Dentistry in Newcastle and Gateshead

Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead undertook research looking at the barriers to access and inequalities to the availability of NHS dentistry. As part of the submission of evidence to the House of Commons Cross-Party Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into Dentistry, Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead launched a survey to understand the experiences of local people when accessing dental services. Between 5 January and 18 January 2023, 62 people responded.

Overall, feedback indicated that dental practices delivered good quality treatment and high levels of customer service. The majority reported that they understood the language used and felt that any treatment they needed was clearly explained. At the point of receipt of dental treatment, most respondents were satisfied with the treatment they received. Despite this, accessing the services has proven difficult for many.

Just under one fifth of respondents had not visited a dentist in over two years. When asked why their last appointment was over two years ago, half of the twelve respondents explained that COVID had prevented them from going to the dentist.

In some cases, people felt that they either did not want to add to an already burdened system, or that the dental practices themselves were not prioritising routine check-ups. Respondents who reported having last visited the dentist closer to the twelve-year range, tended to attribute it to not needing to go, a lack of time due to work commitments, and the high cost of treatment.

Sentiments around costs were echoed by many of the respondent group, regardless of when their most recent appointment was. Most reported that their treatment was funded through the NHS (74%), while just under one quarter reported that they paid for their treatment privately. Several of the respondents stated that they needed to fund their own care, as the recommended treatment was not available through the NHS. In at least one of these cases, an individual took out a loan to fund the necessary treatment.

The report includes three recommendations.