Dental Survey 2020

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove carried out a dental survey during 2020 to understand people’s experiences of accessing dental care following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey received 56 responses from people who had used or attempted to use dental services after March 2020. Just over half of respondents found it easy to obtain information about changes to dental services, but experiences of accessing treatment were often difficult. 

Access to NHS dentistry was a significant concern. Sixty per cent of respondents found it difficult or very difficult to find an NHS dental service, and many reported delays before receiving a response. While 37% were seen within 72 hours, 25% said they never heard back from the dental service they contacted. Several respondents described having to contact multiple practices before finding one able to help. 

Although most people understood the advice and treatment information they received, many experienced longer waits than before the pandemic. Over half felt they waited longer to see a dental professional, and nearly a third found it harder to speak to someone at their dental practice. Some respondents were told they could not be seen because of shortages of personal protective equipment, while a minority reported being asked to pay additional charges related to PPE or enhanced cleaning measures. 

Overall, the survey highlighted the disruption caused to dental services during the pandemic and the challenges people faced accessing NHS dental care. While experiences of treatment were often positive once contact had been established, respondents reported difficulties locating available services, delays in communication and longer waiting times than before COVID-19.