Key issues with dentistry in North Tyneside
Download (PDF 280.54 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch North Tyneside reported on key issues with dentistry. Alongside eight other Healthwatch in the North East and North Cumbria, they ran a survey to gather feedback between December 2021 and January 2022.
A total of 235 residents of North Tyneside responded to the survey. Healthwatch North Tyneside also contacted all dental practices in the area and asked a standard set of questions. 15 of the 25 practices responded.
Key findings
• Finding a dentist has been very difficult. Information on the NHS website about dentists taking on NHS patients has not been kept up to date.
• Urgent treatment was prioritised during the pandemic but getting any kind of appointment was a struggle for some.
• There is a need for a clear definition of ‘urgent’. Our data suggests a significant mismatch between the clinical definition and users’ interpretation.
• Generally speaking, people want to be seen within a month for routine treatment or check-ups and within a week or less for urgent issues.
• The cost of both NHS and private care presents a barrier to equal access.
• There is a lack of understanding about the organisation and funding of NHS contracts and the implications for provision of NHS appointments. This has given the impression that private care has been prioritised for the financial gain of dentists.
A number of recommendations were made in the report.