NHS dentist surveys launch in Cornwall to help reveal scale of backlogs
Local MPs want to know how many people are on waiting lists and what you think of services
Two surveys have launched in Cornwall to find out how many people are waiting for an NHS dentist and people think of local services.
Derek Thomas, the MP for West Cornwall, has been campaigning for more funding for NHS dentists but progress has been halted because of the pandemic.
Initially dentists could not see patients at all, which delayed everyone’s treatment, and since then oral health has got worse, and NHS dentists have had to concentrate on emergency treatment rather than early intervention. There is now a considerable backlog in treatment.
Earlier this week is was announced that Cornwall will get a share of almost five million pounds to help tackle the NHS dentist backlog.
The Government has announced £50million of additional funding across the country for a rapid programme to tackle some of the dentistry issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The South West will get £4,726,000 but it isn't yet known how much of that will go to Cornwall.
Under the scheme extra appointments will be offered including outside of normal hours to treat people in the early morning, evening, and at weekends.
No one knows the exact size of the backlog as dentists do not have waiting lists in the same way as hospitals or GPs – the administrative costs of running a waiting list are not funded by NHS dental contracts.
What we do know is that when dental practices open their books for NHS patients, they are overwhelmed with telephone calls.
Derek’s survey is designed to find out the scale of the problem. It is also collecting names and contact details that can be passed on to the NHS, to help NHS dentists get in contact with patients who they may not reach otherwise.
The survey can be completed on behalf of another person, with their permission, and hard copies are available from Derek’s office for anyone who has difficulty with online surveys. The more information the survey can gather, the stronger the case for increased funding.
Derek said: “I know how difficult it is to get an NHS dentist in Cornwall – it’s something that comes up in my surgeries and drop-ins all the time, as well as my emails.
“I have been meeting NHS commissioners and health ministers regularly, but I need more facts and figures to show them just how serious the problem is.
“I’d ask everyone who’s had difficulty getting an NHS dentist to complete the survey – please help me to make the case for your dental health.”
You can find the West Cornwall survey here.
MP Cherilyn Mackrory has also opened an NHS dentist survey for Truro and Falmouth.
It's to find out local people’s experience of NHS dentistry services in the area.
Cherilyn said: “This isn’t a new issue, but it’s one I want to tackle.
“Firstly, I know it’s hard to find an NHS dentist in Cornwall. I get emails regularly about it and I’ve seen it on the news recently.
“The NHS doesn’t keep statistics of who needs dental treatment, so they have no idea of the scale of the problem.
“I’ve decided to show them, by finding out how many people in the constituency of Truro and Falmouth need a dentist on the NHS.
“You can complete the survey here: https://www.cherilynmackrory.org.uk/truro-and-falmouth-dentist-survey
“Please pass it on to friends and family who might not see this post or the local press – I want it to get to as many people as possible.
“If you know someone who would like a hard copy of the survey, please contact my Truro office on 01872 229698 or email me at cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk and we can put one in the post.
“I will let the survey run until 1st March 2022 and then use the data gathered to help inform colleagues in Government and in the NHS of the evidence-based need for more provision of NHS dentist services in our constituency.”
It is understood that other Cornish MPs will be producing their own versions shortly, to capture the situation across the whole of Cornwall.