Crewkerne NHS dental practice officially opened by MP

Crewkerne Dental Care was officially opened on Monday, July 13, by Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil.

The facility has been serving patients since May and is the third new NHS dental practice launched by NHS Somerset since October 2025, following the recent openings in Wellington and Chard.

Mr Dance said: "It was a pleasure to officially open Crewkerne Dental Care and see first-hand the difference it is already making for local people.

"This is the second new NHS dental practice to open in my constituency in recent months, following the opening of the new practice in Chard.

"These new services will make a real difference to thousands of people who have struggled to access NHS dentistry.

"I want to thank Dentistry For You, NHS Somerset and everyone involved in making this happen.

"It shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to improve local services.

"While this is a significant step forward, we know there is still much more to do.

"Too many people are still unable to access an NHS dentist, which is why I will continue pressing for the long-term reforms and investment needed to make NHS dentistry work for everyone."

The practice was commissioned by NHS Somerset and is operated by Dentistry For You.

In May, it began seeing patients from the first wave of more than 4,500 people who registered interest through an online portal and phone line in April.

Elizabeth Fernandez, group manager at Dentistry For You, said: "Our team has enjoyed getting to know our patients since we opened our doors in May, and people have been very welcoming.

"Patients have been very positive about having the practice on their doorstep too.

"We hope to be able to reopen the opportunity for people to express an interest in NHS care here in due course."

Approximately 75 per cent of those who registered are from the Crewkerne area.

The practice is focusing on treating this initial group before reopening registrations and is not currently accepting sign-ups in person.

Jonathan Higman, chief executive of the new integrated care board cluster covering Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, said: "It’s great to see Crewkerne Dental Care up and running – it’s already making a big difference to local people.

"The three new practices are part of our recovery plan, which is delivering better access to NHS dentistry – something that is hugely important to people in Somerset.

"There is more to do, and I will make sure it remains a key priority for our Somerset team."

Crewkerne was selected as a priority location due to high demand for NHS dental appointments in the area.

NHS Somerset has commissioned 15,500 units of dental activity (UDAs) per year from the practice.

Under the NHS system, UDAs are used to fund high street dentists, who operate as independent private businesses.

Recent data indicates improving trends in NHS dental activity across the county.

During 2025-26, dental teams at Somerset’s 52 NHS practices delivered approximately 10,000 more NHS treatments than in the previous year, marking a reversal of the decline seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three new practices are expected to provide care for up to 20,000 people annually.

Dr Esmail Harunani, partner at Dentistry For You, attended the opening ceremony alongside Mr Dance, Mr Higman, and other local stakeholders.

Anyone in need of emergency or urgent dental treatment is advised to contact NHS 111 or visit the 111 website for assistance.