MP James Wild's survey reveals the parlous state of NHS dentistry in West Norfolk

More than a third of people in North West Norfolk are not registered with a dentist, a survey by James Wild MP for the constituency has concluded.

A survey he has carried out also found that more than a third have waited over a month for a routine appointment pre-Covid.

West Norfolk is the second lowest area for dental activity actually delivered in the country, with only 65 per cent of contracted activity carried out, and it had the highest percentage of patients who were unsuccessful when trying to get an

NHS dental appointment.

More than 150 constituents took part in his survey from across the constituency with just under three-quarters “not satisfied” with dentistry in North West Norfolk

The results showed:

Over a third are currently not registered with a dentist.

Just under half who are registered with a dentist are registered as an NHS patient.

Nearly 90 per cent would use a mobile dental service.

A fifth of participants have to wait over a week for an emergency appointment.

Just under three-quarters of participants are ‘not at all’ satisfied with dentistry in North West Norfolk.

A majority would be willing to travel up to 15-20 miles for an emergency appointment.

Pre-Covid over a third waited over a month for a routine appointment.

Mr Wild, who has raised the issue in the Commons, said: ” These results underline the long-running need for better access to dentists in North West Norfolk and the current level of provision is not good enough.

“This reflects the challenges in attracting and recruiting dentists and there is not a quick fix although temporary options such as mobile dentistry are popular and could help.

“I will continue to campaign for the NHS to deliver short and longer term improvements so people can see a dentist when they need to.”