People share their views on dentistry services in Central Bedfordshire

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire undertook a survey of access to and experience of NHS dental care both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.  They received 116 responses during the period 18 January to 14 February 2021.

Before the pandemic, people were largely satisfied with their care.  During the pandemic, this changed with more people being unable to access NHS routine and emergency care.  Few people were able to use NHS 111 successfully to access dental care.

People reported a lack of communication from dental surgeries as to when routine appointments would resume, and that the surgeries failed to contact people to arrange an appointment when promised.

Recommendations include the need for clearer information, appointments provided on a timely and regular basis and keeping dental surgeries websites up to date.