NHS Dentistry in Rutland: Briefing Paper April 2024
The new HWR briefing paper builds on our findings in recent polling of the Rutland public on access to NHS dentistry in Rutland and our consideration of the National Dental Recovery Plan published in February 2024.
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. Louise Ansari, Healthwatch England CEO 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.
“However, in the long run more radical solutions are needed to get NHS dentistry back on track. We welcome the Government’s to commitment to consulting with the profession on the contract and urge this to happen as soon as possible.
"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 using the download below.
