What people have told us about NHS dentistry

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch England report on key themes in their insight about access to NHS dentistry during January to March 2021.  This briefing is based on the experiences of 1,375 people.

Access to NHS dentistry remained a key issue for people across England between January to March 2021.  Some people were being asked to wait up to three years to get an NHS appointment, but private appointments were available within a week.  Delays in access have resulted in worsening of painful symptoms and have even led to hospitalisation after an overdose of painkillers.

People feel pressured to pay for private care as some dentists were only offering private appointments.

Generally people found NHS dental charges expensive, particularly people from low income groups.

Although people were wary of catching Covid-19 during their dental appointment, most felt safe when they have attended one.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch England
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Booking appointments
Cost and funding of services
Prevention of diseases, including vaccination, screening and public hygiene
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Waiting for appointments or treatment; waiting lists for treatment

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
General feedback
Survey

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Dentist

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
3394
Ethnicity
Asian / Asian British: Bangladeshi
Asian / Asian British: Indian
Asian / Asian British: Pakistani
Asian / Asian British: Any other Asian / Asian British background
Black / Black British: African
Black / Black British: Caribbean
Black / Black British: Any other Black / Black British background
Seldom heard groups
People on low incomes
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