Finding an NHS Dentist

We are very aware that difficulties in finding an NHS dentist, and waiting times to get one, are an issue within Cornwall and nationwide.  The NHS in Devon and Cornwall currently has over 78,000 people waiting to see a dentist.  Across the UK the number of people unable to find an NHS dentist is estimated at more than three million, because there are just not enough dentists to meet the demand, with many choosing to leave the NHS to work in the private sector.

Healthwatch Cornwall are represented on the Local Dentistry Network for the South West and feed back to them as well as NHS England who commission dentistry.  The most up to date local situation is summarised in this link which is a report presented to the Health & Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council In November 2022.

We have published articles on the situation regarding NHS dentistry on our website here and here which may be of interest to you.  The Healthwatch England Chair, Sir Robert Francis, was co-signatory to an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 2021 and you can read Healthwatch England’s research using the following link Recovery of NHS dental care too slow to help thousands left in pain. 

In July 2022 NHS England published the following press release which summarises the first changes to the way NHS dentistry is commissioned nationally since 2006 NHS England - Better access to NHS dental services under new reforms. 

This is undoubtedly partly an outcome of the considerable feedback Healthwatch England nationally and Healthwatch Cornwall locally have contributed to the debate.  NHS dentistry was most recently discussed in Parliament on 20 October 2022 where 3 MPs directly referenced Healthwatch as a source of information regarding lack of access to NHS dentists. 

In July 2023, the Health and Social Care Committee published a report resulting from its enquiry into NHS dentistry, which took into account a significant amount of Healthwatch-sourced evidence and testimony. It’s concluded that it was “totally unacceptable in the 21st century” that large numbers of patients had to experience pain and distress because they couldn’t see an NHS dentist.  The Government published their response in December 2023. Healthwatch England have summarised what this means to the public in this report.

Healthwatch has been mentioned in a number of national media, including The Independent, ITV, BBC Online, Mail, and the Daily Telegraph (attached) and Healthwatch England’s full response on the issue is here.

In terms of trying to find an NHS dentist unfortunately the only option is to contact the NHS dental helpline on 0333 006 3300, select Option 3 to register for the dentist waiting list or Option 4 to speak to a member of the team, and wait as long as it takes to speak to someone.  It can take between 30 minutes and an hour but your call should be answered at some point.  You could try selecting Option 2 which is to respond to a call from the team regarding the waiting list and see if your call is answered any quicker.

Unfortunately the helpline does not fall under the remit of Healthwatch Cornwall as we are a separate body to the NHS.

Waiting times to see an NHS dentist are lengthy and could be several years – we cannot quote times as it depends on the areas you are able to travel to (you can provide up to three areas).  When a dental practice has NHS vacancies, it contacts the waiting list and then it depends on (a) how long you have been on the list and (b) if you have nominated the area where the practice is situated. 

It is worth checking every 6 months or so that you are still on the list and the details they hold are up to date.

If you need emergency dental help in the meantime, you can call 0333 405 0290.  Urgent treatment centres are located in Truro and Bodmin and further information can be found here. 

An initial phone assessment will help the dentist decide whether you need to be seen immediately or within 24 hours or can be booked in later for an appointment.  Conditions needing immediate treatment might include:

•       dental infection/fever/swelling, especially if it might affect the airway

•       uncontrolled bleeding

•       injury

If offered treatment it may not be local to you.  Treatment is a one-off fixed cost per visit regardless of treatment.

If you continue to be unable to obtain the treatment you need you can complain to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly integrated care board who are responsible for the commissioning of NHS dental services, their contact details are below:

Email: Ciosicb.complaints@nhs.net

Telephone: 01726 627975

Postal address: NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Part 2S, Chy Trevail, Beacon Technology Park, Dunmere Road, Bodmin, PL31 2FR

You may also wish to pass your feedback to your local Councillor and/or your MP.