Experiences of accessing NHS dental services since the pandemic
Many people have reported difficulties accessing NHS dental services in Islington since the pandemic.
![](/sites/healthwatchislington.co.uk/files/styles/report_cover_in_node/public/magnifying%20glass_3.png?itok=8hsmaM1G)
Summary
More and more people have been asking Healthwatch for help to find a dental practice that will take them as an NHS patient.
- Patients who are already registered with a dentist have had fewer issues with access. They have often had to wait a long time for an appointment, but they have been prioritised.
- Patients who don't already have an NHS dentist have less access to treatment.
- People are less likely to be registered with a dentist if a) they have recently moved to Islington (within the last two years), or b) they have fallen off the system/lost connection with their previous dentist.
- Dental practices have an existing patient cohort and don't have capacity to take on more patients for ongoing NHS care.
Downloads
Experiences of accessing NHS dental services since the pandemic