Dentists shortage contributes to increased waiting times on the Isle of Wight

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Dental patients on the Isle of Wight have raised concerns about access to treatment, after appointments were cancelled at mydentist, Newport.

One patient who attended a check-up at the practice in January, was recently informed that her scheduled appointment for November would be cancelled. In the letter, the patient was advised to contact the surgery, and when she called, she was told that the next available slot was September 2019. The patient in question was offered an appointment with a dental hygienist in June at a cost of £50. When she queried the waiting time, the receptionist informed her that there were now only two dentists working at the Pyle Street practice, which had contributed to increased waiting times.

A spokesperson for the NHS said that the number of dentists working on the island had increased in recent years, but admitted that some practices were struggling to fill vacancies. Mydentist has also cancelled appointments and closed surgeries across England as a result of staff shortages. The NHS is now working with other providers to try and increase capacity and recruit more dentists.

Anyone who needs urgent dental treatment is advised to call 111 and ask to be put through to the Dental Helpline. This service is designed to ensure patients who need immediate treatment are able to see a local dentist as quickly as possible.

NHS England has confirmed that it will update patients about new services on the island in due course.

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