"A byzantine system"
A Which? survey has shown that 31 per cent of the dentists listed on NHS Choices are not accepting new NHS patients, or are doing so with considerable waiting lists.
Which? researchers phoned 500 practices in March, 2015, all listed on NHS Choices as able to accept new patients, and were unable to make an appointment at half of the contacted practices within a two week time period.
Richard Lloyd, Executive Director at Which?, said:
“We found it’s frustratingly difficult to get an appointment with an NHS dentist as information about availability doesn’t reflect reality. This is a kick in the teeth for patients and yet more evidence of poor communication from the dental sector.
“We want the Competition and Markets Authority to step in and ensure that dentists put the existing rules into practice so that people can easily find out where they can get NHS dentistry.”
Mick Armstrong, Chair of the British Dental Association, said:
“The government remains committed to a byzantine system that has failed both dentists and their patients. These targets might suit a Whitehall spreadsheet but do not reflect the reality of millions of people receiving and seeking NHS treatment.
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