I WAS shocked and saddened to read that many vulnerable elderly people in care homes in Bolton have no access to a dentist, unless in an emergency.

This is absolutely unacceptable.

Everyone should have regular dental check-ups. Those unable to get to the dentist, due to age or health problems, should get regular visits from the dentist. Every child in school should have regular dental check-ups.This must be cost effective, long-term.

It is a scandal that vulnerable elderly people — and in many cases, young children — are being neglected like this. What happened to the initial NHS pledge of free care from cradle to grave?

I have been told, by a dentist, on these pages, that there are enough dentists to treat every child in Bolton. Presumably then, there are enough to treat every elderly person. So why are so many being neglected ?

Care homes should be owned and run by the NHS, and should be free for all who need to use them.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton