AN action group is calling for 1,000 people to back their campaign for NHS dentists after their local surgery in Chudleigh withdraw from the NHS.

Last week’s Mid-Devon Advertiser highlighted the decision of the dentists at Moretonhampstead Dental Practice to pull out of supplying dental services on the NHS.

Since then Elaine Davis-Kimble from Chudleigh has contacted the paper to say the same is happening at Chudleigh Dental Practice.

After a meeting of 40 people in the town on Sunday, the Chudleigh Action group has been set up to fight to keep the service in the town and for the rest of Teignbridge and Devon.

Elaine said: ‘This is a reality slap about what is happening to our NHS.

‘We need people from all over Devon to come together to fight what is happening to our dental service.

‘As a single mum with two children it was a shock to receive a letter telling me the Chudleigh Dental Practice was no longer going to supply NHS dentistry.

‘I worked out it would cost me £500 a year for a basic plan for me and my family.

‘It is wrong to have to pay for something that has been a universal birthright from 1948 to 2022.

‘It was a wake-up call and I can’t just sit back and accept this,’ added Elaine.

The action group has prepared a letter (see right) that they are asking people to sign and send to their Conservative MP, Mel Stride.

‘The message needs to get to central Government,’ added Elaine.

They also have a Facebook group Chudleigh Action group and call on people to join their campaign.

On their website the dental Chudleigh Dental Practice said: ‘Leaving the NHS was not an easy decision for us to make but we have come to a point whereby working under the restraints of the NHS we can no longer provide the high-quality care you deserve and we would like to provide.

‘From April 1, 2022, if you would like to stay with us you will need to join our membership plan or become a private patient.

‘By joining our membership plan you will benefit from discounts on our private fees.

‘As always, we are happy to help with any queries – please call 01626 853595 or visit the DPAS Payment plan page on our website where you’ll find more information.

‘If you have NHS treatment booked with us, we will complete it as planned.

‘After this, you will need to join our Membership Plan or become a private patient to continue with future check-ups and dental treatment.

‘Once again, we would like to thank you for your loyalty to Chudleigh. We hope you will choose to continue allowing us to care for you and your family.

‘If you would like to find an NHS dentist, please call 111 or visit www.nhs.uk,’ Laura and all the team at Chudleigh Dental Practice.’

Michael McCormick, Chudleigh Town Councillor, said: ‘The loss of NHS Dental Services is a disaster throughout the country.

‘As a councillor I wanted to hear residents’ comments and will be presenting a resolution to the town council to ask for their support for the campaign.’

To find out details of where to get the letter Contact the Chudleigh Action Group or email [email protected]