Poll reveals demand for NHS dentists

DENTAL patients in Oldham are demanding more NHS treatment, according to a new survey.

Over a quarter of Oldhamers polled, 26 per cent, said they did not have their teeth checked regularly.

And more than three quarters of those, 82 per cent, said they would want treatment on the NHS.

The national patient survey was conducted by health watchdog the Healthcare Commission, which asked patients whether they visited a dentist regularly.

A total of 58 per cent of Oldham people who answered said they did as an NHS patient, while 15 per cent said they had regular appointments privately.

Across England, only 50 per cent of people visit their dentist regularly.

As part of the survey, patients were asked to rate health care in their primary care trust (PCT) area.

Oldham PCT was in the top 20 per cent of trusts nationally for follow up doctor appointments, convenient opening times and advice on giving up smoking.

But it was in the bottom 20 per cent for GP practice and health centre cleanliness, information on how to use medication and healthy eating advice.

Shauna Dixon, then PCT’s director of clinical leadership, said Oldham PCT had spent more than £1m on improving access to NHS dentistry.

And there were at least four practices accepting NHS patients in the borough.

She said: “Over the last two years we have seen new practices open in Moorside, Springhead and Glodwick and more dentists in Failsworth.

“We’re also supporting a number of dentists interested in expanding, and investing in new services.

“These look set to be in Hathershaw and Fitton Hill, Chadderton and Saddleworth.

“And next year we will also be developing more specialist dental services in the community.

“Between them these new services can see well over 10,000 people.”

Mrs Dixon said the fact that up to 8,000 Oldham patients have their medication reviewed by pharmacists might not have been reflected in the survey.

And the PCT also provided many different types of services offering healthy eating advice and support.

She added: “98 per cent of people think their practice is clean or very clean.

“Clearly patients should be confident that every health facility is clean so this is something we will be looking into.”

Anyone trying to find a new NHS dentist should call 0161-622 6508.