Isle of Wight patient has been unable to get a new dentist since 2016
A patient from the Isle of Wight has spoken out after struggling to get a dentist since her previous dentist returned to Bulgaria in 2016.
The patient, whose story was outlined in a recent Healthwatch England report, said that they had been unable to find a new dentist for over four years. Having been unsuccessful in joining an island practice, the patient said they now have missing teeth, chips and constant pain caused by multiple abscesses. The report states that some patients are waiting years for appointments, with many offered private care as a means of avoiding joining waiting lists.
The patient described the situation as “scandalous” and added that they cannot even eat properly now due to the pain caused by dental infections.
Statistics suggest that more than 50% of adults on the island haven’t seen a dentist in the last two years and only a quarter of children had an appointment in 2020.
Local MP, Bob Seeley, raised concerns to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, in March and additional funding has been made available to try and increase capacity since February 2021. Patents were urged to bear with dentists, who are working incredibly hard to try and see as many patients as possible. Lockdowns have caused long delays and substantial backlogs have amassed as practices are still working under Covid-secure measures and restrictions to keep staff and patients safe.
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