Health officials in Norfolk and Waveney have published their plans for the future of dentistry in the area.
It is based on feedback from over 2000 people and sets out what they will focus on over the next two to five years.
People’s views supported some of the key points in the plan which include:
- Improving access to services with an initial focus on children and young people, and those living in areas of deprivation.
- Oral health education and prevention for children, young people and adults
- Continuing work to both attract dentists and dental care professionals to the area, and keep them here.
- Further development of oral surgery and acute dental services.
- Special Care dental services for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, sensory impairment, physical or mental disabilities
- Orthodontic services for children under 18 years of age.
You can download the full plan here.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney says there is a lot of work to do and sustainable improvement will take time.
It says dental care providers and those working in health need to work together to help improve things for patients.
The statement adds: “Improving patient access to NHS dental services, increasing the number of dentists and dental care professionals working in the area, and improving oral health in children and adults are some of the key aims for the plan.
“As these aims start to be met, we hope to see a reduction in the shift to private dental practice and referrals to secondary care for extractions.”
Reaction
Sadie Parker, Director of Primary Care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We are really pleased to be able to progress with our longer-term plans to develop and improve NHS dental services for our people and communities.
“We know how challenging it is for patients to access NHS dental services in Norfolk and Waveney, and through our Long-Term Dental Plan we are totally committed to doing all we can to stablise and improve dental care so that people can access the treatment they really need.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views through our dental survey. The feedback we received has been enormously helpful for us to gain valuable insight into people’s experiences, and check our priorities are aligned when it comes to the future of dental care.”
Have your say
Around a third of all inquiries to Healthwatch Norfolk are around dental care. We are keen to hear people’s own experiences and will be gathering feedback ahead of our first Dental Summit this autumn. You can find out more here.
