Experiences of accessing NHS dental services since the pandemic

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.