Dental campaigners from Suffolk are 'upset and bitterly disappointed' after being refused a seat at a public inquiry into NHS dentistry.

The Toothless in England group had submitted written evidence to a consultation on the state of dentistry in January and had been hoping to provide oral evidence when the inquiry by the Government's Health and Social Care committee takes place.

However, the campaign group, which started after practices in Leiston were closed, received an email from the committee's offices at the end of last week informing them that they would not be able to take part.

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A date has yet to be set for the public hearing following the closure of the written consultation period on January 25.

The inquiry was set up to look into the state of NHS dentistry after a survey showed that 90% of practices across the UK were not accepting new adult NHS patients.

A Toothless in England spokesperson said the reason given for refusing their participation was that there were a 'limited number of spaces available'.

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"Our network of campaign volunteers is obviously upset and bitterly disappointed with this decision.

"We had high hopes, as this inquiry presented itself as being open and willing to hear from interested parties.

"These hopes look to have been dashed. The only reason they've given is that there are 'a limited number of spaces available'", the spokesperson said.

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The campaigners fear they are being pushed to the 'far perimeters of the inquiry'.

They have made six demands for improving the standard of dental care, including an NHS dentist for everyone and reforms to the dental contract to encourage dentists to provide NHS treatment.

In addition, Toothless would like to see funding for dental care for the 50% of the population that were unfunded by the Government, NHS dental treatments to be free at the point of use, no more privatisation and for routine check ups and treatments to be a core NHS function.

READ MORE: Suffolk news