Great Yarmouth NHS patient without dentist for 18 months

Requiring four-monthly checkups, Keith Forde has been unable to see a dentist after his previous one had left a Great Yarmouth surgery.

Despite still being on the surgery's books, Mr Forde has gone 18 months without an appointment as none of the surgery's dentists accept new NHS patients.

Keith Forde said he requires four-monthly dental check ups due to his ongoing treatment for arthritis. Picture - Keith Forde (Image: Keith Forde)

A recent search on the NHS Find a Dentist website showed that none of the 13 surgeries in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and the wider area were taking on new NHS patients.

Mr Forde said: "I'm desperate to get in somewhere, but there's nowhere taking on.

"It's been about 18 months since I've been able to get in at my surgery. After my old dentist left, the surgery said they were waiting to get more in. 

"Apparently, there's a shortage in Great Britain at the moment."

Mr Forde, whose oral health and immune system is compromised due to his ongoing treatment for arthritis, said he contacts his surgery every few weeks to no avail.

He said he had travelled to Norwich in the hope of finding a surgery taking on new NHS patients.

"Nobody's taking anyone on," said Mr Forde.

"I've got arthritis and I have to take chemotherapy for it. It lowers my immune system and affects my teeth. 

"I have to wear a top plate as it is, and I've lost most of the teeth on my top jaw.

"I'm desperate."

Due to his arthritis treatment, Mr Forde said he was unable to work. He is currently receiving Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and is unable to afford regular private dental work.

None of the 13 dental surgeries in the Great Yarmouth area is currently accepting new NHS patients. Picture - PA (Image: PA)

"Not being able to work really annoys me," he said.

"I've looked into getting insurance, but most of them won't cover you for ongoing treatment.

"You just can't get any NHS help anywhere.

"It's a diabolical situation."