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Which? reports on NHS shortfall
16th Jun 2005
The issue of access to NHS dentistry was highlighted at this year’s BDA Conference with the publication of a new report by the consumer group Which?. It had contacted 321 practices asking if they could get an NHS appointment within 24 hours. Just under half were unable to offer one in this time frame, even privately. Frances Blunden from Which? said their research had found that: • Some 9 out of 10 (92%) people believe the Government should ensure NHS dental treatment for everyone whenever they need it • More than half (55%) of people who tried to register with an NHS dentist in the last two years said they found it difficult. That means as many as 4.1 million people have had difficulty registering with an NHS dentist in the last two years • Only 15% of people think the Government is taking enough action to improve NHS dentistry provision in the UK; only 13% believe the Government is giving enough funding to NHS dentistry • 58% of people agree that dental care costs too much, even when provided by NHS. She commented that unless these issues were tackled properly, there was a real danger that people up and down the country would be left in pain or their general health seriously threatened. BDA chairman John Renshaw said that NHS dentistry was in crisis and, if anything, the situation was getting worse. With chronic under-investment, alongside a shortage of around 3,000 dentists nationwide, he commented that it was hardly surprising that patients were experiencing such difficulty in accessing NHS care. The Government however believes that action is being taken to remedy the situation. In Gloucestershire, for instance, the PCT has announced that a new surgery is due to open in the city for 10,000 patients with a further 2,250 spaces being created at an existing practice.
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