The past year has seen over 1,000 people in Norfolk and Waveney seeking treatment at A&E for dental issues, according to new figures. At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, over 600 people attended the emergency department for dental abscesses and dental caries. The James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston saw almost 400 people visit their A&E for the same reasons. At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, the number was even higher, with 640 admissions related to tooth decay. These figures highlight the ongoing struggle for people to access dental care in the region.
The lack of available dentists in Norfolk and Waveney has been a longstanding issue, with the region previously being named one of the UK’s worst dental deserts. Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, expressed concerns about the broader health crisis that arises from the lack of social support systems. Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining dentistry services to prevent people from suffering in agony and resorting to A&E for treatment. Labour parliamentary candidates, Keir Cozens and Jess Asato, echoed these concerns and highlighted the millions of people being denied appointments with NHS dentists.
Tooth decay rates in under-fives in the region are also among the worst in the country, adding to the severity of the dental crisis. NHS Norfolk and Waveney have provided additional funding to address the issue, offering dentists up to £20,000 to visit schools and raise awareness of oral hygiene. However, there is still a shortage of dentists offering NHS treatments, as many prioritize private practice. Taverham Dental Heath Clinic recently announced that it would be ceasing all NHS treatment at the end of the year due to rising costs and lack of investment by successive governments.
The dental crisis in Norfolk has broader implications for people’s quality of life and access to care. Many individuals cannot afford private dentist bills, leaving them to suffer in pain or have their conditions worsen. Nationwide, an estimated 4.75 million people have been denied appointments with NHS dentists. In England alone, more than 67,310 individuals sought treatment for tooth-related problems at hospital emergency departments. The situation has prompted calls for the establishment of a dental college in the region, with the University of East Anglia already taking steps to form a Norwich Dental Development Centre.
In conclusion, the figures reveal the significant number of people forced to seek emergency dental treatment at hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney. The shortage of dentists providing NHS treatments and the rising costs associated with dental care are major factors contributing to this crisis. The lack of access to regular dental care has led to poor oral health outcomes, particularly among young children. The ongoing struggles to secure dental appointments and the resulting reliance on A&E highlights the need for comprehensive solutions, such as increased funding, the establishment of dental colleges, and improved access to dentistry services.
