Huge increase in NHS dental patient numbers in Halifax
Recent figures show that there has been a huge increase in the number of people registering with an NHS dentist in Calderdale.
The number of patients who saw an NHS dentist has increased by more than five times the national average; since 2006, there has been an increase of 12,000 patients and in the last two years, 127,029 patients saw an NHS dentist in the area.
Patients in the Halifax area have also benefitted from an out of hours, emergency service at the Laura Mitchell Health Centre and this has reduced the number of dental admissions at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Recent investment in NHS services in the area is clearly paying off; there are now 28 NHS practices in Calderdale and the majority of people are able to see a dentist in their local area. In the past, there was a shortage of dentists and some people were forced to travel long distances for appointments; however, NHS Calderdale has addressed the issue by opening new practices and recruiting more dentists.
Matt Walsh, medical director at NHS Calderdale, said he was delighted with the figured, which confirmed that more people than ever are seeing an NHS dentist. He claims that the trust has introduced a number of initiatives to promote good oral health and improve access to dental services in recent years and they have made solid plans for the future.
Shabinah Ahmed, from Beechwood Health Centre in Ovenden, said she was proud to be working for the NHS and providing an excellent service for local people.
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