Is it possible to see an NHS dentist any more?

jackieblack

JudgeDekker said:

I  noticed that the new Health Secretary Theresa Coffey will be making a big announcement soon, and one of the items on the list of three or four will be about NHS dentistry.

My daughter lives in Therese Coffey’s constituency and it’s one of those places where desperate people in dental pain are resorting to pulling their own teeth out with pliers. 

The closest NHS dentist accepting people onto a waiting list (estimated to be approximately two years before getting to see anyone) is over 40 miles away and even the handful of private dentists in the vicinity are overwhelmed and have closed their books.  

donnac2558

I am lucky to have an NHS dentist my last check up was October 2019, during 2020 and 2021 I randomly phoned about 3 times a year.  I was told no check-ups, but if I was in pain they would see me.  Phoned beginning of July this year and told they were starting check-ups again and my appointment was last week.  Teeth checked, x-ray and a deep clean teeth are fine and told it would be a year for next check-up, but they would contact me.  Again, if any problems, they will fit me in.

Now, I had to stand outside until my time, wear a mask and lots of sanitizing of hands going in and coming out.  So it is taking longer between patients.

Toothsmith

donnac2558 said:

Now, I had to stand outside until my time, wear a mask and lots of sanitizing of hands going in and coming out.  So it is taking longer between patients.

That was last week???

Protocols like that were ditched in May! Even on NHS. There is still the priority for people in pain over regular 'non-essential' check ups (The NHS's words, not mine!!)

We still have a few sensible ones in place. Windows open for ventilation, hand gel and check people are symptom free before they come (free from any respiritory symptoms - so no coughs colds or flu), but my waiting room is open as normal now, and I see my patients just as I ever did. I haven't been hampered by NHS regs though.

Obviously, all dental practices will have to risk-assess depending on their own circumstances, but that does strike me as a tad over-cautious with where we are now.

donnac2558

Toothsmith said:

donnac2558 said:

Now, I had to stand outside until my time, wear a mask and lots of sanitizing of hands going in and coming out.  So it is taking longer between patients.

That was last week???

Protocols like that were ditched in May! Even on NHS. There is still the priority for people in pain over regular 'non-essential' check ups (The NHS's words, not mine!!)

We still have a few sensible ones in place. Windows open for ventilation, hand gel and check people are symptom free before they come (free from any respiritory symptoms - so no coughs colds or flu), but my waiting room is open as normal now, and I see my patients just as I ever did. I haven't been hampered by NHS regs though.

Obviously, all dental practices will have to risk-assess depending on their own circumstances, but that does strike me as a tad over-cautious with where we are now.

In my dentist you have to go up narrow stairs and the waiting room is quite small only 4 chairs in each corner.  Not sure if that is the reason for their rules?

Toothsmith

Possibly. 

There are pubs like that in my town though