Plans for a much needed new NHS dentist’s surgery near Launceston are one step closer to reality after planning permission was granted for the construction of a new build dental practice at Lawhitton. 

The application, made by Mr Simon Wakeham, is set to bring a new dentist’s surgery to a location on land north west of Tiny Tots Ltd, Sheers Barton, Lawhitton, Launceston. 

In documents sent as part of the planning approval, the applicants have confirmed that the new building is set to house both NHS and private dentistry services, saying: “To give our town of Launceston a friendly and welcoming yet sustainable and eco-friendly dental practice that provides NHS and private dentistry with the opportunity for all people to look after their oral health while taking away the stigma of a dental practice of being a scary and stressful experience.” 

The news of a new dentists surgery was welcomed by a delighted MP Scott Mann, who said he was working in Parliament on the NHS dentistry contract, which has been cited as one of the main reasons for the NHS dentistry crisis. 

The North Cornwall MP told the Post: “I am very supportive of wider dentistry provision in North Cornwall, and this sits alongside the work I am doing in Parliament on the NHS dentistry contract. 

Dentistry continues to be a key priority for me so I’m very pleased that planning permission has been given for a new NHS dental facility in North Cornwall. The new practice will be built just outside of Launceston in Sheers Barton and has my full support. Although it’s very early on in the process I will keep residents updated as we progress.  

“As many of you will know, the lack of available dentistry has been a historical issue for the whole of Cornwall and something which is a challenge to solve.  

“In my experience, the NHS Dental contract brought in under the previous government has been the main issue brought to my attention by North Cornwall’s dentists, who struggled to deliver care for NHS patients due to its terms.  

“Along with my Cornish MP colleagues, I have taken this up with the Secretary of State and senior advisors in the Department for Health and Social Care, and I am pleased that the contract has now been amended.  

“This is a welcome initial step, but we need to go further to ensure that dentists who deliver NHS care have the best possible terms, whilst ensuring the Cornish taxpayer gets value for money.”