Councilors have said there is a serious “capacity” problem in Camden
Healthcare bosses say they are no longer recommending people go for regular dental checks because the NHS cannot cope with the demand.
North Central London NHS officials, speaking to the council’s health audit committee on Monday night, said there was a functioning service available for people in pain who needed urgent help with evacuations, as well as children.
But despite some funding being given to a practice in Camden for October to March next year, a serious ‘capacity’ problem has been identified for the wider population who want to keep their mouths in healthy order.
Statistics show since Covid there has been a steady rise in attrition – particularly among people in ‘deprived’ areas of Camden – which has led to patients needing more complex treatments.
Dentists are not taking on this work as the NHS because of an archaic contract that pushes practices towards more private work, the meeting heard.
Kelly Nizzer, head of dental services at NHS England, said: “Promoting NHS dentistry at this point probably wouldn’t work because we have access issues and there is a delay…
“We can talk about brushing your teeth – and do a big toothbrush campaign – and say go and see your dentist regularly. But when people say “ok where are we going?” It’s like errrr – well, that’s where it’s at now.”
He said there was a good NHS service for people in pain and children, but added: “For everyone who is outside the box, the question is do we have the capacity to bring those people in?”
Ms Nizzer told the meeting that as complex treatment was needed for patients who were not going to have tests, “the thing is that patients are taking longer for treatment”, adding: “Where I used to need two appointments before, I might need seven now . But the dentist is still paid the same by us [the NHS] However, the time it takes is much longer.”
He said the increase in complex cases had led many dentists to privatize or even fail, adding: “The biggest issue is that the dental contract doesn’t really cover what happened post-Covid, which is a big need for patients. more decay rates and the payment units remain the same. Something will give.”
One in five children in Camden is believed to be living with an unmet need for dental treatment.
Committee adviser Lorna Greenwood asked why exports – the last resort in the dental game – were three times higher in areas of high “deprivation”.
Jeremy Wallman, head of prime commissioning at NCL, said: “Deprivation is an important factor. The bottom line is that if you outsource dentistry, ultimately what you outsource is where someone needs treatment.
“The key is prevention. The general convention in no way rewards prevention.’
He said anyone in pain can call 111 and be referred for treatment at a participating Camden dentist.
