Enfield Residents’ Experiences with NHS Dental Care

Report - 15 January 2025

Healthwatch Enfield's NHS Dental Care Report found that access to NHS dental care in Enfield has improved, with more practices accepting NHS patients. However, many residents still face challenges, including difficulty booking appointments, affordability concerns, and a lack of awareness about NHS services.

Access to timely and high-quality dental care is essential for overall health and wellbeing. However, recent years have seen challenges in accessing NHS dental services in Enfield, as in many parts of the UK. This report by Healthwatch Enfield explores the current state of NHS dentistry in the borough, examining the impact of recent government initiatives and the experiences of local residents.

Read the full NHS Dental Care Report:

Dental Care Report

Positive Developments and Increased Availability

In March 2024, a new NHS patient premium was introduced to incentivise dentists to take on more NHS patients. This initiative, coupled with investment in dental training, has led to a positive increase in NHS dental availability in Enfield. Compared to the previous report by Healthwatch Enfield, the number of practices accepting NHS patients has doubled. This is particularly encouraging news for residents who have struggled to find NHS dentists in the past.

The Lived Experience of Residents

While NHS dental services are becoming more available, there are still disparities in access and experiences. The report highlights the perspectives of a diverse range of residents across Enfield. 

Here are some key findings:

  • Increased NHS Availability: The number of dental practices accepting NHS patients in Enfield has doubled compared to the previous year.
  • Booking Difficulties: 25% of respondents found it hard to book NHS dental appointments, with long waiting times and limited availability cited as major challenges.
  • Financial Concerns: 29.5% of residents reported difficulties affording dental care, even with NHS discounts.
  • Awareness Gap: Many residents are unaware of their eligibility for NHS dental care and lack information on how to find NHS dentists.
  • Disparities in Experience: Residents from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds reported higher rates of difficulty in booking appointments compared to white British residents.

The NHS dental landscape in Enfield is evolving. While positive strides have been made in increasing NHS dental availability, there is still work to be done to ensure equitable access and a high-quality patient experience for all residents. By implementing the recommendations in this report and fostering open communication between residents, dental professionals, and local authorities, Enfield can move closer to achieving this goal.

If you have experienced challenges in accessing NHS dental care in Enfield, we encourage you to share your feedback with Healthwatch Enfield. Your voice can help shape future improvements to dental services in our borough.

Phone: 020 8373 6283

Email: admin@healthwatchenfield.co.uk

 

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