Bristol has a dire shortage of NHS dentists
11:05, 25 Sep 2025Updated 11:08, 25 Sep 2025
People queue to register as an NHS patient at Lodge Causeway Dental Centre in Fishponds(Image: Jon Mills / SWNS)
A new NHS dentist surgery is planned in South Bristol as the city grapples with a dire shortage. The last two times dental practices took on new NHS patients in Bristol, hundreds queued outside their doors to get a spot.
The plans include converting a house on Callington Road in Brislington into a dental practice. Bristol City Council has received a planning application for the new practice, but has yet to decide whether to grant permission. Some locals are concerned about an increase in traffic.
The two-storey semi-detached house is currently empty and needs a lot of renovation. The practice would include two dentists and two dental nurses, and would be open from 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
In planning documents, the applicant Mehdi Moore said: “The proposed development will enable the delivery of NHS dental services in a location where local demand is currently substantially underserved. It will provide an essential healthcare service in a location with very limited provision, with minimal impact on neighbouring amenity or infrastructure.”
Many local residents have already commented on the plans, with some in support due to the dire shortage of NHS dentist places, and others against because of concerns about parking and congestion. Callington Road is often congested, with long queues to get onto the A4 Bath Road.
One resident said: “The introduction of a commercial operation such as a dental practice will inevitably increase traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, and place further strain on the already restricted on-street parking. This will not only inconvenience local residents, many of whom rely on street parking, but also create safety concerns for pedestrians and road users.”
Another resident added: “There is a serious shortage of dental clinics in our area, and it is becoming very difficult for residents to access proper dental care. Opening more dental clinics would greatly benefit the community and improve public health.”
NHS commissioning is a separate process from getting planning permission. The practice would need to get permission from the council first, before getting any NHS allocation, according to planning documents. There is a council-run car park further up Callington Road, which patients could use, as well as a driveway outside the house.
Last year hundreds queued outside St Pauls Dental after the practice announced it would be accepting 100 more NHS patients. Earlier this month hundreds also queued outside the Lodge Causeway Dental Centre in Fishponds, who were trying to secure a new NHS registration. Many patients have to rely on private dentists, who often charge much more expensive fees.