Healthwatch teams respond to the Parliamentary Inquiry into dentistry
The House of Commons cross-party Health and Social Care Committee announced a new inquiry into NHS dentistry.
Launching the inquiry on 8 December 2022, committee chair and Conservative MP Steve Brine, referenced Healthwatch analysis
“People resorting to DIY dentistry, even taking out their own teeth without anaesthetic or medical care are stories that should belong to another era yet such events are reported to be happening here today,” said Mr Brine.
“Perhaps it's not surprising when research shows that some parts of the country have become dental deserts and 90% of dental practices have turned away adults wanting to sign up for NHS services.”
The inquiry is a great example of how the collective strength of the Healthwatch in network in highlighting people's problems can get politicians to take notice and act.
Healthwatch teams in West and East Sussex and Brighton and Hove have all been actively listening to your concerns and we submitted a joint response to the Inquiry in January. Our response was accepted by the Inquiry and published on 7 March.
Click here to go to the Parliamentary website to read our report
The inquiry asked for submissions to cover any or all of the following questions:
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What steps should the Government and NHS England take to improve access to NHS dental services?
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What role should ICSs play in improving dental services in their local area?
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How should inequalities in accessing NHS dental services be addressed?
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Does the NHS dental contract need further reform?
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What incentives should be offered by the NHS to recruit and retain dental professionals, and what is the role of training in this context?
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove
Requests for help to find an ‘NHS dentist’ are the second main reason people contact our helpline. We saw a 271% increase in dental queries between 2020 to 2021. The number of queries received between 2021 to 2022 was 215, a substantial increase on pre-pandemic levels.
Healthwatch East Sussex
Between November 2020 to 2022, we received 24 Feedback Centre reviews and 214 enquiries to our Information & Signposting service related to dentistry themes. It has consistently been in the top three enquiries we receive.
Healthwatch West Sussex
Enquiries regarding dental care remains the second main reason why people contact us, with 184 people making enquiries about dentistry in 2022.
“I have rung over 50 dentist practices and been sent away from each one. One in Horsham told myself and husband they would not accept my 2 year old daughter as an NHS patient as there is no money in children…”
“I have a problem finding a dental clinic that accepts NHS customers. I am a carer and a single parent who is looking after a severely disabled young adult. I can't afford to pay for full-cost treatment.”
“I have been told that my dentist surgery are going fully private and will no longer offer NHS treatment. I have called every local surgery but none are accepting NHS patients. How do I get my child seen for NHS care?”
