Access to NHS Dentists in Rutland: A Growing Concern
Despite years of advocacy and concern from health watchdogs, access to NHS dentists in Rutland remains a significant issue. Dr. Janet Underwood, the head of Rutland Healthwatch, recently addressed a scrutiny meeting at Rutland County Council, highlighting the ongoing struggles residents face in obtaining dental care. Her remarks underscore a troubling trend: access to dental services has deteriorated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pre-Pandemic Landscape
Before the pandemic, Rutland’s residents enjoyed relatively better access to dental services. However, Dr. Underwood emphasized that the situation has worsened significantly since then. In her assessment, areas like Oadby and Blaby have maintained better access to dental care, while Melton and Rutland have fallen to the bottom of the list within the health board area. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of current health policies and the allocation of resources.
Persistent Challenges
Dr. Underwood expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, "These are figures we have been shouting about, complaining about, and asking about for years, and they still seem to be getting worse." When pressed about any signs of improvement, her response was disheartening: "Not a lot." This sentiment reflects the growing anxiety among residents who are increasingly unable to access essential dental services.
A recent survey conducted by Healthwatch revealed that a staggering 59% of participants could not access NHS dentistry in Rutland. This statistic is alarming, especially considering that some children in the county have never seen a dentist. The implications of this lack of access extend beyond immediate dental health; they raise concerns about long-term health outcomes for the community.
The Impact of Oral Health on Overall Wellbeing
Tracey Allen-Jones, a colleague of Dr. Underwood, highlighted the broader implications of poor dental access. She pointed out that oral ill health is linked to serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection of oral cancers. The ongoing lack of access to dental care could lead to a future where more residents suffer from preventable health issues that go unnoticed due to inadequate dental services.
The Role of the Integrated Care Board
Sarah Prema, chief strategy officer from the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLRICB), acknowledged that the pandemic has exacerbated the situation in Rutland. The closure of an Oakham dental practice, which returned its contract, has further strained resources. Currently, only about 20% of adults in Rutland have access to an NHS dentist, significantly lower than the national average of 25%. For children, the figures are slightly better, with 38% having access compared to the national average of 41%.
In an effort to address these challenges, the ICB has commissioned an additional 10,000 units of dental access (UDAs), which they estimate will facilitate around 3,200 treatments. However, the success of this initiative hinges on finding a provider willing to deliver these services. The ICB remains cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
Financial Strain on Residents
The financial burden of dental care is another pressing concern. Many residents have reported having to forgo essential expenses to pay for private dental treatment or even resorting to taking on debt. This situation is unsustainable and highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how dental care is provided and funded in Rutland.
The Call for Action
Cllr Lucy Stephenson, a member of the scrutiny committee, emphasized that residents in rural areas deserve the same level of dental care as those in urban settings. She suggested exploring options like mobile dentistry vans to improve access for schools and care homes. However, Debra Mitchell, chief operating officer from the ICB, noted that Rutland had not been selected for such initiatives but promised to advocate for it.
The scrutiny committee acknowledged the steps taken by the ICB to improve access but recognized that many factors remain outside their control, including the availability of dentists willing to work under NHS contracts. Cllr Ramsay Ross, chair of the committee, called for urgent government action to address the shortage of NHS dentists and to negotiate a new, sustainable contract with the national dental council.
Conclusion
The ongoing struggle for access to NHS dentists in Rutland is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate attention from both local authorities and the government. As residents continue to face barriers to essential dental care, the potential long-term health consequences loom large. It is imperative that stakeholders work collaboratively to find solutions that ensure all residents have access to the dental services they need, safeguarding their health and wellbeing for years to come.