Experiences of accessing dental care services in Shropshire
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Healthwatch Shropshire decided to undertake further research into access to dentistry, after receiving an increase in feedback on this topic since the start of the pandemic. They spoke to 106 people.
Over nine in ten reported a negative experience. Over four in five were unable to register with a dentist providing NHS dental services.
There is poor access to routine NHS dental services across Shropshire but this appears to be worse in some areas, particularly Oswestry and Market Drayton. There is a lack of accurate information about whether there are dentists taking on NHS patients. There is confusion caused by the current approach to the issue of “registration”.
The report includes three recommendations to improve access to NHS dentists in Shropshire. The report includes a response from the providers.