Is anything being done about NHS dentistry?

mrkat

I've had a fractured tooth and missing crown since the start of lockdown. Although dentists have re-opened, I've emailed over 30 and they're either not taking on any new patients or have no NHS spaces available but have lots of private appointments. I'm now on universal credit as I didn't qualify for SEISS - buying basics is difficult so I definitely can't afford private dentistry.
Does anyone know if anything is being done to help private dentists take on more NHS patients? 

Grumpy_chap

Do you have a previous dentist that you are registered with?  They should be more amenable.

[Deleted User]

If it is causing you pain then call 101 and explain you can't find an NHS dentist. They will get one to call you back for an emergency appointment.

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

mrkat

Grumpy_chap said:

Do you have a previous dentist that you are registered with?  They should be more amenable.

Unfortunately no, I was living abroad and haven't visited the dentist since coming back

mrkat

[DELETED USER] said:

If it is causing you pain then call 101 and explain you can't find an NHS dentist. They will get one to call you back for an emergency appointment.

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

When I first contacted the dentist in April, they said only emergency appointments were available and even in those, they wouldn't do anything but pull the tooth out. With the health problems that come with missing teeth, I'd like to avoid that as much as I can. It is painful as the fractured tooth is sharp and I've had to eat only on one side of my mouth but it's bearable so I think I'll just have to wait until if/when the pain gets too much.

Jeremy535897

mrkat said:

[DELETED USER] said:

If it is causing you pain then call 101 and explain you can't find an NHS dentist. They will get one to call you back for an emergency appointment.

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

When I first contacted the dentist in April, they said only emergency appointments were available and even in those, they wouldn't do anything but pull the tooth out. With the health problems that come with missing teeth, I'd like to avoid that as much as I can. It is painful as the fractured tooth is sharp and I've had to eat only on one side of my mouth but it's bearable so I think I'll just have to wait until if/when the pain gets too much.

I don't want to sound alarmist, but I have been registered with a NHS dentist for 17 years. They were going to fit a new crown on 30 March, and I am still waiting.

JamoLew

No problems here - registered with an NHS dentist for 30 years and never had any issues (whether that would be any different currently)

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

Think you might find the pandemic is to blame - Dentistry wasn't any better under Tony&Gordon

mrkat

Jeremy535897 said:

mrkat said:

[DELETED USER] said:

If it is causing you pain then call 101 and explain you can't find an NHS dentist. They will get one to call you back for an emergency appointment.

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

When I first contacted the dentist in April, they said only emergency appointments were available and even in those, they wouldn't do anything but pull the tooth out. With the health problems that come with missing teeth, I'd like to avoid that as much as I can. It is painful as the fractured tooth is sharp and I've had to eat only on one side of my mouth but it's bearable so I think I'll just have to wait until if/when the pain gets too much.

I don't want to sound alarmist, but I have been registered with a NHS dentist for 17 years. They were going to fit a new crown on 30 March, and I am still waiting.

Oh wow. Can I ask what it's like at the moment? Have you had a tiny bit of tooth for 17 years? I had an implant put in (when I had more money!) so I've had a tiny nubbin poking out my jaw but now the gum has receeded quite a lot and I'm worried it's going to be too far gone soon to put a crown on top.

Vegastare

This might help. https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-can-we-help/how-do-i-find-an-nhs-dentist/
I phoned the emergency dentist in my area and they gave me the number of the office who has the list in my area  I phoned them and asked for details of NHS dentists .  While all LHA work different - ours told me of 4 NHS dentist currently taking patients -although two years ago.  While I travel further I do have a great dentist.  I noted during lock down he and another practice were doing emergency cover...and trying to assist there patients.
The dentists whether private or NHS have been really effected by covid and just seeing one patient takes much longer with hygiene of surgery between each patient adding to there four month back log.  I think we are all in for a long wait, but getting on a list may be the first step.

epm-84

[DELETED USER] said:

Unfortunately that's the only way to get NHS dental treatment in many areas. They weren't joking when they said the Tories were privatising the NHS.

Large number of dentists becoming private started happening when Tony Blair was PM.  Out of interest did Corbyn announce any specific plan to address the lack of NHS dentists prior to the last election?

mrkat

Vegastare said:

This might help. https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-can-we-help/how-do-i-find-an-nhs-dentist/
I phoned the emergency dentist in my area and they gave me the number of the office who has the list in my area  I phoned them and asked for details of NHS dentists .  While all LHA work different - ours told me of 4 NHS dentist currently taking patients -although two years ago.  While I travel further I do have a great dentist.  I noted during lock down he and another practice were doing emergency cover...and trying to assist there patients.
The dentists whether private or NHS have been really effected by covid and just seeing one patient takes much longer with hygiene of surgery between each patient adding to there four month back log.  I think we are all in for a long wait, but getting on a list may be the first step.

Amazing, thanks for this. I've contacted all of the dentists under the 'find a dentist' list but will try finding a list specific to dentists accepting new patients