Decision details

There was one Public Question from Eva Bryczkowski:

Question 1

For people who are not registered as an NHS patient, how long will it be before they can register as a new NHS patient in Somerset?

Thank you for your question concerning access to NHS dental services in Somerset.

The way patients engage with dentistry has evolved. Patients no longer stay with one dentist for life; instead, they typically visit a dentist for the duration of their treatment.

To find a dental surgery that suits your convenience, whether near your home or workplace, you can use www.nhs.uk. You can reach out to dental practices through phone calls or by visiting their individual websites to inquire about available NHS appointments.

In case of a dental emergency, we have established procedures to ensure that individuals without a regular dentist, requiring urgent dental care, can receive prompt assistance. Patients should contact NHS 111 for guidance on accessing urgent dental appointments in their area.

Additionally, we have introduced an initiative where patients can receive stabilisation care to ensure their dental health remains stable.

We understand that finding a dentist can be challenging, and dental surgeries may not always have the capacity to accept new NHS patients. In such cases, you might need to join a waiting list, seek out a different dentist currently accepting new NHS patients, or consider private dental care.

As of April 1, 2023, our dental commissioning team has taken responsibility for overseeing NHS dental services in Somerset. We are actively collaborating with local providers to address the shortage of NHS dental services in the region. Our efforts include implementing initiatives to increase the availability of dental appointments and launching preventive care programs to support patients in maintaining their oral health.

A key part of our initiatives is close collaboration with the local dental committee, including Somerset dental practices, local public health experts, and the local dental network and managed clinical networks. Together, we are developing new care pathways and identifying opportunities to expand dental capacity within our community. Furthermore, we are working alongside Local Authority Public Health teams to promote and enhance oral health, focusing on both children and adults.

We are also exploring opportunities to commission additional NHS services from dental practices that have the capacity to provide them. It's important to note that dental practices providing NHS treatment are listed on www.nhs.uk, and they are contractually responsible for maintaining accurate information on this platform. Regular updates are emphasized to ensure patients can access up-to-date information about available services.

We hope this information provides clarity on the current state of NHS dental services in Somerset and reassures you that we are actively addressing these challenges to improve access to dental care for our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. Your oral health is our priority, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality care possible.

Question 2

What happened at the national consultation and what result the result?

Regarding your inquiry about the national consultation, it's important to clarify which specific consultation you are referring to, as there have been various developments in the dental field at the national level.

We are aware of ongoing national changes, including revisions to the Unit of Dental Activity (UDA) and the imminent release of the dentistry recovery plan. These changes, coupled with further adjustments to the national dental contract, are aimed at enhancing patient access to dental care and making NHS dentistry a more attractive option for dental professionals. While we await the specifics of these developments, we remain optimistic that they will bring positive improvements to the field of dentistry.