Birmingham residents resorting to desperate measures to get dental help
Dental patients in Birmingham are resorting to desperate measures to get the help they need, according to a new report from Healthwatch.
A recent survey revealed that more than 60% of adults have tried to get a dental appointment for over a year. The main reasons patients were unable to see a dentist were problems finding available appointments (74%), the cost of treatment (61%) and concerns about the cost of dental services (53%).
The study, which involved more than 700 residents, showed that many people were taking drastic measures, including getting into debt or borrowing money to pay for private dental care or going to A&E departments. There were also several reports of DIY dentistry.
Healthwatch has called for urgent action to support the most vulnerable and improve access to NHS dental care. As the cost of living increases, most patients simply can’t afford to pay private dental fees and A&E departments are already under intense pressure and can only provide short-term pain relief.
One patient who shared their story with Healthwatch explained that there is currently no way of getting an NHS dental appointment in the city. The patient, who is disabled and on steroid medication, said that they had broken two teeth during the pandemic. Due to their condition and the medicines they take, the risk of developing an abscess is high, yet there are no appointments available. Practices that advertise NHS services don’t have space and the only availability is for private care.
Chair of Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull, Richard Burden, suggested that resources need to be targeted in areas where the need is greatest. The survey shows that vulnerable people and those living in the most deprived parts of the city are missing out.
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