Views and experiences of NHS dentistry in the North East and North Cumbria
Summary
In 2023, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned the Healthwatch Network in the North East and North Cumbria to conduct research into people's views and experiences of NHS dentistry in the region.
This report outlines the approach, findings and recommendations of the research.
The aim of this project was to gather information from people who have accessed dental services and the wider population to help the ICB:
- Understand the need for further investment in dentistry services to improve access and how to deliver this
- Identify innovative ways to improve access to NHS dentistry
- Improve communications to inform residents of their dental care options.
Read the report
ICB response
The ICB gave the following response:
Firstly, the ICB would like to thank the Healthwatch network in the North East and North Cumbria and the thousands of people across the North East and North Cumbria who took part in this research. The feedback and patient experiences have been invaluable in shaping our strategic commissioning approach and plan to protect, retain and stabilise NHS dentistry in our region.
We recognise the challenges outlined by Healthwatch, and we have noted each of the associated recommendations. We've already started to address these by:
Introducing a structured network of Urgent Dental Access Centres across the region to provide urgent and emergency care for patients with the highest clinical needs. Patients will be able to book their own appointments online, via a telephone helpline or be referred via NHS 111.
Stabilising local NHS dentistry care by increasing the minimum rate paid to NHS dental practices, offering NHS dental practices the chance to be paid to deliver more than their contracted level of activity, and making funding available to support practices in our most deprived communities and to replace capacity in areas where NHS services have been lost.
Appointing a Communications Manager to develop and deliver a communication strategy that helps people access clear and consistent information about how to get NHS dental care. This will include improving the content on the ICB's website, developing campaigns to explain how to access NHS dental care, and working with regional partners on oral health campaigns to help people to build good oral health habits and avoid dental disease.
Encouraging providers to comply with their contractual agreement to update their nhs.uk profile every 90 days to ensure patients can find accurate and up-to-date information about practices that have space for new NHS patients.
Proactively influencing the Government's thinking on national dental system reform at every opportunity.
Continuing to work collaboratively with local dental committees, networks and providers to increase consistency across the system (within the constraints of the nationally mandated contractual arrangements).
Continuing to work closely with Healthwatch to involve residents in the design and development of new initiatives.
Implementing National Urgent Dental Care Reforms and Standards as they emerge during 2025-26.
Delivering initiatives to tackle the health inequalities that impact on residents' oral and dental health.
Working with our local dental networks and committees and NHS England Regional Workforce Training and Education Directorate to stabilise, upskill and grow the dental workforce.
The ICB's Oral Health and Dental Strategy 2025-27 outlines its full vision and plan to improve oral health in the North East and North Cumbria by reducing oral health inequalities, preventing dental disease and improving access to high-quality NHS dental care.
