New report calls for fundamental reform of NHS dental care

A new report by the Health and Social Care Committee has called for fundamental reform of NHS dentistry after MPs heard about the pain and distress caused to people who can not see a dentist. 

Healthwatch England gave oral evidence to the Committee about the problems people have experienced accessing and affording an NHS dentist.

We were one of nearly 30 Local Healthwatch services who submitted insight on the challenges people face in their local area when it comes to getting dental care. 

Responding to the report, Sarah Thwaites, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Liverpool said: 

"We welcome this report from the committee, which has accepted the evidence submitted by the Healthwatch Network including Healthwatch Liverpool to MPs that there is a crisis in NHS dentistry. We agree with the committee that 'everyone should be able to access an NHS dentist when they need one, wherever they live' and we are looking forward to a national dental recovery plan which would help make this a reality."

What have people told us about dental care?

In November 2022 we published our State of NHS Dentistry in Liverpool report which summarised the number one issue we hear from members of the public about. We highlighted some of the inequalities presented by the current situation and suggest what could be done to improve it.

Access continues to be the main issue the public reports. Difficulties getting support have led to many people living in pain. The severity of issues people contact us about has also increased.

Some people, out of desperation try to pay for private care by dipping into savings, juggling finances or borrowing money. Private finance for dentistry is now widely advertised but risks putting people into debt they cannot afford to pay. People should have the option of NHS care. We are often in the uncomfortable position of telling people that it might be years before they will get an NHS dentist, but that private care is immediately available to those who can pay. 

We drew on our report to make a formal submission to the parliamentary inquiry.