**Concern Arises as Some NHS Dentists Only Accept Children if Parents Go Private**
A recent poll has revealed concerning practices among some NHS dentists, where parents are required to become private patients in order to access care for their children. Healthwatch England has called for action, stating that this condition imposed on parents represents a breach of contract. The poll, conducted on 1,791 adults across England, found that 27% were unable to secure an NHS dentist when needed, forcing them to seek private treatment. Furthermore, 16% reported not seeing an NHS dentist in the past two years due to appointment unavailability.
Of the 836 parents surveyed, 13% encountered difficulties in obtaining NHS care for their children. Alarmingly, 12% shared that they could only access NHS dental care for their children if they agreed to become private patients at the practice, a slight increase from the previous survey conducted in March. Expressing concern, Healthwatch England CEO Louise Ansari mentioned, “There was a worrying, though small, number of parents who said their dentist would only see their child as an NHS patient if the parent became a private patient at the same practice.”
Families should not face financial barriers to accessing essential oral care for their children, reiterates Healthwatch England. The organisation emphasised that children under 18 are entitled to free NHS dental treatment at practices with available NHS appointments. However, the current situation indicates persistent challenges in accessing NHS dental care, despite recent payment incentives introduced for dentists.
The call for a “GP-style” system in dental care has garnered support, with 54% of adults expressing the desire to register permanently with a local NHS dentist, similar to GP registration. Highlighting the need for reform in NHS dentistry, British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee Chairman Shawn Charlwood underlined the importance of continuity of care for patients and dentists alike. He noted that registration alone may not address the deep-rooted issues within the dental service.
NHS England responded firmly, asserting that while efforts are ongoing to enhance access to dental services, requiring parents to opt for private treatment for their children’s NHS care is unacceptable. The organisation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Government and dental professionals to reform the dental contract and increase appointment availability for patients. The Department of Health and Social Care echoed this sentiment, pledging to bolster the dental sector and prioritise preventive measures to promote oral health, particularly among young children.
As concerns persist regarding access to NHS dental care, the public’s demand for a more streamlined and inclusive dental system continues to grow. The focus remains on addressing systemic issues, ensuring equitable access to essential oral healthcare services across the UK.