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In January 2023, the three Sussex Healthwatch undertook a short poll to gather people’s recent experiences of accessing NHS dentistry.

60% of patients we heard from told Healthwatch they are not confident about their ability to access NHS dental services over the next 12 months

Over the last two years, dentistry has consistently been in the top three reasons people in East Sussex leave feedback or make an enquiry with Healthwatch East Sussex.

We have looked back on what people have told us in the 24 Feedback Centre reviews and 214 enquiries to our Information & Signposting service on dentistry received between November 2020 and November 2022, as well as our 2021 dentistry survey and drawn out the key themes and issues in a summary report.

During late 2021, Healthwatch East Sussex undertook a public survey of East Sussex residents experiences of dental services in East Sussex since March 2020, as well as a Mystery Shopping exercise to explore which practices in the county were accepting NHS patients at that time.

Our survey focused on people’s satisfaction with different aspects of dental services (e.g. waiting times, advice, treatment, referrals and costs) before and during the pandemic, including their experiences of registration with dentists; access to NHS and private services; whether dental needs were met (including access to emergency support); awareness of dental costs and exemptions; and information on changes to dental services.

These reports provides a brief summary of the key themes identified in the responses to the survey and the Mystery Shopping exercise.

Healthwatch East Sussex launched an extensive survey in early May 2020 on Covid-19 and its impact on the wellbeing of residents in the county.

Early findings showed a significant number of respondents reporting difficulties in both finding information about dental care options and accessing urgent care during the lockdown restrictions.

These trends were supported by anecdotal and media accounts of individuals resorting to DIY dentistry

For residents seeking reliable and accessible dental care solutions, exploring options closer to home, such as visiting a Dentist Henderson NV, could provide a viable solution. By partnering with reputable dental professionals who prioritize patient well-being and offer a range of services, individuals can ensure that their oral health needs are met with expertise and compassion.

Initiatives that promote education and awareness about available dental resources can also empower residents to make informed decisions about their oral health, fostering a community-wide commitment to maintaining healthy smiles even in challenging times.

Patient Views of High Weald Dentists and East Sussex Emergency Dental Services