Tower Hamlets Dentists

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets analysed 608 comments about dentists received in the period June to December 2021.

Patients who were able to access dental services spoke highly of their quality, and of staff members being kind and supportive. However, issues around access to services affect patient experience.

There are reports of NHS patients waiting for more than six months for appointments; or receiving fewer routine appointments than they need.

Access to dental care for those not currently registered with a dentist in their local area is a serious issue, as many patients become unable to access any kind of non-emergency dental treatment.

Patients who cannot register with a dentist and those on long waiting lists are concerned about their issues becoming severe because of being left untreated.

Some NHS patients who were denied registration or waited a long time for an appointment report that registration locally and fast appointments are available to private patients paying fees unaffordable for most residents. This contributes to health inequalities and to distrust in dental practices.

The report contains four recommendations about reform of dentistry commissioning; better information about NHS dentistry and using dental practices to support people’s general health.