Which? Investigation Highlights Inadequacies in Dental Practices
An undercover investigation by the consumer group, Which? has revealed inadequacies in private and NHS dental practice in the UK.
The investigation revealed that more than half of the NHS dentists involved in the study failed to carry out basic tests to diagnose decay, gum disease and oral infections and of the twenty visits, only two were rated ‘good’ and none of the dentists were rated ‘excellent’.
Which? researchers rated eleven of the dental visits ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ and five of the visits lasted for less than ten minutes, despite them being the patients’ first visits to the practices. The panel of researchers included individuals with dental problems ranging from decay to orthodontic complications.
According to the panel, one of the worst visits took place at a private practice, where the check-up lasted just seven minutes and the patient was not offered a number of important checks. The patient also felt that the dentist’s communication was very poor. Dental experts and health officials are often eager to emphasise the importance of preventative care, but only three of the twenty dentists offered advice about how to prevent oral health problems.
Dr Susie Sanderson, chair of the British Dental Association’s executive board, said that the findings show that there is a need for development and change in NHS dental care, to allow dentists to spend more time with patients, carry out the necessary checks and offer advice about oral health.
The General Dental Council said that the findings were alarming and representatives from the organisation are now evaluating the findings of the Which? study and will consider further action.
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