A teenager from Helston has been awarded by a national newspaper after she highlighted her struggle with accessing an NHS dentist in Cornwall.

17-year-old Beth Riding entered the Guardian’s Hugo Young Awards – a competition which offers a range of prizes, provides a platform for new voices in journalism and gives young people the opportunity to gain experience and networks.

With a passion for writing, Beth wanted to write a piece based on her personal experiences with NHS dentists and advocate for NHS dentistry in the community.

Beth explained: “When I started researching for the piece, I was shocked by just how extensive the crisis is.

“Since it’s been published, I’ve had lots of people share their personal experiences of losing access to an NHS dentist with me, it’s been quite sad to hear.”

The former Helston Community College now studies biology, chemistry, and maths A levels at Camborne Science International Academy. She is also undertaking an EPQ about Covid 19.

Beth told the Packet that she is interested in learning and writing about health inequalities.

In her piece for the Guardian, Beth shared that when she was 12, her childhood dentist went private.  

In 2018 she had a consultation with her orthodontist who told her she would need at least two teeth removed before her braces could be fitted.

“My options were: pay a minimum of £55 for each tooth extraction or find a new dentist on the NHS.

“By pure luck, I was accepted at a different practice, had my teeth out, then one routine exam before I received a letter saying that my dentist had also gone private, and I would have to start paying for treatment. I haven’t seen a dentist since.”

Falmouth Packet: Beth is a former Helston Community College student but now studies as Camborne Science International Academy Beth is a former Helston Community College student but now studies as Camborne Science International Academy (Image: Stock)

Beth also noted that as of 2024 there are no dentists in Cornwall who are taking on new NHS patients above the age of 18 and with her 18th birthday fast approaching Beth said it was ‘unlikely’ she would ever see an NHS dentist again unless some serious reform occurs.

After winning the Hugo Award, Beth told the Packet how much winning meant to her. She said: “I was very excited to win the Hugo Young Award.

“I really enjoy writing and I got into opinion writing when studying it for my GCSE English language last year, so enjoyed getting to craft the piece.

“Having my piece published in the Guardian is really special, and I’m glad that I was able to bring some attention to the dentistry crisis in England, particularly Cornwall.”

To see the full article, visit: I’m 17 and haven’t seen a dentist for four years. This is life in England’s NHS dental deserts | Beth Riding | The Guardian