Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordibility and the impact on oral health

We wanted to understand people’s current experiences of dental care in Somerset – what care and treatment people require, what is available via the NHS, and what is preventing people from accessing the dental care they need to stay healthy and well. We also wanted to find out what people are doing to maintain good oral health and hygiene.

Key messages

• Cost of dentistry: Families, older people and vulnerable groups, such as people who are experiencing homelessness, are worried about the costs of dentistry and this has been made worse by the cost of living crisis.
• Challenges seeking NHS dental care: 843 respondents (71%) reported difficulties trying to see an NHS dentist in the past year.
• Shortage of NHS dentists: 436 respondents (37%) expressed a pressing need for more NHS dentists in Somerset. Residents reported difficulty in finding NHS dentists accepting new patients, with waiting lists extending up to eight years.
• Lack of access to emergency dental care: There is a lack of access to emergency dental services, which means people are more likely to self-medicate or visit A&E for treatment.
• Pregnant women struggling to access NHS dentistry: 12 respondents reported difficulty getting NHS dental care while pregnant. While the number may seem small, it is concerning as government guidelines say that pregnant women should get free dental care because pregnancy can affect their dental health.
• Oral hygiene: Respondents answers revealed a range of oral hygiene practices. However, the data also suggests a need for increased knowledge and awareness regarding maintaining optimal oral health. It is crucial to address this gap in understanding, as poor oral care has implications for overall health.