Putting smile back on faces of NHS dentists in my patch

WHY did you want to become an MP? That is a question I get asked a lot and it's an easy one to answer. I love Amber Valley. It's my home and I cannot think of anywhere I'd rather bring up my family. I knew that Amber Valley deserved better. I wanted to be a strong voice for this constituency and pledged to work hard to address the most pressing issues we face.

- LINSEY FARNSWORTH LABOUR MP FOR AMBER VALLEY

During my campaign I spoke to as many Amber Valley residents as possible. I heard too many heartbreaking stories of people who felt helpless, unable to see a dentist despite a desperate need.

I will never forget speaking to one gentleman who showed me the gaps in his smile where he had resorted to pulling out his own teeth. The more people I spoke to the more I heard equally distressing stories. How could it be that in 2024, people in Amber Valley were resorting to DIY dentistry?

The hard work to put this right started straight after the election.

I wanted to understand why so few dental surgeries in Amber Valley were able to see NHS patients. I met with one of the dentists still able to do so and the picture they painted was nothing short of desperate.

These dedicated dentists were working long hours to see as many NHS patients as they could, but still had a two-year waiting list.