Calls for New Dental School Amid NHS Dentist Shortage

UK: Amid a concerning shortage of NHS dentists, calls have emerged for the establishment of a new dental school in Dorset. The proposal, discussed at the Dorset Council’s People and Health Committee, aims to alleviate the “genuine distress” faced by dentists in meeting the current demand for dental services, as highlighted by Robert Payne, the deputy director for strategic health commissioning for NHS Dorset.

Overwhelming Demand for NHS Dentist Places: Thousands of Inquiries and Long Queues

Struggling Access to NHS Dentists in Dorset

Statistics presented during the committee meeting revealed that only two in five adults in Dorset were able to access an NHS dentist over a two-year period. Recognizing the severity of the issue, discussions have commenced about the potential creation of a new dental school in Dorset. This initiative aims to encourage dentists to receive training within the county, contributing to a long-term solution, contingent upon the availability of financial resources.

Rising Patient Complaints Reflect Access Issues

The pressing need for increased access to NHS dental services is further underscored by a significant surge in patient complaints. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has reported a 66% increase in complaints about NHS dental treatment. These complaints span concerns about rising fees, the standard of care, and the considerable difficulties patients face in accessing NHS dental services in England.

Upheld Complaints Reach Alarming Levels

Dental staff shortage and the Great Resignation

The proportion of upheld complaints has also witnessed a substantial rise, climbing from 42% in 2017-18 to a concerning 78% in 2022-23. Rob Behrens, the Ombudsman, expressed the collective frustration experienced by patients and dental professionals due to inadequate dental care. He emphasized the urgent need for a more effective system that prioritizes quality care and addresses common access problems, as indicated by instances of individuals resorting to extreme measures like self-extraction of teeth.

Dentistry Complaints Exceed Other Healthcare Areas

The surge in dental care complaints surpasses that in other areas of NHS care, including GP, hospital, and mental health care. The overall average for upheld complaints in these areas is 60%, emphasizing the severity of the challenges faced by patients seeking dental services within the NHS.

The proposed establishment of a new dental school in Dorset aims not only to mitigate the current dentist shortage but also to address the broader issue of accessibility, providing a potential avenue for a more sustainable and robust dental care system in the region.

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