Norfolk: NHS boss recognises concern over dentist shortage

Health officials have been told "loud and clear" how concerned people are about a shortage of NHS dentists, a senior manager has said.

Sadie Parker, director of primary care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said staff were "doing all we can" to improve access to dentists.

But Ms Parker said making things "better" would not be "easy".

She outlined the difficulties as the board launched a public consultation about dental services.

"We have been hearing loud and clear from our residents and communities how concerned you are about the lack of NHS dental services in Norfolk and Waveney," said Ms Parker in a statement issued by the board.

"We know how challenging the situation is and we are committed to doing all we can to improve patient access to dental services.

"Since we took on commissioning responsibility for dental services last April, we have been working hard to understand the landscape, and to understand where we can make a difference.

"It's not going to be easy, and it's not going to happen overnight."

'Priority areas'

The board said it had identified "priority areas", including urgent care, "developing capacity in our dental teams", improving access, and promoting good oral health.

Officials said the board wanted feedback on the priorities identified and said a consultation would run until 21 February.

A number of people questioned by BBC Radio Norfolk about dental provision raised concerns over a shortage of NHS dentists.

"I know someone who pulled his own teeth out - that's horrible," said one woman.

"My daughter is thinking about going to get a dental kit."

South Norfolk Conservative MP Richard Bacon said in May that NHS dentistry was at risk of "collapse".

Mr Bacon argued, during a debate on dentistry in London, that the "collapse" dated back 25 years to the "withdrawal of funding" under the New Labour government.

He said it and was aggravated by the 2006 dental contract.

The reforms were intended to simplify charging and make it easier to find an NHS dentist.

The British Dental Association, which represents NHS dentists in the UK, has blamed the access problems on underinvestment from government.

NHS dental treatment is not free for most adults, but it is subsidised.

Research by the Association of Dental Groups, published in 2022, suggested there were 38 NHS dentists per 100,000 people in the former Norfolk and Waveney clinical commissioning group area, which covers Norfolk and parts of north east Suffolk.

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