An insight into accessing NHS dentistry in Camden during COVID-19

COVID-19 has created challenges for patients and service providers alike. We know that Camden?s dentists have been working around the clock to support patients in need during the pandemic. 

In a recent Healthwatch Camden blog (How do NHS dental services work?), a local dentist explains how the COVID-19 pandemic is limiting the number of patients that can be seen in one day due to social distancing measures, increased ?fallow? time in between patients, and other restrictions. Over COVID-19, the NHS set reduced targets for dental practices to deliver approximately 36-45% of their pre-pandemic activity. According to new NHS guidance, as of 01 April 2021, practices must now deliver 60% of pre-pandemic activity. 

 
What we did

Healthwatch Camden called all 33 dental practices with NHS contracts in Camden and asked them a series of questions about their availability. We spoke to a variety of dental practice staff members including reception staff, practice managers, and dentists. The amount of NHS activity contracted to deliver varied by the dental practice.

All calls were made between the 12th and 28th of May during office hours. The findings in the report provide a snapshot of the dental care situation in Camden during the COVID-19 pandemic.