Damian Green says there are too few NHS dentists in Ashford

Damian Green, Tory MP for Ashford, has called on the government to act now as the growing population and lack of NHS dentists are forcing people to travel.

He said that many of his constituents have to go to Canterbury, Maidstone or Folkestone to avoid paying private fees for treatment.

Ashford Primary Care Trust insisted that steps are being taken, including dental clinics at the local hospital.

The primary care trust looks after dental services in the area and said it is working alongside local dentists to provide a community dental service.

In the last 10 years, 800 new homes have been built in Ashford, bringing another 2000 people to the town.