HWR briefing paper calls for local plan to improve NHS dentistry
In our recent dental poll 59% of respondents who had tried to get an NHS dental appointment in the last 12 months had been unable to do so.
In February 2024 the Government announced the National Dental Recovery Plan to create up to 2.5 million additional NHS dental appointments in England; including up to 1.5 million extra treatments, with a focus on improving oral health in children
We agree with the Healthwatch England view that the Recovery Plan is a good start in addressing the long-standing issues of access to affordable dentistry. CEO of Healthwatch England, Louise Ansari has said:
“The dentistry recovery plan is a good start in addressing these serious problems. To widen access to NHS dentistry to those experiencing the greatest health inequalities, it’s vital dentists take up the new premium payments, promote availability of appointments to new patients and prioritise slots to people most in need.
“We also welcome the move to incentivise dentists to work in ‘dental deserts’ with golden hellos, to use dental vans in remote areas and to roll out more prevention schemes for children……
"We know that people will generally welcome the plan, but ultimately, they would like to be able to register with a local NHS dentist in the same way as they can with a local GP, developing a trusted relationship with a dentist who can prevent poor oral health and treat any new problems or emergencies…”
Further to this, Healthwatch Rutland is concerned to ensure that the ambitions of the National Recovery Plan are translated into concrete actions that deliver improved access in Rutland.
We therefore call on commissioners to develop a robust place-based plan, with engagement from the public, for improving NHS dentistry in Rutland urgently.
You can read the full briefing paper along with the response from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board:
