Healthwatch launches Community Dental Services Report

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham are happy to announce the release of our report on community dental services. We conducted this research between February and April 2024. We explored the quality and accessibility of dental services delivered by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to clinic-based dental services, the team also deliver outreach dental services, such as domiciliary care and oral health promotion services.

Direct engagement was used in this study with patients at Five Elms Community Dental Clinic and South Hornchurch Community Dental Clinic. We also received feedback from housebound dental care patients. The key service areas were evaluated, such as the referral process, booking appointments, clinic accessibility, and the quality of appointments and follow-up care.

The responses were mostly positive on the quality of service, ease of booking appointments, and follow-up care. The dentistry service was praised for its professional treatment of patients with different needs and disabilities. However, improvements in certain areas were needed, such as the check-in system, appointment waiting times, and service consistency for patients with extra needs.

The report’s findings show the importance of providing oral health care to vulnerable groups via community dental services. It highlights the need for ongoing improvements to allow equal access and quality care for all residents.

We want to thank all participants for their contributions to this project. You can read the full report, amongst others, on our website or you can click the link below.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham are happy to announce the release of our report on community dental services. We conducted this research between February and April 2024. We explored the quality and accessibility of dental services delivered by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to clinic-based dental services, the team also deliver outreach dental services, such as domiciliary care and oral health promotion services.

Direct engagement was used in this study with patients at Five Elms Community Dental Clinic and South Hornchurch Community Dental Clinic. We also received feedback from housebound dental care patients. The key service areas were evaluated, such as the referral process, booking appointments, clinic accessibility, and the quality of appointments and follow-up care.

The responses were mostly positive on the quality of service, ease of booking appointments, and follow-up care. The dentistry service was praised for its professional treatment of patients with different needs and disabilities. However, improvements in certain areas were needed, such as the check-in system, appointment waiting times, and service consistency for patients with extra needs.

The report’s findings show the importance of providing oral health care to vulnerable groups via community dental services. It highlights the need for ongoing improvements to allow equal access and quality care for all residents.

We want to thank all participants for their contributions to this project. You can read the full report, amongst others, on our website or you can click the link below.