feature a question-and-answer session followed by an expert panel discussion, inviting participation from NHS partners, dental professionals, relevant training academies, political representatives, and public health professionals. Cornwall residents are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time, which will be addressed during the event. The summit will also be live-streamed for broader participation and real-time questions.
Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, emphasised the urgency of the issue: “Lack of access to NHS dentistry is a longstanding problem in Cornwall. People are travelling huge distances, sometimes outside Cornwall, for basic dental appointments. Parents worry about their children, and older people struggle to get the care they need.”
The event seeks to provide an evidence-based account of the current state of dental access in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, build shared understanding among stakeholders, and identify locally actionable solutions. Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health, outlined the importance of distinguishing local versus national issues to improve services for residents.
Residents of Cornwall are encouraged to consider their experiences with dental care access to help shape the questions. Cllr Frost acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “We’re not powerless. We can bring the right people together, have an open conversation about the scale of the challenge, and focus on finding practical solutions that will benefit our residents.”
The summit aims to support practical commitments and next steps with the hope of improving dental services for the community.