BOURNEMOUTH residents have been told that they can sign up for NHS dentists - but only if they're willing to travel to Southampton for an appointment.

Following a national dental crisis post-pandemic, NHS patients are having to wait years for an appointment.

The NHS website now states that the closest practice to Bournemouth, taking on new adult patients is Southampton.

Residents are being forced to travel 20 to 30 miles for dental treatment or pay for private care.

Heidi Smith, like many people, says she cannot afford the private fees and instead is left without.

Heidi, 45, and her 15-year-old daughter were with their Bournemouth dentists for over 10 years before they stopped accepting NHS patients.

“The receptionist kept trying to push a leaflet in my hand for private care, but I just laughed because I don’t have the money for that,” said Heidi.

“I’m a single mum and although I work full-time it’s too much money to keep paying out.”

She said the pair no longer have a dentist, and that she is ‘terrified’ if she develops a toothache or swelling.

“It seems like this has built up to a crescendo now - it didn't need to do that.

“The government should have really stepped in and really saw what was going to happen and taken those steps to stop it from getting to this point.”

The government announced this week that £20,000 “golden hellos” would be offered to dentists to take on new patients.

The one-off payments would be awarded to 240 dentists for working in under-served communities for at least three years.

The plans are expected to increase dental appointments across the country by 2.5 million next year.

However, Heidi believes that short-term solutions should be offered now such as mobile dentists that travel to homes or set up in supermarket car parks.

“To go over an hour one way, depending on traffic, just for a ten minute check-up, is crazy.

“The petrol and carbon footprint is just such a waste.”

The Echo contacted the NHS for a response but it had not responded at the time of going to press.