Healthwatch Darlington Dentistry Report 2022

Healthwatch England is at the forefront of campaigning for reform of the NHS dental contract alongside the British Dental Association (BDA). Healthwatch Darlington have joined forces with eight other local Healthwatch to support the national picture as well as informing local service providers of the experiences of their local patients.

The findings within our local report highlight that whilst there are good experiences of dental care in the Borough, general feedback indicates that staffing shortages, and historic concerns within the dental system are adversely impacting public dental health. In addition, additional Health and Safety measures, whilst welcome and necessary, are leading to delays in treatment.

There are some clear indicators of areas where improvements could be made including ensuring NHS Choices website contains up to date information, providing supportive advice to patients who are on waiting lists and often in discomfort, and improving NHS 111 advice and information.

We will use the information gathered within our local report to support the national work that Healthwatch England is leading on, and also as a collective local Healthwatch, influence the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care System to improve services locally.