James Wild has revealed that the results from his latest survey on dentistry showed that over a third of participants are not currently registered with a dentist and, over a third waited more than a month for a routine appointment pre-Covid.
Over 150 constituents took part in the survey from across the constituency. It was helpful to receive such a wide range of responses, which James took into account recently during both a debate on dentistry and during an interview with BBC Radio Norfolk.
The results showed that of those who participated in the survey:
- Over a third are currently not registered with a dentist.
- Just under half who are registered with a dentist are registered as an NHS patient.
- Nearly 90% would use a mobile dental service.
- A fifth of participants have to wait over a week for an emergency appointment.
- Just under three quarters of participants are 'not at all' satisfied with dentistry in North West Norfolk.
- Half of participants who are currently registered with a dentist travel between '0-5' miles for routine appointments.
- A majority would be willing to travel up to 15 miles for a non-emergency appointment.
- A majority would be willing to travel up to 15-20 miles for an emergency appointment.
- Pre-Covid over a third waited over a month for a routine appointment.
James said "These results underline the long-running need for better access to dentists in North West Norfolk and the current level of provision is not good enough. This reflects the challenges in attracting and recruiting dentists and there is not a quick fix although temporary options such as mobile dentistry are popular and could help. I will continue to campaign for the NHS to deliver short and longer term improvements so people can see a dentist when they need to."
To listen to James' BBC Radio Norfolk interview on dentistry in North West Norfolk please visit: https://www.jameswild.org.uk/news/james-wild-mp-interview-access-dentis…
