Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordability and the impact on oral health March 2024
Download (PDF 2.06 MB)Summary of report content
This is a report by Healthwatch Somerset. The research looks at peoples opinions on dentistry in the local area.
A survey was completed between 15 August - 31 October 2023, online, over the phone, on paper and face-to-face at groups and events attended. These included toddler and parent groups, a free event for families, a job seekers group, homeless shelters, the Somerset County Show, libraries and community groups.
1,178 Somerset residents completed the survey. We analysed their feedback to identity common themes and key messages.
Key findings included:
- Cost of dentistry
- Challenges seeking NHS dental care
- Shortage of NHS dentists
- Lack of access to emergency dental care
- Pregnant women struggling to access NHS dentistry
- Oral hygiene
Recommendations included:
- Improve access
- Address affordability
- Attract NHS dentists to Somerset
- Educating communities – promote oral health care
The are are follow up actions in the report, these focus on sharing the report widely. The provider has responded to the report.