Campaigning for Better Dental Services

Scenario: You and your family recently moved to a large UK city. You registered with a local doctor, but every dentist you contact says they are only taking private (paid) patients. NHS (free or lower-cost) dental care is not available. The private costs are high, and you’re worried. Your neighbours say they are having the same problem. You wonder: Is this because you're a migrant, or is it a wider problem? What can you do now, and how can you help improve dental services in your area?

Objective: This example highlights that some problems that appear to affect migrants may in fact be more widespread and affect the wider public. Causes can be national as well as local. It's important to find the facts and talk to others. Working together can be more effective in achieving change.

Key questions to think about:

• How to find out the truth of the situation?
• What is the real problem in accessing dentists?
• Is it a specific problem for your community as you are a migrant?
• Or is it a local or national problem more widely?
• Is anyone else concerned about this and what can be done?

People in the scenario:

• New resident (You) – Trying to find an NHS dentist for their family.
• Neighbour – Lived in the area longer and also struggles to access NHS dentist.
• Campaigner – Aware of NHS dental shortage and knows how to take action.
• Local councillor / MP – Knows the system and political steps to achieve change.
• Dental practice – Explains why the practice is not accepting NHS patients.

EXERCISE (20 mins): Consider how you would find out more about this problem? Is there anyone else you should speak to about it? You realise that this is a long-term problem impacting many people and will not change overnight, but you feel strongly that you should not have to pay for treatment. Consider what are your objectives and which actions may be most effective – contacting the local health campaigner, speaking to local media, signing a petition, writing to your local MP, or organising a public demonstration? Read about a possible response here. 

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