Patients urged to see their dentist for routine check-ups every 2 years
The NHS is urging patients who have healthy teeth to see their dentist for routine check-ups every 2 years as part of new contract guidelines, which are designed to improve access to NHS services.
Many people are used to going for a check-up every 6-12 months, but the new NHS contract suggests that patients with healthy teeth and gums can leave it longer to see a dentist.
Under new guidelines, patients who have good oral health can see their dentist once every 24 months. It is important to note that patients are advised to go more frequently if they have underlying health issues or symptoms of an existing oral disease, such as gum disease. Patients should also see their dentist if they have problems, such as bleeding gums or tooth pain, between scheduled appointments.
The NHS is also seeking to improve patient access by allowing dental therapists to offer some services to NHS patients, including fillings and sealants. Practices have also been advised to update information for patients looking for NHS services. Some patients gave reported calling up to 40 dental surgeries due to information on the NHS website being inaccurate or outdated.
In a letter to dental practices, NHS representatives said that there was “limited evidence” to support the need for 6-monthly dental check-ups for ‘low-risk’ patients. Dentists will provide personalised advice based on patient needs, which means that intervals could range from less than 6 months to 12-24 months.
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