The Big Check-up: insight into dentistry and oral health in Salford
Download (PDF 15.03 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Salford undertook research on access to dentistry and dental self-care as it was a priority area for them. They spoke to 447 people in total.
People didn’t know how to find dental practices that might be taking on NHS patients. Details on the NHS website were often out of date and incomplete.
Individual dental practices websites varied in content and ease of navigation. Many didn’t display a list of fees or charges or indicate whether they accepted NHS patients or not.
Over two thirds of those who didn’t have access to an NHS dentist felt that they needed treatment.
Most people brush their teeth twice a day, but a third weren’t using fluoride toothpaste.
Nearly half admitted to regularly eating sweet foods and snacks between meals.
Some people who have experienced dental care haven’t been sure about the costs involved, whilst others were asked to pay up front.
Negative experiences can impact the future. Staff need to be aware of this and treat these patients with compassion.
The report contains six recommendations.