Tackling Dental Access Problem About More Than Numbers, Says BDA

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 16 Jun 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Research published by consumer organisation Which? highlights the well-publicised problems some patients face accessing NHS dental care, according to the British Dental Association (BDA). The consumer organisation's research indicates that, while nine out of ten people who tried to see an NHS dentist in the last two years were successful, three million people could not get an appointment.

John Milne, Chair of the BDA's General Dental Practice Committee, said: "Many patients still face problems attempting to access NHS dental care and this research highlights inequalities in access, a problem that must be tackled imaginatively. That means thinking beyond numerical measures of access to consider the kind of care patients receive.

"The independent review of dentistry being led by Professor Steele presents an opportunity to consider how best to address this issue. We look forward to the report's publication."

Notes

1. Details of the inquiry into dental services, being led by Professor Jimmy Steele, are available here.

2. The BDA is The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 23,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.

Source
The British Dental Association