Friends Dental Practice in Norwich recently reopened its books to take on more NHS patients and was overwhelmed by the response, receiving over 16,000 applications in less than 24 hours. The practice, which has space for 200 NHS patients, currently has about 3,000 NHS patients on its books and also takes on private patients. With the extension of its building, the practice was able to open up more spots for new patients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting referred to Norfolk and Waveney as “the Sahara of dental deserts” due to the lack of access to NHS dental care in the area.
Practice manager Georgina Rowe explained that the overwhelming demand came as no surprise, as they receive calls every day from people inquiring about when they will be taking on NHS patients. The announcement was made on social media, with plans to keep it open until the following Monday, but the practice had to close it early due to the flood of applications. The practice can only take on between 200 and 250 new NHS patients, and they have been in talks with the NHS about limited funding. Dr. Alba Torrado-Varela, who has been working as a dentist in the UK for 14 years, expressed shock at the level of demand and the difficulties people face in accessing dental care.
The practice is now in the process of choosing patients, with plans to prioritize children initially. A spokesperson for the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) acknowledged the high demand for dental services in the area and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve access and treatment. The ICB is investing an additional £7 million into services to improve access for new patients, establish child-focused dental practices, recruit and retain staff, and continue urgent treatment services. The board is committed to enhancing dental care for local patients and communities, responding to the priorities identified by engagement with the public.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay highlighted the dental care crisis in the East of England, where 99% of new patients are unable to find an NHS dentist. He emphasized the need for dental contract reforms to prevent people from having to resort to extreme measures like pulling out their own teeth. The overwhelming response to Friends Dental Practice’s call for new NHS patients is a stark reminder of the challenges many people face in accessing essential dental care services. The local NHS continues to work towards improving access and addressing the significant demand for dental services in the region.
