Dentistry Services in Tower Hamlets 2017-18

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook research on dentistry services in Tower Hamlets. They analysed 234 comments from service users between October 2017 and October 2018, identifying 861 issues relating to both primary care and hospital-based dental services.

Feedback about primary care dentistry was overwhelmingly positive. Patients frequently praised the professionalism, kindness and communication skills of dentists, nurses and reception staff. Many reported that appointments were easy to book, practices were clean and well maintained, and clinicians provided clear explanations about treatments, prevention and oral hygiene.

Hospital-based dental services, largely provided through the Royal London Hospital, received more mixed feedback. While patients spoke positively about the quality of care and the attitude of clinical staff, many reported long waits for specialist appointments, cancellations, poor communication about delays and administrative errors that affected access to treatment. Some patients also described significant delays in oral surgery and difficulties obtaining updated information about their care. 

The report identified access and communication as the main areas requiring improvement. Concerns were also raised about a lack of clarity around NHS and private treatment charges in some dental practices, and patients highlighted the need for better appointment management, clearer communication and reductions in waiting times for hospital-based dental services.