News / Health
‘Steady fall’ in Bristol patients able to access an NHS dentist
There has been a steady fall in the number of Bristol patients able to access an NHS dentist according to a new report.
The declining availability of NHS dentists in Bristol matches the fall in the rest of the country, but has left many people unable to access vital dental care.
There are 57 practices in Bristol who provide NHS dental services, according to a report to the health and wellbeing board at Bristol City Council.
is needed now More than ever
The board met on Thursday, July 13 to discuss the issues.
There has been a steady fall in the number of Bristol patients able to access an NHS dentist in Bristol – photo: Betty Woolerton
The report said: “Over recent years there has been a steady fall in the number of patients in Bristol who have been able to access an NHS dentist.
“The percentage of adults seeing an NHS dentist in Bristol has decreased from 43.5 per cent to 37.3 per cent in the latest 12 months data available from June 2021 to June 2022.
“The key issue affecting access to NHS dentistry across the country is the workforce. It is difficult to determine why established dentists across the country leave.
“Anecdotally, factors include the challenges of working in NHS practices that are experiencing high demand from patients, and the opportunities in private care.”
Residents have been gathering outside a dental care centre in St Paul’s on Wednesdays to protest the building’s closure – photo: Tara Miran
In May, Bupa announced it was closing its dentist practice in St Paul’s. The shortage of NHS dentists has sparked concern among local councillors and calls for action.
Speaking during a full council meeting on July 11, Labour councillor Brenda Massey, representing Southmead, said: “It’s appalling that in a civilised country local people should have to organise donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste to give to school children in an attempt to improve their dental care, due to the lack of NHS dentists in the area.”
Mayor Marvin Rees added: “Making sure that we have adequate, accessible and affordable dentist treatment available to people of all ages is absolutely essential.”
Main photo: Tara Miran
Read next:
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