What people have told us about NHS dentistry

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Summary of report content

Access to NHS dentistry has been one of the most significant issues raised with us by the public over the last 18 months. Not only have we seen a large increase in the volume of feedback and a significant increase in the amount of negative sentiment in our evidence, but more strikingly, we have noted a continuation of this new trend over time. These issues are not occurring in isolated pockets, people are raising them right across the country. This is what makes NHS dentistry such an important topic for us – it is clear that our communities from all over England want us to keep pushing this issue until we see some tangible changes.

This briefing provides an update on what we have been hearing in the first half of 2021/22 and assesses what progress has been made in fixing NHS dentistry for people in England.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch England
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Booking appointments
Cancellation
Cleanliness, Hygiene and Infection Control
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Follow-on treatment and continuity of care
Diagnosis
Health inequality
Prevention of diseases, including vaccination, screening and public hygiene
Written information, guidance and publicity
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Waiting for appointments or treatment; waiting lists for treatment

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Name(s) of the partner organisation(s)
None
Primary research method used
General feedback
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Dentist

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
3964
Does this report feature carers?
Yes
Did you find this attached report useful?
2
2 votes with an average rating of 1.