A Leeds man has been told that he could end up waiting up to 10 years for a dentist appointment as the NHS struggles to deal with demand after the pandemic.
The 50-year-old, who lives in Morley, claims he has been waiting for an appointment at a local practice since before the 2020 pandemic. Two years on, he says he is still waiting, and has now been told it could be up to ten years in total before he is seen.
The Morley resident, who was registered at Fountain Dental Practice claims he was dropped from the practice after he failed to make an appointment.
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But now, in a bid to get back on the list he faces an eight year wait to get back on the patient list.
He said: "I searched on the internet for dentists taking on NHS patients and on the website said that Fountain Medical Centre was accepting patients." The Morley man said he then emailed the practice trying to get back on the registration list.
After years of allegedly waiting, and in need of an appointment, he emailed the practice on Tuesday (April 19) and said: "Hi I'm just emailing to see if you're accepting NHS patients please. Thank you."
The dentist responded and said he would have to wait up to eight years to get back on the list. The email said: "Hello, thank you for contacting the practice. We are adding new patients on the waiting list however this waiting list is approx. eight years waiting.
"If you would like your details adding to our waiting list please contact the practice providing us with your telephone number so that we can contact you when we reach your name. I would also advise that you get on as many waiting lists as possible.
"There are others that are a lot shorter. If you have pain I would advise to call 111 - the NHS emergency number."
The frustrated former patient posted a screenshot of the email online which raked in hundreds of responses as he said "form an orderly queue folks". Another patient at the practice, who wishes to remain unnamed added: "I don't like booking an appointment to see the dentist when their isn't a problem.
"I have to force myself otherwise I might loose my place. Without keeping up with check ups the service won't be there when I really need it, but I don't always keep up with check ups. They don't contact me, it's up to me to contact them."
The 50-year-old Morley resident added: "I understand the NHS is underfunded but it seems if you go private that's the only way now." Luckily, after sharing the post online someone who works at another dental practice near his home got in touch to help.
Leeds Live have contacted Fountain Dental Practice for further information.
