Why are people finding it difficult to access NHS dental care in Dorset?
Our report reveals an ongoing crisis in Dorset NHS dentistry and recommends reform of how dental care is provided.
We contacted all 95 dental practices that were listed on the NHS website to carry out a survey about dental provision in the county. Our research found that at the end of 2022 there were no NHS dentists in Dorset taking new adult patients and many dentists are now only accepting patients who can pay privately.
Findings
- Two of the dentists are no longer practicing. Of the 78 dental practices that responded, none were taking new NHS adult patients, 17 now only treat private patients, and only 18 were accepting new NHS patients if they are children. Seven practices said they were accepting patients with additional needs, and 23 practices had waiting lists, half of which were over 12 months long.
- The lack of access to routine and urgent dental care is impacting on local people’s health and wellbeing. Many people who contact us are suffering from ongoing pain and unresolved dental issues because they have not been able to access treatment through an NHS dentist or emergency dental hubs.
Read our report
If you would like this report in a different format, email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102.
Update
We reported the situation to Dorset’s Integrated Care Board as they prepared to take on responsibility for NHS Dentistry in 2023. We also reported to the NHS Local Dental Network for the South West, and Healthwatch England, calling for fairer access to affordable NHS dental care.
Developments in Dorset since our reports include a child-friendly dental pilot practice in the Wareham area, an additional 100 urgent care appointments every week across the county, and a stabilisation programme with initially 30 appointments every week for people who do not have a regular dentist. In July 2022, NHS England announced several steps to ensure better dental support for people with complex problems and improve the information for those trying to find an NHS dentist. Read more from Healthwatch England.
