Doctors In Bolton Treating Dental Problems Due To Lack Of NHS Dental Places
Doctors in Bolton have experienced an increase in the number of patients visiting them with dental problems; GPs claim that they are treating dental patients because many people do not have access to an NHS dentist.
Members of staff at Deane Clinic on Horsefield Street conducted a survey, which revealed alarming results; of the 1,130 participants, 65 per cent said that they were not registered with an NHS dentist.
Dr Mahadeva Selvarajan said that he is prescribing painkillers and antibiotics for tooth pain, gum disease and abscesses because patients are unable to see a dentist.
Dr Selvarajan said that the situation is putting patient’s health at risk, as underlying problems are being left untreated; the GP, who has been at the practice for 11 years said that many patients are on a waiting list for treatment, with some unable to see a dentist for 18 months.
Deane Clinic had an NHS dentist until September and it has now appealed to open its own NHS dental clinic, a proposal which has received the backing of local MP, Julie Hilling.
Dr Selvarajan said that patients are going without the treatment they need because they cannot see a dentist and doctors can only prescribe short-term treatments, such as painkillers and antibiotics. Studies have shown that recurrent dental problems can lead to health complications, including an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease and this is a real concern.
A spokeswoman for NHS Bolton said that improving access to dental services was a “priority” and the trust is currently reviewing dental services in order to make improvements in the future.
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