Survey - Finding it difficult to find an NHS dentist?

News - 10 November 2020

PLEASE NOTE THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED Are you or someone you know, finding it difficult to get an NHS Dentist? Healthwatch Isle of Wight have launched a new survey to capture people’s experience of dental services.
Mouthwash in cup

To limit Covid-19 transmissions, dental practices were instructed to close and stop all routine dental care from the 25th March 2020. Emergency dental hubs were quickly set up to support those patients who required emergency dental care and at the beginning of June, dental practices were encouraged to begin face to face appointments again.

People have been telling us that they are struggling to find an NHS dental practice that is taking on new patients and that this seems to be getting more difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We know that lack of access to appropriate dental services can lead not only to people having to suffer immense pain and discomfort, but can also lead to tooth loss and decay. Dentists work with patients and the general public to prevent and treat dental disease, correct dental irregularities and treat dental and facial injuries, but they can also detect head and neck cancers and we are aware that referrals to cancer services have reduced since the start of the pandemic.

We are very interested in hearing about people’s experiences of dental services on the Island.

This survey provides an opportunity for people to share their experiences, concerns and/or praise with an independent watchdog, for topics ranging from accessing an NHS dentist to receiving emergency care.

The results of the survey will be analysed and any areas of best practice or areas highlighted as needing improving will be reported to  NHS England as the commissioner of these services, the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, and Public Health IOW, as well as individual dental surgeries if identified and where appropriate.

Click to complete the survey

The closing date for the survey is the 31st December 2020.

If you would like a hard copy they can contact Healthwatch Isle of Wight by ringing 01983 608608 or by emailing enquiries@healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk  

If you would like assistance in completing this survey please contact Healthwatch Isle of Wight who will be happy to support via telephone.

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