A new petition calling for the reinstatement of an NHS dental practice in Glastonbury has been launched, as residents struggle with a lack of affordable dental care in the area. The campaign, started by Emma King and backed by the Glastonbury Independent Alliance, highlights the severe impact of the town's seven-year absence of an NHS dentist.

The petition, titled Toothless in Glastonbury - Bring Back our NHS Dental Practice!, points to high levels of poverty, low car ownership, and poor public transport as key barriers preventing residents from accessing vital dental care. Some have been forced to travel as far as Castle Cary for NHS treatment – an option only feasible for those with a car.

Emma King explained, "Poverty means people are resorting to expensive, makeshift solutions or borrowing money for dental treatment. This, combined with poor public transport, leaves many isolated and struggling to access basic health care."

The lack of NHS dental provision has had devastating consequences for the community. According to the campaign, some residents have faced prolonged pain and financial hardship, with one local person even hospitalised with sepsis after being unable to afford dental treatment. Campaigners also point to rising mouth cancer rates in the UK, which have more than tripled in the last 20 years.

The petition argues that reinstating an NHS dental practice in Glastonbury would be not only a compassionate move but also a cost-effective one for the NHS, preventing costly emergency care for untreated dental issues.

The campaign is calling on the Integrated Care Board to urgently address the situation and reinstate an NHS dental practice in the town. It is also appealing to Sarah Dyke MP to support the campaign.

At the time of writing, the petition has gathered 39 signatures, with a goal of 50. To support the campaign, visit the petition here.