An MP in South Somerset has renewed calls for urgent improvements to NHS dental care.
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, raised the issue in Parliament, focusing on patients with cleft lip and palate.
He questioned the Department of Health and Social Care about what steps are being taken to improve access to NHS dentistry for people with cleft conditions in his constituency.
Mr Dance said: "People with cleft conditions need lifelong access to dental care, not warm words and responsibility being passed around the system.
"While specialist cleft services are vital, they are no substitute for reliable, local NHS dentistry that families can actually access.
"This government has allowed NHS dentistry to slide into crisis.
"Ministers continue to point to schemes and pilots, but they are not delivering the change patients need on the ground.
"Vulnerable people should not be left navigating a broken system."
Health minister Stephen Kinnock MP acknowledged that those with cleft lip and palate are more prone to oral health issues and said specialist services are available and begin before birth and continue into adulthood.
However, he clarified that access to routine NHS dentistry is managed separately by local Integrated Care Boards.
Mr Dance added: "The opening of the new NHS dental practice in Chard is very welcome and shows what can be achieved when action is taken.
"But one new practice is not enough.
"Families in Yeovil and across South Somerset are still struggling to find NHS dentists, including those with complex and ongoing needs."
The MP says long-term reform is needed to deliver a reliable, accessible dental service for everyone who needs it.
He said: "The Liberal Democrats have been clear that NHS dentistry needs proper reform, fair funding and national leadership."
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