New report claims NO NHS dentists are accepting new patients in Norfolk
Healthwatch Norfolk called 50 practices across the county - finding none were taking on new NHS patients
A new report from Healthwatch claims no dental practices in Norfolk have been accepting new NHS patients this month, highlighting the difficulty of getting affordable dental care in the county.
In a survey earlier this month the healthcare advocacy group called 50 practices across different areas of the county.
It found that none were taking on new NHS patients and 14% did not have the capacity for new private patients.
One practice had more than 3,500 people on a waiting list for NHS treatment.
Since January last year around half of all enquiries to Healthwatch Norfolk have been about the availability of NHS dental care in the county.
Healthwatch has now submitted its evidence to the government and has outlined six recommendations to improve dental care in Norfolk.
It includes a 'full and urgent review' of NHS dental care contracts across the country, as well as the launch of a campaign to attract more dentists to work in the county.
The group is also pushing for a new dental school in the East of England.
Judith Sharpe, Healthwatch Norfolk deputy chief executive, said: “We are being contacted daily by people who are concerned about access to NHS dental care.
"While there is provision for emergency care, we feel that a more pro-active approach is needed targeted towards prevention.
“While sorting out the current situation is not going to be quick or easy to deal with, ensuring Norfolk’s younger residents know how to protect their oral health is absolutely vital so this current situation does not continue for future generations.
“We hope our evidence to the Health Select Committee can help influence future dental policy and priorities.”