Healthwatch Bradford and District will present a report (Document “L”) on continuing problems with access to NHS dentists in the district.

Recommended –

That the problem of lack of access to NHS dentists in the District, as highlighted by Healthwatch’s survey, be noted.

(Victoria Simmons – 01535 665258)

Healthwatch Bradford and District presented a report (Document “L”) on continuing problems with access to NHS dentists in the district.

The Manager of Healthwatch Bradford and District stated that access to NHS dentists was the most common reason for people to contact her organisation.  She referred to the findings of a survey of 1,000 local people which showed that 43% of adults and 30% of children had no access to an NHS dentist.  She stated that 10% of those surveyed had attended A&E as a result of dental pain and being unable to access dental care.  She stated this was a significant issue, particularly in relation to the oral health of children and that a lack of access to routine dental care for families undermined public health work on prevention and education.  She acknowledged that there was some good work being undertaken to tackle this issue but concerns remained as 74% of those surveyed who did not have an NHS dentist said they had tried to find one, without success.  At the time of writing the report no practices within Bradford were listed on the NHS Choices website as accepting new NHS patients and last month only two practices in the whole of West Yorkshire were taking on new NHS patients.  Healthwatch had welcomed the recommendation put forward by the NHS England Task and Finish Group to set up a pilot scheme in Bradford to improve access in April 2016, but had not seen any progress on this matter.  She also queried the potential to adjust the routine intervals of those who had access to an NHS dentist, in line with NICE guidelines,  in order to free up appointments for those without access and with urgent need.

The Chair queried whether there were alternative ways for people to find an NHS dentist other than the NHS Choices website.  In response, the Healthwatch Manager stated that the most common way was to telephone dental practices direct or call NHS 111.  She was aware that work was being done to review how to keep the NHS Choices website up to date.

A Member questioned what the dental practices were doing to tackle this issue.  A representative of the Local Dental Network stated that the funding available did not meet the demand for the service and one of the ways to reduce the demand would be to educate people about self care and prevention.  He stated that there was due to be a new contract in 2018/19, but until more funding was available for practices to take on more patients, the cost burden would fall on practices and the practices that were struggling the most were in areas with high deprivation.

A Member questioned if the Healthwatch survey had highlighted a high number of people who had resorted to paying for private treatment due to not being able to access dental case within the NHS.  In response, it was stated that the number was low and not considered a significant finding. 

The Healthwatch Manager was thanked for her report.

Resolved –

(1)  That the problem of lack of access to NHS dentists in the District, as highlighted by Healthwatch’s survey, be noted.

(2)  That Healthwatch Bradford and District be thanked for the information provided in their report.

NO ACTION