Access to Dental Care: Hot Topic Report
A crisis in NHS dental care has left many patients in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire struggling to access appointments, leading to pain, worsening oral health, and financial hardship.
This report highlights the severe challenges people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire faced when trying to access NHS dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on 303 survey responses, the findings reveal that many struggled to book appointments, leading to worsening dental conditions, pain, and even attempts at self-treatment.
Key issues identified include:
- Appointment Shortages: Over half of respondents were unable to secure an NHS dental appointment.
- Financial Barriers: Many were offered private treatment but could not afford it.
- Health Impacts: Lack of care led to pain, deteriorating oral health, and mental distress.
- Accessibility Issues: Patients with disabilities struggled to find accessible dental practices.
Recommendations from Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire urge NHS England to reform dental service provision, prioritize vulnerable patients, and improve public information on NHS dental care.
Downloads
You can download our Report here.
If you need this report in a different format, please email [email protected].
File download
Access to Dentists Report April 2022
