Mydentist admits recruitment crisis, as several thousand patients unable to see a dentist
One of the UK’s largest dental providers has admitted a recruitment crisis is preventing many thousands of patients from being able to see a dentist.
Mydentist, which has 10 million patients in the UK, admits that a shortage of dentists is resulting in cancellations and delays. The provider said that it doesn’t have enough dentists to cope with growing demand for treatment, and some patients have already had procedures cancelled or postponed. Others have been told to find an alternative dentist or join a waiting list for treatment.
The chain, which has 650 surgeries around the country, is struggling to fill vacant posts amid a national shortage of dentists. In recent years, many NHS dentists have switched to private practice, and some have ventured abroad in search of better working conditions and higher salaries. There have also been widespread complaints about the rigours of working under the current NHS contract, with many dentists feeling like they’re unable to devote their attention to patient care due to restrictions, targets and bureaucracy.
Patients registered with mydentist have taken to online forums to complain about cancellations. One patient from Brighton had a root canal procedure cancelled at short notice, and he was then informed that he would have to wait for 5 months to have treatment or search for another dentist. Another patient in Plymouth said that five appointments they had made were cancelled in the space of six months.
The British Dental Association blamed the government for setting over-ambitious targets and failing to draw up a suitable contract.
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