Calling for improvements to NHS dentistry
NHS dentistry is in desperate need of reform and this year we have been pushing for NHS dentistry to be moved up the political agenda, so it is easier for people to find a dentist taking on NHS patients.
In 2022, we published a report that highlighted the detrimental impact the oral health crisis is having on both the mental and physical health of adults and children across North Yorkshire.
Through the 80 case studies we gathered we found many people have been forced to pay for private treatment where they can afford it or take drastic actions, from using do-it-yourself tooth kits to pulling out their own teeth. The findings also revealed how the oral health crisis is further exacerbating health inequalities amongst the population.
Dental access and oral health continue to be one of the subjects that we hear most about from the public. Accessing an NHS dentist still remains a challenge for many people, and one that is effecting people’s health, wealth and happiness. However despite this there have been some successes and we’re beginning to see an improvement in services.
More funding secured for you
New practices opened
At the beginning of 2023, new dental practices (Smile Dental Care) were opened in Scarborough, Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, and Tadcaster. They have all now been booked up with NHS patients.
Dentistry remaining a priority
We have continued to champion dentistry as a priority area and have met with the dental lead for the NHS in North Yorkshire, as well as the dental public health consultant to discuss the need for radical change to the provision of service. As a result of these discussions we have been invited to join an oral health advisory group, which is leading on the development to make things better.
We voice your experiences
We’re a member of the Humber & North Yorkshire Local Dental Network where we regularly present to the group the experiences of people. Issues such as not being able to access an NHS dentist, having to travel long distances to access a dentist, having to pay for private care and the impact on children’s oral health all came out as problems across the region.
Gaining insight from all dental practices
We have contributed to the planning of a new initiative across North Yorkshire where all NHS dental practices were asked to complete a survey from NHS England, to provide up-to-date information on unmet patient need and workforce capacity. This survey has provided useful insight which has been used to feed into the development of new dental services.
We have called for more to be done
We have contributed to a new Government Health and Social Care Committee enquiry into dentistry following a national survey that showed 90% of dental practices across the UK were not accepting new adult NHS patients. MPs will consider to what extent the current NHS dental contract puts off dentists from taking on new patients. They will look at what incentives can be offered by the NHS to recruit and retain dental professionals, and explore the possible impact and role that the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board will play in the delivery of dental services
NHS England gave responsibility for planning and organising NHS dental services to your integrated care board back in May 2023. They are a statutory NHS organisation, responsible for developing a plan for meeting your health needs.
Further reading
Healthwatch England - Our position on NHS dentistry
Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about our evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make.
