Experiences of dentistry in Sussex poll
Download (PDF 798.27 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, Healthwatch East Sussex and Healthwatch West Sussex wanted to understand people’s experiences of accessing NHS dentistry since the government and the NHS had announced changes to support improvements in dentistry provision. They undertook a short survey between 1 and 31 January 2023 to find out who was using NHS dental services, people’s levels of satisfaction with NHS dentistry and confidence about using NHS dental services in future. They received 220 responses.
- Over two thirds were accessing dentistry on their own behalf.
- Nearly two thirds were not confident about their ability to access NHS dental services over the next 12 months, either for themselves or others.
- Nearly half of the people were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied about their ability to find a dentist offering NHS treatments.
- More than two-in-five were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the waiting times to see someone [NHS dental services].
- Over a third of respondents were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with information on services being accurate and up-to-date.
- Once accessed, a quarter of people were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment they received.
- Over a quarter had accessed NHS dental treatment without any issues, but over two in five respondents were unable to receive NHS dental treatment as they had been unable to find dentists able to offer it.
- Nearly one-in-fourteen people needed dental treatment but were unable to afford to pay the NHS dental charges.
- Approximately one-fifth of people had paid for treatment privately because they had been unable to find or access a dentist able to provide NHS treatment.
- Some people (4.5%) had paid for private dental services, so they were able to receive an appointment or treatment faster.
- Seven people (3.2%) had paid for treatment privately so that their child could access NHS dental services.
- Healthwatch also looked at information on the NHS.Uk website for the 320 dental practice websites for Sussex and found that only 21 practices were taking on adult NHS patients and 36 taking on child NHS patients.
The report includes two recommendations and a response from NHS Sussex to the findings.