Tackling the Dentistry Crisis in Cornwall: Healthwatch Cornwall's Upcoming Report

Access to dental care in Cornwall has reached a critical point, with many residents struggling to secure regular appointments or even find a dentist willing to take on new patients. The crisis is leaving thousands of people without the care they need, forcing some to travel long distances or even resort to DIY dental treatments.
Dentist working on a patient in the chair

At Healthwatch Cornwall, we’ve been listening closely to your concerns and gathering data on the scale and impact of this issue. We’ve heard from people across the county who are facing lengthy waits, uncertainty about their care, and a lack of clear information on where to turn for help. Your stories are vital in helping us understand the real-life impact of this crisis.

We’ve been working hard to compile our findings, and we’re committed to sharing them with you in our upcoming report this autumn. This report will provide a detailed analysis of the current state of dental services in Cornwall, highlight the challenges faced by residents, and offer recommendations for improving access to care. We hope it will be a key resource for decision-makers, helping to shape the future of dental services in our community.

In the meantime, if you’re struggling to find a dentist or need urgent dental care, there are resources available to help:

•    NHS 111: Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice on accessing emergency dental care.
•    Healthwatch Cornwall Helpline: If you need advice or have concerns about your dental care, please contact us at 0800 0381 281 or email us on enquires@healthwatchcornwall.co.uk

We know that the current situation is difficult, but we’re here to support you and ensure your voice is heard. Please keep sharing your experiences with us so that together, we can push for the changes needed to improve dental care for everyone in Cornwall.

Stay tuned for our full report this Autumn and thank you for your continued support and engagement.