Dentistry Supplementary Report (part 1) - Online patient survey responses

To understand local concerns about access to NHS dentistry, Healthwatch Redbridge gathered feedback via an online survey. They received responses from people living in most postcode areas in the borough (11 out of 14 postcode areas) showing a strong geographical reach.

• Two thirds of respondents, 66%, successfully booked an appointment for themselves or another adult.
• Nearly three quarters of respondents felt the care they received was “excellent”, 50% or “good”, 24%. People felt safe attending dentist practices.
• One quarter, 25%, were unable to book an appointment for themselves or another adult. These were for a mixture of routine and emergency appointments.
• Very few appointments were booked for children.
• Nearly half, 46% of respondents waited less than a month for their appointment. However, 27% waited one-three months for an appointment with a further 27% waiting more than three months for their appointment.
• 10% had to book a private dentist appointment because they could not book an NHS appointment, or the wait was too long.
• There were several examples of the growing disparity between those who can and cannot afford treatment.

This report is one of the supplementary reports published by Healthwatch Redbridge. To read the primary report, click here.